Trello: The Collaboration Tool to Maximize Your Side Hustle Networking Efforts

SPONSORED BY NEEDTOBEMARKETING

HUSTLER'S HUB: THE SKILL SWAPPERS BARTER BOOTH
By Shelly Leroux · May 21, 2025

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Trello: The Collaboration Tool to Maximize Your Side Hustle Networking Efforts

Hey there, fellow side hustler,

Let’s talk about something that’s either your greatest asset or your biggest headache: networking. You know—those awkward coffee chats, the endless back-and-forth emails, and the mysterious LinkedIn requests that say “let’s connect!” but never follow up.

But here’s the thing. If you’re an entrepreneur or solopreneur running your side hustle with the agility of a caffeinated squirrel, networking isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s the gasoline for your entrepreneurial engine. And like any smart operator, you don’t just need hustle—you need systems.

That’s where Trello comes in.

The Virtual Whiteboard Your Network Didn’t Know It Needed

Picture this: You’re trying to build your business, stay in touch with a dozen collaborators, pitch three potential podcast appearances, follow up with five leads from last week’s networking mixer, and somehow remember that Chad from Twitter DMs wants to do a joint giveaway.

Your brain? Fried. Your inbox? Chaos. Your sticky notes? Rebellious escape artists.

Enter Trello, the digital collaboration tool that brings order to your beautiful networking chaos. Trello works like a virtual corkboard, letting you create lists (called columns) filled with cards you can move around like digital Post-its. Think “Kanban board meets personal CRM, but with way more personality.”

Trello for Networking? Absolutely.

Trello wasn’t originally made for networking—but that’s exactly why it works so well. It’s flexible enough to fit your unique hustle. You don’t need to contort your workflow into some rigid CRM system. You build your own system that works the way your brain works.

Here’s how side hustling network ninjas (like yourself) can use Trello to build, manage, and expand their connections like a pro:

1. Create a Networking Pipeline Board

Think of this as your relationship funnel. Set up columns like:

• New Contacts

• Need to Follow Up

• Scheduled for Coffee/Call

• Opportunities/Collabs in Progress

• Cool People to Keep in Touch With

Each card is a person. Add their contact info, notes about how you met (“Met Sarah at the local entrepreneur meet-up—loves espresso and podcasting”), and checklists for follow-up actions.

2. Collaborate Like a Boss

Got a project with another solopreneur? Maybe you’re co-creating an eBook, running a joint webinar, or launching a pop-up. Trello lets you invite them to a shared board where you both track tasks, brainstorm ideas, and see updates in real time. No lost email threads. No “wait, I thought you were doing that?” moments.

Bonus: Tag each other on cards, set deadlines, and attach Google Docs, images, or your latest brand mood board masterpiece.

3. Automate Your Awesomeness

Trello comes with built-in automation (called Butler) that lets you create rules. For example:

• When a card is moved to “Need to Follow Up,” auto-set a due date for 3 days later.

• When a card is in “Opportunities in Progress” for 14 days, trigger a reminder to check in.

This is like hiring a tiny assistant who lives in your board and nudges you so you never ghost a valuable contact again.

4. Make It a Mini CRM (But Actually Use It)

You could use a fancy CRM system—but let’s be real, most of them are designed for full-blown sales teams and come with a learning curve that rivals quantum physics. Trello lets you DIY a simpler version that’s visual, intuitive, and low-stress.

Use labels to tag contacts (e.g., “Podcast Host,” “Affiliate Partner,” “Mentor”) and checklists to remind yourself of recurring networking rituals—birthday messages, monthly check-ins, quarterly updates.

5. Track Wins & Referrals

Networking isn’t just about collecting names—it’s about building value. Keep a column called “Wins” where you drop cards for things like, “John intro’d me to the SEO wizard,” or “Collab with Maya brought 200 new subscribers.” It keeps you grateful and reminds you who to thank (and refer back!).

Final Thoughts: Build Your Network with Intention

Look, building your side hustle isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know and how you manage those connections. You don’t need a thousand surface-level contacts. You need a system that helps you build meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.

Trello gives you the structure without the straitjacket. It’s the ultimate networking companion for entrepreneurs who want to grow relationships with the same care they grow their hustle.

So go ahead—start building your networking board today. Your future collaborations (and your sanity) will thank you.