Get a ‘Side Gig’ When You’re a Caregiver

By Beverly Nelson

Caring for an elderly loved one can be rewarding, but it’s also a lot of work. If you’re a senior caregiver, you might be looking for ways to supplement your income.  A side gig is a great way to do that.  Not only will you make some extra money, but you can also get some much-needed relief from your caregiving duties.

There are many advantages to having a side gig.  It can help you develop new skills and interests, and it can help pad your bank account.  If you’re thinking about getting a side gig, here are some things to keep in mind.

Selecting the right side gig

The first step in getting a side gig is to select the right one. There are many factors to consider when making this decision.  First, think about your interests and skills.  What are you good at?  What do you enjoy doing?  These are important factors to consider when choosing a side gig, as you’re more likely to be successful if you’re doing something you’re passionate about.

It’s also important to consider the time commitment required for your side gig.  Remember, you’re already responsible for caregiving duties, so you might not have a lot of time to dedicate to your side gig.  Choose something that won’t require too much of your time and energy so that you don’t get overwhelmed.

Turning your side gig into a business

Once you’ve selected the right side gig, it’s time to start thinking about how to turn it into a business.  There are several steps, including creating a business plan, choosing your business structure, and filing the appropriate state-specific paperwork.  A formation service can help you with that last step.  When creating your business plan, you will outline your goals and objectives, as well as your strategies for achieving them.  If you need help creating a business plan, there are many resources available online and at your local library.

E-commerce

Online shopping is here to stay, so take advantage of that trend and open up an e-commerce business.  There are even digital platforms that make getting started easy, like this one that uses drag and drop features to create your site.  You can check it out for more info and to learn more about how it captures real time data to create individual customer experiences on your website. 

Develop a marketing strategy

Marketing strategy is a very important aspect of your business plan. You need to have an effective marketing plan in place so that people know about your business and what products or services you offer.  You can check out Cornerstone Content for information about developing a content strategy and what kind of content will get people to read your content.  There’s also great information about putting search engine optimization (SEO) into use to increase traffic to your website. 

Advertising your side business

According to WordStream, social media is a great way to reach potential customers, while flyers and brochures can be distributed in places like supermarkets, libraries, or community centers.  In fact, a well-designed brochure can set your business apart from the competitors by highlighting what makes you unique.  The easy to customize templates let you drag and drop pictures while adding text and graphics to make your business stand out. 

Word-of-mouth advertising is also an effective way to get the word out about your business. Ask your friends and family to spread the word about your side gig.

Steps to take

Now that you have a solid plan in place, it’s time to start working towards achieving your goals.  Here are some tips to help you achieve success with your side hustle:

• Set realistic goals and objectives so that you don’t get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly at first.
• Stay organized by keeping track of deadlines and appointments in a planner or on an online calendar.
• Delegate tasks when possible so that you don’t get overwhelmed.
• Seek out resources and advice from other entrepreneurs who have been successful with their own businesses.

Let’s go!

Maybe a side gig is just what you need, so keep all this advice in mind when you’re planning yours.  With proper planning and execution, your side gig can become a side business, thus opening up numerous possibilities for your own future success. 

(Beverly Nelson is the creator of Stand Up For Caregivers, which aims to help protect and advocate for the health and well-being of adult caregivers.)