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Are you looking to get started on a side hustle, but you’re a little lost on the what and how of it all? Well, you should definitely check out our list of the best side hustle books for ideas and how-to guides!
Sometimes the term side hustle gets a bad rap, but it shouldn't because there are many benefits to having a side hustle and many reasons why someone would need one. Firstly, having multiple sources of income is empowering and should be on top of everyone’s goal.
Secondly, having a side hustle is a great way to explore your passion and learn or practice new skills. Lastly, making extra money on the side allows you to reach your financial goals faster, whether that is to pay off debt, save for your emergency fund, or max out your investment accounts.
Yes, we are here for all that! But before we dive into our favorite side hustle books let's discuss the benefits of reading them first!
Benefits of reading side hustle books
The main benefit of reading side hustle books is getting the information you need from people who’ve been where you are – the starting line. They understand your struggles, and they’ve also done what you’re trying to accomplish.
When you read a book, you learn and benefit from other people’s experiences. Reading side hustle books also provides you with practical ways of making money that you can put into practice.
Using knowledge from all types of sources like blogs and books makes you better prepared to tackle challenges along the way. Also, there are other benefits of reading such as:
- Keeps your brain active.
- Expands your vocabulary.
- Relieves stress.
- Improves your focus and concentration.
So you see there are many benefits to reading side hustle books!
Top 12 side hustle books to read
For me, reading books is like talking to a friend who gets what I’m going through. Plus, if you’ve been thinking of starting a side hustle, you want to learn from people who’ve been successful at it. So, go pick up a copy of these books or borrow them from your local library and start taking notes.
Here are our top 12 picks!
1. The Side Hustle Guide: Build A Successful Side Hustle & Increase Your Income
“The Side Hustle Guide” is written by Clever Girl Finance founder Bola Sokunbi, herself! It has all the information you need to start and build a profitable side hustle from the ground up, even if you don’t have any previous experience.
In this book, Bola also shares practical guides on how to create a business plan and establish a strong foundation for your brand. Truly one of the best side hustle books out there; pick up your copy to get inspired about starting a side hustle. You’ll also learn how to grow your new business and ultimately work towards building wealth!
2. Women With Money: The Judgement-Free Guide To Creating The Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (And Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve
“Women with Money” spurred from Jean Chatzky’s conversations with women on her podcast, HerMoney Happy Hour. The book explores women’s relationship with money while showing readers a pathway to a joyful, purpose-filled life.
Inside you’ll learn tactical solutions to get paid what you deserve because knowing how to negotiate your pay is critical. This is true whether you want to make money through entrepreneurship or being an employee.
So give this one a read for insights on taking control of your money and using it to create the life you want.
3. She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur
If you're creative, ambitious and you’ve been dreaming about becoming an entrepreneur, “She Means Business” by Carrie Green should be on your list of side hustle books to read. It presents practical and actionable tools to turn your passion and ideas into a profitable business with raving customers.
Carrie also offers valuable guidance to help you navigate overwhelm and self-doubt. If you're setting out to become a side hustler, fear and doubt can get in the way of success. That's why getting the right mindset is important.
4. The Ultimate Side Hustle Book: 450 Moneymaking Ideas for the Gig Economy
If you’re looking to make some extra money while working your regular job, get a copy of “The Ultimate Side Hustle Book” by Elana Varon. Inside, you’ll discover ways on how to turn your time, space, skills, and stuff into extra cash.
With 450 fun and resourceful side hustle jobs, you’re sure to find one that fits you and your lifestyle. In addition, it gives you information on the pay rates, what experience is required for each job and how you can find clients.
5. Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days
“Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days” is one of the best side-hustle books to guide you if you’re at the beginning of your hustle journey. It gives a step-by-step plan where you learn how to come up with ideas from your experiences and interests. You'll also learn how to build a solid brand around your product or service to grow your business.
Chris Guillebeau compiles the side hustle stories of hundreds of entrepreneurs who successfully built businesses around their day jobs in this book. So, give it a read if you’re looking to create additional streams of income without quitting your job.
6. 100 Side Hustles: Unexpected Ideas for Making Extra Money Without Quitting Your Day Job
The “100 Side Hustles” came from author Chris Guillebeau’s conversations with guests on the Side Hustle School podcast. It is full of insights, photography, and stories of people successfully making money from following their passions and interests.
The book features case studies following individuals and entire families who’ve found ways to create new sources of income. It also covers important aspects of starting a side hustle such as finding customers to developing products.
Give this side hustle book a read and get inspiration for your next big idea.
7. So You Want to Start a Side Hustle: Build a Business that Empowers You to Live Your Life, Your Way
The authors of “So You Want to Start a Side Hustle,” Carrie Bohlig and Craig Clickner, started just like you. They were looking for ways to make their lives better and to have more freedom with their time.
Since then, they’ve built thriving businesses and helped people by sharing the lessons they’ve learned on their journey to success. In this book, you’ll discover how to get your idea from the thinking and planning stages to the profitable venture you want it to be.
This is one of the best side hustle books for people who want to forge their own way and use their side hustle to create their own version of successful living.
8. The Big Life: Embrace the Mess, Work Your Side Hustle, Find a Monumental Relationship, and Become the Badass Babe You Were Meant to Be
“The Big Life” is all about the life you’ve been dreaming of – passion, career, respect, money, and meaningful relationships. And author Ann Shoket wants you to have it all. Her goal with this book is to help you recognize your potential, motivate you to reach your dreams, and create your own version of The Big Life.
This is one of the must-read side hustle books for millennials trying to build a career from their passions. It features actionable guidelines and personal advice from Ann and high-profile millennials on embracing life’s messes, finding a supportive community, and other aspects of womanhood.
9. Don't Keep Your Day Job: How to Turn Your Passion into Your Career
“Don't Keep Your Day Job” is an inspiring book about turning your passion into profit. The author Cathy Heller is also the host of the popular podcast, Don't Keep Your Day Job. She shares wisdom, anecdotes, and practical suggestions from her successful guests like Jenna Fischer, Gretchen Rubin, and Jen Sincero.
In reading this book, Cathy wants you to examine your life to find your purpose. Inside, you’ll also learn how to build your side hustle, how to find your tribe, and build a life you love.
10. Business Boutique: A Woman's Guide for Making Money Doing What She Loves
“Business Boutique” will help you build a side hustle around your passions and interests. This book is a great read for beginners looking to take their ideas and turn them into action.
Christy Wright included guidelines on planning, starting, and growing a money-making venture. You’ll also find simple explanations for the practical and tedious aspects of business like taxes, budgeting, and pricing.
11. Buy Buttons: The Fast-Track Strategy to Make Extra Money and Start a Business in Your Spare Time
Author Nick Loper is also the creator of SideHustleNation.com. In "Buy buttons," he shares strategies he’s learned from being an entrepreneur to help you increase your earning potential on your own time and your own terms. Wouldn’t you want to make more money and be your own boss?
This book provides tried and tested income-generating ideas and more than 300 platforms where you can find customers ready to buy your products. Buy Buttons is one of the best side hustle books if you are ready to create new income streams, but you’re hesitant because you don’t have much time or money to get started.
12. What If It Does Work Out? How a Side Hustle Can Change Your Life
This book is an excellent read for anyone thinking of joining the 40% of Americans who already have a side hustle. Susie Moore wants you to ask, “What if it does work out?” and get motivated to pursue the life of your dreams.
She offers guidance to overcome your fear and doubts. She shares actionable steps and tips you can use to finally start making money from something you love to do.
Use these side hustle books to help you start your own business!
If you’re reading this, you probably have a vision for the life you want to live. You’re probably dreaming of having more free time or having more money for things that matter to you.
So, why not start with reading a book or two from this list to learn about side hustles. Maybe you’ll pick up some ideas and inspiration to give your future self the life you’re dreaming of now.
Do you want to learn how to start your own side hustle for free? Then enroll in our completely free "Build your business" bundle! You will learn how to create a solid business plan, simplify your business finances, plus work on branding and marketing to grow your business.
Also, make sure you subscribe to the Clever Girls Know podcast and YouTube channel for more tips on earning more money and building wealth!