Let’s admit it, business is hard. Especially when you’re managing everything by yourself from social media marketing to payroll in an attempt to gain traction and grow your business to full time. If you have an idea to create something that you are absolutely passionate about and believe in, don’t give up even if it feels like you’re going in circles. As the saying goes, “we all have to start somewhere,” and what better time than now to build your dream?
I know it’s better said than done, but to help you continue down this path to success (and hopefully quit you day job) I’ve reached out to 8 amazing entrepreneurs who have successfully quit their 9 – 5 and continue to grow. I couldn’t think of a better time to share this advice than the start of my business blog! Below is some much needed inspiration and tips from these awesome entrpreneurs. And let me tell you, these pieces of advice definitely provide some much needed words of wisdom for those looking to build their business even further.
The Question:
Full time entrepreneurs, what’s the best piece of advice you can offer to someone who is just starting their business and wants to eventually quit their 9-5?
Their answers…
1. Jessica Bledsoe
“Make your clients / customers a priority. You’ll get most of your business from word of mouth referrals. It’s easy to let things slip when you’re working full time and trying to grow your own business. Remember that communication is key.
Everyone makes mistakes, but if you’ve found yourself in a bind and unable to meet a deadline, etc., communicate that with the client. Most people are understanding if you are the one to tell them whats up rather than making them ask you for an update.
Set clear expectations and don’t feel like you have to take every job that comes your way just because you’re “new”. Trust your gut, but also be open to opportunities that might open other doors down the road.”
2. Jayleen Magill
“My best piece of advice for someone just starting their business is make sure you love the work.
Just because you get to do it from home (or wherever) doesn’t mean you can’t hate your job. If you’re starting a business, make sure it’s something that you love doing. We’re all in love with the lifestyle of screwing the 9 to 5 … there’s so much potential for freedom around time and money.
But, it’s not worth it if the work that you’re doing to afford the lifestyle is something that you don’t like doing.”
– Jayleen Magill, Mompreneur & Founder of Grow Big & Stay Home
3. Scott Wetzel
“My advice for a new freelancer is to always charge 20% more than you think you should. A close second (maybe equal) is never ignore the red flags or gut checks. They are there for a reason.“
4. Jordan Beckvonpeccoz
“Be persistent! There’s a lot of information out there, and a whole world of starting points, but if you just keep at it and learn as much as your brain can handle, you’ll do great.
More than anything else in my freelance journey, being persistent has kept me working and trying and innovating. It’s not quite the same as being stubborn, though, because that would imply a kind of pride and not being able to let go of things that aren’t working for you. It’s definitely important to be able to do that. Persistence more means knowing that you have to be doing this, or that you want to be doing this, and that even though you don’t always know what you’re doing, you’re gonna keep learning and trying until you figure it out. (Even if maybe figuring it out will never happen.)“
5. Barry Braunstein
“You will likely underestimate what it will take, both financially and timewise. It will likely take more money to get the business going than you originally planned for. Revenues will likely not grow as fast as you’d like / planned for. You will not have enough time to do everything you want / need to do. At some point you’ll need to outsource / prioritize all the things you need to do. It’s great to be on your own – but if you’re not prepared for the ups, downs, and what it takes to get the business going, it can be tough. Oh, and marketing / selling will take up more time and effort than you realize – and it’s the most critical thing you’ll need to do.“
6. Mark Mehling
“Remember this definition: An entrepreneur is someone who will quit their 9 – 5 job to be their own boss and work 16 hours a day, 7 days a week to succeed.”
7. Sophie Newman
“Do what you wish you were doing. I knew I wanted to work for myself, but delayed making the leap. I wish I’d made a decision sooner – within a few weeks of starting my business I was happier, more excited to share what I was doing, and pumped to start working each day! If you’re wanting to make the change – make a plan and then work forward. Whatever you do: envision where you want to be and then START WORKING to get there.“
8. Tim Miller
“The most important thing to do before anything is to count the cost. There are many great ideas that people have but so many fail to count the cost. Going from a 9 – 5 job to your own business is like giving up one job to take on 3 or more jobs, so you better love what you’re venturing into doing. Also never do it for the money. If your focus is money, stay at the 9-5 job. That isn’t to say you won’t make lots of money, but it can’t be your focus. Love what you do and do what you love.“
The Takeaway?
Managing and owning your own business obviously takes a lot more effort than a 9 – 5 job. You need to make sure you’re definitely passionate about the route you’re looking to take. Yes, the road does get tough at times, but when you’re doing what you love, it’s easier to push past the bad and strive towards the good. While being persistent is key, certain decisions can make or break your business. It’s important to remember to listen to what your gut instincts are telling you.
If you love what you do and are eager to grow your business further, get excited for a future where you can enjoy the freedom to work where you want, when you want, and on what you want… With some sleepless nights sprinkled in there for good measure, of course.
Did these words of wisdom resonate with you? Or have you successfully quit your 9 – 5 and have some wisdom of your own to share? Let me know below!
I love these! Persistence is what I’m shooting at this year. And, always, charging that extra 20%. 😉
Yes, definitely! Persistence has been so important in the growth of my own business as well as charging more and owning my worth!
Marriah
Great tips! I will be keeping these on hand x
I’m glad you enjoyed the read! I hope these pieces of advice prove to be helpful in your business!
Marriah
These are great words of wisdom! Thank you!!
Of course, thanks so much for reading! I hope these pieces of advice are useful for you in your business!
Marriah
Your new website is gorgeous, and I’m already loving the content! This is a great post right here, with so many great tips from awesome people living the dream.
Do you also still have your old blog?
Thank you so much for your kind words Kim! I’m glad you’re also enjoying my content!
Yes, I do. It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted on it since I’ve been working so hard on my visual services business. You can find it here:
http://blog.thewanderfulsoul.com
Marriah
I was glad to see a mix of women and men entrepeneurs in this post! I do notice that all 8 are white, though. I wonder if that’s worth examining (not just on your blog) but in the landscape of entrepreneurship in general. Some food for thought for me, certainly, as I try to work with a diverse pool of clients.
I myself am a Hispanic entrepreneur who works full time and race was definitely not something I even thought about when putting this list together. It happened to come together from the entrepreneurs who responded to my initial question in various forums where I’ve made connections. I simply gathered the responses that were helpful and inspiring and compiled them in this post to help other entrepreneurs starting out, regardless of color, with their business’ growth.
Marriah
I like your post. Definitely a must read for start up business. It’s not easy and one must be devoted to be successful.
Thank you! And it most definitely takes some dedication, but is so worth it if you’re doing what you love!
Marriah
Its a great post and nice to read advise from so many people, i am able to take away some ideas from your post to help me in my new venture so thank you! x
That’s so great Claire! I’m very happy to hear these pieces of advice are helpful to you in your new venture! 🙂
Marriah
Thanks for these Marriah. I timely need the inspiration today. Before I also worked as a freelance graphic artists I loved the work and now I manage social media for a company. Good luck!
That’s so great! I’m happy to have created this post to help all entrepreneurs who need the advice!
Marriah
great tips from the experts! surely something to keep in my this 2018!
Yes, definitely! So glad you find it helpful in your business for 2018!
Marriah
‘never do it for the money’ is such an important one. You have to do it because your PASSIONATE about what you’re doing, the rest will follow. Some great advice here thanks! Just what I needed to start my year off right. Thank you
Most definitely! Many people are in it to be overnight millionaires, but there’s no way that’s happening unless you’re very driven, passionate, and are happy to put the work in!
Marriah
I love how everyone has a different perspective. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong time to make the leap. We have to jump when we are ready even just at least a little bit. I’m not ready yet but hope maybe in the future.
These are great tips from knowledgeable professionals. Enjoying what you do for your business and not for the money is a great tip. Thanks for sharing.
Dear Marriah, I really liked your article. Getting perspectives of those entrepreneurs who have successfully done the transition made interesting read. Many wise words to remember.
Great tips from key experts! I really want to expand my business this year and I know I’m in the right path now.
What an informative post filled with a wealth of information. I can use all of these tips and tricks on my own website! I better get started….
http://www.nmdiaries.com
That a useful tips, I just quit my job and now a SAHM. We are starting a new business this year and I found your post very useful. I also do baking since last year and I agree to “Love the work”, you can never be successful into something if you don’t put your heart into it.
That’s a great read.. Will keep this in mind thanks for sharing
These are all excellent tips! Clients should definitely be #1, that’s for sure.
I really like all these ideas.Finally I could take the leap to launch my own business when it is time to re-join with the work force.As a newbie to business world,these tips are really helpful for me.
I will like to quit my 9-5 job but the only skill I have is writing or educating others. I really wish I can turn it into a business. Thanks for putting together tricks of the trade used by various entrepreneurs for our inspiration.
Don’t sell yourself short Ingrid, those are really valuable skills! There are plenty of copywriters who have successfully quit their 9 – 5 and even some who make courses to educate others on improving their writing!
Marriah
Sound words of advice. It’s always helpful to hear what people with more experience are saying.
These are awesome tips here, thanks!
Thanks for reading Heather, I’m happy you’ve found them useful!
Marriah