How hard is to be a full-time employee with a business on the side? For many of us, it will not be practical to leave our full-time employment and depend totally on our small business.
This single mom found that it was very tough, yet she succeeded due to hard work, persistence and because she had another quality that is so important to entrepreneurs – the ability to find help when the going gets tough.
Of the many entrepreneurs I interview, I notice that a common trait is the ability to network and find the person who can provide the needed help at the right time. This is especially important for those whose time is divided between a full time employment and a part-time business.
When Fe Frialde was talking in the article about her difficulties in financing, I found it quite striking that she went directly to the head of the communication department of her first client – the International Rice Research Institute – and told him about the problem. Instead of admitting to defeat, she met the problem head on and communicated her difficulties.
Result? The head of the department gave her a downpayment that helped her with the cash flow issue and allowed her to deliver the goods on time.
Lesson learned: don’t be afraid to communicate and face the problem head on. Entrepreneurs are strong willed and open-minded. They don’t mind asking for help.
January 18th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Truly more and more of us should not feel too secure in our full-time jobs. Entrepreneurship and other income streams must be considered by all. It’s the way of the new world and is not just for bold and special few.
January 17th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
interesting article! i will keep this in mind, thanks for sharing!