Lately, I've been connecting with some friends to offer them some jobs that I can do for them. Anything from cleaning parts of their house for cheap, or just doing some photo edits for them. I say this because people forget that they already are a business, but not many people realize that.
The gig industry isn't always perfect, doing some odd jobs also isn't the greatest, but what it does is make you the boss of your own business. Who wants to be the boss of their own business? Not everybody, not because they have no drive, but because some are not interested. Those who are interested, believe that they must officially create a business. Get a business license, get insurance for the business, and take out an initial loan. That is incorrect. On paper, in the USA, legally and financially speaking, you are already your own business (sort of). A sole proprietorship, of sorts, that signs contracts and agreements with your name.
The gig industry, doing random things for money, is a perfect way how to get things started. Testing the waters of your market; finding out what is acceptable, what you charge before you finally make a transaction. Just like a yard sale, you are your own boss for those few hours, for those transactions. Don't sell yourself short, just remind yourself, if you're doing a small job, mowing lawns, creating art for someone, editing photos to taking care of dogs for money (crypto or cash), you are running your own business.