The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Business Consulting

Starting a side hustle as a business consultant in New Zealand is a great way to use your expertise while earning extra income. Whether you help Auckland startups or established firms in Christchurch, these practical tips will guide you to attract local clients and manage your side hustle alongside a full-time job.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Understand Local Business Challenges

Different regions have different economic landscapes. Auckland’s tech startups might need growth strategy consulting, while rural businesses in Hawke’s Bay may focus on operational improvements.

Weirdly enough, many NZ SMEs seek consultants with local market knowledge and adaptable solutions tailored to their specific challenges.

Understanding these nuances helps tailor your consulting services effectively.

2. Create a Profile on Yada

Yada is a fee-free Kiwi platform ideal for business consultants to connect with local clients looking for expertise without hefty commissions.

Its rating system rewards reliable consultants with better job matches and visibility.

With a mobile-optimised interface, managing enquiries and scheduling is straightforward alongside day job commitments.

3. Offer Tailored Consulting Packages

Design different packages such as one-off audits, ongoing coaching, or project-specific consulting to cater to varied client budgets.

A Wellington consultant expanded his side hustle by offering startup mentoring alongside corporate strategy sessions.

Flexible offerings attract more clients and help balance your workload.

4. List on Trusted NZ Business Platforms

Besides Yada, register on TradeMe Services, Localist, and business associations to broaden your reach.

Clear profiles outlining services, expertise, and client testimonials increase trust and inquiries.

Cross-platform presence helps generate continuous leads.

5. Collect and Leverage Client Testimonials

Positive feedback enhances credibility and encourages new clients to reach out.

A Christchurch consultant boosted bookings by featuring client success stories on social media and her Yada profile.

Authentic testimonials build trust in a competitive market.

6. Network with Local Business Communities

Engage with chambers of commerce, startup hubs, and local networking events across NZ.

Weirdly enough, personal connections often lead to more steady referrals than online ads alone.

Building these networks supports long-term side hustle growth.

7. Build a Professional Online Presence

Create a mobile-friendly website using platforms like Wix or Google Sites to showcase your consulting services, expertise, and contact details.

Keeping your site up to date with case studies and blog posts increases client trust.

An accessible online presence is essential for busy Kiwi clients researching consultants.

8. Share Insightful Business Tips

Posting actionable tips or thought leadership content on LinkedIn and Facebook helps establish your authority.

For example, sharing advice on navigating New Zealand’s regulatory landscape helps attract SME clients.

Regular, valuable content keeps you front of mind without overt selling.

9. Manage Client Work Efficiently

Use Yada’s built-in chat and scheduling features or project management apps like Trello to stay organized.

Setting clear deadlines and communication standards protects your time and client relationships.

Effective management ensures quality service delivery even as a side hustle.

10. Keep Educating Yourself

Stay updated with NZ business trends, compliance requirements, and consulting tools via workshops and online courses.

Joining industry groups like the New Zealand Institute of Management fosters networking and continuous improvement.

Ongoing learning strengthens your expertise and client appeal.