The $100 MBA Show: MBA2588 Q&A Wednesday – How Many Hours Should I Be Working On My Side Hustle?

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host: Omar Zenhom

Introduction

In Episode MBA2588 of The $100 MBA Show, host Omar Zenhom addresses a pressing concern for aspiring entrepreneurs: "How many hours should I be working on my side hustle?" This detailed Q&A session provides actionable insights into balancing time, maintaining consistency, and maximizing productivity without overwhelming your schedule.

Understanding the Importance of Time Investment

Omar Zenhom (00:03:25):
"Building a business takes traction and 10 hours a week gives you enough time to make consistent progress. Anything less, it's hard to build that momentum."

Omar begins by emphasizing that dedicating sufficient time is crucial for gaining traction in any side venture. He explains that 10 hours per week is the minimum required to see meaningful progress, based on his personal experiences and experimentation with varying time commitments.

Why 10 Hours a Week?

Minimum Viable Effort (00:05:10):
"10 hours is asking a lot. But I'm going to show you how you can make it work for you and your schedule."

Omar justifies the 10-hour recommendation by highlighting that less time fails to generate the necessary momentum. He shares his trials with different hour commitments, concluding that 10 hours strikes the perfect balance between effort and results.

Competing in the Market (00:06:45):
"You're competing with people that are putting in 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 hours a week... 10 hours should be just the start."

He acknowledges that while 10 hours is a solid starting point, scaling up is essential to compete effectively against others who invest more time into their ventures.

Quality Over Quantity

Focused Work (00:08:30):
"10 deep work focused hours is better than 20 distracted ones."

Omar stresses the importance of quality over quantity, advocating for laser-focused work during the dedicated time blocks. He advises against multitasking and distractions, ensuring that each hour is utilized effectively to drive the business forward.

Structuring Your 10-Hour Schedule

Personal Experience (00:12:15):
"When I was a teacher, I would go to work after work on Tuesdays and Thursdays... My first day off on the weekend, I spent six hours working on my business."

Drawing from his background as a teacher who managed a side hustle, Omar outlines a practical schedule:

• Evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays: 2 hours each
• Saturdays: Two 3-hour sessions with breaks

This structure allowed him to maintain consistency without overwhelming his daily routine.

Productivity Tips (00:15:50):
"Keep your work sessions between 90 minutes and three hours... 90 minutes is enough for you to have a long enough time to get something done with some concentration."

He recommends keeping work sessions within a 90-minute to three-hour window to maintain high levels of productivity without burnout.

Choosing the Right Environment

Workspace Selection (00:18:30):
"Do not work on your business, at your job... Go somewhere else like I did. I went to a distraction-free zone, like a coworking space."

Omar advises against using your primary workplace or personal spaces prone to distractions. Instead, he suggests:

• Coworking Spaces: Quiet, equipped with necessary amenities
• Public Libraries: Ideal for minimal distractions
• Dedicated Home Offices: If possible, separate from household activities

Creating a distraction-free environment outside of your regular workspace enhances focus and efficiency during your dedicated hours.

The Pillar of Consistency

Consistency Over Sporadic Efforts (00:25:40):
"Consistency is like building upon foundation... you need to really consider the fact that even if it's just 10 hours, you do the minimum."

Omar underscores that consistency is more impactful than intermittent bursts of effort. Regular, steady progress ensures sustainable growth and long-term success.

Sacrifices for Success (00:28:10):
"There is going to be some sacrifice in your recreational time... you have to treat them like unmissable appointments."

He candidly discusses the inevitable sacrifices, such as reduced leisure time. Omar encourages treating work hours with the same commitment as a full-time job to maintain discipline and prioritize business growth.

Actionable Steps: The 6-Step Plan

Omar concludes with a clear action plan to help listeners implement his advice effectively:

1. Set a Schedule (00:35:20):

   • Allocate a minimum of 10 hours weekly.
   • Schedule specific time blocks and mark them as non-negotiable in your calendar.

2. Prioritize Tasks (00:36:45):

   • Focus on high-impact activities like creating, selling, and marketing.
   • Ensure tasks align with moving the business forward.

3. Protect Your Time (00:38:30):

   • Communicate your commitments to family and friends.
   • Emphasize the importance of these hours for your future and theirs.

4. Track Your Progress (00:40:15):

   • Maintain a journal to log weekly achievements.
   • Reflect on wins to stay motivated and recognize advancement.

5. Choose a Productive Workspace (00:42:00):

   • Select a location that fosters focus and minimizes distractions.
   • Utilize coworking spaces, libraries, or dedicated home offices.

6. Commit Fully (00:43:50):

   • Stick to the plan consistently for six to eight weeks.
   • Anticipate seeing tangible progress, which will reinforce your commitment.

Conclusion

In this episode, Omar Zenhom provides a comprehensive guide for anyone juggling a side hustle alongside other responsibilities. By dedicating at least 10 focused hours per week, prioritizing quality work, maintaining consistency, and choosing the right environment, listeners can effectively progress their entrepreneurial endeavors without sacrificing their entire personal lives.

Omar Zenhom (00:50:30):
"Success happens when you do the work, regardless of how you feel or what else is being thrown at you."

His final message serves as a motivational reminder that unwavering dedication and consistent effort are key components to achieving business success.

For more actionable business lessons and strategies, subscribe to The $100 MBA Show on YouTube or visit 100mba.net.