Hey there! I’m Akiva Mensh, a junior at MTA in New York City and a passionate entrepreneur of four companies: I do small waitering, sell watches, small construction services and mobile detailing. I have a mission to inspire others to chase their entrepreneurial dreams. Join me on an exciting journey as I unveil the inner workings of my business ventures, showcasing how I transformed my hobbies and connections into companies and how you can do the same!

Picture a teenager deeply immersed in the world of business, driven by a genuine passion for the work. That teenager was me. But how did I transition from a mere hobbyist to a business owner? The answer is simple: I followed my passion. I’ve always had a love for construction and other endeavors, so I decided to turn that passion into a service I could offer to others. We all have hobbies and skills. So why not turn it into a moneymaker? There shouldn’t be anything stopping you. We are in a world where there is demand for a lot of services, whether it be power washing, babysitting, etc. There will always be services people need.

Some tasks may seem doable by oneself, but often people prefer to hire a professional who knows what they’re doing. This is where you step in with your hobby or passion and offer your services. For instance, imagine someone who wants to get their patio washed but feels unsure about doing it themselves for fear of making mistakes. That’s where you come in, providing a valuable service.

In my experience, I’ve noticed that people require a wide range of services. There’s an excellent opportunity to offer various services; you just need to focus on what makes you comfortable and what you excel at. That’s why I have many different side hustles because there is always something people need to get done.

Once you’ve identified a hustle or passion you want to pursue, the next step is to acquire clients. However, there’s a secret to this process, and it lies in connections. We all have networks of people we know, and sometimes you’ll find that you share mutual connections with someone you meet. It’s a small world indeed, and connections hold immense power.

When you’re just starting, you might not have a vast network of connections. However, as you progress, you’ll inevitably meet new people. These new connections can be instrumental in elevating your side hustle into a full-fledged business.

If you offer a service like cleaning or customization, or anything else, I highly recommend starting with family and friends. It’s an excellent way to begin and gain practice, and if any mistakes occur, it’s easier to make amends within this circle. Here’s a valuable tip I’ve learned: If you make a mistake for a customer, take responsibility and compensate them. Investing in rectifying errors is worth it as it can safeguard your reputation, which is crucial in business ownership.

Think about it: Why would someone choose your company over another? The answer lies in standing out. Your company needs to offer something unique or exceptional to attract clients and a stellar reputation is key to achieving this. Once you’ve perfected your skills, have references, and are confident in your service delivery, it’s time to start promoting yourself and leveraging the power of word-of-mouth marketing.

In conclusion, starting a side hustle or even a full-fledged business has never been more accessible. All you need is the determination to work hard and the necessary skills. There are so many hustles one can pursue, and even if you’re not well versed in a particular field, you can always seek online assistance or guidance from someone experienced.

By staying committed, scaling your efforts strategically, and being open to feedback and criticism, your venture is bound to grow significantly. It’s all about perseverance, continuous learning and adapting to the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.

Keep striving and achieve your dreams!

Akiva Mensh is a junior at MTA and is the CEO of four businesses, if you’re looking to start a business/side hustle please feel free to reach out to him at [email protected].