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How much spare time do you have? If your answer is lots, then you are probably in the minority. Most people now days are working 8-5 jobs (that are really 7 to 6 or beyond), juggling 2 jobs to make ends meet, trying to schedule the school and athletic activities of their kids to fit in with their work schedule, etc. It is a rat race world out there and we unfortunately are a part of it.
So time management is critical. It can make or break a person who is starting an internet business. When I was setting up one of my first websites, our business computer was located in a office area in the basement of our house. I would disappear for hours on end trying to get the code written and posted for the website. Strange as it may seem, my wife likes to see me occasionally. I would always say, if I can just get this (insert your own line here) finished, I know it will be great for our future. (Repeat last sentence endlessly as you jump from idea to idea.) Well, our business computer is now in the living room so my wife can glance over at me occasionally and remember what I look like. No, it’s really not the answer, but I can take occasional breaks, go cozy a bit, and then wander back over and do a little more work. It’s a method of tradeoffs that is working for now. It will require adjustment as life events change.
Time management. With all that’s going on, you have to do it, like it or not. A successful business will take time. If you want your business to be successful, then you will have to dedicate time to it. Usually what measure of time you make available is proportional to the successfulness, and the time frame between start of business and your first dollar of income.
Here’s where it gets tough. If you are dependant on your mainstream career to survive from paycheck to paycheck, then you’ll want to be sure that the time you are devoting to a personal business does not interfere. Most businesses have very strict policies that prohibit you from conducting personal business on company equipment and during business hours. Get familiar with the rules of your mainstream business and make sure that you don’t jeopardize what putting food on the table. To be safe, don’t plan on getting things done during time you are being paid to do work for someone else. It’s not only unethical, but if discovered, they could become the new owners of any unique ideas you may have had for your business (you used their equipment and/or time to develop them so they can take ownership), and you could be disciplined or even fired for your activities.