How I Started My Business Without Knowing Where to Start

In 2010, I found myself at a crossroads. I was working full-time at JP Morgan Chase during the day, immersed in the world of sales and business development. But I knew I wanted something more. I wanted to create something of my own, something that could grow beyond the confines of my 9-to-5 job. The problem was, I didn’t know where to start.

That’s when the idea of blogging came to me. At first, it was just a way to share my experiences and thoughts about sales and business development. After all, that was my background. Every evening after work, I’d sit down at my computer and write. It wasn’t fancy or polished. It was just me sharing what I had learned from years in the sales field. I didn’t know who would read it or if anyone even cared, but I kept at it.

Looking back, starting that blog was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At the time, I didn’t know where it would lead. I had no grand plan, no roadmap to follow. All I knew was that I wanted to share what I knew and see where it might take me. Fast forward to today, and my blog has grown beyond anything I could have imagined. It now has visitors from more than 60 countries around the world.

But why am I telling you all this? Because I know many of you might be in the same place I was back then. You might be wondering how to start a side hustle or make ends meet in today’s challenging economic times. The cost of living is higher than ever. Housing, groceries, utilities—everything seems to be going up, while incomes stay the same. For many people, having just one source of income is no longer enough.

That’s where side hustles come in. Starting a side hustle can be a game-changer. It doesn’t have to be big or complicated. In fact, the simpler, the better when you’re starting out. My journey began with something as simple as a blog about sales. From there, it grew into so much more. Let me share with you how it all unfolded.

The Beginning of My Blog

When I started blogging in 2010, I didn’t have any special tools or knowledge about how to run a blog. I just wrote about what I knew. Sales and business development were my areas of expertise, so that’s what I focused on. I shared tips on how to build relationships with clients, how to close deals, and how to stay motivated in a challenging field.

At first, my blog didn’t get much attention. There were days when it felt like I was talking to myself. But I didn’t let that stop me. I kept writing and sharing my experiences. Slowly but surely, people started to find my blog. They left comments and asked questions. Some even reached out to tell me how much my tips had helped them in their own careers. That feedback was incredibly motivating and kept me going.

Turning My Blog into a Business

As my blog grew, I started to see its potential. It wasn’t just a hobby anymore; it was becoming a platform. I began to think about how I could turn it into a business. That’s when I decided to write a book. The book was based on my real experiences in sales and business development. It was my way of sharing everything I’d learned over the years in one comprehensive guide.

Writing the book was a challenging but rewarding process. It forced me to organize my thoughts and dive deeper into my subject matter. When the book was finally published, it felt like a huge accomplishment. More importantly, it opened up new opportunities. I started getting invitations to speak at events and connect with other professionals in the field.

Expanding with Journals

After the book, I wanted to do something different. That’s when I got the idea to create journals. I’ve always believed in the power of writing things down, whether it’s setting goals, jotting down ideas, or reflecting on the day. So, I created a series of journals that people could use for these purposes. The journals are available on Amazon today, and they’ve been well-received by people looking to stay organized and focused.

Entering the World of Organic Dog Food

My most recent venture is something completely different from blogging and writing. It’s in the pet food industry. As an animal advocate, I’ve always cared deeply about pet health and wellness. That’s what led me to start my organic dog food line. The food is made with wholesome ingredients, developed by veterinarians and nutritionists, and designed to provide pets with the best nutrition possible.

This new adventure has been both exciting and challenging. It’s a completely different industry with its own set of rules and complexities. But just like with my blog, I started small and learned as I went. Today, my dog food business is growing, and I’m passionate about helping pet owners give their furry friends the best care possible.

Why Side Hustles Matter

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my journey, it’s that starting small can lead to big things. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning. You just need to take that first step. For me, it was starting a blog. For you, it could be anything—selling handmade crafts, offering freelance services, or even starting a YouTube channel.

The key is to start with something you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in. It doesn’t have to replace your full-time job right away. In fact, it’s often better to keep your day job while building your side hustle on the evenings and weekends. That way, you have the security of a steady income while exploring new opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Starting my blog in 2010 was a leap of faith. I didn’t know where it would lead, but I’m so glad I took that first step. Over the years, it has grown into a platform that’s allowed me to connect with people around the world, write a book, create journals, and even launch a pet food business. None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t started small.

If you’re thinking about starting a side hustle, my advice is simple: just start. Don’t worry about having everything figured out. Focus on what you can do today and take it one step at a time. You might be surprised at how far it can take you.