Building a support network for your side hustle: tips from our Head of Community
It’s no surprise that running a side hustle can feel lonely at times, especially when you’re working unsociable hours and lacking a support system that really “gets it”. That’s why it’s important to build a network around you to be in your corner when you need it most.
More than three-quarters of side hustlers (78%) experience isolation, according to a recent giffgaff members survey, and 71% wish they could connect more easily with other people running a side hustle.*
But finding your people isn’t always that straightforward. And, let’s be honest, traditional networking can put people out of their comfort zone.
Thankfully, awkward icebreakers and corporate name badges aren’t the only way to make connections for your side hustle. There are plenty of ways to find your people online and in person that don’t rely on old-school business networking.
We spoke to giffgaff’s Head of Community, Roxy Baciu, to hear her tips on building a support network and the benefits of building a network of fellow entrepreneurs and side hustlers.
Why do side hustlers need a support network?
Building a business alongside a 9-to-5 requires serious dedication, patience and sacrifice. For Roxy, finding a support network is crucial. “It’s is all about belonging,” she says. “Talking to other people, bouncing ideas off of each other and getting excited together all helps side hustlers feel more connected.”
While friends and family can be a great support, often they don’t really understand what it takes to build a successful business alongside your day job. Think of them as valuable “cheerleaders” rather than people to think critically or creatively with, explains Roxy. Having people in your corner who really understand what you’re going through is so important, and it fills a space other relationships can’t.
Surrounding yourself with those in the same boat can help you navigate the highs and lows of side hustle life. More than eight in ten (83%) of side hustlers say receiving emotional support is important when running a side hustle.* Seeing others further down the road can be a good reminder that hurdles are completely normal and give you the confidence to keep going.
But it’s not just the motivation and shoulder to cry on. Connections can help side hustlers find work, offer practical business advice and even act as an accountability partner. Working alongside people in similar fields or set-ups means you can bounce ideas off each other and collaborate.
How to build your support network
Whether you find your people through online groups or in-person connections depends on individual preference.
“Some people might get more energised seeing someone in person, while others might prefer a little bit more of the online space where they have the freedom to dip in and out,” explains Roxy, adding that for most people a blend of IRL and online offers the best of both worlds, with each providing different benefits.
Online
According to our recent survey of giffgaff members, online spaces were most popular for meeting fellow side hustlers. Six in ten (61%) used online communities and forums, while 54% used social media platforms to connect.*
When looking for an online support network, don’t just search “side hustle” and hope for the best. Online communities are often organised by niche interests, Roxy explains. For example, a dog walker is more likely to find their people through a dog-walking community than in general side-hustler or small-business threads.
The right platform depends on your specific needs. If it’s quick troubleshooting you need on the go, then Reddit or Discord can help. Reddit uses forums called subreddits, which are topical, so you can find a local, niche or business-related community with ease. Discord conversations happen in real time in private groups called servers, rather than on a forum. This means things can move fast, so it’s one to use if you’re happy with a fast-paced conversation rather than posting a question that you later come back to. Both platforms are anonymous, with usernames instead of real names and photos, this means it's not the best place to build relationships.
If you're after relationships rather than a quick brainstorm, LinkedIn or Facebook Groups might be better for you. On LinkedIn, you can make professional connections and build long-term credibility. Treat your profile as your landing page and post about your niche to build a following. Try LinkedIn groups for deeper connection and discussion. For local connections, Facebook Groups are a good place to start. Try searching for your particular niche and location to find other entrepreneurs in your area.
Of course, there’s no pressure to actively participate on these platforms until you’re ready. “The majority of people that engage with online communities do so as lurkers,” explains Roxy. “A lot of people just enjoy reading a conversation; they feel part of it a little bit, without feeling like they need to jump in.”
She adds: “We're actually part of communities or engaging with communities a lot more than we realise on our day-to-day basis.”
In-person
When it comes to meeting others IRL, our surveyed side hustlers were most interested in local networking events (43%) and industry-specific groups (41%).* One third of side hustlers (33%) would look at co-working spaces to meet others.*
There are plenty of places to find what’s on near you. Meetup.com and Eventbrite are event listing platforms, while Facebook Groups and LinkedIn Events can tap into networks you’re already part of. Try searching by industry or location to find something happening in the next few weeks.
For those wanting more than a one-off event, co-working spaces offer something unique: being in the same room as others to build real connections. Many spaces now offer flexible day passes or per-hour access, so you can drop in around a day job without committing to a full-time desk.
How to make connections as a side hustler
It isn’t enough to know where to look. You’ve got to make those initial connections and build meaningful relationships.
Roxy shares her advice on how to make the initial connection and develop a relationship, rather than just asking for a favour cold turkey. These can be used online or in-person.
Make the first move: Share something personal about yourself to initiate conversation and connection. Rather than simply introducing yourself, share an interesting fact or detail about your passion project to get conversation flowing. This gives people something to respond to that isn’t just your name.
Be curious: Show a genuine interest in other people and their passion projects is an excellent way to deepen a connection with someone. Ask meaningful questions and practice active listening (lots of nodding and mmm-hmms). People love talking about things they love, so make the most of it.
Show vulnerability: Reveal a concern or struggle you’re having related to your business is a great way to invite people in and get advice in a low-commitment way. For example: “I want to learn more about paid advertising on social media, but I haven’t a clue where to start.” This allows people to volunteer knowledge or experience without you going hard on an ask.
Offer support: The best relationships are built on mutuality, where all parties are respected and valued equally. Think of it like give-and-take. If you offer support before asking for any yourself, it is a great way to add value and build trust with others. You may have some expert advice to offer on a particular topic, knowing that further down the line you can ask for help on a blind spot.
Now, it’s time to find your people
Building a support network can be a lifeline for a side hustle. It’s an opportunity to live a shared experience, share learnings and grow with others.
“We're such social creatures,” says Roxy. “And something beautiful happens when you find like-minded people that share the same values, that share the same passions, whether they're big or small.”
For those thinking they can run a side hustle without any form of support system, Roxy says: “It's going to be a lonely road and it's going to take a lot longer.”
You never know when you might need support – so making connections early on, before you need people, is an unsung way to invest in your business.
Your Next Move:
Start in spaces you’re already interacting in. Look at where you currently seek advice online, such as forums, and who you follow on social media, chances are you’re already passively participating in communities. The next step is to become more active in these groups: “Try to interact there by liking a comment or replying with your own thoughts to begin building connections,” Roxy says.
*204 UK adult giffgaff members who have a side hustle, giffgaff survey, July 2026
Photos by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash