Follow this 3-step process to manage a small business while working full time

 

1. GET ORGANIZED

When you’re working a main job while managing a small business, one of your most precious commodities will be time. So set yourself up to make the most of your waking hours. At the start of each week, sit down and create a schedule that outlines when you’ll be working on your small business, keeping in mind both your social calendar and the demands of your primary job.

Remember, one of the biggest mistakes you can make when running a business on top of a main job is doing things for that business when you’re supposed to be producing for your employer. Using company time or resources for personal gain is a good way to get yourself fired, so don’t cross that line.

At the same time, don’t let your main job take away from the time you’re supposed to spend working on your business. If you’ve completed your work for the day and have two hours carved out at night to focus on your venture, don’t check emails from your primary job in between.

2. OUTSOURCE YOUR BUSINESS TASKS AS NEEDED

Small business owners who manage their ventures often need numerous hands on deck to accomplish all they need to do. So if you’re running a business while working another job simultaneously, it stands to reason that you’ll need even more assistance. To that end, don’t be afraid to outsource your small business tasks–especially those you’re not particularly good at.

As stated above, time is apt to be one of your most valuable and scarce resources when you’re in the situation you’re in, so you really can’t afford to waste hours spinning your wheels when hiring outside help is an option. So if you’re struggling to, say, design your business website, don’t continue sinking in hours you don’t have. Instead, spend a little money on a professional designer who can knock it out quickly, and spend your time doing the things you do best.

3. MAP OUT A PLAN FOR TRANSITIONING INTO BEING A FULL-TIME SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

Working a main job while running a business on the side isn’t something you can or should plan on doing forever. If you really want your venture to be successful, there will come a point when you’ll need to decide that you’re ready to give it your full attention. So map out a plan that will help make that transition smoother. It might involve establishing a robust emergency fund to give you the financial leeway to take that leap or building a customer base so that you’re generating some revenue once you take on that business full time. Either way, don’t assume that juggling a main job and a small business is sustainable, because chances are it isn’t.

SOURCE:fastcompany.com