Starting a business while working a 9 to 5 is challenging. As a Black woman in my late 40s, I know many Black women in their 40s are facing similar challenge today. The weight of trying to juggle both responsibilities is unbearable. I know it too—because I traversed this similar journey. I remember the countless nights of doing everything on my own, thinking I had to prove myself by carrying the burden alone. But the truth is, entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be—and shouldn’t be—a solo journey.
Here’s what I’ve learned through the years since I have been on this journey: I've learned that the beginning of entrepreneurship is uncertain, uneasy, and risky. I also learned that building a business in isolation isn’t just exhausting; it’s damaging to your mental health, your relationships, your success, and your growth. When I started working on my coaching business, I thought I could do it alone. So I spent years after years repeating the same mistakes while expecting different outcomes. I spent years designing websites, landing pages to simply been told "Oh! that's pretty. You did a great job" but yet, not converting to consistent clients.
Doing this journey alone, is not a strategy I want to share with you if you are starting your business journey. I want to share with you the five essential people who need to be by your side as you embark on this journey. Each one plays a unique role, offering support, guidance, and expertise that will not only lighten your load but also set you up for sustainable success.
1. The Mentor
If you are starting a business in 2024 while working your 9 to 5 job, you'll need a mentor to guide you along the way. A mentor is someone who has walked the path you’re on and can offer you wisdom and advice based on their own experiences. When I first started, I thought I could figure everything out on my own. But it wasn’t until I found a mentor that I realized how much easier it is to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with someone who has been there before. A mentor will help you avoid common pitfalls, keep you motivated when things get tough, and provide a roadmap to success.
2. The Accountability Partner
You don't have to be diagnosed with ADHD, to feel all over the place as an entrepreneur. There are times you simply can't keep up. I've discovered that it’s easy to lose focus when you’re balancing a full-time job and building a business. My advice is to find yourself an accountability partner, this is the person who keeps you on track. They don’t just cheer you on; they believe in you and challenge you to stay committed to your goals. I’ve found that having someone to regularly check in with—whether it’s dayly, weekly or monthly—has made all the difference in keeping me disciplined and focused. I came across amazing peer coaches who exercised the competencies of accountability to help me through the journey.
3. The Business Coach
While a mentor provides wisdom, a business coach offers strategy. This part is non-negotiable because you will need a business coach for the rest of your business career. Something many Black women like myself often put to the side. A business coach helps you build a solid foundation for your business by offering expertise in areas you might not be familiar with, like marketing, finances, or operations. I know what you're thinking "Nadeje, where do I find the money to hire a business coach?" Maybe you may have to ask a friend who is a business strategist, who has built multiple businesses, who knows? Just ask someone who can help you build a business that will not fail. I remember in 2020 during the pandemic, I was blessed with a business coach, she was like a personal trainer for my business. The strategies and ideas she shared, helped me streamline my processes, identified my target market, and created a growth plan. You'll need a business coach to help you see the bigger picture and set you up for long-term success.
4. The Supportive Partner or Friend
The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship is real. Having someone in your corner who believes in your vision and supports you emotionally is crucial. This person could be a partner, a friend, or even a family member who understands your journey and is there to lift you up when the going gets tough. And let me tell you, the going will get tough. There were many times when I was struggling to keep up with the hustle, or struggling to create something, what made all the difference was to know someone is there to remind me of my ‘why’ and offer a listening ear. So, keep that in mind emotional support is just as important as professional support. I was graced to have a best friend/partner to hold me accountable for the promises I made to myself.
5. The Networking Buddy
Finally, you need someone who helps you expand your network. Building a business isn’t just about what you know, but who you know. A networking buddy is the person who introduces you to new opportunities, potential clients, or collaborators. They help you get your foot in the door and expand your reach. Having a networking buddy is invaluable in helping you grow your business beyond what you could have done on your own.
The entrepreneurial journey can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be for you if you decide to join in this journey. To start, you must surround yourself with these five essential people. When you surround yourself with these five elements you’ll find that the path to entrepreneurship becomes less daunting and more fulfilling. Don’t do it alone—because thriving in business and in life is about building connections and lifting each other up.
If you’re just starting out or feeling overwhelmed by trying to do it all on your own, take a step back and consider who you have in your corner. And if you find any gaps, start seeking out those people who can help you on your journey. Your success, your mental health, your relationships, and your growth depend on it.
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