The Side Hustle for Beginners: Earn Scalable Passive Income with These Proven Strategies

by Shawn Mayo

246 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2025

Reviews

[Mikkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking a dive into this book, I have done many side hustles over the last 6+ years. I have been a coach, walked dogs, cleaned places, launched courses, written books, and so many others. I have tried the things that the author has suggested and he explains it in simple to use methods that will work if kept at it and optimized. Building the revenue streams are discussed but also the backend things like running a business, taxes, and other items that will help your side hustle become more legitimate. Each chapter provides bite size actions steps that you can get your feet wet with. They are not overwhelming, which is really nice.

I specifically love how the author provides so many suggestions and opens me up to new options. One of them I am going to try in the near future is print on demand. He even provides specific sites where you can do it!

Another thing I enjoyed was how the author has you start with things that you know to build your confidence in your side hustle. This is how I did it with coaching and using what I had known from my experiences and it was super helpful. He emphasizes moving to things that run in the background and you just optimize systems to make them run more efficiently. This is the direction I want to move to some of my revenue streams.

[Kathy Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Side Hustle for Beginners by Shawn Mayo is a book which made me feel inspired and energised. The positivity within the pages was palpable. The idea of working for a lifetime in the same type of job and assuming that you can realise your dreams is probably not as realistic as it once was. What this author is suggesting is not to give up your 9-to-5 job but rather to add in something extra that can earn you the money to bring those dreams closer. Not everybody might want to do this, but for those who would give a few hours of their leisure time to invest in a side hustle, this book takes you from coming up with what you might do to earn extra cash, right to running a small business where the work is mainly delegated and your involvement is minimal compared to the rewards. What was particularly useful about this book was the wealth of information included on how to market yourself, utilise AI, and employ scalability. The author comes up with some good suggestions for side hustles but his premises and action plans can be used for almost any skill you think you might use to create an additional income scheme.

[sureshot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea of a side hustle that doesn’t require much work is appealing to me, just like it’s probably appealing to most working people. The idea of passive income, freeing up free time, is also exciting. This book starts by briefly selling the idea of these things. The author did a good job priming the reader for why they should read the book. Next, the author gives a brief overview of his history. There’s not a ton of information, but enough to establish his credibility. The author did a good job describing the first step of assessing goals and mindset. I especially like the self-assessment quiz, to help the reader understand what tools they bring to the table. The author does a great job describing the next step of matching what you are good at with what you can do. The author then helps the reader with fears they may have going into this. The rest of the book proceeds this way. The author provides information about what you need to do and provides actionable steps. Overall, this is a well written self help book and I recommend giving it a read.

[Sally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Side Hustle for Beginners: Earn Scalable Passive Income with These Proven Strategies by Shawn Mayo is a really detailed guide regarding the advantages of passive income, potential side hustles and clear information on how to get started with these alternative sources of income. The authors firstly lay out why passive income, rather than the more traditional method of exchanging your time for money, works in the long run and frees you up to pursue your dreams, all the while earning an income. The book details various steps in figuring out which side hustle would work best for you – identifying your skills, your money mindset, goals etc. The book also goes into really good, detailed information on how to get started with some of the more common side hustles, such as affiliate marketing, freelancing, creating eBooks, print on demand products among others. There are chapters devoted to the use of AI, plus chapters on what to do when you hit roadblocks or things don’t go to plan. Overall, a really great practical guide with some really usable information.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Side Hustle for Beginners: Earn Scalable Passive Income with These Proven Strategies by Shawn Mayo and Shawn Harrison is an excellent resource for anyone interested in building alternative income streams. The book covers both active side hustles and passive income opportunities, striking a balance between practical gig work and scalable ventures. Readers are introduced to platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, which make freelancing accessible, while also learning about long-term options such as digital printing, self-publishing eBooks, and other passive income strategies. One of the book’s standout features is the 90-day plan, which breaks down exactly what to do each week, creating a clear roadmap from idea to execution. It doesn’t just motivate—it gives you actionable steps. This book is a detailed guide, highlighting the advantages of passive income, exploring potential side hustles, and offering clear, structured information on how to get started. A must-read for beginners seeking financial independence.

[James Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book called ‘Side Hustle Success’ that was written by Shawn Mayo. This book is a clear and helpful guide for anyone wanting to earn extra money or build financial freedom. The author walks you step-by-step through the process of finding, starting and growing a side hustle. He explains how to use your skills and passions to create something that can grow over time. Each chapter gives small, easy actions you can try right away. I liked how Shawn shares many ideas-from coaching and cleaning to print-on-demand and online courses. He even talks about real-world topics like taxes, business setup and how to make your income more steady. His advice is practical and simple to follow, even if you’ve never run a business before. The self-assessment quiz and goal-setting tips help you understand what fits you best. I think some people will find the information helpful.