Hey there! Today, I want to share an inspiring story from Brian Winch, who has turned picking up trash into a $650,000+ per year business. Here’s his journey and some advice for anyone considering a side hustle.
The main reason to start a side hustle is to earn extra income. Who wouldn’t want to boost their earnings? Besides the extra cash, using your free time productively has several benefits:
1. **Creative Outlet**: Even if you’re successful in your career, are you passionate about it? A side hustle focused on your hobby can be a great way to channel your creative energy.
2. **Freedom**: When you run your side hustle, you’re your own boss. You’re free from management and, in Brian’s case, not tied to a desk.
3. **Income Diversification**: Losing a job can be devastating, especially without a backup plan. A side hustle can serve as a financial safety net during tough times or transitions.
4. **Skill Building**: Running a side hustle teaches you various skills like HR, IT, accounting, and marketing, which you might even apply to your regular job.
5. **Balance**: A side hustle keeps you engaged and busy, helping you prioritize and manage your time better.
6. **Reaching Financial Goals**: A side hustle can help you achieve your financial goals faster by providing additional income.
There are countless ways to make extra money on the side. Brian’s advice is to find something that inspires and makes you happy. For him, that was cleaning up litter.
Back in 1981, Brian was stuck in an unfulfilling job at a sporting goods store. One day, he remembered how his father used to make extra money by cleaning up litter at a local shopping plaza. This memory sparked an idea. Brian started offering litter-cleaning services to property management companies, working before and after his full-time job. Within two months, he was earning more from his side hustle than his regular job, leading him to quit and start Cleanlots.
Owning a parking lot litter removal business may not sound glamorous, but it has many perks:
– **Flexible Hours**: You can do this job outside of regular work hours, enjoying the early mornings or late nights.
– **Routine**: The job provides a comforting routine and allows you to listen to music or podcasts while working.
– **Low-Risk**: Brian started with just $200 and no special skills, growing his business to over $650,000 a year.
– **No Hassles**: Once the work is done, the rest of the day is yours.
– **Recession-Proof**: There’s always work as people continue to litter.
– **Green Industry**: It’s satisfying to contribute to a cleaner environment.
– **No Expensive Equipment**: Basic tools like brooms and litter grabbers are all you need.
– **Exercise**: The job keeps you physically active.
– **Bonus Finds**: You might find valuable items while cleaning up.
If you’re interested in starting a parking lot litter removal side hustle, here are three steps to get started:
1. **Take a Drive**: Identify potential cleaning contracts in your community by looking at commercial properties like shopping plazas and office buildings.
2. **Create a List of Contacts**: Commercial Real Estate Management companies are great sources for business as they manage multiple properties.
3. **Lean on Brian**: He has developed a step-by-step guide to help you start and run your business and is available to answer any questions.
Brian’s business thrives locally, so sharing his knowledge doesn’t hurt him. He encourages everyone to start a side hustle today and enjoy the creativity, diversification, balance, personal growth, and financial freedom it offers.
So, how does picking up trash for extra money sound to you?