How to start your own business while you still have your day job

If you’re dreaming of making your entrepreneurial dreams come true, but haven’t managed to figure out how to jump from your current title to business owner, you are not alone. Many entrepreneurs begin their businesses while still employed, and slowly transition into working full time in their own businesses.

Taking small steps feels more secure, and also takes some of the pressure off of you while you’re tweaking and editing your business plan. Juggling the demands of a full-time job as well as a blooming business of your own can be tricky, so here are a few tips for your business venture.

Jump in!

The first step is to just get started. It may feel overwhelming, and as if you’re unable to really go full force without all day and all night to dedicate to your new business, but just jumping into action and starting where you can works best. Dedicate as little or as much time as you’re able to, but just get started!

Once you’ve taken this first step, you’ll be able to understand where the kinks in your plan are, what you need, and where you’ll need to grow once you have more time and resources on your hands. Taking it slow at first may be more useful than just jumping in, because you’re able to really study and understand your product or service, and the market before you go full force.

Find ways to check in

Whether you make time to work on your business before work, on your lunch break, or after work; try to make as much time for it as possible. Checking in often on your current customers or products is a great idea, even if it’s on a quick break and you don’t have a ton of time.

Checking in frequently will keep you engaged and interested, and will allow the people who are testing out your new business to feel as if you’re present and reliable. Use different mobile engagement avenues to stay up to date on your smartphone. This will literally keep your business information at your fingertips. The last thing you want to happen is for there to be a hiccup or issue, and your customer or client can’t reach you for long periods of time.

Get help

If all goes according to plan there will be an adjustment period that will either push you to take the plunge and quit your job, or hire someone to help you with your business needs. While the goal is to eventually quit your day job, your business may not be profitable enough to pay the mortgage and all the other expenses at this point; so consider hiring help.

Not only will hiring help assist you in dealing with the day to day stress of being a business owner while still working full-time, but you’ll also be training someone on your business from early on; which could create great manager or trainer in the future. Just be sure not to take your hands completely out of the business, so you’re still able to see what needs to be done in order to continue growing your company.

Starting a business is exciting, and extremely rewarding. Keep the day you say “I quit!” and your company goals on the top of your mind while you push through all the hard work, and it’s sure to pay off in the long run.