If you’re like many people, owning your own business and working for yourself seems like an ideal solution. In the marketing business, this is a possibility. Independently owned and boutique agencies are often quite successful.
However, making the transition from working a “day job” to working for yourself can be a challenge. After all, you don’t want to get yourself stuck in a position where you can’t earn a living.
Instead of giving up your job and making a go at it straight away, it can help to build your marketing agency while you’re still working that day job. Here are seven tips to help you get started.
Don’t Burn Bridges – Do not do anything crazy that could cause you to get fired or put a strain on your relationship with your boss or co-workers.
Not only do you not know how long you’ll be working this day job, but these connections could also become important to you in the future. After all, the people you know today could be your clients tomorrow.
Set SMART Goals – In the marketing industry SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Bound) goals are important for any marketing campaign.
However, this method of goal setting can be important in your personal and professional life too. When you achieve a goal, you’ll feel better about the business and your possibilities for advancement.
Get Feedback – Before you launch your new marketing firm, get feedback from others and make sure your plan has potential. Ask people in your industry and consider getting actual survey results too. When you have feedback from others, you may find potential problems before they occur.
Invest Today – While you’re still working, it can be easier to invest your profits back into the business. After all, you are not counting on that income to pay your electric bill or rent.
If possible, invest every bit you can back into your marketing agency. You may find that you can achieve more and grow it faster than you ever thought possible.
Get Help – You are working a job and trying to start a business. You will be busy. However, you don’t have to work yourself to the bone.
Consider hiring a virtual personal assistant to help with tasks like answering emails, making phone calls and organizing files. Enlist your spouse or family members too—if you can.
You need all the help you can get, and you shouldn’t feel bad about asking for this assistance.
Say No to Distractions – This isn’t the time to sit down to a new season of Orange is the New Black on Netflix or to get involved in the latest candy crunching game on Facebook.
You will have to make time for your business and yourself, so don’t let mindless distractions keep you from achieving your goals. Also, remember to get plenty of sleep—you’ll need that energy to power through your busy days.
Generate Revenue – While it can be tempting to take on some pro bono jobs to build your name in the business, it is important to begin generating revenue.
This is good for you from a professional standpoint as well as simply boosting your confidence.
If you don’t have any clients lined up, consider hitting UpWork, PeoplePerHour or other platforms to find some paid jobs to begin building your bankroll.
Finally, remember that most companies don’t become successful overnight. Don’t expect to wake up tomorrow and find that you are ready to take over the world (so to speak).
Relax, take it one job at a time and eventually you WILL be ready to make your agency your number one priority.
