This is a guest post by Dana Watkins, Program Manager for the BIC and Founder of Snaply Sites. Check her out!
When I started building my side hustle, I was juggling a full-time job while dreaming of creating something meaningful on my own terms. It wasn’t easy—I had to figure out how to make time, keep my energy up, and stay motivated. But I believed in the idea of Snaply Sites, a subscription-based website design service for small businesses, and I knew it was worth the effort. As website designers for small business, we set out to make professional, affordable websites accessible to entrepreneurs who needed them. Over time, I found my rhythm and discovered strategies that worked for me. If you’re in the same boat, I hope these tips can help you find your way, too.
Wake Up Early
One of the best shifts I made was getting up early—and I mean early. For me, that meant setting the alarm for 5 a.m. so I could carve out some uninterrupted time before the work day. It wasn’t easy at first, but those quiet hours became my favorite time to focus. Whether it was brainstorming ideas, troubleshooting a project, or answering emails, starting my day early gave me a head start and a sense of accomplishment.
Embrace the Grind
Building a side hustle is hard work. You have to commit to the grind, even when it feels tough. For me, it was about focusing on my long-term vision and reminding myself why I started Snaply Sites in the first place. I knew the effort I was putting in wouldn’t be forever, but it was necessary to create the momentum I needed. Hard work now sets the stage for freedom and flexibility later.
Find Time to Focus Outside of the Work Day
Time is precious when you’re balancing a full-time job and a side hustle. I squeezed productivity into every nook and cranny by working over lunch and dedicating weekends to my business. I’d grab my laptop during lunch breaks, head to a coffee shop, and tackle tasks that required focus. Weekends became my time to dive into bigger projects, and those hours added up quickly.
Put Yourself Out There
When I started building Snaply Sites, I knew I couldn’t do it in a bubble. I started attending free networking events with local entrepreneurs—coffee meetups at the BIC and Women in Business Northeast Columbia were some of my favorites. I talked about my business whenever I got the chance. Putting myself out there not only helped me grow my network but also connected me with people who understood the hustle. It’s so important to surround yourself with others who share your drive and can cheer you on.
Focus on Making New Connections
I’ve always believed in the saying, "You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with." I wanted to be around people who inspired me to grow and push my limits. Making new connections—whether through meetups, LinkedIn, or just chatting with people in my community—helped me stay motivated and gave me fresh perspectives. Those relationships have been invaluable. That supportive community is one of the things I love here at the Boyd Innovation Center.
Stay Consistent
Consistency is everything when you’re building a side hustle. It’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about showing up every day and making progress. I leaned heavily on routines to keep myself grounded. Mornings became my time for deep work, and I set aside specific blocks for admin tasks and creative brainstorming. Over time, those small, consistent actions made a big difference.
Say No to Things
Learning to say no was a big game-changer for me. I had to get comfortable turning down things that didn’t align with my goals—whether that was a night out, mindless TV, or anything that ate into my energy. It’s not always easy, but being intentional with your time allows you to focus on what really matters.
It Won’t Be Like This Forever
When you’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to feel like the hustle will never end. But here’s the thing: it won’t be like this forever. I think of building a side hustle like starting a steam engine. It takes a ton of effort to get it moving, but once it gains momentum, it gets easier to keep going. Reminding myself of this kept me motivated on the hard days.
Listen to Positive Podcasts
Motivational podcasts were a lifesaver for me. Whether it was entrepreneurship tips, personal development, or success stories, tuning into something uplifting kept my mindset strong. There’s something powerful about hearing other people’s stories and realizing you’re not alone in the grind. The Climb and Clients from Content are two of my favorites.
Tune Out Negativity
While it’s important to stay informed, I had to set boundaries to protect my energy. For me, that meant turning off the news and stepping back from social media when it felt overwhelming. I realized I couldn’t control everything, but I could control my attitude and where I focused my attention. That shift made a huge difference.
Starting Snaply Sites while working full-time was a challenge, but it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The strategies I used—waking up early, staying consistent, embracing the grind, and saying no to distractions—helped me turn my vision into something real. If you’re building your business, know that it’s possible. Stay focused, surround yourself with positivity, and remember: this is just a season. The work you put in now will set the foundation for everything that comes next. You’ve got this!
