Side Hustle Starter Guide.

Mainfront™ · Bay City, MI

1Make sure people will pay for it

• Write down exactly what you'll do and for whom ("weekly lawn mowing for homes in Essexville").
• Ask 5–10 people you know if they'd pay for it, and how much. Their answer beats a guess.
• Look up 3 local competitors. Note what they charge and what people complain about in their reviews. That's your opening.

2Price it so it's worth your time

• Add up your costs per job: supplies, gas, wear on your tools, and fees.
• Decide what an hour of your time is worth, then price the job so you clear that after costs.
• Set aside roughly a quarter to a third of your profit for taxes, so April doesn't hurt.

3Pick a name, then check it's free

• Short, easy to spell, and says what you do or where you are.
• Search it on Google, Facebook and Instagram, and in Michigan's business entity search, so you're not copying someone.
• Check that the matching website name (domain) and social handles are open before you fall in love with it.

4Choose how you're set up

• Just you, using your own name: you can start as a sole proprietor.
• Using a business name as a sole proprietor: Michigan has you file an "assumed name" (DBA) with your county clerk.
• LLC: a separate legal business, filed with the State of Michigan (LARA). Many people choose it once there's real money or real risk involved.
• Get a free EIN (business tax number) straight from the IRS at irs.gov. Never pay a website for it.

5Keep business money separate

• Open a separate checking account just for the business, even a free one.
• Keep every receipt (a phone photo works) and track money in and out weekly in a simple spreadsheet.
• If you sell physical products, look into a Michigan sales tax license through Michigan Treasury.
• Ask your city or township whether your work needs a local license or permit, and think about basic insurance before you're on someone's property.

6Look legit online on day one

• A Google Business Profile with your service area, hours, photos and a phone number you actually answer
• A Facebook page with the same name, logo and contact info
• A simple website or booking page that says what you do, where, and how to reach you, and that works on a phone
• A business email (you@yourbusiness.com looks better than a random free one)
• The same logo and colors everywhere, so people remember you

7Land your first 10 customers

• Tell everyone you know and post it on your personal page. Your first customers are usually friends of friends.
• Join local Facebook groups and help people. Don't just advertise.
• Leave a simple flyer or card with a QR code at places that allow it.
• After every job, ask happy customers for a Google review and send them the direct link.
• Reply to every message fast. Speed wins jobs.

8Your first-month checklist

• What I do, for whom, and my price: written down
• Name checked, plus domain and handles
• Set up as a sole proprietor, DBA or LLC, with my EIN
• Business bank account open
• Tax money set aside every payment
• Google profile, Facebook page and simple site live
• First 10 people told, first review asked for

Mainfront™ · Bay City, Michigan · Free guide, share it with anyone. General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Check current fees and rules with the State of Michigan, your county, your city and the IRS.