Entrepreneurship is often spoken about as a necessity in today’s world. Yet the majority of business role models are represented as mavericks, college dropouts who stumbled upon the idea of a century and made billions off the back of it. But some argue that this is an inaccurate dramatization of the opportunities for real people. Those with an instinct for business and ideas to share often start in another role, where they gain a reliable income and learn the ins and outs of company management from the bottom up. Chris Williams, CEO and host of the Grow Your Side Business Podcast, believes those professionals should feel empowered to start a venture themselves and has recently spoken on the subject.

While known for his online content creation, Williams doubles as a company head so prominently speaks on current opportunities for prospective entrepreneurs. The line between public figures and experts is significant and often indiscernible, but the founder openly describes himself as both, with the latter role informing the former. Williams’ company launched in 2016, generating close to $200k profit in its first year, and his most recent statement is likely to encourage others to embark on a similar path.

“I’ve found that many corporate employees won’t let go of the security of their job to go into business full-time,” Williams said. “But they can start by seeing their value in the marketplace and using that leverage to quickly create a product or service. That way, they can stay effective at work and learn to build a great side business at the same time.”

Interest in manageable part-time businesses, or side hustles as they are more colloquially known, has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is thought one of the reasons for the surge is increased recognition of the capability of remote technology, as well as changing culture and greater demand for flexibility at work. Side hustles can offer those benefits, a second income stream, and greater financial security.

Williams’ primary outlet is YouTube, where he has several thousands of subscribers, though he aims to become the top channel on the subject in the next two-to-three years. Expectedly, he believes exposure is crucial to growing a business in the current market.

“Firstly, professionals should build an audience before they create a product or service,” Williams explained. “That way, they can find out what people actually want and design it. Secondly, they should exercise patience to allow their business to mature. Finally, they should use their current knowledge and skills to make content as soon as possible.”

The CEO’s comments come at a time of significant development for his company and public profile. In business, Williams just launched a group program to increase capacity for his coaching. Elsewhere, he released a book in August entitled ‘From Side Hustle To Side Business. How to take any product or service and turn it into stories, success and sales’. If start-ups maintain their popularity, it’s his services that will be in demand for the foreseeable future.