This question came from one of my students that has taken a couple of my courses. It was such a good question I wanted to share. "How do I start a business while working for someone else?" #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartYourBusiness #SideHustle #BusinessSuccess #WorkEthic #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSuccess #WorkLifeBalance #SmallBusiness #CorporateLife #StartupMindset #BusinessStrategy #WorkplaceCulture #BusinessEthics #TransparencyMatters #TrustInBusiness #IntegrityInWork #RespectAndGrowth #StrategicPlanning #CareerTransition #SuccessMindset #FuturePlanning #BuildYourDream
President @ Construction Field School | OSHA Authorized Construction Trainer | Craft Development Expert @ The Haskell Company
Starting a business while still employed requires strategic planning for a smooth transition. Whether you work for a small mom-and-pop shop or a large corporation, understanding your work environment is crucial. Everyone you encounter could be a future client, partner, or reference, so professionalism is key. Navigate Your Work Environment Small Business (Mom-and-Pop Shop) Pros: Close relationships, mentorship opportunities, and flexibility. Cons: Owners may be emotionally invested and see your business as a threat. Since you were hired to contribute to their success, shifting focus elsewhere could be perceived as disloyalty. Big Corporation Pros: Defined roles, structured policies, and less emotional involvement from leadership. Cons: Legal restrictions, strict non-compete agreements, and potential termination risks if conflicts of interest arise. Key Practices to Follow Understand Company Policies – Read your handbook, contract, and non-compete clauses before launching your business. Keep Work and Business Separate – Never use company time, resources, or contacts for your side venture. Be Transparent When Necessary – If your business doesn’t compete with your employer, honesty may help build trust, especially in small businesses. In corporate settings, assess whether disclosure is necessary based on policy. Continue Performing at a High Level – A decline in work performance will raise suspicions and damage trust. Develop Your Skills – Use your job as a learning experience to build business management, customer relations, and financial skills. Plan Your Exit Strategy – Set financial goals, build a customer base, and prepare for a professional departure on good terms. Things to Avoid ?? Do Not Poach Clients or Employees – Taking customers or coworkers from your employer is unethical and could lead to legal consequences. ?? Do Not Use Company Resources – Using work time, computers, or supplies for your business is a breach of trust. ?? Do Not Assume Your Employer Won’t Find Out – Word spreads fast, especially in tight-knit industries. ?? Do Not Burn Bridges – Even if you plan to leave, maintaining relationships is beneficial for your future business. Earning Trust and Managing Transparency If you choose to disclose your business plans, building trust is essential. ?? Position Your Business as non-threatening ?? Maintain Commitment to Your Job ?? Be Upfront if Necessary – In small businesses, honesty can prevent misunderstandings. In corporate settings, transparency is only needed if required by policy. ?? Set Clear Boundaries – Respect work hours and responsibilities Final Thoughts Balancing employment and entrepreneurship requires professionalism, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making. Whether you aim to transition into full-time business ownership or keep it as a side hustle, handling the process with integrity ensures you leave on good terms and maintain strong professional relationships.