Keeping your job while starting a business is an excellent strategy for minimizing risk, but it requires smart management. Here are some tools and tips to help you better plan your time or your transition.
Clarify your employment contract:
- Read your contract carefully to make sure it does not contain any exclusivity clauses or provisions prohibiting you from working for yourself.
- If necessary, let your employer know (especially if the activities overlap) to avoid any conflicts.
Plan your time effectively and set clear priorities:
- Use time-management tools to organize your days.
- Set aside specific time slots for your business, such as early in the morning, in the evening, or on weekends.
- Identify the tasks that add the most value to your business and focus on them.
- Learn to say no to things that don’t directly contribute to your goals.
Delegate and automate:
- Outsource certain business tasks (accounting, marketing, etc.) so you can focus on strategic matters.
- Automate as much as possible (email marketing, inventory management, sales processes).
Keep an eye on your well-being:
- Take care of your physical and mental health (sleep, diet, breaks).
- Watch for signs of burnout and adjust your schedule if necessary.
- Consider working with a mentor.
Plan for a potential transition:
- If your business is starting to generate enough revenue to cover your personal and business expenses, and you have enough savings to cover 6 to 12 months of expenses in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- If you feel that your job is holding your business back, consider a gradual transition.
Flexible entrepreneurship is a growing trend in Quebec and has seen a sharper increase among women in recent years. According to the latest data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 72.3% of emerging entrepreneurs in Quebec work part-time.
To find out more, listen to our podcast in collaboration with M105.
