Keep the 9-5 and Start a Business on the Side

Ever dream of running a part-time business, but want to keep your day job? With the current economy, many people are looking for ways to make additional income. According to Entrepreneur.com over 50% of households now have a home-based business.

Author, Keynote Speaker and Personal Power expert, DeLores Pressley, knows first-hand about the challenges that come with building a business while working a full-time job. She spent 27 years as an elementary school teacher, during which time she founded two businesses - a plus-size modeling agency and a professional speaking and consulting business, The Born Successful Institute.

DeLores has a few tips for building a business while working a full-time job:

1. Decide how much time per week you will devote to your businesses. You must make those business hours priority even if you only allocate 5, 10 or 15 hours a week. Most of us will be surprised how many hours you can carve out of you week if you just make it a priority and let go of other unproductive activities, like TV watching.

2. Make time to check email for about 10 to 15 minutes before you start your commute to work. You can check to see what’s happening, respond to a couple of emails and stay in contact with everybody.

3. On the way to work, make a few phone calls. It will only take you about 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 minutes a call. You can do that on the commute to work, and on your commute back. Even if you take the bus, the train or carpool into work, you can still implement some of these strategies into your day.

4. Set boundaries with family, friends and others in your support network. Let them know that quality time with them may be limited and ask for their understanding and support. n
5. While at work you can try to set up a few appointments during the week, during your lunch hour. You could even eat lunch outside or in your car, and make some calls during that time. Also check your email at lunchtime. n
6. Block off one or two evenings per week to work on your business or take some time on the weekend. Weave your business into your life little by little by doing something every day until the doing becomes a habit. n
7. Don’t jeopardize your day job when you’re building your business. You will want to talk about your business venture all the time, but you just can’t do that if you’re on your job. You have to do your work.

8. Accept that you’re going to be tired and even want to quit sometimes, and that’s okay. But remember, your efforts will be worth it in the long run. Don’t quit, know that it’s going to work for you. Keep your focus on your goals and you will get there!