Welcome Back To Side Hustle Weekly!

I’m excited to share with you another great side hustle you can start today! Today we will be discussing how you can start a networking business for entrepreneurs and investors.

Before We Get Started Here’s Your News Recap:

The Conference Board reports U.S. consumer-confidence slid to 94.6 in October (from 95.6), with short-term expectations dropping to 71.5 — a signal many households are nervous about employment and financial-outlook. Current-conditions sentiment still sits at 129.3, showing resilience despite the worry.

Wall Street hit fresh highs yesterday as indexes rallied: the S&P 500 rose ~1.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added ~0.7% (≈ +337 points), and the Nasdaq Composite jumped ~1.9%. The boost came on hopes of a deal between the U.S. and China, and anticipation of rate cuts ahead.

In the U.S.–China trade front: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said negotiators outlined a “very substantial framework” that would avert an imminent 100% U.S. tariff on Chinese imports and defer China’s rare-earth export controls by a year. 
That includes China agreeing to revive large U.S. soybean purchases, which could benefit U.S. agricultural exporters.

On the global supply-chain front, the U.S. struck deals with Southeast Asian nations (including Malaysia and Thailand) via the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit: trade-barrier removals, rare-earth-supply commitments and U.S. access to alternatives to China’s dominance. For example: Malaysia agreed to keep rare-earth exports open and the U.S. will get favourable terms for aerospace, pharma and commodity access.

A heavy week ahead: tech earnings and monetary policy. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut its federal-funds rate to ~3.75-4% this week, while major tech names (Apple Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Meta Platforms, Amazon .com, Alphabet Inc.) report results — tech + AI spending cited as key drivers. Analysts note the market may be “fragile and increasingly reliant on AI spending”.

Corporate-america update: investors are shifting away from defensive sectors and towards growth/tech. Growth stocks and high-beta names led the recent rally, while gold and short-term bonds slipped. The S&P 500 made its 33rd new high of the year, reflecting strong momentum in October.

In the manufacturing and services space, the flash U.S. PMI survey showed expansion: composite PMI rose to 54.8, services at 55.2 and manufacturing at 52.2. That said, companies flagged concern over export weakness and piling unsold stock — a caution for industrial investors.

With the ongoing federal government shutdown (now several weeks in), federal-contracting firms and small-business partners remain on edge as critical data releases are delayed and service disruptions mount. For entrepreneurs, this means increased uncertainty in federal procurement timelines, regulatory approvals and government-dependent revenue streams.

Agriculture & commodities: As part of the U.S.–China trade framework, China pledged to resume “substantial purchases” of U.S. soybeans — a green-light for American farmers after a September void in buying. That could impact global grain prices, freight flows and ag-investment decisions.

From a strategic-minerals angle: The rare-earths flashpoint between U.S. and China remains central — China controls around 90% of refining and processing globally, but these new deals give U.S. firms more visibility into alternative supply lines. 
Investors in mining, clean-tech and defence should note that supply-chain diversification is becoming a major theme.

Networking = Cash

Connecting for Cash: How to Start a Business Networking Event Planning Company

Build Communities, Create Connections, and Turn Relationships Into a $10K+ Monthly Business

In today’s digital world, where most connections happen through screens, real-world networking events have become more valuable than ever. Entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors all crave in-person relationships that drive real opportunities — and that’s exactly where your business networking event planner business comes in.

This isn’t just about organizing meetups. It’s about creating experiences that help people grow their businesses — while you grow your income. Done right, this business can easily generate $5,000–$10,000 or more per month in profit, even if you start small.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to launching a successful business networking event planning company.

Step 1: Understand What a Networking Event Planner Does

A business networking event planner organizes gatherings where entrepreneurs and professionals connect, share ideas, and form collaborations. Your role will include:

• Choosing venues and managing logistics.

• Designing event themes and formats (mixers, panels, speed networking).

• Partnering with sponsors or speakers.

• Handling ticketing, marketing, and attendee engagement.

You’ll act as both event organizer and community builder — someone who brings people together for value-driven networking.

Step 2: Pick Your Niche and Target Market

The more specific your events, the easier they’ll be to sell. Focus on a niche audience:

• Local entrepreneurs or startups

• Real estate or finance professionals

• Women in business or minority-owned companies

• Tech or creative industry professionals

• Remote workers and freelancers

By specializing, you’ll create events that truly resonate — and attract repeat attendees who spread the word for you.

Step 3: Develop Your Business Plan and Brand

A strong brand will set you apart. Choose a business name that conveys professionalism and community, like:

• Connect & Grow Events

• The Business Circle

• NetworkNation

Then, set up your business basics:

• Register your business (LLC recommended).

• Create a simple website using Wix or Squarespace.

• Set up social media pages (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook).

• Design a professional logo and event flyers with Canva.

Your brand should inspire trust, professionalism, and opportunity.

Step 4: Start Small — But Think Big

Your first event doesn’t need to be huge. Start with a small local meetup of 20–40 people.

• Choose a venue like a coworking space, hotel conference room, or upscale café.

• Use Eventbrite or Meetup.com to list and sell tickets.

• Invite speakers or local business owners to attract interest.

• Offer refreshments or small perks (sponsored snacks, business swag, etc.).

Focus on delivering a quality experience — one that encourages real connection. When attendees walk away saying, “That was worth it,” you’ve won.

Step 5: Monetize Your Events

Here’s where your business starts generating real money. You can earn from multiple streams:

• Ticket sales: Charge $25–$100 per person.

• Sponsorships: Local businesses pay to promote their products or services.

• Vendor booths: Charge for table space at your events.

• Memberships: Offer monthly or annual networking memberships.

• Premium events: VIP dinners, mastermind sessions, or retreats for higher-tier clients.

Even one event per month with 50 attendees paying $50 each and 2–3 sponsors at $500 can bring in $5,000+ per event.

Step 6: Market Your Events Like a Pro

To grow your attendance, focus on consistent promotion:

• Create social media ads on Facebook and Instagram targeting professionals in your city.

• Post behind-the-scenes videos and highlight past events.

• Build an email list for future promotions using tools like MailerLite or ConvertKit.

• Collaborate with local business influencers to spread the word.

• Encourage attendees to bring a guest for referral discounts.

Your goal is to become the go-to brand for business networking in your region.

Step 7: Automate and Hire for Growth

Once your events start filling up, you can scale by building a small team:

• Event coordinators – Manage logistics, bookings, and vendors.

• Social media manager – Handle promotion and audience engagement.

• Sales & sponsorship team – Outreach to companies for partnerships and booth sales.

• Customer experience rep – Manage emails and attendee communication.

With a strong team and automated systems (CRM tools, ticketing, email marketing), your networking business can run smoothly and profitably — even while you sleep.

Step 8: Scale and Expand

After a few successful events, scale by:

• Hosting events in multiple cities or partnering with local organizers.

• Launching online networking sessions or webinars for global reach.

• Creating a membership community with recurring monthly fees.

• Partnering with corporate sponsors for long-term deals.

The possibilities are endless — your brand can grow from small meetups to large-scale business conferences.

Estimated Monthly Income Potential

Here’s a realistic growth breakdown:

• Starter (1 small event/month): $2,000–$4,000 profit.

• Intermediate (2–3 events/month + sponsors): $6,000–$10,000+.

• Advanced (multi-city or membership model): $15,000–$30,000+/month.

Because events can generate recurring attendance and sponsorship deals, your income becomes predictable and scalable.

Requirements to Get Started

• Laptop and reliable internet.

• Access to event venues and local contacts.

• A small startup budget ($500–$1,500) for deposits, flyers, and ads.

• Basic event planning, organization, and communication skills.

Websites and Software You’ll Need

• Eventbrite / Meetup – Ticketing and event hosting.

• Canva – Branding and design.

• Google Workspace – Planning and communication.

• ConvertKit / Mailchimp – Build your email list.

• ClickUp or Trello – Manage event logistics.

• Zoom / StreamYard – For hybrid or virtual events.

Products to Buy to Maximize Results

• Laptop or tablet – For managing registrations and presentations.

• Portable mic & speaker set – For better event audio.

• Banner stands and signage – To brand your events.

• Ring light and camera – For professional event photos and videos.

• Business cards – Simple, physical networking tools that still matter.

Pros

• High earning potential – Multiple revenue streams from each event.

• Endless networking opportunities – Build valuable professional relationships.

• Scalable – Expand to new cities or online communities.

• Low startup cost – You can start small with minimal investment.

Cons

• Event logistics – Managing venues and vendors can be stressful.

• Inconsistent income at first – Takes time to build a loyal audience.

• Requires strong marketing – Attendance depends on visibility.

• Time-sensitive – Events require careful scheduling and deadlines.

Summary: How to Grow a Business Networking Event Planning Company

1. Start small — one great event can lead to many.

2. Find your niche and cater to a specific audience.

3. Monetize through multiple channels — tickets, sponsors, memberships.

4. Market strategically with social media and email lists.

5. Hire a team and automate operations for consistent growth.

6. Scale to new locations or online platforms for bigger reach.

By combining community-building with business strategy, you can create a profitable networking empire that connects people — and pays you handsomely for bringing them together.

That’s A Wrap

I hope you enjoyed today’s post and if you have any questions about the post, upcoming posts, how to advertise, or anything else, feel free to reply. See you next time with another money-making post, helping you boost your income!

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.