Service Businesses

Many freelancers in Side Hustle Nation eventually grow their business into an agency that no longer ties their time to their income. What that looks like in practice is often bringing in other team members to deliver the work.

The business ideas and case studies featured in these archives are generally a little “bigger” than a traditional freelance business, even if the actual work offered is the same.

What separates a service business from a freelance business is a matter of scale. No longer are your hours directly tied to your income, and you may not even be directly responsible for doing the work; that’s what your team is for.

How to Become a Mobile Notary and Make Up to $200 Per Appointment

May 18, 2021July 17, 2020

Is Mark Wills’ Loan Signing System legit? And will it work for you?

If there’s one side hustle that’s generated the most buzz among Side Hustle Nation in the last few years, it would have to be becoming a loan signing agent.

Loan signing agents are mobile Notaries that help facilitate mortgage closings, and can earn $75-200 per appointment. Mark calls this “the best-kept secret in real estate” and is obviously a huge cheerleader for his program.

But does it really work?

Should I Start a Freelance Business or Build an Agency? Side Hustle Showdown

October 14, 2020July 16, 2020

A service business is one of the fastest side hustles to get off the ground, and you can scale it by hiring other people to deliver the work.

But is there an advantage to staying as a solo operator?

To find out, it’s time for another Side Hustle Showdown. This time looking at: freelancing vs building an agency.

How to Start Virtual Call Center: From Idea to 7-Figure Exit

March 5, 2020

From personal pain point to a 7-figure payday!

That’s what Donald Spann did when he started — and eventually sold — his virtual receptionist company, Vicky Virtual.

Donald took a personal pain point of his — handling incoming phone calls in his cleaning business — and built out a fully remote virtual call center.

The Sweaty Startup: How to Start a Local Service Business

May 13, 2021February 6, 2020

Do you know how much cash flows through your hometown on a monthly basis?

Today I’m joined by someone who can help you answer that question; Nick Huber, co-founder of Storage Squad and host of The Sweaty Startup podcast.

Marketing a Local Business on YouTube: $40k on the Side Hosting Walking Tours

June 28, 2020January 16, 2020

Rob brought in $40k last year hosting tours in of Washington, D.C. — all on the side from his day job, and with no marketing budget.

However, if you Google “Washington, D.C tour guide”, Rob Pitingolo’s TripHacksDC.com is nowhere to be seen.

So what’s secret sauce?

He’s been creating helpful tourist-friendly content on YouTube, and outlet largely ignored by his better-funded competitors.

360: How to Start an Aquarium Maintenance Business – $70k a Year Part-Time

November 7, 2019

He knew his $12 an hour gig at Walmart was a dead-end job.

His escape route was a business idea you probably walk past at least a couple times a year without even thinking about it.

What’s he do?

Today, Larry McGee’s the guy who takes care of the aquarium at the dentist office and other commercial waiting rooms.

And it earns him around $70,000 a year, doing something he enjoys and working just 15-hours a week.

347: Airbnb Experiences: Make Money w/ Your Unique Local Experience

January 27, 2020August 8, 2019

Can you get paid to breathe? Well, that’s certainly part of Michele Mattix’s guided meditation Airbnb Experience. Airbnb Experiences are activities led by locals, and Michele jumped at the chance to reach a new audience for her meditation instruction. When travelers book a stay in Arizona using Airbnb, they are also offered one of Michele’s meditation … Read more