7 Tips to Brand Your Side Hustle Like a Pro

7 Tips to Brand Your Side Hustle Like a Pro Do you take your “side hustle” seriously or is it a “bit of fun”? Most people start off treating their side hustle as nothing serious, but if you want your business to grow, you need to pay attention to branding. It’s a tough, competitive marketplace out there and without a discernible brand, you will struggle to stand out from the crowd. The Basics Let’s start with the basics. Using a consistent color palette and sticking to the same font is essential when building a brand. Think about famous brands such as McDonalds and Coca Cola. Color is a huge part of their brand. Would you recognize the famous McDonalds logo if it was blue or green? Color sends out a powerful message and according to a research study carried out by the University of Loyola, increases brand recognition by up to 80%, so choose your palette carefully. Green tends to be associated with health and wellness, red with youth and vitality, yellow with warmth, and blue with strength and dependability. Font matters too, so think about your target audience and select a font accordingly. Hint: Comic Sans is cute, but not if you are targeting an adult audience! Research and Planning It takes times to build a recognizable brand, but unless you research and plan, you won’t achieve the success you need to make your side hustle a success. Think about what you want your brand to personify: cool and hip or reliable and professional? Work out who your target audience is and create a framework for your brand construct. Once you have some branding materials, test them and take all feedback on board. Nurture your brand and make sure you always live up to your brand message. It will take time and effort to build a successful brand, but with patience and hard work, your efforts will pay dividends! Professional Logo Your brand needs a logo. A recognizable logo ties everything together, from your website to your social media profiles. It’s often the first thing a potential customer sees. As Paul Rand, once described as the world’s “greatest living graphic designer”, famously said: “A logo does not sell (directly), it identifies.” Think about how recognizable big brand logos are: Apple, Nike, Starbucks; one logo is worth a thousand words. Luckily, you don’t need an Apple-sized budget to create a professional logo. Design your own slick logo using a site like Logojoy.com. Logojoy uses AI technology to create a strong logo that really speaks to your customers and if you need a new logo then check the promo code at the bottom of this post because we managed to get you 15% off! Use Social Media Wisely It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by social media. So many networks, so little time. If you’re not careful, you can end up spending every waking moment on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Who has time to work? The good news is that social media needn’t be stressful. Done right, social media can boost your brand and put you in touch with people who might become important new clients. It’s all about how you tackle each platform. Twitter is fast-paced, but it is easy to connect with influencers if you get into the habit of using it every day. Aim to schedule around five posts a day. Curate useful content, reply to DMs and start a conversation. Use Facebook wisely. Post an update daily, respond to public and private messages, and comment on fan pages. Treat LinkedIn as a real-time CV and keep it updated with your skills. Contacts will probably check your LinkedIn profile before they reach out to you. Don’t forget to put your logo on every piece of content you put out across your social media platform to keep your visual branding consistent. Word of Mouth Wins Never underestimate the value of word of mouth recommendations. A Nielsen’s Harris Poll Online surveyed 2,000 Americans and found that 82% sought recommendations before buying anything. 67% said they were more likely to buy if a friend or relative shared a recommendation via social media. This is especially the case in the 18-34 category. Other surveys concur. Word of mouth marketing builds trust. If people trust your brand, they will want to work with you again. Zappos, a large e-commerce brand, has invested its paid advertising budget in customer service and reaped the rewards. They prefer to let their customers do their marketing via word of mouth recommendations.  How can you encourage word of mouth marketing in your business? Press the Flesh Don’t dismiss the value of local networking and networking groups. Even if you are not focusing on B2B marketing, pressing the flesh at networking events is a valuable way to make new contacts and find out more about useful marketing opportunities. People love to put a face to a name, so put yourself out there. Know When to Use Experts No man or woman is an island. Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin, advises up-and-coming entrepreneurs to look for people who share their passion but who have different skill sets. He advocates: “hire your weakness”. Technology makes it easy to do many things these days, but sometimes expert help is more cost effective. Using experts when it counts will keep your costs down. For example, if you need a website but you have zero web design experience, hire a freelancer rather than waste hours trying to figure out Magento. Take your side hustle seriously and create a professional logo which represents your brand! We snagged a 15% discount code from Logojoy just for the Ms Career Girl audience so use MsCareerGirl15 at checkout. Click here and create a logo which sets your side hustle on fire!

11 reasons why millennials should forget about job loyalty - Debut

11 reasons why millennials should forget about job loyalty - Debut This article was written in collaboration with FDM Group. Explore exclusive #fdmcareers graduate opportunities at FDM Group by downloading the Debut app.   Job-hopping. For most employers its the scariest phrase there is. Most companies are trying frantically to understand how to retain and engage with you, their apparently mysterious millennial employees. But perhaps what they fail to understand is that we just have different priorities. Were not saying you should jump ship every six months. That would probably lead to some serious migraine-inducing life admin, and some very puzzled HR managers trying to make sense of your CV. What we are trying to say is staying in one place for decades isnt the norm any longer. Heres why millennials should forget about job loyalty, and start thinking about loyalty to their own  careers: 1. We live in a completely different financial context Baby boomers need to get off our back, because they had it easy. The Institute of Financial Studies  revealed that those born in the early 1980s and later have significantly less wealth, are less likely to own homes, and do not have access to generous private sector pension schemes. Yikes. Its therefore natural for us to want different things. Millennials live in a harsher financial environment, literally forcing us to keep jumping from opportunity to opportunity to find the one best suited to us. 2. Getting too comfortable results in you learning a lot less Sure, when you start a new job youll  be challenged daily. But as you ease into it, your office chair soon feels like it was moulded for you. Your desktop has a personalised wallpaper. And youve been executing the same tasks for the same people for longer than you care to admit. Challenging yourself is the only way to keep growing. If there arent opportunities to do so in your current position, either ask for an evaluation or  start looking elsewhere. It isnt about them, its about you. 3. Climbing the corporate ladder is exhausting Office politics can turn the nicest of people into unrecognisable power players. Observe your work environment and assess whether progression is as straightforward as doing really well at what you do. If it isnt, and it involves complicated maneuvering, perhaps its right to consider a move to a different place. Moving jobs makes it more likely for you to progress anyway. 4. Switching jobs gives you new frames of  reference Shake things up a little. Changing careers or moving to a different job forces you to not only look at yourself in a different light, but your industry. Now would be the best time to ask yourself some fundamental questions. How are you perceived by your colleagues? Are there issues in your field of work only you can solve? How can you make a difference? Staying in a single place often scuppers your points of view. Open your eyes. Click here to view the career opportunities available with FDM. 5. Youll make more important connections Sure, good impressions where you currently are is also important to focus on. However, bring that charm to a new place and open your network up to new people. Staying in the same place your whole career will close you off.    You never know what kind of creative collisions youll make, but you wont even experience them unless you make the jump. Top tip:  If you do decide to move, make sure to stay in contact with the people who championed you in your old job.References are gold dust, after all. 6. The gig economy is on the rise Hey, its a fact. The Telegraph reported a whopping 4.8 million self-employed people in the United Kingdom, with numbers expected to increase further. Job-hopping isnt just about moving to a different company. Going freelance and getting gigs as a consultant or a creative could actually be more financially lucrative. Sure, you have to be responsible for all of your taxes, but youd be your own boss. 7. Your chances of finding meaningful work are higher If youre completely happy with your first job ever, we applaud you, because thats a rare thing. Often the rush to find a graduate job forces us to accept an opportunity without really thinking about it. This may leave us feeling like our jobs lack meaning. Dont squander the opportunity to find meaningful work. Keep exploring until you find the role that fulfills your purpose of being. Dont know what that is yet? You wont know until you try finding it. 8.  There will be more opportunities to succeed The numbers game means the more you search for chances to show off your skills and abilities, the more likely youll find those chances. Hustle for that valuable CV experience. 9. There will be more opportunities to fail We didnt say the numbers game will always go your way. However, mistakes are only bad if you dont learn from them. Being afraid of failure is only natural, but itll offer you so many chances to learn and grow. 10.  You can always come back to a company if you have a good relationship a Apparently, big companies call these kinds of candidates boomerangs. Burning bridges with your first job isnt a wise thing to do. As much as you can, keep those relationships warm, and perhaps, when youre ready, youll be able to return to a company who you used to work for. 11. Youll regret not seeing whats on the other side of the fence And lifes just too short for that kind of regret. Keep searching. Stay hungry. Feature Image ©  Unsplash Images   © WeHeartIt   If you want to add some of the world’s biggest brands to your CV, don’t miss this opportunity and apply today at fdmgroup.com/apply Download the Debut app and you could totally grab yourself a summer internship  way before anyone else. Follow Brenda on Twitter @brendaisarebel Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter

Essential Tips To Know Before Choosing A Degree Thats High in Demand - CareerAlley

Essential Tips To Know Before Choosing A Degree Thats High in Demand - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Now that youve got high school over and done with, you may be indecisive as to what degree youre going to take in college. Often, its a battle of balancing passion and a career thats high in demand. After all, you dont spend money and years studying in college just to earn an unstable income as you get employed. That said, its worth noting that choosing a degree to take is going to be one of the most significant decisions youre going to make in your life. This dictates your future and what youre going to do for a living. As confusing as it may be, there are tips and tricks to help make this choice an easier one to make. These include: 1. Choose A Major Based On Your Abilities This first tip is a significant one to note. When you chose a major, always remember your ability. Doing so will help you narrow down your options. You cant expect to do well with a degree in biochemical science, when in fact, you hate science. If youre good at math and want to run a business someday, you do better with a finance degree. No matter how you try to force yourself to a degree, youll still fail if youll only be giving yourself a hard time. When you chose a major, always remember your ability. Doing so will help you narrow down your options. You can't expect to do well with a degree in biochemical science, when in fact, you hate science. Tweet This Worrying if whether or not your ability doesnt give you a job that pays well in the future should be the less of your concern. As mentioned, whats important is to choose a course that suits well with your ability. That way, youre giving yourself a higher chance of really finishing and graduating with that degree. 2. Research On The Possible Career Opportunities As youve narrowed down your career options, research on the possible career opportunities as well. That way, you have a birds eye view of the potential jobs that youre going to do be doing. In that manner, you also have better judgment as to whether or not these jobs are those that youll sincerely love doing. A significant factor in earning well also has to do with the fact that youre excited about your job every day. If youve taken the time to review the possible career opportunities that are related to the degree, then working daily is going to be something you look forward to doing. 3. Your Passion Will Always Be Your Biggest Driving Force When you focus too much on money as the determining factor of a job that pays well, youre only giving in to unnecessary pressure, not to mention its very materialistic as well. Yes, of course, there are bills to pay, kids to raise in the future, and other expenses. But, this doesnt mean that you should lose your passion in the pursuit of a well-paying job. Over time in college, your interests may change. Its often the case that after your first semester in college, you realize that the degree youve chosen isnt the one you like at all. Hence, you switch to a different course. Despite this, your passion stays the same. By passion, this refers to the driving force that gets you motivated. This applies to who you are as a person, and what youve always loved. Despite the passage of time, its something thatll always be a part of you. As you choose a course, also remember your passion. Numerous high paying jobs may fall within the category of what keeps you passionate. When youre happy, youll find yourself breezing up through the economic ladder. 4. Write Down Your Goals The common goal is to be financially stable. But, every individual has their own set of goals in their life. This can both be both long- and short-term goal. As you choose a degree, you have to assess your goals, too. That way, you can make an ascertainment as to whether or not the degrees on your list can help lead you to any of your goals. With degrees that are considered an ever-growing field, its here that you can also make a better judgment as to whether or not, years from now, your chosen degree will still be relevant. Perhaps youll find out that they do nothing to further your goals. To avoid the latter, keep in mind your individual goals as well, apart from your ideal salary. Conclusion Choosing a course is a crucial decision to make. This can, after all, make or break your college life. If youre stuck studying something that youre not happy about, this is only going to be very displeasing to you. You wont have any motivation and every day is going to be drab. Hence, its essential to keep in mind your ability, your interest, and your preference. Balance these all out with a career thats going to pay well. When you love what you do, all the more that youll be inspired to perform well in your job. And, doing well in your job also means better opportunities for your career. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search

The Recession is Bullhonkey Katie Cs Story - When I Grow Up

The Recession is Bullhonkey Katie Cs Story - When I Grow Up This is part of  The Recession is Bullhonkey series, where I share stories of those who have gotten hired and/or started their own businesses (or sometimes both!) since 2008.  Katie Connors is a former Career Camper of mine who turned from Starbucks manager to product photographer, thanks to getting clear on her lifestyle goals and speaking up about her skill set and career goals. The best! I have a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design from a really good school and absolutely no desire to use it.   Once I graduated, I worked in an office for three and a half years doing data entry and being bored and getting fat. When my boyfriend of (currently) nine years and I decided to relocate to the south in July 2012, I decided to leave an office and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I started serving and barista-ing, getting back into the swing of it, having done both of those jobs throughout college. Life is funny. I got on a path, then switched over to my coffeeshop for management, then moved back to the north this past January, then had to restart my path towards management, then got really frustrated with how long it was taking when I was told that I would be on the fast track, then wound up landing an amazing job in an entirely different place.   My boyfriend Tim is a musician, and plays regularly in our hometown with a band fairly well known to locals. A couple of weeks ago, they had a gig at a bar and I invited half a dozen people and every one of them bailed on me, which was kind of a bummer, butwell, Ill get there. There were a few people also on the patio, and after a little while one of the girls all of a sudden turns to me and says, Why are you all alone? So one thing leads to another, and I chat with all four or five of them at one point, including one girl called Sarah, who apparently was only a year behind me in high school. Of course, small talk eventually gets to what people do for a living, and when I mentioned I was looking around because I was pretty tired of Starbucks, she recommended I call her former employer because she thought they might be looking for someone to fill her position. Sarah recommended I go down and talk to the office manager. So I did; I filled out an application, chatted with him, and he went to get the owner. Funny coincidence I worked for the company in their storefront for a summer, way back in either 2003 or 2004, but I barely remembered him and he didnt remember me at all. It turned out that Sarahs position had been more or less filled by rearranging some other employees. The company is a scarf and accessories wholesaler, and we were at the warehouse. However, the owner really seemed to want to help me out since I knew Sarah (sort of) and after a couple of general questions, asked the magic one: what were my computer skills? Katie: I can use the internet, I can use anything Microsoft can throw at me, I know how to use Photoshop Ralph: You can use Photoshop? Katie: Yes I can. Ralph: Can you take pictures of objects and edit them in Photoshop and make them look nice and presentable? Katie: Yes, I can definitely do that. Ralph: Can you use a camera to actually take the pictures? Katie: I can, I had an Etsy store for a little while and used to take pictures of my products with a really nice Canon Rebel. Ralph: Oh, thats the camera we have. After a little hemming and hawing, since photo editing isnt exactly a full time gig and he wanted to make sure I could work full time, he ascertained that I could do phone work and customer service. And when I said I could lift more than fifty pounds to help out with the packing and loading if absolutely necessary, all he said was, Well, that pretty much seals the deal, Ill call you soon. This was on a Wednesday. It was so casual, I wasnt entirely certain I actually had a job. Then on Thursday, I got a message from a friend I hadnt talked to in years; between moving to the south and then him moving to Maine, we sort of lost touch. I have never been so grateful for my town being so small; the HR lady couldnt get in touch with any of my personal references, but knew one of them through this old friend, so she contacted him. He sang my praises, as did an old manager of mine, and I got a phone call on Friday. I was half afraid I was going to show up on my day off from Starbucks and find out that it was all a dream, or I wasnt going to be doing photography, or I wasnt going to be paid what I had asked, or something else would go wrong. But I got clocked in under photography, I got my starting pay request, and Im now a full-time employee. I still cant believe it.  I am currently working as a product photographer for an accessories company in the northeast.  I have weekends. I have a livable pay doing an art form I respect and am really excited to pursue further. Im using skills I actually learned in college. I can still do some customer service (which I actually like) without having to deal with a beverage I dont actually like. And the best part is,  I never have to get up at  3.30 am  for work ever again. Every time I go to my old coffeeshop to get a drink, one of my friends comments on how much happier (and well rested) I look. Because Im doing something that requires thought and is challenging, Im not sitting around at home after work; Im going to the gym and taking hikes with a friend and our dogs and taking dance classes and eating better. Management still sounds great and could be something I pursue someday, but right now Im loving fiddling with a camera and scarves and Photoshop and helping bring some beauty into a business. Katie Connors is thirty years old and is currently working as a photographer for a  ladies  accessories company. As recently as September, however, she was working for a coffee giant upon which most New Englanders do not run. Despite her job description, and her enormous amount of painting and drawing supplies, she is a dancer at heart. Katie has been dancing since age three, and after injuring herself at age 16, had to hang up her competitive Irish step dancing shoes. Since then she has danced for fun with other teens and adults who are also looking for fun. Katie has worked as a retail monkey, an office drone, and as a food service slave at a variety of businesses over the last twelve years.  Shes really excited to be given the opportunity to pursue art as a career and hopes to pursue dance teaching at some point in her life. - If you want to be writing a post like this for me in 2018 (Katie was a Career Camper of mine in 2013 and told me she and I quote- has made some excellent decisions since then!), then you want early access to  Career Change Masterclass my next group program with one-on-one attention and limited spots.    Sign up here to get the deets AND be part of my free, live webinar!

Letter of Interest For Job Within Current Company

Letter of Interest For Job Within Current CompanyIf you have been looking for a job within your current company, it is important to find out if you have what it takes to get a job in a different company. While it may be an enticing idea to remain with the same company where you are currently employed, there are benefits to finding another job.For one thing, the company where you work will have noticed that you are leaving. An employer does not want to work with someone who is just taking a break. It shows an unprofessional attitude and leaves a bad impression on the company. With that said, consider the following benefits of finding another job within your current company.One benefit is that you would not be stuck behind someone else who was already working at their position. The more senior person in your position will take your place, leaving the position vacant. This gives you the opportunity to work at a higher level within your company.Another benefit of a new job is that you wi ll be able to demonstrate to potential employers that you have the potential to move up in your current company. If you are knowledgeable in a certain area, consider a position within your company that requires the skill you have, but that may require a higher level of education. There are many opportunities available within this field, and your career path will have many benefits.Once you find a position that you are interested in, it is important to ensure that you submit a letter of interest for a job within current company. This letter should give your company a good idea of your credentials and the kind of work that you do. It is also important to ensure that you state clearly that you would like to find another position within your company as soon as possible.The letter of interest for a job within current company will need to be on official company letterhead, and should be sent to the person in charge of hiring personnel within your company. This person should read and thoro ughly consider the letter before considering your candidacy. After your letter of interest for a job within current company has been given careful consideration, your position within your company may be provided with a new opportunity.It is important to note that the letter of interest for a job within current company needs to be complete, and to show all your strengths, including a variety of skills. You should do everything you can to assure that the letter of interest for a job within current company is well thought out and has an exciting range of job prospects.

11 Horrible Body Language Mistakes That Are Hard to Quit (But Youll Be Glad You Did)

11 Horrible Body Language Mistakes That Are Hard to Quit (But You'll Be Glad You Did) It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Body language is a crucial part of communicating. The way you act can warp the entire meaning of what you’re saying. That being said, bad body language habits are the often hardest habits to break. We become so accustomed to slouching, averting our eyes, or folding our arms that we barely even notice what we’re doing. Here are several body language mistakes that are going to be tough to ditch. Still, if you’re able to quit them, you’ll definitely thank yourself later. Fidgeting Keith Brofskyâ€"Getty Images/Uppercut If you’ve gotten into the habit of fidgeting, it can be difficult to snap out of it. But it’s important to take steps to reigning in this nervous habit. Fidgeting demonstrates nervousness and a lack of power, as body-language expert and “The Power of Body Language” author Tonya Reiman previously told Business Insider. Playing with your hair Getty Images/Hero Images Leave your hair alone. Constantly running your hands across your scalp and twirling your locks is pretty distracting. Plus, as ABC reported, it can damage your hair overtime. It can be hard to quit, so try playing around a stress ball instead of your hair. Adopting a defensive pose Getty Images/iStockphoto Many people naturally cross their arms or hunch over a bit just because they don’t know what to do with their hands. However, this posture can make you look uncomfortable, defensive, or untrustworthy. “You should always keep your hands in view when you are talking,” Patti Wood, a body- language expert and author of ” SNAP: Making the Most of First Impressions Body Language and Charisma,” previously told Business Insider. When a listener can’t see your hands, they wonder what you are hiding.” Doing weird things with your hands Biophoto Associatesâ€"Getty Images/Science Source To gesture or not to gesture? That is the question. Some people keep too still while speaking, while others flail all over the place. As The Washington Post reported, behavioral consultant Vanessa Van Edwards notes that using hand gestures while speaking is actually an effective way to engage your audience. The trick is, avoiding the hand gestures that will trip you up. Don’t point, don’t pretend to conduct an imaginary orchestra (seriously), and don’t get too choreographed. Shuffling instead of walking Getty Images/EyeEm Humans are pretty judgmental creatures. We think we can tell a lot about someone based on snap judgments over something as simple as their manner of walking. BBC reported that how we walk can actually determine our risk of being mugged. Criminals are less likely to target people walking with an air of confidence. It can be hard to change up your walk once you’ve fallen into bad habits, but it’s important to walk with confidence and coordination. Don’t shuffle through life. Forgetting to smile Oliver Rossiâ€"Getty Images Reiman previously told Business Insider that smiling demonstrates confidence, openness, warmth, and energy. “It also sets off the mirror neurons in your listener, instructing them to smile back. Without the smile, an individual is often seen as grim or aloof,” she explained. Appearing distracted Yuri_Arcursâ€"Getty Images There’s nothing more irritating than talking to someone who’s clearly not paying attention to you. Some people are just naturally distracted or busy, so it can be tempting to check your phone or watch at every available moment. Still, you’ve got to keep this impulse in check when you’re around others. Otherwise, you’ll just come across as a rude and uncaring person. Slouching Teo Lannieâ€"Getty Images/PhotoAlto Stand up straight. Terrible posture is easy to develop, especially if you’re slouched over a desk for the majority of the day. Slouching doesn’t just make you look un-confident, writes Catherine New for Psychology Today, it’s also bad for your back. Improve your health and the image you present to the world by standing up straight. Nonexistent or aggressive eye contact Tom Wernerâ€"Getty Images Here’s another body language pitfall where moderation is key. “What Your Body Says (And How to Master the Message)” author Sharon Sayler previously told Business Insider that the ideal amount of eye contact should be “a series of long glances instead of intense stares.” Overly long stares can make whoever you’re talking to pretty uncomfortable. On the other hand, averting your eyes indicates disgust or a lack of confidence. Being too still Ryan McVayâ€"Getty Images It’s definitely good not to be jumping all over the place, constantly. However, you don’t want to be too eerily calm during conversations. This may make people feel uneasy, or that you’re not interested in what they’re saying. Instead, try to mirror the person you’re speaking with. Don’t mimic them â€" they’ll probably get offended by that â€" but subtly copy some of their gestures and expressions. Writing for Psychology Today, Dr. Jeff Thompson notes that mirroring will leave people perceiving you as positive and persuasive. It can be tough to break out of your poker face, especially if you’re just naturally not that expressive â€" but it’s worth trying, since it can improve how you’re perceived. Mismatching verbal and non-verbal communication Antonio Guillemâ€"Getty Images/iStockphoto You might be saying all the right things â€" but if your body language doesn’t match up with your words, you might end up rubbing people the wrong way. In fact, researchers at Sacred Heart University devoted an entire study to this phenomenon. Their subjects were married couples, but their finding was pretty universal â€" when verbal and non-verbal messages do not align, “nonverbal signals carry the brunt of the emotional message.” This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

5 Signs Your Next Career Move Should Be Starting A Business - Work It Daily

5 Signs Your Next Career Move Should Be Starting A Business - Work It Daily Almost everyone has had that moment, that idea, that feeling that he or she needs to strike out on his/her own. Many suppress it, others wait until it passes. Starting a business can be intimidating, while working for other people often feels like it's safer and there is more security. Related: 5 Tips For Planning A Career Change Starting a business does not necessarily have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Many people nowadays start business part-time or on the side as a supplement to their income or “regular” job. There are lots of people who maintain this arrangement, while others eventually turn the side job into their full-time job./ A major difference in 2016 versus any other time in history is that the United States’ economy has become what many call a “gig” economy. Fewer people work for companies, coveting the traditional security and benefits. Many have transitioned to freelance work and consulting, taking on “gigs.” People with varying levels of experience and expertise can make their income providing services to others in the form of writing, marketing, and driving, just to name a few. For many entrepreneurs, knowing when to start a business can be difficult. It is a major life decision, made only more complicated the more demands one has on his or her time and life. Sometimes, however, it is time to strike out on one’s own, and here are a five ways to tell when the next career move should be starting a business. Expertise Professionals can reach levels of expertise a couple of different ways. Many work a long time in a field or discipline, which gives them the experience and insight to be considered an expert. Others immerse themselves in order to reach that level. While it is hard to beat decades of experience, both routes are valuable. No matter what the field or discipline, it is possible to turn that expertise into a business. If you are someone that others seek out for advice or counsel on a subject matter, there is a good chance that your expertise could be leveraged into a business opportunity. Passionate About Something People that have a passion for something are said to never have to work a day in their lives. Why not turn that passion into a career? Look at areas where you are willing to spend considerable time and resources to get nothing back except enjoyment. How can that be translated into a business? Artists can sell their wares; enthusiasts can begin sharing their wisdom through blogging, writing and consulting; and tinkerers’ can invent. People that are able to tap into their passions in life never have to worry about motivation. One caution is to make sure that by turning your passion into work that the burning desire won’t wear off. Burned Out Eventually the grind gets to everyone. It’s how people respond that makes all the difference. With all the tools available to avoid burnout, from yoga to vacations to sabbaticals to flexible working arrangements, sometimes work and a career can take its toll. For many, this is an opportunity to assess the situation and go into business for yourself. It is still working, but it is working on your terms for your goals, which can add an element of motivation hard to attain working for someone else. An Itch To Go Against The Grain If you are in a position or organization that feels constraining, there is a good chance you need to start your own business. Conventional wisdom rules a lot of businesses and industries, but the world needs alternatives. Many organizations promote the creativity and counter culture mindset that many people crave, but definitely not all. It is possible to go against the grain within someone else’s organization, but there are often opportunities to bring a different product or service to the marketplace by being the alternative. Comfort Being Uncomfortable For those that are comfortable with being uncomfortable, you may have just what it takes to successfully start a business. Starting something from scratch can be scary. Where will the clients come from? When will I start making money? Was this the right move? It is only natural to have these thoughts, but embracing the discomfort and using confidence to overcome it is a sign of an entrepreneur. Business owners are going to have to talk to a lot of people and make a tons of connections to build relationships with clients. That can mean talking to strangers and a fair amount of rejection. If this isn’t a deterrent, or better yet, it’s a motivator, the entrepreneurial route may be the way to go. Related Posts How To Answer 7 Of The Most Common Interview Questions Top 3 Tips For Phone Interviews How To Ace The Panel Interview About the author Michelle Riklan gained extensive HR leadership experience at Fortune 500 companies such as Sony Entertainment and John Wiley Sons. With a combined 20 years of in-house corporate and targeted consulting experience, Michelle currently services large corporations, small businesses, and individuals in all aspects of Human Resources and Career Management. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter or call her at 800.540.3609 for more information. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!