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.

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Hey Girl, Welcome Back!

You ever scroll past someone else’s “win” post and suddenly feel like maybe you’re doing it all wrong?

You were proud of yourself five minutes ago… until you saw someone else hit a milestone you didn’t even know you cared about.

I’ve been there. It messes with your head.

You start second-guessing everything—your offer, your progress, even whether you should still be trying.

But here’s the truth: business growth doesn’t always look like money in the bank.

Most of it is invisible… until it’s not.

TL;DR

If you’re feeling stuck, it might be because you’re only measuring your business by your bank balance.

When you learn to spot the quiet signs of progress, you build the kind of belief that keeps you moving forward—even when results feel far away.

Deep Dive: 5 Signs Your Business Is Growing (That Aren’t Money in the Bank)

Here’s what I want you to hear loud and clear:

Just because it’s not showing up as cash yet doesn’t mean it’s not working.

Some of the most meaningful signs of growth are the ones you skip right past—because they don’t feel like wins. Not yet.

Let’s change that.

1. People are watching and cheering you on (even if you don’t see them yet)

The friend who texted, “I love what you’re building”? That meant something.

The old coworker liking every post but never saying a word? Still counts.

That quiet subscriber who finally hit reply? They’ve been watching for a while.

Just because support isn’t loud doesn’t mean it’s not there.

The lurkers, the quiet cheerleaders—they’re often the ones who turn into clients later.

2. You’re picking up new skills without noticing

You write with way more clarity now.

Hitting record doesn’t feel like such a big deal.

You’ve figured out tech stuff you used to avoid.

And you’re making quicker decisions without second-guessing every move.

None of that came easy a year ago—but look at you now.

You’ve leveled up without even realizing it.

That’s not just progress. That’s momentum building.

3. You’re recovering from doubt faster

What used to mess with your head for days? Now it’s more like an hour.

The doubt still shows up—but you don’t get stuck in it.

You bounce back quicker, even when things feel hard.

That’s resilience. And it makes you powerful.

Confidence doesn’t always shout.

Sometimes it looks like quietly getting back up—again and again.

4. Your behind-the-scenes work is smoother

You’re not digging around for that doc anymore.

Your to-do list isn’t a mess.

There’s a flow now—even if it’s still a little scrappy.

That’s not just being organized. That’s your business growing up.

It might feel kinda boring, but this is what makes room for the good stuff ahead.

5. You care deeply about doing it right

You show up with thoughtfulness and intention.

Instead of pushing for quick wins, you're focused on serving.

Every time you listen, adjust, and refine, you're getting closer to alignment.

The heart you’re pouring into this?

That’s exactly what will make people say yes.

This isn’t falling behind—it’s laying the foundation for something that lasts.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

This week, take 3 minutes to look back at where you were 6 months ago.

Seriously.

Pull up old notes, a post you wrote, a video you recorded—anything.

Notice what you know now that you didn’t know then.

Notice what feels easier.

That’s proof.

Hit reply and tell me: What’s one thing that felt impossible before, but feels natural now? (I’ll celebrate it with you!!)

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Talk soon, ​ ​ ​ Kristina Portella, Side Business Momentum Coach ​ Founder of Side Business Momentum​ ​

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