The Smartest Move for Building an Effective Side Business

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

Because your growth is the foundation of your business growth

Everyone wants to start a side business that takes off fast, but the truth is your business will never grow faster than you do.

Because a side hustle isn’t just about what you sell. It’s about what you bring to the table.

Why Skill Investment is the Secret Weapon.

When you invest in learning, you unlock leverage. Every new skill – from communication to marketing to leadership – compounds and multiplies your results.

5 Skills to Invest In for a Profitable Side Business

1. Communication

Every successful business starts with connection.
Learn how to pitch, negotiate, and communicate your value clearly.

For example, practice your elevator pitch in 30 seconds or less.

2. Marketing & Storytelling

If no one knows about your side business, it doesn’t matter how great your product is.
Mastering marketing isn’t manipulation, it’s storytelling.
You’re not selling, you’re connecting your story to someone’s need.

Learn the basics of digital marketing or social media storytelling on platforms like Coursera or HubSpot Academy.

3. Time Management

Balancing a full-time job and a side business is a juggling act.
High performers know that success comes from consistency, not chaos.

Use the 80/20 rule to focus on the 20% of actions that generate 80% of your results.

4. Sales & Negotiation

You don’t need to be pushy to sell, you just need to solve a problem.
Sales is about listening, understanding needs, and showing how your offer creates value.

Read To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink or practice handling objections with a friend.

5. Adaptability

Markets change. Tools evolve. Customer preferences shift.
The best entrepreneurs stay ahead by staying curious.

Dedicate 30 minutes a week to learning about emerging tools or trends in your niche.

Take These Steps to Start Investing in Yourself Today

✅ Choose one skill to master this month.
✅ Find a free or affordable online course (LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Coursera).
✅ Apply what you learn immediately in your side business.

All in all

Your business will only grow to the level of your skill set.

Before you try to scale your side hustle, prioritize scaling your skills. Investing in yourself is the most valuable investment you will ever make.

Skills Development.

Deeply 

Business Development & Partnerships Lead | San Francisco (Remote)

SonderMind

Director, Head of Military & Government Partnerships | Denver (Remote)

makat.ai

Senior Sales and Business Development | Remote (Remote)