8 Clever Tips to Launch Your Business While Keeping Your Day Job
Are you passionate about a business idea but hesitant to take the leap due to full-time job commitments? You're not alone! Many aspiring entrepreneurs dream of starting their own venture, but the fear of financial instability can hold them back. The good news is, launching a business doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. With careful planning and strategic execution, you can lay the groundwork for your dream business while still fulfilling your current work obligations.
This guide unveils 8 stealthy moves to help you confidently navigate the exciting yet demanding journey of launching your business on the side. From defining your purpose and mastering your time to building your online presence and leveraging the power of networking, we'll equip you with the essential knowledge and actionable steps to transform your side hustle into a thriving success story, all while maintaining your current income stream. So, get ready to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and turn your passion into reality with these powerful strategies!
Well, 10 years ago, I used to juggle a very demanding full-time job as an IT Analyst ( traveling all over the Asia Pacific as an expat) while managing my Mary Kay Direct Selling Business as one of the Top Directors and starting up my IT Consulting firm. Whew!
By implementing these tips, I successfully launched a thriving business while maintaining my full-time job. The key ingredients? Strategic planning and mindful execution.
1. Plan Your Time Wisely
This is tip #1 to do Before Starting Your Business while still working is Number 1 for a reason!
You're already working a full-time job, so it's important to manage your time effectively. Create a routine where you dedicate a specific number of hours each day to your dream business.
Timeboxing is your new best friend: Learn how to carve out dedicated hours for business development without neglecting your job responsibilities and personal life.
Remember, achieving perfect work-life balance might not always be possible, but continuous improvement is key. Embrace the concept of kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. By striving to be 1% better every day, you'll consistently optimize your time management skills, inching closer to your entrepreneurial goals without compromising your well-being.
2. Save Up
Transitioning into a business can have a lot of unforeseen expenses. Make sure you're financially prepared for this leap. Start saving a portion of your monthly income for this venture.
In my case, I kept my employment salary for my living expenses and support for my family while a portion of my income from my Direct Selling business went to the operation expenses of the IT Consulting Startup until I was able to close my first Enterprise deal which allowed me to fully fund the IT Consulting start-up and enjoy the financial benefits of being an entrepreneur.
3. Market Research
Spend time understanding your potential market, customer needs, and competition in advance. This is essential for crafting a unique and sellable product or service.
Validate your idea with mini-experiments: Conduct low-cost market research to refine your concept and ensure your offering resonates with your target audience.
This will ensure that the product or service you are offering has a real problem to solve.
4. Create a Robust Business Plan
Your business plan should detail your business strategy, target market, SWOT analysis, financial plan, and marketing strategy. Having a comprehensive plan will guide your actions and keep your goals in check as you start your business.
Download your FREE SWOT Analysis workbook here.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Build a Business You Love using a Proven Framework. Register and be wait listed for the upcoming online workshop version of my coveted How To Quit Your Job Gracefully workshop. Learn how to create your Business Plan and the Step-by-Step guide you need to prepare for your upcoming business.
This self-paced learning modules in video lesson will be up by April. Be the first one on the list and get 20% off.
Register here to be in the wait list now and we will send you your Promo code.
5. Network
As a new entrepreneur, navigating the exciting yet challenging world of starting a business, don't underestimate the power of networking. Building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, potential customers, and mentors in your industry can be an invaluable asset for your long-term success.
Networking events, online forums, and industry communities provide excellent platforms to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and access potential collaborations, partnerships, and even funding opportunities. By actively engaging with your network, you'll not only gain valuable knowledge and support, but also build brand awareness and establish yourself as a credible player in your field.
6. Start building your online presence
Create a simple landing page or social media profile to capture early interest and build excitement around your future venture.
In my case, I opened my IG and FB Accounts for biggerbetterme coaching early in 2023 even when I actually started in October 2023.
Don't wait until your business is fully launched to start building your online presence. Establishing a simple landing page or social media profiles early on allows you to capture early interest and generate excitement around your future venture. This initial online presence can also serve as a valuable tool for building your personal brand and establishing yourself as an authority in your field. By proactively shaping your online narrative from the outset, you'll be well-positioned to hit the ground running when your business officially launches and connect with potential customers, collaborators, and investors who resonate with your brand.
Invest on defining your personal brand early on.
In today's digital landscape, investing in defining your personal brand before starting a business is crucial for establishing credibility, attracting your target audience, and building a loyal following from the very beginning.
7. Educate yourself
Don't underestimate the power of knowledge! While you juggle your day job, invest time in educating yourself about the entrepreneurial landscape. Dive into books that:
- Spark inspiration: Discover stories of successful entrepreneurs and their journeys.
- Offer practical advice: Learn essential business skills, marketing strategies, and financial management tips.
- Empower your mindset: Cultivate a growth-oriented mentality and overcome challenges with confidence.
Recommended Resources:
Fuel your passion and gain valuable insights with these recommended books that inspire and empower aspiring business owners like you and me included.
8. Identify your "why" and set realistic goals.
Many dream of starting a business, but the demands of a full-time job can make it seem daunting. Before diving in, take a step back to discover your true purpose. What ignites your passion? Is it financial freedom, pursuing a cause you deeply care about, or the thrill of building something from scratch? Or do you feel like you have a calling?
Unlocking your "why" is the secret weapon of thriving side hustlers. It's the fire that ignites your passion and guides you through the inevitable challenges. Whether it's financial freedom, pursuing a cause, or building something meaningful, understanding your core motivation keeps you focused and energized.
Setting realistic, achievable goals becomes your roadmap to success. By breaking down your aspirations into smaller milestones, you stay motivated and celebrate progress along the way. Remember, even the most powerful car needs a destination to reach its full potential. Define your "why" and set smart goals to transform your side hustle into a fulfilling journey, fueled by purpose.
Need help in identifying your true calling? Maybe this mini-course on Awakening your True Calling can be a great reference.
By implementing these smart strategies, you can lay the groundwork for your business while you still have the steady income of your day job.
Enjoying these tips? Let's connect on socials for more.
When you are ready, here are 3 ways I can help you.
- Attend my Live Workshops or Enroll in my Entrepreneurial and Motivational Courses here.
- Book for a Free 30-minute CLARITY Call here.
- Book for a VIP one-on-one Entrepreneurial Coaching session here.
Looking forward to meet you!
Cheers!
Coach Cecille
Wooing customers is a little bit like dating. No, you can't present the engagement ring on your first date! There's a two-way relationship that grows one step at a time before it leads to the church doors. You can't rush it... you can't skip it... if you're looking for the satisfaction of a life-long commitment.
Getting to know your date, or getting to know your customer takes a little time and effort. The personality, likes and dislikes of each date are different, but customers share some commonalities that you, the marketer, can grab onto. Give them what they want, and they'll become the loyal, lifetime customers that make your business prosper.
1. Forget About Selling... Put The Emphasis On Buying
People like to think that all of their buying decisions were reached due to their own great ideas and skillful shopping. Hey, no one is fond of a pushy salesman. A salesman who "HELPS" them discover the best buy for their buck on the other hand, is a hero.
Really, when a person walks into your place of business, they are most likely thinking of making a purchase before they get there. You don't have to persuade them to buy. You can take it easy, and simply help them decide what the best purchase is.
Keep your focus on the customer and his needs. Think... what benefits would he be most interested in? What is the price range he can afford? Basically, keep in mind that you are there to serve his needs, not persuade him. Ah, the pressure's off!
2. Make Purchasing A "Sure Bet"
Buying is a "risky" business. The higher the price tag reads, the higher the risks are! Yep, a customer is just looking for a product that satisfies the needs he purchased it for. The question they ask themselves is... "Is it worth it?"
Hey, it's a legitimate question. The world is full of scams where you spend your hard earned cash and end up with trash that doesn't last and that you can't get serviced. A few tough lessons leave customers wary about off-the-cuff purchases. They want something they can trust.
A money back guarantee alleviates a great amount of concern in the mind of the consumer. There's peace in knowing that if the product doesn't live up to its claims, they aren't stuck footing the bill for a piece of junk.
Customer testimonials also clearly tell "would be" buyers that you really do deliver customer satisfaction. No one can say it better than a satisfied customer, but don't carelessly use testimonials. You need a method to your madness. Pick clear and specific testimonials to use, and include as much about the customer as you possibly can to lend credence to his testimony.
3. Let Them Know That It's An Easy Process
Simplicity... ah, it makes life so much easier. Yeah, your harried customers are busy and tired. They don't want to mess around. Most of the time, they just want to make the purchase and head home. Convenience stores testify to the fact that quick and easy often overrides a better price!
Make the buying process as simple as you possibly can. Remember that not everyone prefers the same method. The more options you have available, the more customers you will please.
When you're planning your marketing campaign, don't forget to point out the quick, fast, and easy benefits of your product. Remember that value isn't everything. It's pretty easy to charm your customers when you know what they like! Keep these 3 tactics in mind as you go about the daunting task of growing your business and expanding your customer list... and watch your profits go through the roof.
Happy Selling!
Coach Cecille