I recently read a good article in the Sunday Times business section with the title "Don't give up the day job ..." and it really rang true based on our experience at Office Answers. We have helped many clients grow their business while they hold on to a full time job, at least until their new business proves it will be a success.
If you are currently working full or part time but would like to start your own business you do not have to rush to hand in your notice. There are many services available which can help you test your business idea, such as our virtual receptionist service, while benefiting from the security and cashflow of holding on to your job.
A memorable example was a budding wedding photographer who wanted to be a full time photographer but needed the income from her job at a local council until she had built the business up more. We provided her with a telephone number for her business and the calls were answered by our receptionist team. It gave the impression she was a full time photographer and people were happy to leave a message with our receptionists. We sent her the message immediately as a text, and she rang the caller back during a coffee break or lunch. Over a couple of years the business built up steadily to the point she could safely leave her council job and achieve her ambition of being a full time photographer.
We have an IT support specialist who wanted to run a part time business offering computer help to local residents. People wanted someone to come round to sort out their computer in the evenings or at weekends, but wanted to ring during the day to make the arrangements. Again our receptionists provided the front to his business and he has gone from strength to strength.
There are also a wide range of services that can help on websites such as People Per Hour and Fiverr. For instance you could find someone to build, maintain and promote a Facebook page for your business at a very reasonable rate, possibly less than you earn in your job. So it makes sense to carry on earning and sub-contract some of these types of jobs out.
The article in the Sunday Times interviews a number of people and they all comment that the downside is that you have to pack the hours in. And it will take longer to build up the business as a result of working on it part time.
If you have a business idea but are not quite ready to take the plunge, give us a call to find out how we could help give the impression it is a full time business, without the need for you to give up your job.