What side hustle have you tried before and failed in it? Which did you try out and it worked for you? Explain how each of them made you feel.
When I saw this particular prompt, I started laughing because it felt like the topic was referring to me. So far, so good, I think I have tried out three side hustles, one with my money from Hive when it was then just Steem, and then the remaining two I was just the middleman.
The first side hustle was a CEREAL BUSINESS , it was something I actually wanted, so that particular month when the money came in bulk, I didn't just want to keep the money in my account and spend it on clothing, food, snacks, and the rest, so after I contemplated hard about the business, I reached out to a woman who was also into the business and my church member and she also encouraged me to start the business as a side hustle
I was so happy when I began the business although I couldn't afford to buy in full bags since my money wasn't enough, so I started buying in half bags of the different cereals that I wanted.
In the beginning, it was quite difficult for me especially the aspect of consistently and constantly posting my business on all social media platforms I was. I have never been a social media person, and rarely post. So, it was difficult to start, but along the line, I started getting the hint and started getting a grip on how to indulge in it and gain followers, especially consumers.
I was mostly involved in Facebook since I have a lot of people whom I am acquainted with on that platform more than the other platforms, so I joined the Facebook online market spaces and made sure to advertise my business and engage with others there.
The business was going smoothly, I was happy and proud of myself for such achievement until I started having shortages due to too many expenses, due to the money being handy and helping me solve issues at the moment that needed to be solved immediately.
Secondly, since I was still a novice in the business when customers order, I usually do not ask them for a transportation fee to bring it to their doorstep or a waybill fee, I always take out money from the business to use for transportation or waybill. It also added to my business downfall.
The one that broke the camel's back was when I had to take a huge amount of money to pay for my mom's medical bills and that was the ending of anything business for me.
Ever since then, I have always dreaded starting a business, of my own because of my first business downfall. Although it was rosy and exciting to know I could start up a business as a side hustle but then, not being able to sustain it made me feel sad.
This is my entry to Hive Naija Weekly Prompt | Edition 41
PS: All pictures are of mine
