Horizon Point Consulting

Tag: entrepreneurship

  • When Your Side Gig Deserves Center Stage

    When Your Side Gig Deserves Center Stage

    We’ve been talking about side gigs lately. One of the toughest parts is deciding if or when to make the side gig the main gig. It’s often not as simple as we’d like it to be.

    A few weeks ago, I spent some time in Virginia with my parents and brought along a small project, an old desk I’d found at a thrift store for $20. It had good bones but had definitely seen better days.

    My dad and I spent the week together in his woodworking shop, sanding, repairing, and refinishing it until it was restored to its former glory. Somewhere between the smell of sawdust and the hum of the sander, I learned that the desk was more than a hundred years old and made of solid walnut, a piece that had clearly stood the test of time.

    Watching my dad work reminded me how he’s done the same thing with his own career. What started years ago as a hobby, tinkering in his workshop on weekends, has now become part of his full-time work. After decades in construction, he’s blended his craftsmanship with his trade, flipping houses that feature his custom woodworking, accent walls, built-in bookcases, and hand-crafted cabinets that give each home its own story.

    That desk became more than a project. It was a reminder that sometimes what we start on the side, simply because we love it, can evolve into something much bigger. According to a recent study by Side Hustle Nation, 39% of working Americans have a side hustle, and about one in five hope to eventually turn it into a full-time job. It’s not always easy to know when it’s time to take that leap, but there are signs it might be time to let your side gig take center stage.

    Just like restoring that old desk revealed the strength of the wood beneath the surface, your side gig can show signs of its own potential if you take the time to notice them.

    When…your side gig is financially sustainable.

    Your side gig is showing steady, reliable growth. You have repeat customers, new ones finding you regularly, and your income has moved from covering basic costs to turning a profit. You’re not just staying afloat, you’re seeing enough green to pay essential expenses and keep the business running. Better yet, it’s bringing in enough money to replace or nearly replace your current salary.

    When…you’re running out of time and energy.

    With steady growth comes the need for more time, and there are only so many hours in the day. You find yourself waking up early or staying up late to keep up with demand, juggling both your full-time job and your side gig. Eventually, something has to give. When you can’t devote the time your side gig needs, growth stalls and sales may even start to dip. That’s often a sign your business has outgrown the “part-time” label.

    When…your passion has shifted.

    What started as a creative outlet or a way to earn a little extra each month has become the work that brings you the most joy. You find yourself energized by your side gig and counting down the hours until you can get back to it. Meanwhile, your full-time job starts to feel more like an obligation than an opportunity. When your passion shifts that strongly, it’s worth paying attention. It may be pointing you toward what you’re truly meant to do.

    Like that old walnut desk, sometimes the things we start just for the love of it reveal a strength and potential we didn’t see at first. When your side gig shows financial promise, demands more of your time and energy, and becomes the work that truly lights you up, it might be more than just a hobby. It might be your next chapter waiting to unfold.

    Taking the leap isn’t about abandoning stability. It’s about building on something that’s already proven its worth. As you consider what you need to start, stop, and stay, both personally and professionally, ask yourself what your side gig could become if you gave it your full attention.

  • Side Gigs as a Path to Purpose, Growth and Motivation

    Side Gigs as a Path to Purpose, Growth and Motivation

    In our first post in this series, Should I Let My Employees Have Side Gigs? we explored whether leaders should encourage or discourage employees who want to work outside of their full-time role. We looked at the benefits and the risks, both for employees and organizations. (We’re not the only ones, by the way. See: Forbes.)

    Now let’s turn the focus to why side gigs matter to so many people on a personal level. Some individuals will never find complete fulfillment in a single, full-time job. Stability and a paycheck may be there, but motivation and meaning may be missing. Side gigs often fill that gap.

    Why full-time jobs sometimes fall short

    Herzberg’s Theory of Motivation, which we covered in What Really Motivates Employees, provides insight into why this happens. He separates job factors into two categories:

    • Hygiene factors like pay, job security, company policies and working conditions. These prevent dissatisfaction but do not inspire true motivation.

    • Motivators like achievement, growth, recognition, responsibility and the work itself. These create satisfaction and engagement.

    Most full-time jobs deliver hygiene fairly well. Where they often fall short is in the motivators. Employees may have a steady salary and benefits but little opportunity for growth or recognition. They may feel disconnected from the work itself.

    Daniel Pink’s DRIVE model highlights three elements that lead to lasting motivation:

    • Autonomy: The freedom to choose what you work on, how you do it and when.

    • Mastery: The desire to get better at something that matters.

    • Purpose: The sense that your work contributes to something larger than yourself.

    When we look at side gigs through this lens, it is easy to see why they are so fulfilling.

    How side gigs meet the need for autonomy, mastery and purpose

    Side gigs can provide the motivators that full-time roles may lack.

    • Autonomy: With a side gig, you decide what to pursue. You choose your projects, your schedule and your approach. That freedom can feel refreshing compared to the structure of a 9-to-5.

    • Mastery: Side gigs often require you to stretch, learn new skills and grow. Progress is easier to see, and small wins build confidence.

    • Purpose: Most side gigs start with passion. People choose to spend extra time on something that matters to them, whether that is serving others, creating something new or pursuing a hobby that brings joy.

    This combination is powerful. It explains why someone may be energized by work on nights and weekends even when their main job leaves them drained. Tip: Take the DRIVE Self-Survey here!

    Things to keep in mind

    Herzberg reminds us that hygiene factors still matter. If a side gig causes stress, burnout or financial instability, the motivators lose their power. A few important reminders:

    • Protect your time and energy so your side gig enhances life instead of overwhelming it.

    • Be realistic about money. Side income can be inconsistent, so it should supplement rather than replace financial security unless carefully planned.

    • Stay aware of employer policies. Transparency can help avoid conflicts of interest.

    • Choose quality over quantity. One meaningful side gig is better than several that do not bring growth or purpose.

    For those who will never be fully satisfied with one job

    The truth is that some people simply need more than one role to feel whole. A single job, no matter how good, may never meet their need for autonomy, mastery and purpose. Side gigs are not just “extra work” for them. They are the work that makes life feel meaningful.

    Take-away tips

    If you are considering a side gig, or already have one, here are a few ways to make sure it adds to your fulfillment:

    1. Choose something that aligns with your values and interests.

    2. Set aside time so you can build skill and see progress.

    3. Create boundaries so the side gig supports, rather than drains, your well-being.

    4. Share your work and seek feedback so recognition and growth are part of the journey.

    5. Revisit your goals regularly to be sure the work is still meaningful.

    Side gigs give people an outlet to find the motivation and satisfaction that full-time jobs may not deliver. They create space for autonomy, mastery and purpose, and they often provide the true motivators Herzberg described. For many, that makes side gigs not optional, but essential.

    Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where Taylor will work through a Start, Stop, Stay activity related to side gigs.

  • Should I Let My Employees Have Side Gigs?

    Should I Let My Employees Have Side Gigs?

    Three people work with me full-time. All three have side gigs. Two are adjunct instructors at local universities. One writes résumés. Another picked up a gig I once had but didn’t want to do anymore. She was skilled in the area and enjoyed the extra income.

    The side gigs they have are in adjacent spaces to our business. They are able to share their expertise, make connections, and help themselves and others grow while they earn extra income.

    Why I Support Side Gigs

    Some people think I’m crazy for “allowing” this. I don’t just allow it. I support it and encourage it. Their side work has never interfered with delivering on our clients’ needs. Never, not once.

    In fact, the way we work makes supporting side gigs easier. It does not matter when or where the work gets done as long as client needs are met. That is harder to pull off in environments that require standard hours and physical presence. But I would argue that banning side gigs actually hurts morale. If people really want or need to do outside work, they will. They will just keep it hidden, which only diminishes trust and weakens culture.

    What Leaders Should Do

    So what should you do as a leader when you have full-time employees with pursuits outside of what you pay them to do?

    • Talk openly about their interests and pursuits outside of work. This includes side gigs, hobbies, and family-related commitments. Ask about what matters to them and encourage holistic development. No one can get everything they need out of their “day” job.

    • Talk openly about compensation and salary needs. You may not always be able to pay more, but being supportive when someone wants to drive a few Uber routes, Airbnb their home, sell art or jewelry, or teach a class helps foster open communication and trust. Life is expensive, and for many people multiple streams of income are a necessity.

    • Handle it directly if it becomes a problem. If tasks are not getting completed, deadlines are missed, or presence is required and not met, sit down one-on-one and discuss performance. Reiterate or set clear expectations and allow the person the autonomy to meet them. Avoid ultimatums about quitting side work. This approach holds true not only with side gigs but also with personal issues that may impact performance.

    • Be clear about your organization’s standards. Define what counts as competitive work. Communicate that taking competitive work or soliciting it for personal benefit is off limits. Side gigs in adjacent spaces can be acceptable, but if the organization offers the service, the organization—not the individual—owns that work.

    Keep the Conversation Going

    Sometimes the lines are not clear. For example, there is a difference between:

    • An electrician employed by an electrical company doing side jobs without routing them through the employer, and

    • A firefighter who is also a certified electrician and takes residential electrical work on days off.

    If the lines are blurry, talk about it. If you are already open about side gigs, it is much easier to have honest conversations when gray areas arise.

    At the end of the day, supporting outside pursuits builds trust, morale, and culture. People bring their whole selves to work. When we acknowledge that, we all grow.

  • Fearless & Forty: Nourishing the Female Entrepreneur in Midlife

    Fearless & Forty: Nourishing the Female Entrepreneur in Midlife

    Horizon Point is all about nourishment this year, especially nourishing innovation and entrepreneurship. This week, we’re featuring Katie Caldwell and Susan Norgren – better known as Fearless & Forty – who are sharing their experience with nourishing the female entrepreneur. Let’s do it! 

    —

    When we started Fearless & Forty, we didn’t have a business plan, a studio, or even microphones. What we had was something more powerful: weekly phone calls filled with real, honest conversations about careers, motherhood, marriage, and identity. Those calls—raw, supportive, and often hilarious—became a lifeline. And one day, we said what many women have probably joked about: “We should start a podcast.”

    Only we didn’t let the idea go.

    We’re Katie Caldwell and Susan Norgren—friends, moms, working women, and now co-hosts of Fearless & Forty. What started as a friendship sparked at our children’s school has grown into a podcast born from laughter, vulnerability, and a shared desire to nourish women like us navigating midlife and entrepreneurship.

    But let’s be real: it hasn’t been easy. Like most women in their 40s, our plates were already full. We had zero experience in podcasting. Between researching equipment, testing platforms, and trying to find the time in our already jam-packed schedules, progress was slow. And yet, we knew this dream mattered. We shelved it for a season, then came back with new energy and deeper purpose.

    And now, here we are—launching in 2025, just as we step into our 40s. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

    Because Fearless & Forty isn’t just about podcasting. It’s about reclaiming the narrative of what it means to be a woman—and an entrepreneur—in midlife.

    Midlife Is Not a Deadline. It’s a Launchpad.

    Too often, women in their 40s start to feel invisible. Like their best years are behind them. Like their dreams are too big or their time has passed. We call BS on that.

    Fearless & Forty is a space where women are reminded that they are still full of power, potential, and purpose. It’s about nourishment—not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, and creatively. We talk about the messy middle of life: the pivot points, the burnout, the reinventions, and the wins. We’re not chasing perfection; we’re celebrating progress.

    We don’t have all the answers. But we do have each other. And now, we have you.

    Entrepreneurship, on Our Terms

    We’re not founders of tech startups. We don’t have angel investors or Shark Tank pitches. But we areentrepreneurs—because we had a vision, we took action, and we created something from nothing. This podcast became our way to build something ours. A platform, a passion project, and a movement.

    Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to look like hustle culture. It can look like two friends showing up for each other. Like carving time out of chaotic days to share stories that matter. Like believing your voice still has something important to say—even if it’s your first time saying it out loud.

    Nourishment Is More Than Self-Care

    To us, nourishing the female entrepreneur means creating space for connection. It means being honest about the highs and the lows. It’s cheering each other on in big wins and small steps. It’s allowing joy to coexist with struggle—and not waiting until everything is “figured out” to begin.

    That’s what Fearless & Forty is about.

    So if you’re a woman in your 40s (or getting close), if you’ve ever felt like you were too late to dream again, or if you’re simply looking for a community that gets it—welcome. You’re in the right place.

    We see you. We believe in you. And we’re walking this fearless path with you.

    Go be fearless, friends.

    With love,
    Katie & Susan

  • SPECIAL FEATURE: Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025

    SPECIAL FEATURE: Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025

    Experience Innovation in Action at the Singing River Trail Launch Tank

    We love to nourish entrepreneurship, and we’re especially thrilled when it’s in our own backyard. Today’s special feature comes from John Joseph and Toni Eberhart, Co-Chairs of the Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025 and the Launch TN Valley Entrepreneurship Pillar. We hope you will join us in Scottsboro on April 23 for Launch Tank 2025!

    Looking for a front-row seat to North Alabama’s next big ideas? Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and make your way to the Scottsboro Civic Center for the Singing River Trail Launch Tank Pitch Competition—a high-energy event where innovation takes center stage and community-driven entrepreneurship shines. 

    What Is SRT Launch Tank 2025?

    Inspired by the fast-paced excitement of “Shark Tank,” the SRT Launch Tank is a live pitch competition that showcases some of North Alabama’s most promising entrepreneurs. Selected from a wide pool of applicants across the region, finalists will present their business ideas in front of a panel of expert judges—and a live audience—for the chance to win $20,000+ in funding and support.

    But SRT Launch Tank is more than just a pitch competition. It’s a celebration of regional innovation and a rallying point for anyone interested in building stronger, more connected, more entrepreneurial communities.

    Why You Should Attend

    Whether you’re a local leader, business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, educator, or just someone who loves seeing new ideas come to life—this event is for you. Here’s what you can expect:

    Connect with Visionaries

    SRT Launch Tank brings together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, educators, and community members from across North Alabama. It’s a rare opportunity to expand your network, meet stakeholders, and discover how entrepreneurship is evolving in our region.

    Spark Ideas for Your Own Community

    In addition to the pitches, attendees will hear insights on what it takes to build a supportive, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. You’ll walk away equipped with ideas you can bring back to your own community or organization.

    See the Future, Live

    Watch finalists pitch their ideas live, in real time at SRT Launch Tank 2025. You’ll get an up-close look at the challenges they’re tackling and the innovative solutions they’re developing. It’s one thing to read about startups online—it’s another to see them pitch their hearts out in front of a crowd.

    Event Details

    • Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
    • Time: Doors open at 9:00 AM | Pitches begin at 10:00 AM
    • Location: Scottsboro Civic Center, 876 Ed Hembree Drive, Scottsboro, AL
    • Cost: Free and open to the public, but registration is required
    • Register here: Eventbrite

    A Proven Launchpad for Regional Innovation

    Now in its fourth year, SRT Launch Tank has already made waves across the Tennessee Valley. Past winners have gone on to launch businesses that are making real impacts—from electric bike rentals enhancing mobility to tech platforms that support disease detection.

    The competition is powered by Singing River Trail, a regional initiative focused on connecting North Alabama through greenways, culture, and innovation. SRT Launch Tank 2025 is a key part of that mission, supporting entrepreneurs as the backbone of strong, vibrant communities.

    Come Be Part of the Energy

    You don’t need to be pitching to be inspired. Come for the ideas, stay for the connections, and leave with a renewed sense of what’s possible right here in North Alabama. If you’re passionate about innovation, community development, or just want to support the next generation of local leaders—this is where you need to be.

    We’ll see you in Scottsboro!

    Toni Eberhart and John Joseph

    Co-Chairs, Launch Entrepreneurship Pillar