Why It’s Okay to be on Your Phone
We’ve all been on the receiving end of: “You’re always on your phone.” You might have even said it to yourself occasionally. I feel that there is a movement recently to turn away from social media, to be more present, and rightly so. Over the past few years it’s probably tipped too much in the other direction. Many people are glued to their smartphones, particularly young people and are missing out on real life experiences. Whilst that isn’t good for anyone ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater’ i.e. going cold turkey and rarely using your phone, isn’t necessarily the best plan, particularly if you’re building a side hustle. It’s all about finding the right balance for you and your business.
The thing is, your smartphone can be a great tool—not a time-waster—when it comes to finding time for your side hustle. Let’s look at some examples…
Your Phone Gets You in Front of Your Potential Customers
One of the best ways to grow a side hustle is to show up online consistently. Social media is a free marketing tool, and your phone gives you access to it wherever you are. You can share your products, your thoughts and even your life if you’re comfortable with that, on Instagram and Facebook. Years ago the only way to promote your business would have been paid advertising. Now you can reach millions of people without spending a single penny.
You Can Build Relationships Anytime, Anywhere
If networking with other business owners is important for your side hustle then this is something that can be done on your phone. Whilst the traditional model of networking is a lot of men in suits standing around drinking coffee and sharing business cards, times have moved on. Networking can be solely on line (if that’s something you’re interested in take a look at what’s offered by Janine Friston from the Female Business Network.)
Building relationships can be as simple as leaving a comment on someone else’s post, sending a DM or voting in a poll on a stories. Your phone makes it easy to respond to your audience, chat with other side hustlers or talk with people who’ve shown interest in what you do. Relationships grow businesses. And relationships can be built virtually, by using your phone.
You’re Learning (More Than You Think)
How often are you scrolling and come across a post that teaches you something? Most people on social media are sharing great content. Content that you want to save. I find loads of hooks suggestions or ideas for reels when I’m scrolling. A quick click on ‘save’ and they’re there when I’m creating my own content. In my opinion that’s not time wasting. It’s research. I’m using my phone to help me improve my side hustle.
Whatever stage you’re at in your side hustle it’s okay to spend time taking a look at what others are doing. Save helpful posts. Read emails from people you love (and if you’re like me, aspire to be). Watch short videos that teach you useful skills. This is a valuable use of your time and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.
You Can Use Small Pockets of Time to Get Real Work Done
When your business is a side hustle, squeezed in between your day job and family responsibilities finding big, uninterrupted blocks of time is often unrealistic. But your phone makes it possible to do something productive in small windows. If I arrive early for an appointment at my day job I might do a quick ‘talk to camera’ stories sitting in the car. Waiting at the doctor’s for an appointment? Brainstorm blog post ideas in your notes app. Waiting for your daughter to finish Brownies? Give some love and comment on a few posts. These small things add up.
Enjoy It
Whilst we’ve talked about lots of productive ways to use your phone for your side hustle, remember, you don’t need to justify every single moment. You can still spend some time scrolling for fun. Watching endless dog videos (or is that just me?). We all need to relax, take time out and give ourselves a rest from our side hustles.
Conclusion
Your phone is a powerful tool for finding time to build your side hustle. It helps you learn, connect with others, create content and grow your business. It fits into the pockets of your day and it can make finding time for your side hustle easier. So don’t let anyone shame you for being on your phone. If you're using it to move one step closer to your dreams, then you're exactly where you need to be.
For more help fitting your side hustle into the rest of your life take a look at my course ‘How to Stop Leaving it to Chance and Start Finding Time for Your Side Hustle’.