Why I don't believe in side hustling

Recently I read an article in Entrepreneur magazine about why the term "side hustler" is not really as admirable as you may think.

For a long time I've felt this way too.  The word "hustler" always brought up so many negative feelings and imagery.

Building a business takes real courage, and yes hard work, but it shouldn't feel like a hustle.

Let me break it down why I'm not a believer in side hustling:

1) When you think of yourself as a "side hustler" and tell people...this is my side hustle...it doesn't feel like a real business.

If you want people to take you seriously, stop calling yourself a side hustler.

When you're building a business, even while you're still working in your current career, you are an Entrepreneur.  Period.

People want to do business with people who are all-in when it comes to their business.  This doesn't mean that you're starting out working the business full-time, but it means that you take your business seriously, and put in the effort to provide the same level of service as any full-time Entrepreneur.  

2) You're not hustling, but you're working smart and hard, to build a profitable business that has the potential to free you from the 9-5 grind.

When you think of your business as being something you do on the side, then you can lose perspective on the true potential for it to become a full-time business. 

For as long as I can remember, I've always thought of myself as an Entrepreneur.  Back in 2006, when I started building my business, while I was working, I never saw what I was doing as a side hustle.  My goal was always to build something that would replace my income and give me the option to walk away. 

That mindset helped me a little over a year later, when I was faced with a decision to be laid off or look for another position in my company.  I chose to go it on my own and never looked back.

3)  Lastly, I'm not a fan of side hustling because it typically means you're not charging what you're worth. 

If you think of your business as just something you're doing on the side, you often don't feel the need to charge premium pricing. 

You are definitely worthy of premium pricing for the value I know you're going to bring to your customers and clients.  Don't be afraid to charge what you're worth.

When you look at yourself as an Entrepreneur who is building a profitable business, you're going to charge pricing that reflects your value and the lifestyle you desire.  Over time, your business will grow to become a source of income that can replace your current career.

Real freedom is having options, and that's what having your own business can do for you.  

So my friend, from this day forward, I want you to tell the world that you are an Entrepreneur or an aspiring Entrepreneur.  Make this small shift in your mindset and watch the opportunities that flow in to you.