The G Manifesto

Guest G Manifesto: Side Hustles: The Art of Enhancing BankRoll

Although I have never met Michael formally, we have shared some correspondence regarding Side Hustles. In any occupation (at least any worth pursuing) there is usually always one big pay day or shall we say: Score. For Athletes, this may come as a signing bonus or perhaps after winning a tournament or fighting a bout (think huge novelty checks). For G’s and the like, it’s that final heist, the one that sets you up for life. For entrepreneurs, its bringing your company public. For a Platinum Digger, its that divorce you always waited for (no pre-nup, of course). For Bankers, its a Christmas bonus and for Lawyers, it’s that huge settlement (asbestos, pharmaceuticals, tobacco ect.).

On a side note… when you think about it, Fat Cat lawyers have the good life, they have their hands deep in products supplied to the street without being tied to the block. And their cut is a third off the top…But that’s neither Euro or Puro.

The point is, what do Professionals do while waiting for their Score? Some sit content and complacent while others pick up a some side scratch. Your guest writer (A banker by nurture and a G by nature) is cut from a cloth that insists upon side hustles. But before I go into further detail I must provide a little more color…

By definition, Side Hustles are those which bring in alternative revenue streams; they are not designed to nor should replace your Grand Hustle. In fact, a side hustle should directly relate to the core business. For example, Athletes do endorsements; G’s with deep connections put money in the streets with 2 points of vigor…weekly; Platinum Diggers hook their friends with plastic surgeons and Bankers put money in alternative investments (hedge funds and private equity).

Well back to the topic at hand…A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to discuss this subject with an old associate/mentor of mine and serious heavyweight in the Hedge Fund game. In true form to The G Manifesto, I think I was sporting a 3 button Heather Grey Etro suit with blue steel underlining to match the blue steel desert with mother of pearl handle tucked behind the jacket complementing the mother of pearl buttons on my powder blue Brioni shirt and Rolex Daytona watch face. Since trading Lenox Ave. for Park Ave, I haven’t had much need for the burner but I’m haunted by my past and I still love to accessorize.

Anyway, while dining at the Kobe Club on 58th Street, noshing on some saki cured salmon with tobiko cream cheese and bagel chips and ordering cuts of Kobe Beef like Shaquille O’Neal, my former mentor proposed a side business which he discovered while vacationing in Thailand. Countries like Thailand, Bali, Myanmar, The Salmon Islands, Comoros and the Philippines are in serious need of cheap building materials. Recognizing this need for cooper and steel, He asked if I wanted in on purchasing old decommissioned cruise ships and navy vessels, scraping the liners and selling the metals to these countries. This, of course, would be a side hustle. I would be putting my money to work for me. We raised our glasses of La Grande Dame and toasted to Health & Wealth.

On another side note… I would have probably agreed for free… this endeavor gives me an excellent opportunity to twist some Philippine princesses while overseeing construction of the landing strip near my vacation home.

In closing, sometimes ideas aren’t as easily presented to you nor is everyone in a position to let their money work for them. My advice would be to focus on your trade or craft. Understand your business and see what works. Try not to think too far away from your core business. Owning a car dealership with a body shop on the side is a prime example. The art of the hustle is complementing your current enterprise and utilizing existing ties and relations (think horizontal/vertical integration) . Side Hustles align businesses and build empires.

We all saw what happened to Nate Newton and Martha Stewart… Athletes shouldn’t push weight nor should Home Makers play with stocks.

Special Thanks to the Champ for lending me his site and audience

To Health & Wealth

~ Grad

O.C. – What Am I Supposed To Do?

Big Pun – How We Roll (sample of Janet Jackson- Let’s Wait Awhile)

Janet Jackson- Let’s Wait Awhile