Atlanta Chess Champ Finds Checkmate With Tutoring Side Hustle

Notes from Chris

Episode 476

What were you into when you were four years old? Well, Xiao (pronounced “shi-how”) Cheng fell in love with the game of chess at four and by six years old, he knew it was something he wanted to take seriously. Really seriously.

Where did Xiao acquire this love of the game? It started from his first chess mentor, his Mom. She taught him the basics, knighting in him the love of the game early on. Then as he grew up, Xiao took it to the next level with the guidance of professional chess coaches. This led him to top rankings in many chess tournaments, including first place in the Georgia State Championship.

What’s just as impressive is Xiao’s ability to turn this life-long interest into a successful side hustle called Chess 1000. 1000 not only references the chess rating that he helps his students achieve and advance beyond. But by a happy coincidence that his side hustle currently brings in an extra $1.000 a month. And by the way, you’re probably wondering what Xiao’s chess rating is: 2300. (Below 1200 is a novice, 2700 is a World Championship Grandmaster contender).

Chess 1000 is really built around Xiao’s chess tutoring business, one that he started after college. He found teaching chess was a nice complement to his full-time gig. Plus, he got to play a game he loved.

90% of his current student base came from simply talking to parents at different tournaments, and most of his students are school-aged kids. His lessons range from in person, one-on-one tutoring to virtual, using an online chess platform and Skype to teach. He personalizes every session based on the student, teaching them different tactics, how to work to checkmate, finish off opponents, or new patterns to get more pieces. All to work towards that 1000 rating goal.

What’s next for Xiao and Chess 1000? He wants to create online courses. Since he only has weekends and weeknights to dedicate to his side hustle, building a more online business will really help him efficiently scale… perhaps play a more offensive position. Taking the materials and techniques he teaches one-one-one and bringing it to a wider audience of aspiring grandmasters.

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Chess 1000: Dominate at your next chess tournament—learn more over on Xiao's website!
• Wordpress: Xiao used Wordpress to setup Chess 1000, and here you can learn how to install your own Wordpress site in 5 minutes
• HostGator: The company that Xiao used to host his website
• MailChimp: The email marketing platform that Xiao used to connect with those who signed up for his coaching sessions

 

SEE ALSO:

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• TV Producer Sells Monogrammed Scarves; Earns $1,000 Riding Subway: Trying to wrap the world in a little more love, a TV Producer starts a side hustle slinging personalized monogrammed scarves and giving a percent of her proceeds to charities benefiting education
• Hair Salon Owner Designs Mittens for Cold Runners: An avid runner has a difficult time finding gloves or mittens that feel comfortable enough for running while also keep her fingers warm in the winter. She decides to make her own and pursues a patent for her idea/li>

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,