Starting a business is a bold step a woman can take, especially when she is balancing the demands of a 9 to 5 job. Yep, I remember vividly this bold step when I decided to start a coaching business. As a Black woman now over 40, the stakes are even higher. Before I dive in the stories to what got me on this ride, I have one good news, you're not just building a business; you're also reshaping your life and breaking generational barriers.
That is the good news!
But to successfully go through the journey, you'll need to adapt those productivity hacks to help you manage it all with grace and ease.
Meet me in 2018, still working a 9 to 5 job and trying to build a business. I decided to go on this journey one year after I moved to my big girl apartment. The shocking point on this is that, I did not know to set clear, and achievable goals for both my personal life, my job and my business. Therefore, I started with a hustler and a survivor mindset. My dreams were grand, but what I did not know is that the way I started was not effective and it will cause pains, hurt and heartbreaks.
I remember that I needed to come up with a business name. If you were near me you would see me rolling my eyes...Seriously! At 2 A.M. in the morning, I dialed my then best-friend/partner waking her up to say "I have a name for the business, E.M.P.T.T.Y." She hesitated "empty?" before asking the meaning, "it stands for "Elevate and Motivate with Purpose To Transform Yourself." The business name is empty, seriously? From there on, it was the fall of my business planning. My time was always spent on a hustle mode, always jumping ships and all over the place. It was not productive, and not completed.
Girlfriend, if no one else told you this yet, let me say it to you...the simplest way to start a business in 2024 is by being yourself anywhere and everywhere. In other words, use your name if you want to be seen, heard and valued, it's that simple.
Here is what I wished I'd known back then:
I wished I had use my name in my business everywhere and anywhere. That I had the key to mastering productivity and learned the skills of purposeful planning. And known that how I spent my times in my business determines the level of my success. Here is what I would do in this present moment if I was starting a business while I am still working a 9 to 5 job. I would begin by setting clear, achievable goals for both my job and the business. I would break these goals into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. I would use tools like digital planners and calendars, or project management apps to stay organized and present.
2. Leverage Your 9 to 5
Your day job can be a valuable asset in your entrepreneurial journey. But, guess who did not have that mindset back then? Yep, Moi! However, in the process I have then learned to look for ways to align my work tasks with my business goals. There were many new skills and experiences that I was able to acquire and apply to my business such as, leadership, effective communication and management. In retrospect can you use your lunch breaks or commute time to brainstorm ideas or plan your next steps? I will never advise you to quickly quit your job if you don't have a steady income to support you for the next two years. But, I'd say maximize your 9 to 5 hours as an edge without sacrificing your day job performance.
3. Outsource and Delegate
You don’t have to do it all alone. Seriously, you don't and this is what I mean by that. Well, back then when I started my coaching, I wanted the people closer to me to help me. I thought, If I can do it, they can too. But, what I did not get is that they did not owe me that. Outsourcing and delegating tasks can free up time for the things that only you can do. It took me two long years to experience the difference. I remember when I hired my first virtual assistants to work on my social media, it was a load that was taken off of my shoulders. I'd say, ask for help. You can't do it all by yourself. Consider hiring a virtual assistant, using apps to automate repetitive tasks, or delegating household chores. Remember, investing in help is an investment in your business and your well-being.
4. Self-Care as a Non-Negotiable
Burnout is real, especially when you’re juggling your 9 to 5 job and entrepreneurship. When I started the journey of entrepreneurship, I was communing four hours everyday. Then I would come home to working in creating and building websites, landing pages, newsletters etc for my own coaching. This experience was a total burnout. What I've learned through the years is that "you can’t pour from an empty cup," self-care must be a non-negotiable part of our routines. The way you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether it’s a daily walk, a weekly massage, or simply taking time to relax and recharge, self-care is essential for maintaining your energy and productivity. Remember, create a morning ritual that centers you, boosts your energy, and prepares you for your day ahead.
As a Black woman over 40, you have the wisdom, resilience, and experience to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship while working a 9 to 5. But, if you want to protect your time, energy, and focus on what truly matters you must learn to say no to activities, events, or requests that don’t align with your goals. By adopting these productivity hacks, you can build your business, achieve your goals, and create the life you’ve always dreamed of—all while maintaining your peace and well-being.
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