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Crafting a Profitable Side Hustle: Turning Your Creative Skills into Income

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Side Hustle


Starting a side hustle has become a popular trend, especially in the UK, where living costs are high, and many are looking for ways to supplement their income. According to a recent report, nearly 43% of Brits have a side hustle to earn extra money. If you have creative skills, turning them into a profitable side business can be both rewarding and lucrative. For instance, a handmade jewellery business can showcase your creativity while bringing in extra income.

This article will guide you on how to craft a profitable side hustle using your creative talents, with practical tips and examples.

ALSO READ: MyFastBroker Forex Brokers: The Key to Trading Success

Research the Market to Understand the Demand

Understanding the market is crucial before diving into your side hustle. Conduct thorough research to see what products or services are in demand. If you’re considering jewellery making, explore current trends and popular styles among most consumers. Check online marketplaces like Etsy to see which types of jewellery are frequently purchased and at what price points. Analyse your competitors—what are they doing right? What gaps can you fill in the market? This research phase will help you make informed decisions, reduce risk, and position your side hustle for success.

Focus on Creating High-Quality Products


Quality should be at the forefront of your side hustle. In a competitive market, high-quality products are what keep customers coming back and lead to positive word-of-mouth. If your side hustle involves making jewellery, use durable materials that look great and last long. Pay attention to the details—from the craftsmanship to the finishing touches.

Source your materials from reputable suppliers like The Bead Shop to get affordable solutions. You can find a wide range of beads and other jewellery-making supplies such as necklace chains, clasps, leather cords, and tools to help you create high-quality pieces. This can make starting small more manageable and set the stage for turning jewellery making from a hobby into a sustainable business.

Moreover, high-quality photos of your products are equally important for online listings. Presenting your work in the best light not only highlights the value of your creations but also reassures potential buyers that they are purchasing a well-made item.

Build an Engaging Online Presence

Having an online presence is essential for reaching your target audience. Create profiles on popular social media platforms and share regular updates about your products and creative process. Engage your audience by posting behind-the-scenes content, tutorials, and stories about your work. If you’re starting a jewellery side hustle, showcase the journey of crafting each piece—from design sketches to the final product. This transparency builds trust with your audience and makes them feel connected to your brand. Ensure your posts are visually appealing and use hashtags relevant to your niche to increase visibility.

Set Competitive Pricing That Works for You

Setting the right price for your products is a balancing act. You need to ensure your prices are competitive while covering your costs and generating profit. Start by calculating the cost of materials, the time spent crafting each piece, and additional expenses like packaging and shipping. Then, look at what similar products are selling for on platforms. For example, if you’re making bespoke jewellery, factor in the uniqueness and craftsmanship when setting your price. Avoid underpricing your products, as it can devalue your work and make scaling up difficult.

Leverage Online Marketplaces to Expand Reach

Selling on well-known online marketplaces can significantly increase your exposure. Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and even your own website can provide easy access to a large customer base looking for unique items. Ensure your product listings are comprehensive, with clear descriptions and high-quality images. Highlight any key features and what makes your product special. For example, if your jewellery pieces are handmade with sustainable materials, make sure to mention that. Leveraging these marketplaces helps build brand recognition and boosts your reach among buyers who prefer distinctive, artisan products.

Network and Partner with Local Businesses

Establishing local connections can boost your side hustle’s visibility and credibility. Reach out to nearby boutiques, gift shops, or craft fairs to showcase your products. For instance, collaborating with a local store to feature your jewellery can bring in customers who might not find you online. Attend community events or local craft fairs, where you can meet potential partners and build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs. This type of networking can lead to valuable collaborations and opportunities for cross-promotion, helping you tap into new customer segments.

Manage Your Time to Balance Work and Business

One of the biggest challenges of running a side hustle is managing your time efficiently. With a full-time job and personal commitments, dedicating enough time to your side business can be tricky. Plan a schedule that allocates specific hours to your side hustle and stick to it. Whether it’s setting aside an hour each evening or dedicating your weekends, consistent time management ensures you don’t burn out or compromise on quality. Remember, quality work takes time, so avoid overloading yourself and stay organised to balance all responsibilities effectively.

Collect and Implement Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is an invaluable tool for growing your business. After each sale, encourage customers to leave reviews or provide feedback on their experience. Use this input to identify what works and what could be improved. For example, if a customer suggests that a specific type of clasp would improve the usability of your jewellery, consider incorporating that change. Positive feedback can also be showcased on your online profiles and listings, building trust with new customers. Engaging with feedback shows that you value your customers’ opinions, enhancing your brand’s reputation.


Starting a side hustle with your creative skills can be a fulfilling and profitable endeavour. By identifying your strengths, researching the market, and putting effort into quality and marketing, you can build a successful side business. Whether it’s jewellery making or another creative pursuit, the key is to start small, stay consistent, and keep improving based on customer feedback. With dedication and strategic planning, your side hustle can grow into a significant source of income.

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APPS & SOFTWARE

How To Manage Employees at Scale: Workforce Management Software

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Workforce Management Software

Companies that maintain a clear record of employee time, attendance, and tasks may experience boosted performance and improved bottom lines. Workforce management software enables labor-intensive organizations to maximize labor efficiency, minimize compliance risks, and develop strategic insight that improves business operations. Embracing a data-driven approach to management helps companies retain talent, cut labor costs, and adhere to labor laws. Here are a few ways workforce software can help you manage employees at scale:

Improved Labor Optimization

Management software identifies and alerts management to labor issues such as overstaffing or understaffing based on forecasted workloads. Workforce management software analyses historical data and business trends to align staff schedules with anticipated demand. It factors employee availabilities, skills, and preferences to generate optimized schedules that result in better timekeeping and adherence to deadlines. Businesses may experience reduced scheduling errors, optimized workforce utilization, smoother shift planning, and improved employee satisfaction due to fair and balanced schedules. Labor optimization increases productivity and success rates as each task is assigned and complies with the company’s workflow.

Enhanced Demand Forecasting

Accurately forecasting demand for a large and dispersed workforce, including remote employees, can present significant growth and operational efficiency opportunities. Miscalculated labor requirements lead to inefficient staffing that strains the budget and interferes with performance. A workforce management system uses artificial intelligence algorithms to predict workload volume for active operation days. The forecasted data can help management make informed decisions on when to increase or scale down the workforce. The software uses repeated data patterns to forecast future requirements, helping businesses to have better budget and resource allocation planning.

Automated Scheduling

Manual schedule creation is time-consuming for a large workforce,  especially when different shifts and employee skills are involved. Workforce management systems are automated and generate schedules that align with forecasted demand, employee availability, and skill sets. Such systems allow for easy updating and making changes to the schedule. A workforce management tool features workforce sharing, smart templates, and shift swapping. It will enable staff to pick up open shifts or make changes that a supervisor approves. Automated scheduling streamlines administrative tasks and promotes equitable distribution of shifts.

Improved Time Tracking and Attendance

Employee attendance and time tracking help calculate the number of hours worked, overtime, and absences. Managing data tracking manually for a large workforce can pose challenges in terms of time consumption, error risks, and complexity. Workforce management software provides a more efficient solution by automating the time-tracking process. Employees clock in and out using their devices, eliminating discrepancies or manual calculations. This feature also helps managers better understand their employees’ productivity and identify any issues that may arise. 

Improved Compliance and Reporting

Compliance with labor laws and regulations is a requirement for any organization. The laws stipulate maximum working hours, minimum wage, and overtime pay. Employees are entitled to rest, meal breaks, and a set number of vacation days. A workforce software ushers in automation and standardization, promoting law adherence. The software also generates comprehensive reports on employee data. The report makes it easier for organizations to monitor compliance and identify any areas of improvement. These reports can also aid in identifying trends and patterns within the workforce, enabling organizations to make proactive changes.  

Enhanced Employee Engagement

Features in a workforce management system, including newsfeeds, polls, surveys, and scheduling communications, support effective information sharing across the organization. Highly engaged employees are more productive, have lower absenteeism rates, and stay with the company longer. Workforce management tools improve employee engagement in various ways. The software allows employees to view their schedules and adjust as needed, promoting transparency and control over their work hours. It provides a platform for employees to request time off, swap shifts with colleagues, and communicate with managers. This level of autonomy and communication fosters a sense of ownership and teamwork among employees. The software can track employee performance and provide top performers, further boosting engagement levels.

Maximize Efficiency With Workforce Management Software

Effective communication improves workplace efficiency and reduces errors. Workforce management software allows for streamlined communication between employees, managers, and HR personnel. The software sends automated notifications, reminders, and updates to keep everyone on the same page. It also provides a centralized platform for all employee information, eliminating the need for multiple manual systems. Investing in workforce software may lead to significant cost savings and improve organizational success. Implement workforce software into your business processes today.

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BUSINESS

Creative Ways to Reuse and Recycle Takeaway Containers

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Reuse and Recycle Takeaway Containers

Have you ever pondered over what to do with the masses of takeaway containers that end up filling our dustbins weekly? Due to their convenience and durability, countless containers find their way into our homes, usually tossed out without a second thought. However, with a touch of creativity and a concern for the environment, these often neglected items can be granted a second lease of life. This blog will provide you with innovative ideas to recycle and reuse takeaway containers.

1. Artful Planters

Why not transform takeaway containers into chic planters for your houseplants or your kitchen garden? Drill some holes at the bottom for drainage and get your green thumb working. They can support herbs, succulents, or a splash of floral beauty right at your windowsill.

2. Craft Supplies Storage

Takeaway containers make excellent storage options for art and craft supplies. Sort out your buttons, beads, sequins, paintbrushes, and numerous other craft essentials. They will be readily available when you need them, and your work area will remain clutter-free.

3. Homemade Candles

A fantastic way to reuse plastic or aluminium containers is by turning them into candle moulds. Not only will you be crafting beautiful homemade candles, but also contributing towards reducing plastic pollution.

4. Versatile Organisers

Declutter your workspace, vanity, or even your garage by using these handy containers as organisers. They can hold everything – from nails and screws to makeup and jewellery, ensuring that everything is always within your arm’s reach.

5. Seed Starters

One of the easiest ways to reuse plastic containers is to use them as seed starters. Poke some holes at the bottom, fill with potting mix, and start your seedlings. Once they’re ready to be transplanted, you can reuse the container a win-win situation for you and the environment.

6. Leftovers Best Friend

Think twice before you ditch that sturdy takeaway container – it can be a lifesaver for storing leftovers. It’s worth mentioning that they should be cleaned thoroughly and dried before using them for food storage again.

In Conclusion

Demonstrating creativity with takeaway containers not only helps to lower the volume of waste that we contribute to the environment but can also serve practical purposes around your home too. Next time, remember that these containers are way more than just a one or two-time food carrier. They are a valuable, reusable resource, and their possible applications are as extensive as your imagination permits. The key takeaway here is to ingenuity and transform what’s typically considered as trash into an example of smart recycling. So, let’s brace ourselves to gift our beloved takeaway containers a new life and towards reduced waste and a healthier planet.

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BUSINESS

Mastering Logistics: Unleashing the Potential of 3PL Warehouse Management Software for End-to-End Supply Chain Success

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3PL Warehouse Management Software

In today’s hyper-competitive global market, businesses face a daunting challenge: to not only meet but exceed customer expectations while navigating the intricate web of supply chain logistics. From sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products, the efficiency and effectiveness of every link in the supply chain can make all the difference between success and stagnation. Enter third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse management software, a dynamic solution empowering businesses to conquer the complexities of modern commerce with unparalleled agility, precision, and continuous evolution.

Unveiling the Imperative for Logistics Technology

In the relentless pursuit of operational excellence, businesses are embracing technology as their trusted ally. Nowhere is this more evident than in logistics management, where outdated methods have become obsolete in the face of evolving consumer demands and global market dynamics. Recognizing the imperative for transformation, companies are turning to advanced logistics technology, with 3PL warehouse management software emerging as the cornerstone of their strategic arsenal.

Unraveling the Boundless Advantages of 3PL Warehouse Management Software

  1. Unparalleled Visibility and Transparency: Harnessing the power of real-time data analytics, 3PL warehouse management software offers unparalleled visibility into every facet of the supply chain. From inventory tracking to shipment status updates, businesses gain unprecedented insights, enabling informed decision-making and proactive problem-solving. With customizable dashboards and interactive reporting tools, stakeholders can access critical information anytime, anywhere, ensuring transparency and accountability across the organization.
  1. Optimized Efficiency and Productivity: By automating manual processes and streamlining operations, 3PL warehouse management software drives unmatched efficiency and productivity gains. With features such as automated order fulfillment, dynamic inventory replenishment, and intelligent route optimization, businesses can minimize costs, reduce lead times, and maximize throughput with unparalleled precision. Moreover, advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities empower businesses to optimize resource allocation, minimize bottlenecks, and enhance operational agility in the face of changing demand patterns and market dynamics.
  1. Scalability and Adaptability: In the dynamic landscape of modern commerce, scalability and adaptability are non-negotiable traits for success. 3PL warehouse management software offers businesses the flexibility to scale their operations seamlessly, whether expanding into new markets, launching new product lines, or adapting to seasonal fluctuations. With customizable workflows and adaptable configurations, businesses can future-proof their logistics strategies and stay ahead of the curve. Moreover, cloud-based deployment options and modular architectures ensure scalability without sacrificing performance, allowing businesses to grow and evolve without constraints.
  1. Cost Optimization and Resource Utilization: In an era defined by razor-thin margins and relentless competition, cost optimization is paramount. 3PL warehouse management software empowers businesses to identify cost-saving opportunities, from optimizing inventory levels and reducing excess stock to minimizing transportation expenses and labor costs. By leveraging predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms, companies can unlock hidden efficiencies, forecast demand with precision, and drive sustainable cost reductions across the supply chain. Furthermore, real-time cost tracking and financial analytics enable businesses to monitor expenses, identify cost drivers, and make data-driven decisions to enhance profitability and competitiveness.
  1. Enhanced Customer Experience: In an age where customer experience reigns supreme, 3PL warehouse management software enables businesses to deliver unparalleled service excellence. With features such as real-time order tracking, automated notifications, and seamless returns management, companies can exceed customer expectations at every touchpoint, fostering loyalty and driving repeat business. Moreover, personalized customer portals and self-service capabilities empower customers to track shipments, manage orders, and resolve issues independently, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty while reducing service overheads. By prioritizing customer-centricity and responsiveness, businesses can differentiate themselves in the market, build brand loyalty, and drive sustainable growth in the long term.

Charting the Course for Future Innovation

As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the future of logistics management holds limitless possibilities. From harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning to leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) for enhanced connectivity, the journey towards supply chain optimization is one of endless innovation and discovery. Emerging technologies such as blockchain, robotics, and predictive analytics are reshaping the logistics landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for optimization, automation, and value creation. By embracing a culture of innovation and collaboration, businesses can stay at the forefront of technological advancements, drive continuous improvement, and unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness.

Conclusion: Setting Sail Towards Success

In conclusion, the transformative power of 3PL warehouse management software is reshaping the landscape of modern commerce, empowering businesses to navigate the supply chain seas with confidence, agility, and foresight. By unlocking unparalleled visibility, driving operational efficiency, and enhancing customer experiences, 3PL warehouse management software serves as a beacon of innovation in an increasingly competitive marketplace. As businesses chart their course towards success, investing in 3PL warehouse management software isn’t just a strategic choice—it’s a voyage towards unparalleled growth, resilience, and prosperity in the digital age and beyond.

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