Find an Expensive Problem and Get Paid to Solve It: Your First $5k Consulting Business | sidehustleera

Find an Expensive Problem and Get Paid to Solve It: Your First $5k Consulting Business

Jonathan Stark says the key to side hustle success — for consultants, at least — lies in finding an expensive problem, and solving it. 

Jonathan’s a pro at finding these expensive problems, having run a successful online consulting business for several years, focusing on mobile-ready web development.

At the recommendation of two-time Side Hustle Show guest, Kai Davis, he dropped by to share some of his insight on how to get a side hustle consulting business off the ground. We chat idea generation and validation, pricing, and growth strategies.

Tune in to Learn

  • How to find a laser-focused niche you can serve, and hone your one-sentence elevator pitch. (“I help ______ with _______.”)
  • Jonathan’s selection criteria to see if a niche or industry is “big enough” without being too big.
  • His recommendations on how to start a business-to-business side hustle even when your own availability during business hours is limited.
  • How to perform market research and idea validation to uncover expensive problems on the cheap.
  • How to earn your first testimonials.
  • The 3 and 4-tiered pricing approach he recommends after landing your first clients.
  • Why your ultimate goal should be to “sell your brain and not your hands.”
  • Jonathan’s #1 tip for Side Hustle Nation.

Links and Resources

  • ExpensiveProblem.com/sidehustle
  • JonathanStark.com
  • ModernSoapMaking.com
  • John McIntyre – The Autoresponder Guy
  • Ben Krueger – AuthorityEngine (now Cashflow Podcasting)
  • Join.me
  • Drip
  • Salesforce Consulting