Moving from a full-time job to becoming your own boss as an entrepreneur is both challenging and exciting. Here are three important things to keep in mind as you make the transition to ensure it’s smooth and successful.
1. Soak up Information
Corporate America has tons of information to offer. If you are working a 9 to 5 job with the intent to become an entrepreneur, be sure to learn all that you can about the business and its principles. Regardless of what field you are in, there are always fundamentals that can be learned, which you can apply to your own business.
Take notes on the company culture and what it stands for. When a new opportunity arises, be sure to take advantage of that opportunity even if it’s something you are not interested in. For example, in my earlier years of working, I was given the opportunity to coordinate an after school program. I was able to use the information I learned from coordinating the after school program and relate it to my nonprofit when I was in the planning stages years later.
When you are working a 9 to 5 job and know that entrepreneurship is your passion, be sure to change your mindset when it comes to going to work every day. There is a wealth of knowledge that can be learned from working a 9 to 5 job. Regardless of what position you’re in at your current job, think about how it can benefit your entrepreneurial journey.
If you’re a cashier, make it your business to go to work every day and learn something new about being a cashier. A cashier at a grocery store handles cash and makes several transactions per day. That is a useful and needed skill when becoming an entrepreneur.
2. Build Your Network
Networking is key in Corporate America. The more people of value you know, the better chances you will have to gain more experiences. Get to know people who are in higher positions than you, ask them if you can job shadow. This way you can see what it is like to be in a managerial position, and you’ll be able gain hands on experience.
Also, when you are ready to move forward with your transition to a full time entrepreneur you will have connected with people who can help you within your business. It’s always great to know and interact with people who are not in your field.
3. Take Notes on What to Do and What Not to Do
If you have the spirit of an entrepreneur, you will have a love/hate relationship with your 9 to 5 job and often criticize the way the company operates. When criticizing, make sure you take notes on what you don’t like about the company, so when you build your company, you won’t run into the same issues.If there are policies and procedures that you feel are unreasonable or unfair, make sure you identify how you would change the policies and procedures to better accommodate your employees.
There will be times where your company will do things that you feel are beneficial. Also note those items so you can implement them within your company and can perfect them.
Always remember, change your mindset and make the best out of your 9 to 5 job. You may not be a full time entrepreneur today, but you will be some day. Use the time at your 9 to 5 job to prepare for your journey to entrepreneurship.
Brittany Yates
Brittany Yates, MBA is an astute businesswoman; she is a business blogger, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and author of The Fundamental Journey of Entrepreneurship Through Prayer. At the age of 17, she started investing in the lives of teenagers coordinating an after school program which sparked her love for the community and entrepreneurship. Brittany began to incorporate entrepreneurship programs for students within the after school program, which later branched out into a nonprofit organization, Endless Dreams Foundation, now assisting youth with work employability skills and college preparation. Brittany is determined to make a difference in each person’s life that comes in her life. In addition to her nonprofit organization, Brittany opened Abundant Provisions Consulting, formally known as Brittany Love Consulting, which offers business coaching to assist aspiring and established entrepreneurs reach their full potential in business. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching entrepreneurs how to develop sustainable businesses that will last them a lifetime.
Follow Me:
Fabulous article here! There’s nothing you need to do more than TAKE NOTES. The best way to improve is to analyse the way you work, lay it out in front of you and find a solution to each problem!
Once again, Great article!
Amy, I’m glad you found this article great and helpful. Keep taking notes, its a great way to soak up information and expand your knowledge base.