Detours

The first time I went live on Facebook, I was sideways. Yep. I was trying to show up professionally, and I couldn’t even get myself facing the right direction. So if you’re waiting until you know exactly what you’re doing before you go live, let me give you permission to start practicing. I’m Angie Norris, and this is Side Hustle GPS. Today, we’re stopping in Discovery District to explore Product Livestreams. When students ask me how to start creating conversations that can lead to sales, livestreaming is one of my favorite recommendations. You can demonstrate a product, answer questions, and help someone understand whether it fits their needs—all in the same conversation. They might not buy the first time they watch. But as you keep showing up, they get familiar with you. They see how you use the product. And when they’re ready, they may remember the person who helped them understand it. I’ve done this on my own pages, and I’ve also been paid to present for brands. For about three years, I went live for ClickDesigns for 150 straight weeks. Every Monday at 10 a.m. Central, there was Angie Norris on Facebook and YouTube, showing people how to use software to create graphics. That was a lot of Mondays. A lot of demonstrations. And a lot of practice. More recently, another brand hired me to go live weekly to support a summit launch. So there are different ways to turn this into income. You could host demonstrations for a business, present during a launch, sell your own products, or earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases. Be clear when you’re being paid or sharing affiliate links. People should understand your relationship with the product you’re recommending. And you don’t have to begin with an elaborate production. When I was getting comfortable, I created a Facebook group with only one member. Me. That was my practice room. I could test the camera, figure out the buttons, and see what the experience looked like before showing up on my page. That helped me build courage. Because even now, I stumble over words. I like having slides because they keep me on course. An outline gives me somewhere to return when my brain takes a little detour. AI can help you prepare that outline. Tell it who you’re speaking to, what you’re demonstrating, and what you want viewers to understand. Ask for an opening hook, a demonstration sequence, and questions your audience might ask. Then practice the actual steps so you can explain them in your own words. You can also borrow a little inspiration from someone you admire. Before speaking on stage, I’ve thought about Oprah and the confidence she brings into a room. I ask myself, “How would I carry myself if I felt that confident?” That helps me take the first step. The repetition helps the confidence catch up. Your first money move? Choose one product you know well and prepare a short demonstration. Show one useful feature. Explain who it helps. Invite questions. Practice privately first, then try a short public livestream wherever your account has access. If you want to offer this as a service, use that recording as a sample for a brand that could use your help. So, what could you confidently explain to someone for five minutes—even if you feel a little nervous pressing the button? Explore Product Livestreams in Discovery District at SideHustleGPS.com. Don’t be afraid to go live. Confidence follows repetition. And your first livestream gives you somewhere to begin.