Invest in Yourself: How to Bloom Like a Flower While Juggling Work and Business Goals
Starting a business while working full-time can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of waiting for that magical "retirement" moment, why not start today? Think of your entrepreneurial journey like the blossoming of a flower: small, steady growth over time, leading to something beautiful.
Shifting Your Mindset: No More "When I Retire"
If you’ve ever told yourself, “When I retire, I’m going to...” stop right there. Why wait for a future time to start working on your dreams? By beginning now, while you’re still employed, you get the benefit of steady income to help fund your business. Set aside just 10% of your paycheck every two weeks into a separate business account. This money can go toward building your website, buying materials, or funding other startup expenses, all without needing a business loan later.
What’s Been Gathering Dust in Your Creative Space?
Look around. What’s been hidden in your attic, basement, or tucked away on a back burner? Have you forgotten about that watercolor set or the jewelry-making supplies you once loved? Whatever it is, now is the perfect time to dust it off and bring your creative ideas to life. If you’re unsure where to start, jot down ideas in a notebook or journal, and use your commute time to listen to podcasts centered around your business idea. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places, and podcasts are an easy way to learn and get clarity on your journey.
Start Small, Think Big
It's easy to get overwhelmed by big, ambitious ideas. While dreaming big is important, the key to success lies in taking small, manageable steps. Thinking small doesn’t mean limiting yourself—it’s about gathering the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. This approach can help you avoid unnecessary spending and set you on the path to long-term success.
Prepare to Win: Invest in Your Knowledge
The best entrepreneurs never stop learning. Whether it’s through local community colleges or online courses, there are so many resources available to help you develop essential business skills. Look for courses on topics like social media marketing, starting an online business, and basic accounting. Many community colleges offer affordable continuing education options, both in-person and online.
And don’t forget about Michaels! They offer online small business classes that can help guide you as you take your crafting passion to the next level.
Build Your Brand: It’s About More Than Etsy
While Etsy is a popular platform for selling handcrafted items, building your own website is the most powerful way to showcase your business. With your own site, you control your brand, your products, and—most importantly—your email list. Your email list is a goldmine for connecting with customers, sharing new products, and building lasting relationships.
When choosing a website provider, don’t just pick the one your friend uses. Do your research to find the platform that works best for your niche and business. Remember, your website is a reflection of you, so make it shine!
Domain Name & Professional Email: A Must-Have
If you haven’t already, check if your business name is available as a domain. If it is, grab it immediately! Domain names are usually very affordable, sometimes as little as $12 a year. While you’re at it, create a professional business email to build credibility and communicate with customers. You’ll need it for sending newsletters, product alerts, and more. Investigate email management systems like Klaviyo, Mailchimp or ConvertKit to streamline your communications.
Don’t Rush the Process
Starting your business doesn’t need to happen overnight. Take your time, set realistic goals, and build your store at your own pace. Don’t compare yourself to others. This is your journey, and your store should reflect your unique vision and style.
You Still Have Time to Bloom
This is the beginning of the new year, 2025. Let’s do this now! Join me for a 2-part series of “Invest in Yourself” where we’ll dive deeper into actionable steps you can take to make your dreams a reality. I also want to invite you to hang out with me during my Friday live show, Conquering Self-Doubt (give it a listen). Together, we’ll tackle those inner doubts and turn them into fuel for your journey.
By investing in yourself, setting small goals, and continuously learning, you’ll create a strong foundation for your business. Like a flower, you’ll bloom into the entrepreneur you’ve always wanted to be.
So, what’s stopping you? Let’s start today—one step at a time.