Episode Summary: The Side Hustle Show – Episode 685: 10 Questions to Pick the Right Side Hustle for You
Host: Nick Loper
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show
Release Date: July 21, 2025
In Episode 685 of The Side Hustle Show, host Nick Loper provides listeners with a practical framework to select the most suitable side hustle from a multitude of ideas. Drawing from a methodology shared by a Side Hustle Nation reader, Nick introduces a structured, score-based approach to evaluate and prioritize potential side hustles effectively. This comprehensive guide empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, minimizing guesswork and maximizing the potential for success.
Introduction to Side Hustle Selection
Nick begins the episode by addressing a common dilemma among side hustle seekers: too few ideas versus too many ideas. He shares his personal experience of fluctuating between having a single compelling idea and being overwhelmed with multiple options. Recognizing the challenges of focus and direction, Nick emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to evaluate side hustles objectively.
Key Quote:
"Whether you're looking to grow a side hustle or switch things up full time, Intuit helps tax and bookkeeping professionals chart your own path and connect with customers in meaningful ways." [00:00]
Note: Advertisements and sponsorship messages have been omitted for clarity.
The 10-Question Methodology
Nick introduces a scoring system inspired by a reader's "baseball scoring" method, where each side hustle idea is evaluated across ten critical questions. Each question is rated on a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 representing the highest score (a "home run") and 1 the lowest.
Setting Up Your Evaluation Matrix:
- List Your Ideas: Enter your potential side hustle ideas across the top of a spreadsheet.
- List the Questions: Enumerate the ten evaluation questions down the first column.
- Score Each Idea: Assign a score to each idea for every question based on its suitability.
Nick provides a free Google Sheets template in the episode’s show notes, allowing listeners to easily implement this methodology.
Detailed Breakdown of the 10 Questions
1. How Excited Are You About the Idea?
Excitement fuels motivation and perseverance. Nick cites Sarah McCaffrey's insight: "Motivation is Temporary; Excitement usually has an expiration date and if you're not excited about something, how likely are you realistically to give it the effort necessary to achieve liftoff?" [05:30]
Scoring Example:
- Niche Email Newsletter: 2
- Vending Machines: 3
- YouTube Channel: 4
- Freelance Service: 2
2. Is There a Clear Path to Your First Sales or Customers?
A defined path to monetization is crucial. Nick emphasizes understanding your customer acquisition process and the clarity of executing initial sales.
Scoring Example:
- Freelance Service: 4
- Niche Newsletter: 1
3. How Much Time Will It Realistically Take to Get Off the Ground?
Time efficiency can sustain momentum. Evaluating whether a side hustle can generate revenue quickly versus requiring prolonged development is essential.
Scoring Considerations:
- Quick launch options versus long development phases.
4. What Are the Startup Costs?
Assessing financial investment helps determine feasibility. Nick advises scoring based on initial capital requirements, with lower costs scoring higher.
Scoring Example:
- YouTube Channels, Email Newsletters, Freelance Services: 4
- Vending Machines: 2-3
- Shoe Shopping Site (initially $10,000; reduced with modern tools)
5. What’s the Revenue Potential?
Considering the upside ensures the effort aligns with financial goals. Nick references Noah Kagan’s "million dollar rule" to evaluate if the side hustle can reach substantial income levels.
Scoring Example:
- Potential to scale to $10,000/month or more scores higher.
6. How Easy is it to Operate?
Operational simplicity reduces complexity and overhead. Evaluating the ease of managing daily tasks, sales funnels, and logistics is vital.
Scoring Example:
- Solo Freelance Services: 4
- Newsletters: 2-3
7. How Easy is it to Automate or Delegate?
Scalability often depends on automation and delegation. Nick advises assessing whether tasks can be automated or outsourced to manage growth efficiently.
Scoring Example:
- Digital Products: 4
- Service-based Businesses (e.g., pressure washing): Lower scores unless delegation is feasible.
8. How Easy is it to Scale?
Scalability allows for exponential growth. Nick highlights that digital platforms like YouTube or podcasts are highly scalable, whereas physical businesses like vending machines may face limitations.
Scoring Example:
- YouTube Channels, Podcasts: 4
- Vending Businesses: 2
9. How Easy is it to Shut Down Operations if Needed?
Flexibility to exit is crucial if the side hustle doesn’t meet expectations. Nick suggests evaluating the ease of discontinuing operations without significant losses.
Scoring Example:
- Digital Ventures (websites, online services): 4
- Physical Products: Lower scores due to inventory and other obligations.
10. Is the Business Something I Could Sell Down the Road?
Considering the potential for future sale adds another layer of viability and attractiveness to the side hustle, promoting better business practices and long-term planning.
Scoring Example:
- Digital Products, Newsletters: Higher scores
- Solo Freelance Services: Lower scores
- Profitable Vending Machine Routes: Higher scores
Implementing the Evaluation
After scoring each side hustle idea across all ten questions, sum the scores to determine which idea objectively stands out. This numerical evaluation aids in making a data-driven decision, though Nick encourages listening to your intuition if the top-scoring idea doesn’t resonate personally.
Additional Tip:
Adjust the weighting of different criteria based on personal priorities to tailor the evaluation to your specific needs and goals.
Next Steps and Resources
Nick concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to apply this methodology to their side hustle ideas and prepare for the next episode, which will delve into marketing strategies to secure the first customers. He reiterates the availability of the Google Sheets template in the show notes for easy access and customization.
Key Quote:
"If you're an overanalyzer, if you're debating between different options, it gives you hopefully mathematical permission to proceed if you're the permission-seeking type and you can't argue with math." [30:00]
Conclusion
Episode 685 of The Side Hustle Show equips aspiring entrepreneurs with a robust, actionable framework to evaluate and select the most promising side hustle opportunities. By systematically scoring ideas against critical criteria, listeners can make informed decisions that align with their passions, resources, and long-term objectives. Nick Loper’s insightful guidance demystifies the selection process, enabling side hustlers to focus their efforts on ventures with the highest potential for success and fulfillment.
Download Resources:
- 10-Question Side Hustle Evaluation Template (Available in Show Notes)
Stay Tuned:
Next week’s episode will explore "10 Ways to Shrink the Internet" for effective marketing strategies to attract your first customers.
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