How to Start a Profitable Business While Working Fulltime

Oftentimes, the only way to realize your dreams as an entrepreneur is to begin while working full-time. I started my first business in 1996. With ongoing financial obligations such as rent and student loans, I realized that I couldn't quit my job and run the business full-time from the outset.

Keeping my job allowed me to grow faster than I might have otherwise, because all profit went back into the business. Many, however, are reluctant to start in this manner because they worry about such issues as business image, customer loyalty, and family time. To put these concerns in perspective, let's look at a couple of statistics:

**According to the 1999 Census Bureau non-employer statistics, 72% of all small businesses do not have employees
**In 2001, there were over 22 million small businesses in the United States; this represents over 99% of all businesses

These statistics illustrate two glaring facts:

1) the majority of businesses are not major corporations; and

2) you will probably be responsible for every aspect of your business - from paperwork to customer service, at least in the beginning stages. As most businesses are not major corporations, worry less about competing or trying to present that image.

Focus on what most small businesses do better than large corporations: customer service. In an Internet business, this is especially important.

While servicing your customers will be your main goal, you will be called on to perform many tasks - some none too pleasant, e.g.: filing appropriate tax forms, obtaining insurance; ordering and shipping merchandise; haggling with vendors. The list is endless. With a full-time job and family responsibilities, you may be wondering if it is possible. It is, and the key is organization.

Some suggestions to get you organized are to:

1) set aside a space, no matter how small, to conduct your business: having to constantly pack up your workspace will be a hindrance to you actually getting down to business. So, dedicated a space that says "business". That way, when you are there, you are "at work," not at "the kitchen table," which must be cleaned off when you are finished.