I’m not sure how many times I have been asked this over the past year but, I have had countless people ask me how I could possibly have time to start and build a business with all of the responsibilities I have on a day to day basis. Between working full-time, pastoring a church, actively pursuing a Master’s degree, being a wife and mom of two littles, my schedule tends to stay pretty full. Aside from that and like the next person, I also live a full life and with time consuming hobbies, Netflix & Hulu binge sessions and lots of family and friends that I try to keep up with on the regular. From the outside looking in, I guess they are right to ask me how I have time for anything else, ha ha!

There are only so many hours in a day and so many days in a week and when one is considering starting a new business on top of an already busy schedule, there needs to be a strategy and a next level mindset in place! Do not be fooled, starting a business while working a traditional full-time job is not an easy task by any means. The good news following that statement is that, it’s also not impossible because if I can do it, anyone can! I found the following 5 key things remember to be extremely beneficial in my journey of building my business:

BE READY TO PUT IN WORK

Most days when I get home from work, I feel spent both mentally and physically and yet, I still have to be on, functional and present for my family. Once the kids are fed, bathed, and down for the night and I’ve spent time with the hubs, it’s then time for me to get back at it. Sometimes, I work late into the night to get things accomplished because that’s the only time available. Sometimes, it feels non-stop…because it is but, that’s literally what it takes. There will be times where you have to fight through exhaustion to meet the daily and/or weekly needs of your business. To produce your service or sell your goods, it’s going to take a lot of energy and even more effort, so get into the mindset that every day is grind time.

HAVE A PLAN AND A STRATEGY

I’m not just talking about a business plan although, that would be the first step. I’m talking about a plan of action or a step by step guide to help you execute all the moves you are wanting to make. This plan may look different for everyone but, for most, it should include things like, reminders, to-do lists, a calendar or two and a schedule. If you don’t have a plan of attack for your vision, you are planning to fail. Be sure to lay out all of the details, moving pieces and parts, if ands or buts as they relate to your business. If you do this, you’ll most likely be ready for whatever comes your way!

STICK TO THE PLAN

When you make a plan for your business, I highly recommend sticking to it. Doing this not only allows you to stay on focus but also, it allows you to diminish distractions. Most business owners that are working full-time have a goal to leave their full-time gig to move into solely operating their business. This is a move that is only made possible by staying on track! The only time you should deviate from the plan is if you have intentionally upgraded or tweaked your original plan.

BE CONSISTENT

It’s easy to fall into what I like to call the “Business Owners black hole” when you aren’t seeing the fruits of your labor as quickly as you had hoped. My advice is: KEEP GOING! Your hard work will pay off and if you stand firm and put your hands to the plow day in and day out, you WILL succeed! Just remember, there is a time and a season for everything whether it’s taking everything by storm or going slow and steady to win the race. All you have to do is continue to show up!

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Nobody has vision like you. No one can present your concept quite like you. You are unique, and you have something to offer. Never mind what other people are doing because you are not them and they are not you. Additionally, keep in mind that you were created with purpose by the master creator of all things. Walk in that purpose and believe in your capabilities. You got it, ball out! Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn until people get on the train.J

Remembering these 5 Key things as you are building your business and working full-time will not only help you to get to your goal but also, help you stay on track so that your business is thriving and profitable! If you have any other little nuggets to share from your personal experiences, we want to hear about it so drop it in the comments below!

Written by: Teah Ojeda