10 Easy-to-Implement Ideas to Generate Revenue for Your Business or Side Hustle
A quick-start infographic showing 10 practical business basics that can help grow revenue for a side hustle or small business.
Starting or growing a business doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most effective revenue-generating tactics are the simplest—and often the cheapest—to put into play. Based on my 30+ years of experience in remodeling, construction, real estate investing, and property maintenance, here are 10 practical ideas you can execute right away to start moving your business forward.
1. Business Cards with QR Codes
A business card is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a conversation starter. Adding a QR code makes it even more powerful, instantly linking people to your website, portfolio, or booking page. Yes, many cards will end up in the trash, but it only takes one card in the right hand to create an opportunity that pays for all of them. More importantly, carrying cards helps you think of your business as a living, breathing entity.
2. Set Up a Facebook Business Page
Facebook pages are free, simple to set up, and put your business in front of both your local neighborhood and the global market. Customers search Facebook for recommendations, reviews, and services—it’s essentially a free storefront. Consistent posting and engagement here can drive leads, establish trust, and create referral opportunities.
3. Build a Contact List (Your CRM)
Every business rises or falls on relationships. You need a place to store client, supplier, and referral partner information. If you’re just starting out, you don’t need an expensive CRM system—you already have one: Gmail. Save every contact, email, and phone number. Over time, this simple habit becomes the backbone of your business database.
4. Email Marketing
Email is still one of the highest ROI tools in business. The goal isn’t spam—it’s relationship building. Send regular check-ins, service offers, updates, and review requests. Even short, targeted blasts can produce revenue. When I was managing 12 trucks nationwide, my daily broker email saved me time and consistently generated business—even if only a few people opened it.
5. Cold Calling
A good cold call is just an extension of your 60-second commercial. Keep it simple: call, introduce yourself, and offer value. You’ll run into gatekeepers, rejection, and unanswered calls, but that’s part of the process. Each dial is practice, data collection, and a chance to land business. It’s not an audition—it’s a numbers game.
6. Canvassing in Person
When phone calls and emails aren’t enough, it’s time to hit the pavement. Walk or drive your service area, drop off cards, and make personal introductions. Canvassing builds confidence and brings in opportunities you won’t find behind a screen. Even one free job that earns you a good review, a Facebook shoutout, or word-of-mouth referral can pay off big.
7. Networking Events
Farmers markets, craft shows, chamber mixers, and community meetups are goldmines for local business owners. People go there expecting to meet others and talk shop. Show up prepared with your pitch, cards, and a friendly attitude. Networking events are often where you’ll land partnerships and repeat clients.
8. Offer Value First
Sometimes the fastest way to get paid later is by giving something away now. Whether it’s a free estimate, a quick fix, or helpful advice, offering value builds trust. People remember who helped them without expecting money upfront. That trust often leads to future projects, reviews, and referrals.
9. Collect and Share Reviews
Social proof sells. Ask every satisfied client for a review, whether it’s on Google, Facebook, or directly on your site. Then repurpose those reviews as posts, flyers, or testimonials. Each good word from a client is like having a sales rep working 24/7 on your behalf.
10. Stay Visible and Consistent
The biggest mistake I see small businesses make is starting strong and then disappearing. Consistency is what builds recognition and reputation. Keep posting, keep emailing, keep calling, keep showing up. Businesses that stay visible get remembered—and businesses that get remembered get hired.
Final Thoughts
These ten basics may not sound flashy, but they work. Each one is a low-cost, high-value tool that helps generate revenue and grow your business. The key is execution: pick one, start today, and add more over time.
👉 If you want step-by-step help setting these up, from building a content calendar to creating a sales and marketing action plan, check out my resources and services on my Stan store.
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