7 Best Side Hustles For Product Managers [$2,400+/mo]
Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by John Cirelly
Discover the best side hustles for project managers in this comprehensive guide, tailored to make the most of your skill set.
1. Consult as a Freelance Project Manager
One of the best side hustles for project managers is to offer freelance consulting services. Your years of experience in managing tasks, resources, and timelines make you an ideal candidate for businesses seeking short-term expertise. By consulting, you can assist organizations in implementing best practices, improving efficiency, and achieving their goals more effectively.
How to Get Started
To start freelancing, you can create a profile on freelancing websites such as Upwork or Freelancer. Alternatively, use your professional network to find businesses in need of your services.
Earnings
You can expect to earn anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on your expertise and the complexity of the project.
2. Create Content Focused on Project Management
Another promising avenue is to leverage your project management know-how to create content. Whether it’s writing articles, developing courses, or even crafting eBooks, your knowledge can be valuable to others in the industry.
How to Get Started
Choose a medium you’re comfortable with, such as writing or video creation. Platforms like Medium for written content or Udemy for course creation are good starting points. Make sure your content is unique, engaging, and offers value to the audience.
Earnings
The earning potential for this side hustle can vary widely. For written content, you might earn anywhere from $50 to $200 per article. If you develop an online course, it could bring in several thousand dollars over time, depending on its popularity.
3. Coach or Train in Agile Methodologies
If you have extensive experience with Agile methodologies, coaching or training could be an ideal side hustle. Organizations are always looking to improve their Agile practices, and your expertise could provide the guidance they need.
How to Get Started
You can begin by offering workshops, either in-person or online. Use your existing network to find your first clients or advertise your services on LinkedIn and other professional platforms. You might also consider getting certified as an Agile coach to bolster your credibility.
Earnings
Coaching and training can be lucrative, with some Agile coaches earning up to $500 per hour. However, the average hourly rate is usually around $100 to $200.
4. Develop Your Own Products
Another fascinating way to leverage your project management skills is through product development. You already possess the skills needed to see a project from conception to completion. Why not use that ability to develop a product or service that solves a specific problem?
How to Get Started
Start by identifying a gap in the market or a problem you’re passionate about solving. Next, outline the project scope, allocate resources, and start the development process. Platforms like Kickstarter can help you find initial funding.
Earnings
Earnings can vary significantly depending on the success of your product. While the risk is higher, the reward can be substantial, potentially yielding tens of thousands of dollars or more.
5. Engage in Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing can be an excellent way for project managers to earn additional income. It involves promoting other companies’ products and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral.
How to Get Started
Choose products or services that you genuinely believe in and that align with your professional expertise. You can use your blog, social media channels, or even a dedicated website to promote these products. Always disclose that you’re using affiliate links to maintain trust with your audience.
Earnings
The earning potential for affiliate marketing is quite flexible. You could make anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the products you promote and the size of your audience.
6. Launch a Project Management Blog
Starting a blog centered around project management can serve as both a personal portfolio and a source of passive income. You can share your expertise, offer tips and tricks, and engage with a community of like-minded professionals.
How to Get Started
Choose a blogging platform like WordPress or Wix, set up your website, and start publishing content regularly. Ensure that the content is informative, engaging, and aligns with the needs of your target audience.
Earnings
Depending on your traffic and monetization strategy (like ads or sponsored posts), you could earn anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars per month.
7. Start a Project Management YouTube Channel
Video content is incredibly popular, and a YouTube channel focused on project management could reach a broad audience. Whether you’re sharing how-tos, case studies, or insights into the industry, this platform can be a rewarding endeavor.
How to Get Started
Select your niche within project management and plan your initial set of videos. Keep your audience in mind and aim to provide value in each video. Use tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or simple smartphone cameras to record, and then upload your content.
Earnings
Once you’ve built up a significant following, you could make money through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise. Earnings can vary, but popular channels can make thousands of dollars per month.
Summarizing the Best Side Hustles for Project Managers
In conclusion, project managers have a wide array of options when it comes to side hustles. Whether you’re interested in consulting, content creation, coaching, or even launching your own products, there’s something for everyone. The key is to leverage your existing skills and network to maximize your additional income.
Additional Resources
For those who are interested in diving deeper into any of these side hustles, here are some resources to help you get started:
- Upwork – For freelance opportunities
- Medium – For content creation
- Udemy – For creating and selling courses
- Kickstarter – For product development funding
