The Side Business Roadmap -The six stages from idea to thriving business
September 1, 2026
If you're building a service-based side business, but aren't sure what you should be focusing on right now, this episode is for you. Shandra explores the six stages of building a thriving part-time business and why the actions that help you get started aren't necessarily the same ones that will help you grow.
In this episode, Shandra walks through the six stages of building a service-based side business, from the early days of considering an idea through to creating a business that provides greater flexibility, reliable income and more choice. She explains why knowing which stage you're in can help you stop doing work that feels productive but isn't actually moving the business forward.
She explores some of the common traps that can keep business owners stuck, including spending too much time learning and perfecting, having a niche that's too broad, trying to do everything alone and giving the business only the leftover time from a day job.
Shandra also looks at what changes as your business grows, from testing your first offer and getting clear on your ideal client to building consistent marketing, simple systems and protected time for growth.
The goal isn't to work every spare minute, but to build a business that gives you more control and choice over how you spend your time.
The goal isn't to work every spare minute, but to build a business that gives you more control and choice over how you spend your time.
Key Points:
- Not sure what your side business needs from you right now? Explore why knowing what business phase you're in can change what you focus on.
- Are you making progress, or just staying busy? A closer look at some of the things that can make running a side business feel harder than it needs to be.
- What happens when your business starts to change? Discover why the priorities that matter at one stage may not be the ones you need at the next.
- Could you be closer than you think? Shandra shares a different way to look at feeling stuck, and how small shifts can help you move forward.
- What does a thriving side business actually look like? Explore the idea of building a business around the kind of flexibility, income and freedom you want.
If you want personalised support to create a clear strategy to grow your business in part-time hours, a private coaching program with Shandra could be right for you.
You can find out more about it here. https://learn.thetransitlounge.com/business-coaching
Join the community
Side Business Australia facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18LCvYMQ7t/
The Transit Lounge facebook page:
Do you enjoy this kind of food for thought?
Shandra truly loves creating these episodes for you and appreciates every rating and review.
Shandra truly loves creating these episodes for you and appreciates every rating and review.
Your review helps more people find this podcast so they can also get tips, tools, and resources to help grow their side business to be a thriving business in part-time hours.
How to rate the podcast on Apple Podcasts:
- Open the Apple Podcasts app.
- Search for The Transit Lounge.
- Tap the podcast page.
- Scroll down to Ratings & Reviews.
- Tap the stars to leave your rating.