by Brad Smallbone
While The Wolf of Wall Street was an entertaining movie, people shouldn’t attempt to replicate the main character’s success (and eventual downfall). However, both big and small screens have introduced us to many inspiring stories of following your dreams by launching your own business. Follow this article for mesmerising narratives on persistence, and find a few suggestions to spark your interest in starting a side hustle yourself.
Adopting side-hustling attitudes
It’s wonderful to witness people showcase true talent and be gifted with the determination to succeed. However, your goal doesn’t have to be to make millions or launch a worldwide empire. You can start small, like most entrepreneurs do, unknowingly, and see how far your efforts will go.
So, let’s explore a few beginner-friendly side-hustling options that won’t demand too many resources. Of course, a few examples might require more, but if done well, it’s worth it!
Building and selling digital products
One of the glorious opportunities for additional income is selling digital products. The latter can be anything: ebooks, templates, digital art, graphic design, photography, applications, coding resources, or online courses.
Your goal is to craft a product that is sellable and has a target audience. For example, you can create digital art based on bestselling products. Additionally, some market research can help you develop products tailored to potential buyers.
Passive income
Digital products can eventually generate passive income. That means you can make money online with little additional effort. However, you can start doing this already (even without creating something novel). For example, Honeygain lets you sell your unused internet bandwidth. Once you enable this application, it runs in the background to generate income for you. Besides that, try cashback apps that let you earn cash back on your regular purchases. Rakuten or Ibotta are two services you should feel confident in trying.
Freelancing
Freelancing is a lucrative side hustle if you have specialised skills. For example, you can find various online jobs, from consulting marketing specialists to starting a voice acting career. We suggest you check out various freelancing platforms that connect freelancers with businesses and individuals seeking help. You may discover job listings that suit your skillset (and could be the beginning of a long-term career or business).
Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing works best if you already have a community or platform. For example, content creators (be it on social media or blogs) can quickly partner with brands. Then they can earn a commission on sales made through their affiliate links. If you’re unsure where to start, you might check out the best affiliate programs for beginners that present some of the most suitable opportunities.
Movies and TV shows to watch
Let’s get into some movies and TV shows to get you into the entrepreneurship spirit! Many of these stories also show the dangers of launching a business, losing yourself, or feeling lost in your sudden success.
Joy (2015)
Joy is a perfect example of a movie on women’s leadership, creativity, and perseverance. Based on the life of Joy Mangano, the film focuses on how she eventually invented the Miracle Mop, which would go on to become a best-seller, earning her millions of dollars. Like any business journey, it is filled with ups and downs, until finally, her efforts paid off significantly.
The Intern (2015)
The Intern is an inspirational movie on two points. The viewers get to watch as a young woman, Jules, struggles to cope with the success of her company and sustain a healthy relationship with her husband. Despite her struggles, she manages to prioritise herself, refusing to succumb to stress or other people’s letdowns.
On the other hand, The Intern depicts Ben, a retired man attempting to bring some joy and excitement back into his life through work. From this angle, viewers see that it’s never too late to adapt and that people are far more accepting and willing to help than one might imagine.
Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020)
This story is another powerful representation of women’s empowerment, focusing on the life of the first self-made female millionaire in the US. Of course, the movie represents a variety of societal issues, but it also showcases what true talent and determination can do.
Something Ventured (2011)
If you’re wondering about the importance and role of investors in a business, Something Ventured is the movie for you. The film tells the stories of people who supported the world’s largest tech companies. Also, it represents the early days of funding and the power that even small investments can have for a company.
The Donut King (2020)
This documentary tells the story of Ted Ngoy and his pursuit of opening a donut shop in the United States. His story has it all: the incredible rise to success, love, heartbreak, struggles, and initial doubts. While the main character represents the idea of achieving the American dream, it also shows the dangers of transitioning into a millionaire. So, the story also focuses on gambling addiction and how quickly the cookie crumbles.
Honourable mentions
- Super Pumped (2019) – The story of Uber and Travis Kalanick.
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006) – A story about aiming for success but refusing to let go of your dreams.
- Legally Blonde (2001) – A story about perseverance and that nothing is impossible with enough effort and motivation.
- Julie & Julia (2009) – The story of two women tied together with similar struggles and the love of food that develops into a business.
- The Social Network (2010) – The turbulent story of Mark Zuckerberg and the beginning of the empire we now know as Facebook.
- Chef (2014) – A story of a man who has lost so much but who manages to pick himself back up for his family.
Conclusion
People who have beaten the odds and achieved success in their novel endeavours are nothing if not inspirational. So, take time to explore the most unique journeys and find motivation to try something for yourself. Of course, you don’t need to break the market with new products: sometimes even small victories and achievements are just as rewarding!
