When starting a side hustle, a good support network is key.

So, you have a business idea and just can’t let it go? How exciting! You’ve mulled it over…at every stoplight, in the shower, and while you’re willing yourself to sleep at night. You’ve given this idea a lot of thought and you’re willing to hustle to turn that idea into a business. Good for you! …But what next?

As you continue to refine your idea and map out your business, consider who’s in your support network. Regardless of your side hustle plans, times are going to get tough – especially if your name is “Mom.” At one point or another, you’ll be squeezed for time, resources – or both. You’ll see your competition and wonder if they’re “doing it better.” You’ll find yourself pulled in a thousand directions as you juggle your family, volunteer commitments, household needs, your work, and yourself.

The bottom line…you can do it (definitely do it!). But you’ve got to find your person – someone who will support you and your efforts.

Who makes a great support person?

Tap someone who can be a good sounding board for you. That might be your spouse, your mom, a friend, family member, or someone you know from doing business.

Realize that your prime support person is not necessarily the same as a good business mentor. Though both are good allies, a mentor would offer business advice/solutions specific to your side hustle needs and is likely more experienced than you. Your primary support person (who could also be business savvy) is someone you trust to offer ideas, opinions, balance and/or a reality check on a moment’s notice. The endearing qualities needed from a good support person vary with the business owner, so choose according to your personal needs.

Whoever it is, seek someone who will give you the feedback you need. Try the litmus test we think describes it best…”Does-this-dress-make-me-look-fat?”

You know what we mean, right? You’re out shopping, and you fall in love with that cute little dress, but you’re not 100% sure it looks as great on YOU as it does on the hanger. You think it’s probably best to keep looking (hey, there’s always another dress, right?). But, the sales person says it looks fabulous and you love it. Sooooo, you ask your shopping buddy/hubby/friend/neighbor – “does this dress look great on me?” Here we go…

Person 1 – The “Yes Man”

Your question: “I really love this dress. Thing is, I don’t think it loves me as much as I love it. What do you think? Does this dress make me look fat?”

The “Yes Man” response: “Oh. Wow. You look Ah-mazing in that dress. Definitely buy it. Buy the other color, too!!” 

You get it. The “Yes Man” makes a fun friend to pick you up, but may not be the most reliable personality to rely upon for business decision-making. Sure, the “Yes Man” has the best intentions in wanting to make you feel good. But the truth it is..you’re going to need sound advice when it comes to your business – even when it doesn’t make you feel good.

Sure…possibly, the dress DOES make you look Ah-mazing. However, if your instincts are telling you not to buy the dress, you probably shouldn’t. Trust that whispering voice. In your business, you’ll need to rely on your instincts, too.

Person 2 – The “Nay-Sayer”

Your question: “I really love this dress. Thing is, I don’t think it loves me as much as I love it. What do you think? Does this dress make me look fat?”

The “Nay-sayer” response: “Uh, yeah. You should probably lose some weight. Let’s go home.”

Ouch! We all have Nay-sayers in our lives. Whether they’re well intentioned, struggling with their own challenges or battling a case of envy, these Negative Nancy personalities aren’t quite right for your support network either. Without question, you want someone who will be honest with you, but maybe not so brutally honest. You and your business simply will not thrive if a cloud of negativity causes self doubt at every obstacle, brainstorm session or decision.

You need someone who can offer ideas, solutions and inspiration –  someone who can flow with your crazy ideas, bounce off your thought process and guide/support you to a suitable solution. While you may still reach the same conclusion as the Nay-sayer can blurt out, the decision-making process of how you get there is waaaaay different.

So maybe remind yourself to drop off some cookies at Negative Nancy’s house and stay for a friendly chat…but leave the dilemmas of your side hustle and business decisions for a more supportive friend.

Person 3 – Mr/Mrs. Right

Your question: “I really love this dress. Thing is, I don’t think it loves me as much as I love it. What do you think? Does this dress make me look fat?”

The “Mr/s. Right” response: “Hmmm…I see what you mean. The dress looks great on the hanger, but you’re not confident it’s the best choice for you. What do you like about it? Maybe the salesperson can suggest similar ones? Or the store next door might have something you really like…”

Mr/s. Right makes a great support person for your side hustle because he/she is honest and really listens to YOU! She hears your concerns and wants to help you find solutions. She offers ideas, but allows you to come to your own conclusion.

These wonderfully supportive types may not shower you with compliments when you’re looking for candid feedback. They’re not going to drag you down when you need a pep talk. They’re not going to encourage you to abort your mission so they can get on with theirs. And, they’re not easy to find – because they don’t run in packs, you know ; )

BUT. When you find Mr/s. Right, don’t let ’em go! Because Mr/s. Right will be in your corner, ready and willing to nurture your success.

You can do this!

As you grow your side hustle, your network will blossom too. You’ll connect to other business owners with goals that parallel your own. You’ll find synergies with fellow entrepreneurs you maybe didn’t consider at fit earlier. You’ll be amazed at the connections that surface at church, mom’s groups, kids’ activities, the grocery store, a chance meeting at the dentist office…you name it!

And as you go, you’ll probably find yourself being the support person for a fellow side hustler too. Good luck!

So who is your support person?