The key to running a successful side hustle, according to an expert, is 'a gigantic portion' of your success.

Recent data indicates that over a third of U.S. adults have a side hustle. Those who earn the most money share a common trait: high emotional intelligence.

According to Kyle M.K., author of the 2019 book "The Economics of Emotion" and a talent strategy advisor at job search website Indeed, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and job seekers need to focus on developing their emotional intelligence to stand out.

M.K., who ran an Austin-based customer experience consulting firm for eight years before joining Indeed, states that a significant amount of [side hustle] work requires emotional intelligence.

"If we don't understand people and ourselves, it becomes challenging to achieve our business goals."

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Developing business strategies and excelling in customer-facing tasks can be greatly aided by emotional intelligence, M.K. emphasizes.

Understanding your audience's needs can help you create a product or service that solves their problems. By considering your audience as real people rather than data points, you can better understand their shopping habits, price sensitivity, and other preferences.

To increase sales, it's important to connect with customers on a personal level, as M.K. suggests. To maintain consistent revenue over time, Twitch streamers must connect with their viewers, Etsy and Amazon sellers must provide excellent customer service, and Uber drivers must gauge the comfort levels of their passengers.

M.K. believes that emotional intelligence will play a crucial role in the future of work, as AI takes over operational tasks.

How to practice your EQ skills

Emma Seppälä, a Stanford University lecturer and psychologist, stated in April that enhancing your emotional intelligence can positively impact not only your side hustle but also your creativity, relationships, and overall sense of fulfillment.

To gain empathy for others, ask emotion-led questions during conversations, such as "How are you feeling about..." or "What are your thoughts on...". Only ask about topics you genuinely want answers to, as listening to their responses is crucial.

To succeed at work and maintain relationships, it is crucial to understand your strengths and weaknesses, as Claire Hughes Johnson, former Google vice president, wrote in CNBC Make It last year.

Hughes Johnson proposed a three-step plan for increasing self-awareness: First, list your values and the thoughts that motivate you. Then, reflect on how those values influence your strengths and weaknesses. If you encounter difficulties, seek advice from reliable peers or friends.

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