Heyo Founders and Side Hustlers 🤙
If you’re reading this, you’re back for another round—let’s get into it.
This week, we’re talking side pieces—not the frowned upon kind, the kind that make extra cash without burning you out or derailing your startup dreams.
Whether you’re balancing a 9-5 or fighting to keep your startup alive, extra cash can be the cushion that keeps you in the game.
The good news? It’s never been easier. The right side hustle can fuel your main squeeze without draining you.
Let’s break it down 👇
My Side Hustle Stack
Before we dive in, I’m in the trenches too–and wanted to share firsthand what’s working for me as I balance my side hustles while building Bantee. I’ve tested different ways to make extra cash—some have worked, others have flopped—but here’s what’s running right now:
Freelance Design (Active Income) – BillyAnnesley.com
I design logos, websites, and branding for startups and small businesses. It’s hands-on but gives me income when I need it. Simple as that.
(IMO) If you’re getting into web design, –Wix is hands down the best platform to learn and use for creating high-quality websites.
Etsy Digital Templates (Passive Income) – HoneyfordCo
What started as wedding designs turned into a growing Etsy template shop. It took time to set up, but now it generates sales with minimal ongoing effort.
Print-on-Demand Merch (Passive Income) – 26 Jump Street
What started as a fun design after the Saquon Barkley back-hurdle turned into an unexpected hit. I launched an Etsy store, then expanded to Shopify. Now, it runs on autopilot—no inventory or shipping required.
Each of these started as an experiment—small bets to see what could work. Some days, they help pay the bills. Other days, they remind me how hard it is to balance everything. But that’s the game.
Step 1: Pick Your Play—Active vs. Passive
First things first—pick something you enjoy or excel at. If it feels like a chore, you’ll burn out fast, and your side hustle will start feeling like just another job.
The key is finding a hustle that fits your energy and goals. Not all side hustles are created equal—some bring in quick cash, while others take time but build lasting income.
Active Income: Trade Time for Money
If you need cash now, active income is your best bet. These hustles pay quickly but but you gotta put in the work.
Coaching / Consulting – Put yourself out there and offer expertise in your niche (growth marketing, fundraising, product strategy). List your services on Clarity.fm or Superpeer.
Passive Income: Build Once, Earn on Repeat
Passive income take some serious upfront work but have big payoffs long-term. Set it up the right way–makes money while you sleep:
Affiliate Marketing for Founders – Monetize recommendations for SaaS products, books, or courses through PartnerStack or Impact.
Faceless YouTube for Startups – Create startup advice videos and monetize through ads and sponsorships. Use VidIQ to optimize SEO and growth.
💡 Founder Hack: Start with active income to stack quick cash, then reinvest into passive plays for long-term wins.
Step 2: Monetize What You Already Know (and Actually Enjoy)
Most founders overcomplicate this. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just take what you’re already good at (and enjoy doing) and find a way to charge for it.
Here are some solid plays:
Consulting – You know things others don’t. Package it into a service.
Sell templates, guides, or playbooks – People pay for speed and shortcuts.
Flip products – Got an eye for deals? Buy low, sell high.
Teach something – Run a paid newsletter, offer a cohort course, or coach 1:1.
Resource: Flippa is great for buying/selling digital assets like domains, websites, and online businesses.
💡 Pro Tip: The easiest way to make money? Do what you’re already good at—just faster, better, or for someone else.
Step 3: Keep It Simple (and Avoid the Rabbit Holes)
The biggest mistake founders make? Turning their side hustle into a second startup.
Your side hustle should be:
✅ Quick to start – No business plan, co-founders, or investors needed.
✅ Easy to test – You should know in 30 days if it’s working.
✅ Flexible – Something you can scale up or shut down when your startup takes off.
Ask yourself:
Can I make money in 30 days?
Does it work around my schedule?
Can I quit it when I don’t need it anymore?
If it’s three yeses, you’re good to go.
Step 4: Stack Small Wins Into Real Income
Side hustles aren’t about hitting the jackpot overnight. It’s about stacking small wins:
First $100? Prove it works.
First $1,000? Validate demand.
First $10,000? Now you’ve got options.
At this point, you decide: scale it, automate it, or shut it down and focus on your startup.
Your Side Hustle Is a Tool, Not the Endgame
Don’t let your side hustle turn into a full-time trap if your real goal is building something bigger. The best ones fuel your dream—not replace it.
If you’re out here juggling a startup, a job, and the need for extra cash, you’re not alone. Play it smart, stay focused, and remember—every dollar you make buys you more time to build what actually matters.
What’s the best (or worst) side hustle you’ve ever had? —I want to hear your stories.
How This Applies to Your Side Hustle
Tap into AI for ideas – Feed GPTs your startup, skills, and schedule to uncover side hustles that align with your lifestyle
Action beats perfection – You’ll learn way more by doing than by overthinking.
I want this newsletter to be as useful as possible. So tell me—what’s your biggest challenge in launching or balancing a side hustle? Hit reply, and I’ll tackle it in an upcoming issue.
📢 Free Resource: I’ve put together an AI Prompt Guide to help you get the most out of AI and speed up your workflow. You can download it for free below 🤙
What’s on deck for next week…
Next week, I’m breaking down what makes a killer website landing page—the kind that grabs attention, builds trust, and actually converts. Whether you’re running a startup or a side hustle, your first impression online matters. Let’s make it count.
If you’ve got a topic you want me to dive into, or any feedback to help make this newsletter even better, let me know 🤙
Let's build and start up….
Cheers,
Billy