What advice would you give someone looking to start working on a side project?

Manuel Ogomigo
13 replies
Hi everyone, I'm Manuel Ogomigo, a UX and Product Designer. Over the past 2 years I've been having a burning desire to work on my projects. But I've been procrastinating 😓 I recently lost my job and I think this is the best time to do that. Would appreciate your advice as I start this journey. Thanks ☺️

Replies

Pavel Kukhnavets
One of the most important tasks at the very start of working with any project is selecting a proper project management tool. You'll need a handy visual planner (a timeline or a roadmap), professional prioritization, tasks boards, deadlines, analytics, reporting, and much more. Such software solutions as GanttPRO (https://ganttpro.com/) provide all required features to start any project with ease and inspiration.
Dávid Sipos
I would recommend planning your time and being consistent.
Manuel Ogomigo
@david_sipos1 So bad at planning time 😩, but would try better this time. Thanks a lot
Stephen
My advice to you personally is that it's not a side project if you lost your job. It's what could end up putting food on the table. A side project is something you do here and there when you can carve out a little bit of time, and my advice to people in that position is to have fun with it and remember why you're building because timelines become stretched as you won't have the motivation for it constantly. You though, Manuel, you should be hungry. Outside of time with your family and friends, and looking for another job, you should be building. You're in a position that many people here would like to be in but aren't brave enough to try, and that's being solely focused on trying to make money following your passion(s). Take advantage of that while you can.
Manuel Ogomigo
@smcn Yeah true Stephen, reading this give me more motivation to go further in it. Yeah I would advantage in it. Thanks a lot
Karthik Tatikonda
As you've lost your job, it is important to make money as well. So, focus on generating revenue and being profitable as soon as possible.
Karthik Tatikonda
@emmanuel_ogomigo Amazing!! All the best 🎉 Also, let me know if you need any help.
Manuel Ogomigo
@karthik_tatikonda Yeah would work on that, still researching the idea to implement so i could be profitable. Have one already but might take a while to be profitable. Thanks a lot
To start a side project, it is vital to make it a habit and not rush your success. One way to do this is to write down your goals. Then, day by day, identify what you did that day to reach those goals. Another way to do this is to write down what you will do when you achieve a goal. Finally, prioritize your time. You want to make sure that the most important projects are done first. Include family and friends in your process. It can be really helpful, and sometimes it might feel like you are the only person working on the project, but getting their input can help you improve your product.
Manuel Ogomigo
@qudsia_ali Thanks a lot Qudsia, would take note of this and write down my goals and track progress day by day, and also gather inputs from others. Thanks really appreciate