For those who don’t know, 4 years ago, I traded in my ski gear for scuba gear. I live on the beach in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. And, I was in Valencia, Spain for 3 months this last summer and Tahiti for 6 months two years ago. 

When I’m not in my home office, I spend a lot of time in coffee shops because I get lots of inspiration and positive energy there. I have many people ask how they can have the same lifestyle, so I thought I would break it down here for anybody. 

I will say that it has taken a few years to get to where life is really comfortable and business is flowing without any financial stress. It wasn’t an overnight matter. 

BUT, there are a few things you can do right now to start building AND earning without breaking the bank on startup costs… AND build an audience along the way.

If you follow this blueprint for 3-6 months, you’ll start earning a nice little chunk of change. And, if you REALLY dive in, you’ll be able to say goodbye to that job at some point soon.

Let’s dive in!

The 9 Step Side-Hustle Blueprint

So, since I’ve done ALL of this myself, I am 100% sure that it works. You can see from my profile and reputation that it is true and you can expect the same results if you really put in the time and effort… I promise!

That being said, it ALL starts with… knowing what you actually like and want to do.

I use Ikigai for both myself and my clients.

Ikigai is a Japanese concept that refers to the reason for being or the thing that gives your life purpose and fulfillment. 

It is basically the intersection of four key elements:

– What you love (your passion)

– What you’re good at (your skills)

– What the world needs (your mission)

– What you can be paid for (your profession)

When these four elements overlap, you find your ikigai—a sense of purpose, meaning, and joy in life.

The reason I say that is because building a business is hard work, so we want to make sure it is something we love to do.

That being said, here is the blueprint:

1. Identify a Profitable Niche

Start by selecting a niche that has a high demand on LinkedIn, such as consulting, content creation, coaching, or a specialized skill (e.g., digital marketing, project management, career coaching). 

Focus on a niche you’re passionate about, have experience in, and that solves a problem for businesses or professionals.

Example: If you have expertise in digital marketing for small businesses, offer services like LinkedIn ads management, content marketing, or lead generation.

I LOVE business and helping people build and scale a stable profitable business, so I am a business strategist and coach.

2. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Your Niche

Treat your LinkedIn profile like a sales page. Using mine as an example, you can see exactly what I do and what I am trying to achieve. Keep it simple and clear.

Optimize it by:

– Using a professional, niche-relevant profile photo.

– Writing a compelling headline that clearly states who you help and what you do.

– Crafting a value-driven summary showcasing your expertise, experience, and results.

– Adding relevant keywords in your profile to improve search visibility.

– Including client testimonials or project results.

Example: “Helping small businesses generate qualified leads on LinkedIn through targeted content and ad campaigns.”

3. Build a Strategic LinkedIn Network

Connect with your target audience and potential clients, as well as industry professionals. 

Aim for quality over quantity. 

Use LinkedIn’s search features to find people in your niche and start engaging with them. 

Join relevant groups and follow thought leaders in your industry.

Pro Tip: Personalize every connection request by mentioning something specific about their profile or mutual interests.

4. Create Value-Driven Content Regularly

Post high-value, niche-relevant content consistently to demonstrate your expertise. 

Types of content that work well include:

– Posts about leadership, business, personal development, Ai

– Industry insights – share your expertise

– Client success stories or case studies

– How-to guides or actionable tips

– Personal stories related to your field

This positions you as a thought leader in your niche, builds trust, and attracts potential clients.

5. Engage with Your Audience Consistently

Engagement is KEY to visibility and relationship-building on LinkedIn. 

Comment on posts by people in your niche, especially those who could be potential clients. 

Answer questions, participate in discussions, and add meaningful insights that showcase your expertise.

Tip: Aim to engage for at least 15-30 minutes daily to build rapport with potential clients.

6. Offer a Free Valuable Resource to Attract Leads (Lead Magnet)

Create a free, niche-relevant resource (e.g., an e-book, checklist, or webinar) that offers value and solves a problem for your target audience. 

Promote this resource via LinkedIn posts or direct messages in exchange for contact details (like email addresses) to build your lead pipeline.

Example: This is one I have for my media company, “The Epic Biz Launch Blueprint”… it is a free PDF on how to take your business to $1M fast!”

7. Leverage LinkedIn DMs to Pitch Services

This comes later on down the road, but once you’ve built rapport with your audience, use LinkedIn DMs to initiate conversations with potential clients. Personalize your messages, identify their needs, and subtly offer your services as a solution. 

Avoid spammy pitches; instead, focus on relationship-building and adding value.

There is the exact script I use in my DM’s that has helped me gain over a million dollars in business in the last 3 years:

Hi {NAME}! Would love to connect!

I’ve recently launched Epic Entrepreneurs, a group of like-minded business owners and influencers supporting each other and growing together.

Interested in a quick call to learn how to be part of our community?

We go over lead generationextensively in our Epic Entrepreneurs Cohort. Check it out here.

8. Offer a High-Value Service or Package

Craft a service offering that’s highly valuable to your target audience and priced appropriately to hit your income goal. Consider bundling services or offering a retainer model to build recurring revenue.

Example: A $500/month LinkedIn content creation package for businesses, including 4 posts per week and audience engagement, can help you achieve $2,000/month with just four clients.

9. Scale Through Referrals and Testimonials

Once you’ve landed clients and delivered results, ask them for testimonials to showcase on your LinkedIn profile. Additionally, ask for referrals – satisfied clients can often lead you to new business.

Pro Tip: Offer an incentive for referrals, like a discounted rate for their next project or a small bonus for successful introductions.

Key Points to Keep in Mind:

• CONSISTENCY is crucial on LinkedIn, both in content creation and engagement.
• Focus on quality leads over quantity. Nurture relationships before pitching.
• Track your results and optimize your approach based on feedback and performance.

TL;DR:

1. Pick a Profitable Niche – Focus on a high-demand skill like consulting, marketing, or coaching.
2. Optimize Your Profile – Make your LinkedIn profile a client-attracting sales page.
3. Build a Strategic Network – Connect with potential clients and industry professionals.
4. Post Valuable Content – Regularly share insights and tips that showcase your expertise.
5. Engage with Your Audience – Comment, like, and participate in discussions to build relationships.
6. Offer a Free Resource – Use e-books or guides to attract leads.
7. Pitch via DMs – Reach out with personalized messages, offering solutions.
8. Offer a High-Value Package – Sell a service bundle or retainer that meets your $2K goal.
9. Leverage Testimonials and Referrals – Use client success stories to grow your business.

P.S. If you’re ready to supercharge your LinkedIn growth, let’s connect! I share tips daily to help you build your personal brand and grow your business.

Follow Dennis Berry on Linkedin 

If you’re struggling to navigate growth in your business, there are a few ways I can help:

1. Join the Epic Entrepreneurs Community for hypergrowth (HERE)

2. Epic Entrepreneurs Newsletter with 100,000+ subscribers  (HERE)

3. Setup a FREE 20 minute call with me directly to talk about possibilities (HERE)