How to Be Your Own Boss

....and a site to help sell food for pick-up; a contest for freelancers worth $11,000; and more

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Want to be your own boss? In today's world, you don't have to go it alone. A host of websites can help you turn your idea or skill into a thriving business.

These side hustle marketplaces set you up for success by exposing your business to millions of potential customers and by helping you invoice and collect payment for your work. By handling the marketing and collection, be-your-own-boss sites save you time. So you can start your business on the side, while you still hold down a day job.

Importantly, these sites operate in virtually every industry -- from construction to animal care, tech support to crafts. So, anyone with the interest and determination can be a success.

The challenge?

But being your own boss isn't easy -- even with help. Indeed, the tough part about getting started on be-your-own-boss sites is that you really are your own boss. That means your success or failure will largely depend on how well you differentiate your business from a vast array of competitors. And that takes both time and planning.

This is the first in a two-part series on using side hustle sites that help you be your own boss. Today, we look at the overall strategy and the steps you need to take before and when you join an online marketplace. Next week, we'll walk through the best sites to sign up with to execute your vision.

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