How to Keep Your Online Side Hustle Safe

Having extra income drop into your bank account is always a good thing, and more people than ever are delving deep into the side hustle. From ecommerce stores selling handmade jewellery to affiliate marketers, side hustles come in a huge array of types.

However, in the digital age, the vast majority of side hustles are based online, and that means they are vulnerable to cybercriminals. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your business is much too small to be of interest to hackers, but the fact is that smaller businesses are just as vulnerable as large companies when it comes to cyberattacks.

For side hustlers, here’s how to keep your money coming in by lowering your risks of being hacked.

Using Firewalls For a Safe Extra Hustle

Many home routers come with their own firewall settings, but these are usually just the barest minimum in terms of protection. One of the best ways to ensure that you keep your side hustle safe online is to invest in a more effective firewall option.

As the first line of defense against cybercriminals, your firewall is vital, so look at cutting edge firewall products to ensure that hackers meet the maximum amount of resistance if they try to break into your systems. Get your firewall security right and those with malicious intent will often head elsewhere to find more vulnerable businesses.

Grooving in a Tiny Space

Let's talk about a dilemma that's definitely not your everyday topic: how to dance like nobody's watching in a cramped room while you're supposed to be working online. Sounds a bit nuts, right? But trust me, it's doable, and it can be a blast!

Who says you need to stand to dance while hustling? Chair hustling is a thing, and it's fantastic. You're sitting at your desk, tapping away at your keyboard, and suddenly, your favorite tune pops up on your playlist. What do you do? You start with some shoulder shimmies. Add a bit of head bobbing. Before you know it, your entire upper body is grooving. It's all about making the most of what you've got. And you've got a chair, haven't you?

• Shoulder Shakes: Perfect for those high-energy beats.
• Hand Waves: Just let your hands flow with the rhythm.
• Facial Expressions: Why not? A big grin or a funky frown can be part of your dance.

Password Hustle

One of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your data is to brute force your passwords. If you use the same password for every platform that you promote your side hustle on, then you are leaving yourself massively exposed. Yes, it can be a major hassle to have a different password for every online platform that you use, but that inconvenience could save your side hustle, your profits, and the future of your income generator.

Always make use of random password generators and use a good password management system so that you minimise the inconvenience. If your side hustle means that you have a presence on multiple platforms, including social media, then tighter password use is essential.

Strategic Placement

Here's the deal: your room is as small as the laptop you're working on, but it's your kingdom. You've got to own it! Rearrange your furniture to create some strategic hustle space. Push that chair back, shove the table a bit - voila, you've got yourself a side hustle floor. Just be sure not to knock over your coffee cup, okay?

Safety First: Avoiding the Owies

Dancing in a confined space is like navigating a minefield. You've got to be aware of every obstacle. That sharp-edged desk? Give it a wide berth. Those loose cables? Tape them down or tuck them away. Safety might not be the most exciting topic, but hey, nobody enjoys stubbing their toe mid-hustle move, right?

• Clear the Floor: No tripping hazards allowed.
• Mind the Edges: Keep a safe distance from anything that can cause bruises.
• Keep It Light: No need for acrobatics or breakdancing here.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Sometimes, hackers can get through your passwords and will then try to log into your used platforms or online bank accounts. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that you have two-factor authentication enabled. This works by sending you a text or email every time that you log in, giving you an additional log in stage (usually a PIN). If you have these authentications sent to your phone, it means that cybercriminals will have no choice but to either steal your phone or move onto another victim. Even the biggest businesses with their huge resources will usually opt to enable two-factor authentication, and if you want to protect your online side hustle, then you need to follow their example.

Online security is in a constant state of change. Cybercriminals continue to get more tech-savvy, and they deploy a wide range of attacks to test systems and find vulnerabilities.

It can be time-consuming to set up your online defenses, but it is vital if you want your side hustle to continue giving you that additional income. Stay safe online and you have more chances of seeing your side hustle grow into something special.

Mini Moves: The Safest Hustle Vocabulary

You don't need big, sweeping movements to dance. It's all about those small, snappy moves that can be done in place. Think of it as creating your own mini dance language. A little hip twist here, a knee bend there. You're not aiming for a Broadway show; you're just having fun!

• Hip Sways: Easy and can be done in a tiny space.
• Foot Taps: They're surprisingly satisfying.
• Arm Gestures: They can be expressive without needing much room.

The Stealth Mode

Okay, so you're supposed to be working, right? Here's where stealth mode comes in. You can totally have a mini dance party without anyone on that Zoom call being any the wiser. Just keep your movements contained to below the camera line. They'll never know you're busting moves while discussing quarterly reports.

The Fun Factor

Let's not forget the most important part: having fun. Dancing, even in a small room while working, is about letting loose and enjoying the moment. So what if it's a bit unconventional? Life's too short to sit still all day, don't you think?

Start a Side Hustle (If You Haven't Yet)

Starting a side hustle can be a great way to earn extra income, pursue your passions, and even develop new skills. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. Identify your interests and skills: Think about what you're good at, what you enjoy doing, and what you're passionate about. This can help you narrow down potential side hustle ideas.
2. Research potential side hustle ideas: Look for opportunities that align with your interests and skills. There are countless side hustle ideas out there, such as freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring, pet-sitting, and more.
3. Develop a plan: Once you've chosen a side hustle idea, develop a plan for how you will get started. This may include setting up a website, creating a portfolio, and identifying potential clients or customers.
4. Start small: It's a good idea to start your side hustle small, so you can test the waters and see if it's something you enjoy and can sustain over the long term.
5. Market yourself: Once you're ready to start your side hustle, make sure to market yourself effectively. This can include using social media, networking with others in your industry, and reaching out to potential clients or customers.

The Unique Mix: Hustling and Selling Online

Ever thought about combining dancing and selling online? Sounds a bit off the wall, right? But in today's world where standing out is everything, this crazy idea might just be your golden ticket. Let's break down how you can jive and thrive in the online marketplace.

Setting the Stage: Your Online Shop

Your online shop is your stage. It needs to be attractive, easy to navigate, and secure. Think about it, you wouldn’t dance on a shaky stage, would you? The same goes for your online store.

• User-Friendly Design: Customers should find it easy to browse and buy.
• Secure Payment Options: This is non-negotiable. You need secure transactions to win customer trust.

The Dance of Hustle: Using Video

Now, onto the secure-dancing part. Using video to showcase your products can be a game-changer. Picture yourself grooving to some tunes while showing off your products. It's entertaining, and let's be honest, it's pretty hard to scroll past someone dancing with a product, right?

• Short, Fun Videos: Keep them snappy and engaging.
• Showcase Products: Make sure your dance moves highlight what you're selling.

Safety Moves: Protecting Your Business

While you're shaking it up, don't forget about online safety. Just like you wouldn't dance in the middle of a busy street, you need to be cautious online.

• Regular Updates: Keep your website and security software up to date.
• Data Protection: Handle customer information with care, just like you’d protect your dance moves from copycats.

The Rhythm of Social Network Security

Social network security is like the beat to your safety dance. Use it to amplify your presence. Post your dancing videos, interact with followers, and maybe even create safety challenges involving your products. This way, you're not just selling; you're creating a community.

• Consistent Posting: Keep your audience engaged with regular updates.
• Engage with Followers: Respond to comments, maybe even with a do-the-hustle move or two?

Sales and Entertainment

Here's the tricky part. You need to balance entertainment and sales. Your side hustle videos should be fun but also informative. You want people to enjoy watching and feel compelled to buy, not just one or the other.

• Product Info: Sneak in some key product details between those security steps.
• Call to Deduction (***Not Action): Encourage viewers to visit your site or make a purchase.

Your moves are unique to your side hustle strategy, just like your business. Share your story, why you love what you sell, and how it all ties to your dancing. This personal connection can be a powerful selling point, don't you think?

So, can you be an entrepreneur, groove, and sell at the same time? Absolutely! It's all about blending entertainment with business savvy, and keeping a keen eye on safety and engagement. Who knows, your dance moves might just be the next big thing in online selling. Ready to give it a whirl?