I promise you’re not as behind as you think you are


Welcome to The Side Business Momentum Newsletter!

The weekly newsletter for ambitious women building service-based businesses—giving you what you need to maintain momentum when you can’t see results.

Not on the list?Join here!


Hey Girl, Welcome Back!

Progress doesn’t always look like progress.

You’re showing up, creating, refining, and still wondering if any of it’s working.

Not because you’re doing it wrong—but because you’re looking at the wrong signs to figure out if it’s working.

We’re taught to track the obvious stuff: sales, comments, DMs.

But the real growth? It shows up in quieter ways.

You’re explaining what you do with more confidence.

You kept going after a discouraging week.

You’re trusting yourself more than you did a month ago.

That momentum you’re building? It counts—even if no one else can see it yet.

Let me show you exactly what progress looks like when you’re building something real.


TL;DR

If you’re feeling like nothing you’re doing is working, it’s probably because you’re only counting what shows up in your bank account.

When you focus on the invisible progress that’s actually happening, you build the kind of momentum that actually leads to results—even when it feels like nothing’s happening.


Live Workshop: Stop Second-Guessing Your Progress

This is for women who feel like they’re doing everything “right” but still aren’t getting clients—and are starting to wonder if it’s time to quit.

You’ll walk away with:

  • A clear view of what’s actually working in your business
  • A plan for staying consistent without burning out
  • Simple tools to rebuild belief in yourself and your timeline

Perfect for busy women who need clarity and confidence—not another 12-step strategy or unrealistic blueprint.

Investment: $27

Bonus: Replay included + access to private Facebook community

When: Saturday, August 23rd, 10:00–11:30am EST

$27.00

Stop Second-Guessing Your Progress​

Doing everything "right" but still not getting clients—and starting to wonder if it's time to quit? This 90-minute... Read more


Deep Dive: The Progress You’re Not Counting, But Should Be

Ever notice how you can work on something for months, feel like nothing’s happening, and then suddenly realize you’re actually way better at it?

Like, those conversations that used to wipe you out now feel easy.

Or stuff that used to take forever just happens on autopilot.

You didn’t just wake up one day magically improved.

It happened in all those little moments you thought weren’t making a difference.

That invisible progress? It was there the whole time—you just weren’t tracking it.

That’s exactly what’s happening with your business right now.

Your consistent posting is actually working (even when it doesn’t feel like it)

Look, I still have days where I stare at a post with no likes and an email that barely got opened and wonder what the hell I’m doing.

But here’s what I’ve learned about those posts that feel like they’re disappearing into the void:

Every time you share something, you’re proving you know what you’re talking about. Even the posts that get zero engagement.

That person who always engages? They’re not just scrolling—they’re learning to trust you.

When someone in their network needs help, your name will come up.

Your consistency is doing something most people can’t see: it’s showing you’re reliable, knowledgeable, and committed to helping people.

Most people quit posting after a few months.

You’re still here.

That matters.

What to actually track:

  • Who regularly engages with your content (even if it’s small numbers)?
  • How naturally do you talk about your services now vs. six months ago?
  • How confident do you feel explaining what you do?

The truth? Building trust through content takes 6-12 months minimum.

You’re not behind—you’re in the trust-building phase that comes before the client phase.

Your networking is planting seeds

I actually took some time off from networking recently because there’s a fine line between relationship building and people just picking your brain—and that can get draining fast.

But here’s what I’ve realized about those networking conversations that didn’t turn into instant business:

You’re now top of mind for when someone needs what you do.

The people who said “maybe” aren’t rejections—they’re just not ready yet.

And honestly?

I’ve met some amazing people through networking who have helped me in ways that have nothing to do with money.

Sometimes it’s advice, sometimes it’s a connection, sometimes it’s just knowing someone gets what you’re building.

You’re building a network of people who know what you do and will send folks your way when the time’s right.

What to actually track:

  • How many people can clearly explain what you do?
  • How often does your name come up when people talk about your area of expertise?

Your course investments are paying off

Everything you’ve learned is making you better at actually doing the work.

You’re more confident in conversations, you understand your ideal client on a deeper level, and you can solve problems that used to completely stump you.

But here’s the thing—it’s not just about collecting more knowledge.

It’s about taking action on what you’ve learned.

That knowledge stacks up every time you actually use it, not just when you consume it.

What to actually track:

  • How much clearer is your messaging?
  • How much more comfortable are you explaining your services?
  • What problems can you solve now that used to stump you?
  • What actions have you taken based on what you’ve learned?

Where You’re At—And Why That’s Totally Normal

Okay, real talk—everyone’s business grows at its own pace, so don’t stress if your timeline looks different.

What I’m about to lay out is super common for service businesses, but honestly, sometimes it takes longer (like, a year or two isn’t weird at all).

There are ups, downs, and random plateaus.

That’s just how it goes.

Months 1-3:

You’re figuring stuff out, putting yourself out there, and learning what works.

Even the tiniest wins count here.

Months 4-8:

You’re starting to feel more confident, people are noticing you, and you’re building trust—even if you’re not getting new clients yet.

(If this feels familiar, you’re right where you should be.)

Months 9-12:

This is when things usually start to click.

More referrals, people reaching out, and your consistency starts to pay off.

But if it’s taking longer, that’s honestly super common.

Most people don’t have a flood of clients in the first year.

The important thing is you’re still showing up and building something real.

You’re not behind.

You’re just on your own timeline. Keep going!


What to Do Instead of Giving Up

Check in on your actual progress:

  • Who’s regularly engaging with your content?
  • What conversations about your business have you had lately?
  • How’s your confidence in talking about what you do?
  • What problems are easier for you to solve now?

Take these small actions:

  • Follow up with the “maybes” from last month
  • Keep posting consistently (it really does build trust)
  • Have one genuine conversation about your business

Remember:

  • Your timeline is normal
  • Trust can take 6-12 months (or longer) to turn into sales
  • Every interaction builds your reputation

Permission to Keep Going

It’s okay to invest time in something that’s growing slowly.

The time you’re spending isn’t wasted—it’s an investment in your future financial freedom.

You’re proving to yourself that good things take time and that you don’t quit when it gets hard.

This business is building something that will give you more choices and security.


Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

You don’t need more proof—you need a better way to see what’s already working.

  • Your consistent posting? It’s building trust.

  • Your networking conversations? Those are future referrals.

  • The courses you’ve taken? That’s expertise you can charge for.

  • The fact that you’re still showing up? That’s what sets you apart from everyone who gave up.

Your small, steady actions are adding up to something bigger than you can see right now.

Hit reply and tell me: Which of these progress markers made you realize you’re further along than you thought?

Talk soon,

Kristina Portella, Side Business Momentum Coach

Founder of Side Business Momentum

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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Side Business Clarity for Women

Every Friday, I’ll help you get clear on your next strategic move, so you can build momentum and grow a service-based side business that actually fits your life.

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