The Easiest Ways to Start a Side Hustle in NZ (Even If You Have a Full-Time Job) - Personal Assistant
Starting a side hustle as a personal assistant in New Zealand is a brilliant way to earn extra income while building your professional skills. Whether you help busy executives in Auckland or entrepreneurs in Wellington, this guide offers practical, Kiwi-style tips to attract local clients and successfully manage your side hustle alongside a full-time job.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Know Local Business Needs
Different regions have unique demands-startups in Auckland might seek virtual assistants, while small businesses in Christchurch may need hands-on support.
Weirdly enough, most Kiwis appreciate personal assistants who bring flexibility and tailored solutions on short notice.
Understanding your local market helps you focus your offerings where demand is highest.
2. Create a Profile on Yada
Yada is a free-to-use New Zealand platform welcoming personal assistants looking to connect with local clients.
The platform’s rating system rewards professionalism and reliability, helping you get matched with jobs that fit your skills and schedule.
Its mobile-friendly interface simplifies managing bookings and client chats on the move.
3. Offer Diverse Assistance Packages
From calendar management, email filtering, to project coordination-offering varied packages lets you cater to different client needs and budgets.
For example, a Wellington assistant expanded her side hustle by offering virtual assistance for remote businesses alongside traditional in-person tasks.
Such flexibility helps balance your side gig with your full-time work.
4. List on Local Business Directories
Besides Yada, leverage platforms like TradeMe Services, Localist, and regional Facebook business groups to boost your visibility.
Ensure your profiles include clear service descriptions, testimonials, and contact details to build trust.
Being present on multiple platforms attracts consistent inquiries.
5. Collect Client Testimonials
Ask satisfied clients for testimonials and permission to share their feedback and success stories.
A Christchurch assistant grew her client base by showcasing glowing reviews tied with stories of how she helped busy entrepreneurs.
Positive social proof helps new clients choose you confidently.
6. Network with Local Businesses
Connect with local business owners, chambers of commerce, and startup hubs in your area to uncover referral opportunities.
Weirdly enough, face-to-face introductions at events often lead to steady, ongoing work more effectively than online ads.
Building these relationships creates a reliable side hustle pipeline.
7. Build a Simple Online Portfolio
Use tools like Google Sites, Wix, or Carrd to create a polished, mobile-optimized website that lists your services and contact info.
Include testimonials and examples of work to demonstrate your capability.
Regularly update content to keep clients engaged and informed.
8. Share Helpful Productivity Tips
Posting productivity hacks, time management advice, or organisational tips on LinkedIn or Facebook helps you build credibility and a following.
For example, a personal assistant in Auckland shared quick email triage tips that resonated well with busy local professionals.
Consistent useful content nurtures relationships without a hard sell.
9. Manage Your Time and Tasks Efficiently
Use Yada’s chat and scheduling features or project management tools to stay organised and communicate clearly with clients.
Setting realistic workloads and clear expectations prevents burnout and maintains high service quality.
Time management is key when juggling a side hustle and a full-time job.
10. Stay Updated with Industry Best Practices
Keep learning about new productivity tools, remote work trends, and client management techniques to stay ahead in the personal assistant space.
Joining local business networks and online forums helps you stay connected and informed.
Ongoing professional development strengthens your service offerings and client satisfaction.