“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” 🧪 ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Start messy. Call it an experiment. Learn as you go. (#427)

When you’re not sure what the “right” next move is…try something.

E is for Experiment 🧪✨

(and trying things without pressure or perfection)

I’m a big fan of the experiment mindset when it comes to side hustles (and work, caregiving, life, for that matter). Because the truth is:

You won’t know what works until you get out there and try.

This is where you put on your Nancy Drew hat 🕵🏽‍♀️ (shoutout to the fabulous

Michelle Ward

for this idea.)

Nancy Drew, like most cool detectives, didn’t sit around waiting for perfect information. She followed clues. Asked questions. Made guesses. Adjusted as she went.

You can do the same with your side hustle:

1. Pick one idea that feels fun, interesting, or doable

2. Make a mini version of it (yeahh… baby steps!)

3. Share it with a couple of people.

4. Ship it. Learn from it. Tweak it.

5. Repeat.

That’s exactly how Pocket Pep Talks started. I offered them as a $10 experiment - a “let’s see what happens” kind of thing.

(I was so excited about the idea, I started pacing around my room trying to figure out the lowest-lift way to get it out there! And I announced it in this #jesspicks issue.)

Since then, folks have bought it and loved it. I’ve gotten some great testimonials, raised the price, added a 3-pack, put some systems behind it, and it truly feels like the right 1:1 offer for me right now.

It was the same with my very first side hustle idea. I thought I wanted to do social media management. Took on a client. It went well. But after a few more, I realized I didn’t want to do social for other people. Just for myself.

But I wouldn’t have known any of those things until I tried.

That mindset shift changes everything.

Because when you treat your next step as an experiment, there’s no failing, only learning.

Experiments give you data. Not just numbers, but feelings.

• What drained you?

• What felt fun?

• What would you love to try again?

• Or never, ever try again?

Want some easy experiments to try?

• Post daily (or weekly) on one platform for 30 days. See what feels good.

• Try a new technology tool you’ve been eyeing for 7 days. What did you like? What didn’t work?

• Create a “beta” version of your service and offer it at a low cost in exchange for feedback.

• Experiment with your schedule: Can you do your most important work when your energy is at its highest? Do you notice a difference?

• Start a 100 People Project and talk to folks about what they’re struggling with. What themes show up?

The key: You’re not committing to this forever.

You’re following your curiosity and collecting clues.

So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect plan, the complete strategy, or the guaranteed outcome before you start…

📝 Here’s your permission slip:

• Start messy.

• Try it small.

• Call it an experiment.

And go.

—

💬 What’s something you’ve been thinking about trying in your side hustle? What could a tiny experiment look like next week?

Need help? Drop your idea and I’ll give you a way to test it.

On to the picks!

---

Note: This email may contain affiliate links. If you click through my link and make a purchase, I may receive “thank you money” at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I use and love.

---

#sidechat 💬

---

#picks 😍

Experiments you might like too..

• 🎬 KPop Demon Hunters. My sister said, “You have to watch this.”
  Me: Skeptical.
  Also me: Obsessed.
  Think girl band vs. boy band, stylish animation, and a surprisingly fun good vs. evil plot. (I even found myself appreciating the layers in this one).

  • A solid reminder that sometimes, trying something unexpected just works.

  • Even if you skip the movie, take 3 minutes to watch this music video. It’s catchy! (Hint: 🥤)
    

• 🥗 Tiny food obsessions this week:

  • Chewy chocolate chip cookies (we’re having a moment)

  • Waffle Cinnamon Toast Crunch - I think I’m late to the party, but now I have 3 boxes at home. Zero regrets.

  • Chicken Caesar salad bowls - Everything you need in one bowl, including the fork. I love tossing these in my backpack for coworking space lunches. Grandma loves them too (and can make them herself!), so…win-win.
    

• 🎲 Turn affirmations into a game. What if affirmations were playful surprises?

  • Write one on a sticky note

  • Hide it in your laptop, book, or journal

  • Find it later = surprise pep talk! 💥

  • A few faves from the list:

I love it when the coffee kicks in, and I become an adorable badass!
I’m putting on my positive purple pants and my happy Hawaiian shirt.
The world is better with me in it.

---

#icymi

• 😍. Last issue’s top pick: Fear Experiment℠ Twelve: "Sexy", Mean Girls

“The whole wide world has gone crazy so… why don’t we just dance?” 💃🏽 ~Josh Turner

• 🎤. ASK: I’d love to book 2 more paid speaking gigs this year. If you know of any events, panels, podcasts, or conferences looking for speakers, I’d be so grateful if you’d pass my name along. I love talking about side hustles and newsletters, but I’d also be excited to craft an inspirational talk, too.
  

• 🤩. Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? Need some clarity? I gotchu. Grab a pep talk!

---

#classifieds 🗞

• 💸 You’re the CFO of your life. This free newsletter offers smart, supportive money tips made for women, by women. One click could change how you feel about your finances.
  

• 📧 . Weekly email templates + strategy = less stress. Get simple guidance and plug-and-send emails for just $9/month. Make email work for you.

• 9️⃣. What if your next experiment was just $9 away? This bite-sized training shows you how to turn a simple idea into a paid offer. Fast. Fun. Low-pressure.

  (like these? let’s partner up!)

---

#lifevibes

---

#supporters ☕️

Thank you, Kelly, Melinda, Tawanna, Gia, Lori, Ayana, Krista, Jessica, Annetta, Constance, Tunde, Jen, Michelle, Emile, Bex, Kim, Angela G., Lauren B., Chelsea, Amy, Ricky, Kirsten, Vin, Julie, Nicole, Hmza, Greg, Kristin, Kirstyn, Jess, Cheryl, Krysta, Adrena, Vidya, Kristyn, Danielle, Keyn, Terry, Vanessa, Meredith, Lauren, Meg, Maria J., Chivon, Kim, Luciano, Colie, Chasity, Laurie, Latienda, Collette, Anne, Kristen, Liz, Katherine, Monale, Betsy, Melissa, Lindsay, Jennifer, Kayla, Madison, Rae, Stephanie, Christine R., Christine M., Frances, Hannah, Chris, Brandy, Mea, Kristian, Maria K., Avery, Adam, Barbara, Shenee, Desiree, Lisa, Kandice, L’Oreal, and LaVerne for being #jesspicks supporters!! ❤️