“Speak your mind even if your voice shakes.” 🗣️ ~Maggie Smith
reflecting on my why (#375)
Recently, reflecting on an interview question about my work got me thinking… why do I do what I do?
Why I do what I do: I think of myself as your friendly neighborhood Side Hustle Cheerleader! 🦸🏽♀️ I’m passionate about empowering folks who love their day jobs but also want to create something for themselves. Maybe it’s a passion project, a creative outlet, or a taste of entrepreneurship. And the best way I can support you? By providing resources, guidance, and a whole lot of encouragement.
What sets me apart: My focus is on the “side hustle as a side hustle” concept. Because let’s face it, not everyone wants to become a full-time entrepreneur, and that’s perfectly okay! I’m here to help you build a business that fits into your life and complements your full-time work while maintaining some work/life harmony.
What I’m most proud of: This newsletter, of course! Launched in 2016 as a creative outlet, it’s become my space to share lessons learned, experiments I’m trying, and #realtalk about juggling a side hustle with other commitments. I’m a curator at heart, and seeing this community grow over the years has been amazing.
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Sharing stories and experiences is an incredible way to learn, grow, and figure out the next steps.
Now…. you had to know this was coming. 😉
Your turn! What do you do, and why do you do it? What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others? Reply, and let’s celebrate each other!
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. I only recommend products that I use and love.
#loves 😍
📱.Tool: Voxer. Voxer gives me a way to coach that fits within my life - you can either get a quick pep talk or pick my brain for a day. It turns your phone into a walkie-talkie, letting you send text and audio messages back and forth. Think of it as coaching in your pocket! Learned a lot about using Voxer in this way from this course.
📚. Tool: SaneBox. You might love this tool if you find it hard to manage your email. I’ve been using it for a few years, and it helps me focus more on my inbox and schedule times to check out newsletters and stuff that is not as urgent. Give it a try and see how you like it. Get $5 off here.
#reads
What If You Could Work Only One Hour a Day?
If you had to work only one hour a day, and could do no more—how would you spend it?
I would definitely focus on curating and writing for #jesspicks, and answering reader questions. How about you?
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What I Learned in 3 Years of Writing a Newsletter
An oldie but goodie. Ann Handley shares 7 things she learned in the first three years of writing her newsletter.
“The most important part of the newsletter is the letter, not the news.”
I loved these insights and want to keep them in mind as I think about the future of #jesspicks:
Looking up from your phone is the best way to find things to write about. (I need to get better at this)
An email newsletter is not a distribution strategy, it’s a relationship-builder. (I have found this to be my experience as well.)
Create response triggers. (I really like this idea of doing things that don’t scale)
#icymi
😍. Last issue’s top picks: The Storyteller App, The Purpose of Your Life Is to Choose a Lifestyle, and YAY Planner.
🎤. ASK: My goal is to book
32 paid speaking gigs this year. If you know of one, I’d love an intro. I talk about side hustles, newsletters, and finding self-care in a busy life. Learn more about my speaking offerings here.🤩. Feeling overwhelmed or stuck? I gotchu. Get a pep talk!
#classifieds 🗞
Organize + grow your biz! YAY Planner: create your 6-month plans, read inspirational quotes, set intentions + more! Grab yours!
$100k in Passive Income? Yes, please. Join Ruth’s Experiment and get behind-the-scenes strategies and income reports. Grab it for $97!
Want a fun, low-pressure way to test the waters in your biz? ✨ $9 offers are your secret weapon!
#lifevibes
#supporters ☕️
Thank you, 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, Keryn, 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!! ❤️
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