Side hustle: Writing CIMs & business brokering?

Based on the WSO Dataset, leveraging your skills in creating Confidential Information Memorandums (CIMs) and marketing materials can indeed be a viable side hustle, especially if you have experience from investment banking and corporate development. Many small businesses and startups often require assistance in preparing these documents for fundraising or sale purposes but may lack the in-house expertise to do so effectively.

Here are a few steps you could consider to get started:

1. Market Research: Identify local small businesses or startups that might benefit from your services. Look for industries you are familiar with or have connections in, as this can make the process smoother.

2. Networking: Utilize your existing network to let others know about your services. Attend local business events or seminars related to entrepreneurship and investment to meet potential clients.

3. Service Offering: Clearly define what your service includes. For example, you could offer to create full CIMs, executive summaries, or just consult on the structure and content of these documents.

4. Pricing Strategy: Decide how you will charge for your services. You could consider a flat fee, hourly rate, or even a success fee based on the business securing investment or being sold.

5. Promotion: Create a simple website or LinkedIn profile detailing your services. Use before-and-after examples of your work (with confidential information redacted) to showcase your expertise.

6. Legal Considerations: Ensure you are aware of any legal implications, especially regarding confidentiality and data protection when handling sensitive information.

By following these steps, you can effectively use your skills to assist small businesses while generating additional income.

Sources: How to create value from my network, I got an offer, heres how you can too! (MM NYC), Entrepreneurs on WSO, what you wish you knew before starting?, Work Intensity at Various Deal Stages, Moving from Small Private Client Investment Sales firm to Larger Shop (CBRE, HFF, JLL, Cushman)