by Solange Lopes | Apr 26, 2017 | Start Your Business, Working Mom & Woman Tips
This post is part of a Working Mom series run by The Corporate Sister in honor of Mother’ Day.
So you thought this entrepreneur thing would be all glitz and glam? That you’d finally get a full 8 hours of sleep while running your empire and keeping up with your weekly facials? The life of a successful, thriving mompreneur sporting slick hair, an impeccable manicure and the latest Louboutins…
Fast-forward into the (real) entrepreneurial world, and here you are, broken nails, hanging over the dinner casserole as you’re about to drop your cell phone in the pan while yelling at your nightmarish customer… Did you just get that mental picture? Yes, it’s that of a successful mompreneur juggling kids, dinnertime, broken nails, and a hopefully growing empire…
Truth is, I no longer want to hear about entrepreneurship as this safe haven for all our childhood dreams…Especially as a tired mom who can’t seem to convince my youngest to abide to daily showering for cleanliness’s sake, or get my primer to actually keep the doggone makeup on for more than a couple hours…
The reality is that for most mompreneurs out there, glitz and glam are as elusive as shaving every week (especially in the winter). Unless you’ve reached mogul status, in which case you still have to bribe your kids not to pull your fancy earrings or drop tapioca pudding in your Victoria’s Secret fine bra, you’re struggling…
You’re struggling to get everybody in and out of the shower with clean teeth and semi-clean bodies (trust me, there is no foolproof way of checking every one of the little body crevices). You’re struggling to type the next blog post while dear daughter is painting your toe nails with kiddie nail polish. And you’re struggling to finish that client project when everyone else in the house is snoring, and your eyes are arguing with you to shut down once and for all (and you know the suckers will win)…
Nothing against “dad-preneurs”, or “male-preneurs” everywhere, but there’s something about putting together two life missions like motherhood and entrepreneurship/following your calling/heeding the call that makes it a unique and oh so demanding combination…It’s not like you can clock out at 5pm, shut off that”work” compartment and go have “family time”…
If you’re an entrepreneur, you’re breathing entrepreneurship. And if you’re a mom, you’re breathing motherhood…If you’re both, you’re constantly catching your breath as you’re running from one demand to the other…No bathroom breaks here…
What I’ve learnt about being an air-deprived mompreneur with toes painted with kiddie nail polish can be summarized in three easy bullet points (because there’s no time for more, really):
Let’s start with a quick reality check…There’s something about entrepreneurship that has this “never finished” quality. Which means the whole glamorous side of it, including sitting at a well-organized desk, surrounded by positive affirmations and healthy lemon water? Not so much. It’s the stuff of well-lit Instagram posts that aim to convince you that being a mompreneur is so seductive…
Instead, what you really may deal with may range from not having time to shower, and taking client calls while holding the baby in one arm and stirring the dinner pot with the other. Because entrepreneurship is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle, unlike traditional 9-to-5 that can be left behind after hours. And for moms, it happens to add onto an already packed schedule.
After the glum first reality check, let’s add that it does get easier. The biggest hurdle as to being a mompreneur is setting a more or less flexible schedule to adhere to on a daily basis. And that requires time to fine-tune all your obligations, appointments and to-do’s into a somewhat harmonized day, all the while managing to get decent sleep and comb your hair every now and again…
The part when it gets easier is when you get better at planning your days, making room for the unexpected, and making peace with not hitting all your goals all the time. Oh, and rewarding yourself too for all those times you make it to the finish line with the same shoes on each foot…
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You get better all around!
Did I mention being a mompreneur is a lifestyle all in itself? Which also means it requires you to integrate all the different parts of your life into a coherent whole, while making sure everyone’s fed, bathed, dressed and not left behind…
The great thing about going through the hardships of being a mompreneur is that these teach you invaluable tools to manage chaos. This means you get mentally tougher, you execute better, and you learn to discern the priorities from the not-so-important stuff.
Does it all come at once? Certainly not. It’s going to be a long-term trial-and-error type of thing. But in the end, or as you joyfully spring somewhere towards the light at the end of the tunnel, it all becomes clearer. What matters, what does not, and what really needs to go…And that’s the gift!
What has been your reality as a mompreneur?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
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by Solange Lopes | Apr 12, 2017 | Start Your Business
Got a hobby?If you do, (and yes, knitting ugly Christmas sweaters or counseling your desperate friends counts), there are actually some serious chances you could be turning those hours spent unwinding into some serious cash…Or at least some pocket money to buy the shoes, hook up your tired feet with a (much needed) pedicure, or pay off those pesky student loans…
Listen, I get it…As career/business/buy gals (and dudes), fitting in anything in addition to work, kids and those pain-in-the-neck loads of laundry is a challenge… Who has time to devour romantic books anymore, when we’re fifty-shades-of-too-busy ? And when we have time, we’d rather spend it watching ratchet TV to give our overworked neurons a break…Ok maybe not everybody, but you know, some of us…
So how do you turn a hobby into actual coins when you have limited time, limited energy, and all kinds of to-do’s on your life laundry list? Because that’s kinda where a lot of us are right now, somewhere between “I-forgot-my-kids’-names” and “I-left-my-keys-in-the-car”(ok, those are extremes, but you get the drift)…
I know I’ve asked myself the question many times over, when it comes to my love for writing. The first time a friend asked me if I monetized my writing, I gave her such a big side eye I thought my eyeballs were going to remain stuck. Did you see the size of my laundry loads? But I later picked myself (and my eyeballs) back up, started looking around and realized that there are indeed a plethora of ways to turn that thing you like to do into extra cash, and even fit in the laundry in between:
Put It On Social Media
Social media has become the single most powerful marketing tool ever made! After all, where else can you freely get to advertise pretty much anything (with some exceptions of course)? If you happen to love knitting ugly Christmas sweaters, why not show them off on Instagram or Facebook? Why not share your expertise in 140 characters or less on Twitter, or through a cool video on YouTube?
Now more than ever, the opportunities to putting yourself out there are endless! Take advantage and experiment with your hobbies on social media. If you’re open to showcasing your work online, this could be a great way to start monetizing the stuff you love to do as well.
Freelance, Baby!
Freelancing is another great way to start earning some coins for those things you enjoy doing! Love to write? Start freelance writing and offer your services to blogs, websites or businesses. Are you into intro decorating? Start freelancing for local clients by offering your services at a discount or even for free to start building a clientele. Are you a fitness buff? Volunteer to teach classes at your local gym, and start asking for money once you’ve proven yourself.
There are many areas in which you can use your talents to freelance for small and large clients. Actually, freelancing has become a way of life for many in the new gig economy. Start small by researching potential clients, or even offering your service for free to build your portfolio.
Blog About It
Yes, there are a gazillion blogs out there…Yet blogs still remain one of the most powerful and most influential ways to share your talents and hobbies. People are hungry for information in all areas, from hunting to scrapbooking. There are virtually no limits to what you can blog about.
So start today, and set up a blog around your hobby, passion or talent. Your biggest advantage, and limit at the same time, is that blogging is a labor of love. You must blog about something you truly enjoy in order to keep up with its demands and the competition. While blogging about a hobby you enjoy may prove fulfilling, making money out of your blog may take some time, so be patient!
Join a Network Marketing Company
There are a number of traditionally-called network marketing companies out there, recruiting for people with a certain passion/interest in their business area. If you’re not inclined to start a blog, or would rather a more structured environment to pursue your hobby, these may be a god alternative.
If you’re a fitness and health addict for instance, numerous companies such as ItWorks and Herbalife for instance, are always expanding their openings for brand ambassadors. These can be great opportunities to share your passion for exercise and healthy living and make some coins in the process.
Become an Affiliate
Whether you decide to share your hobby through blogging, on social media, or through freelancing and other ways, you can actually get affiliated with brands selling products in your area(s) of interest. If you’re active online and on social media, and have a decent following, you can now score some pretty decent deals with companies interested in marketing their products/services to a larger audience.
Look for affiliate opportunities with companies that market products or services related to your passions and interests. Most of these companies offer an affiliate program that you may be able to participate in. You may also sign up with third-parties like Massive Sway or CJ.com, which may offer affiliate opportunities with brands as well. Then all you have to do is tap into that hobby/talent/passion of yours, and bring in the coins!
Make it and Sell It!
If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty (literally), then you may look into actually producing selling goods out of your hobby. My friend N. is great at making candles and has started selling them to her close network of friends. You could do the same, and even expand your network to online sites such as Etsy, Craigslist, or Ebay.
This also applies of you’re into virtual goods. Never before has it been easier to sell e-books or other virtual goods than now. Use sites like Amazon, Kobo, or iBooks for instance to sell your work!
Go all out and create a REAL business!
Now this is the ultimate step when you actually go all out and create a REAL business. As in actually filing for a business tax ID, having a business plan ready to go, and picking the business structure of your choice. While it may take time to get to this point, you want to keep it in the back of your mind.
Many entrepreneurs have started by just practicing a hobby or exploring a talent or passion. These have later gone on to become full-fledged, successful businesses. So why not yours?
What tips would you add to this list?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
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by Solange Lopes | Mar 26, 2017 | Start Your Business |
“You don’t have to have it all figured out before you dive in” – Lisa Jakub
And so started this’ year’s Lady Project summit, which I had the pleasure of attending for the first time this past week-end in Providence, RI. And all I can say is ah-mazing! From the emotional opening keynote by writer Lisa Jakub, to Governor Gina Raymondo’s empowering address, to the amazing workshops and closing keynote by the inspiring Rhonesha Byng, it was all in all an incredibly powerful experience!
Being my first summit of the kind, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Neither was I prepared for the onslaught of positive, enlightening feminine energy channeled throughout the entire event..Held at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, aka the Vets, in Providence, RI, the summit gathered over 300 women from all over the country, from various careers, businesses and life paths.
Lisa Jakub, Author and Lady Project Summit 2017 Keynote Speaker
“We are so much more than our work, marital status, dress sizes…“- Lisa Jakub
In a deep heartfelt and emotional keynote, the writer took us along her personal journey from being a successful child actor to quitting the Hollywood jungle in her twenties to become a writer. In her enlightening speech, she shed the light on becoming our more authentic selves, finding purpose in the mess, and demystifying the stigmas of anxiety and depression. As I listened to her, I felt the weight of all the societal pressures towards women in particular, and people in general, lift up. We all face the fear of showing up as our most authentic selves, whether it’s at home or in life. Sometimes, all it takes is one brave person who has enough courage to expose what most of us go through to give us permission to be all we can be. And Lisa did just that…
The opening keynote was followed by an electrifying address from RI Governor Gina Raymondo, showing her support for the Lady Project. One her phrases in particular caught mine and the audience’s attention: ” There are only four female governors in America. We must stay in the game.” In a few well-chosen words, she reminded us that as women we not only need to stay the game, but own it. One of the most powerful examples she gave of changing young girls and women’s perspectives is that of the “Governor for a day”, whereby young girls are picked through an essay contest to shadow her for a day. This reminds us of our responsibility to give young girls and women sources of inspiration and faith in the possibilities that lie ahead of them…
RI Governor Gina Raimondo – Lady Project Summit 2017
A series of workshops ensued, from professional, career-oriented workshops, to writing and PR ones, among others. One of my personal favorites were the “Plan Your Pivot: Changing Careers without Scrapping everything you’ve worked for“, led by the impressive Adrian Granzella Larssen. She inspired the audience by telling her own story of pivoting careers, and offered various effective strategies to change careers by leveraging all the skills, talents and experiences we bring to the table.
Another one was around increasing our social media visibility, led by Appleseed Communications founder Ashley Crouch. The session was a highly informative medley of PR success strategies and media examples, providing an excellent blueprint for small business owners.
Ann Shoket, Author, The Big Life
“Your squad is those women who help you succeed.” Ann Shoket, Author & Bad Ass Babe-in-Chief, “The Big Life”
If you’ve never been in one of Ann Shoket’s workshops or dinners, you must! After attending one of her Bad Ass Babe dinners in Providence the evening before, I had the pleasure of being part of the lunch workshop she led during the summit. Hearing Ann talk about the big life she describes in her book, from having a strong career, a passionate side hustle, to a supportive squad, it seemed possibilities are indeed endless for women.
One of the key distinctions she made, and which made me rethink the meaning of what a squad really is, is that your squad doesn’t have to be your group of besties. These are women who push you, empower and inspire you to be your best self and to reach for your dreams. So many of us need to have this, the real squad, not just the “let’s grab a drink and gossip” girls. But the women who lift us up, push us forward, and propel us towards our best lives and careers…
Rhonesha Byng, HerAgenda’s Founder
“When your potential meets exposure, you explode“. Rhonesha Byng, founder of HerAgenda.
Although the day had been all kinds of amazing, I couldn’t wait for the closing keynote of the day. I’ve been a longtime fan of Rhonesha Byng and an avid follower of HerAgenda, the media platform she started at only 16. Watching and listening to her, I not only saw a media powerhouse, but a strong, proud, successful Black woman giving us all the example of what is possible for women to achieve and beyond.
One of the key points of her speech for me touched to our need to champion women, so we can all be in the rooms where decisions are being made and change is being effected. The rooms where our voices need to be heard. For our potential to be seen, we need this exposure. We need to enter those rooms. And we also need to leave the door open for other women to enter those rooms, and let their voices be heard.
Yet the high note of her address occurred when she spoke of her young Black and Latino girls missing in DC because not enough attention’s being paid to their disappearances. It was a wake-up call she illustrated by sharing her own personal story of escaping abduction. Her transparency, vulnerability, as well as her incredible power and influence, kept the room barely breathing. She taught us all a lesson in determination, resilience, but also in sharing our stories, our power, our platforms to effect change and champion other women.
After a well-deserved standing ovation, Rhonesha Byng left a room bursting with hope, power, and motivation, as we went on to toast to a day to remember…
So thank you the Lady Project for an astounding time! See you next year…
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
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by Solange Lopes | Dec 7, 2016 | Career, Find Your Purpose, Start Your Business
So it just hits you one day…After years in Big Corporate, doing the 9-to-5 thing, you’re finally ready to make the big JUMP into full-time entrepreneurship. Maybe up until now, you’ve been doing the side hustle thing here and there to lay the groundwork. But now, the anticipation is killing you, literally, and all you can think about is that fateful day when you can walk out the doors of Big Corporate, take a breath of fresh freedom air, and go on about your business, literally…
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If you’re smiling as you’re reading this, you may be one of the thousands of other corporate sisters planning to exit Cubicle World and strike out on your own….Except (screeching halt noise here), even if you decide to ditch plan B, you still need some form of a plan for your corporate exit. You know, something that lets you sleep at night and doesn’t have you hitting up your folks for yet another loan to make the mortgage this month…
I mean, if there’s anything that’s as scary and exciting as striking out on your own after years or decades of comfortable cubicle dwelling, it’s got to be related to fried ice cream rolled in sea salt caramel ice cream…You may need double layers of super-strong Dove anti-perspiring deodorant to make the move, but when it’s time, you know it’s time…
So if you’re just starting out on your Big Corporate Exit adventure, here are a few simple, straightforward steps you can start taking today to land on your entrepreneurial behind (and legs and elbows and side rolls) with as few bruises as possible:
You’ve got to know your “WHY” inside out!
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You won’t know whether going full-time to build your business will work (or be the flop of the decade). And no one can really blame you for that, that’s why it’s called a risk…But the very first thing you want to know as you’re lining your personal ducks in a row is WHY you’re even doing all this…
Is it desire for freedom? Is it because of this strong sense of Purpose that’s been egging you on for years now? Is it because you want to offer your kids a better shot at life and opportunities? Or a big giant combo of all the above, plus the all-consuming urge to share your vision and message with the world?
Whatever it is, you’ve got to be crystal clear about it! Sit with yourself every day, and write down your WHY, as long and cumbersome as the process may first appear to be. The point is to build this conviction so strongly within you that it becomes virtually unbreakable….And gives you the strength and motivation to go for it, all in!
Is Your Idea/Business/Desire Viable/Sustainable/Going to Help You Make Rent?
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As in, is the whole thing sustainable, i.e. does it have earning potential? In other words, can your business not only help you make rent, but actually turn a profit?
This is where you get out of Entrepreneurship Lalaland and actually look at reality right in the face. And start putting some numbers down on paper…
There are some important questions to ask yourself here:
- How will this make you money, i.e. what are you going to sell?
- Do you have a product/service and how much can you sell it for?
- Do you plan on creating products/services and how much revenue can they bring you?
- How much will you need to invest in your business periodically?
- What streams of income will you have?
- What will your strategy be?
- How will your organize your business?
- What does your market look like, i.e. who are your competitors, is there even demand for your products/services, etc?
- Etc….
All of these questions, and more, will help you put together a business plan, which is just another fancy term for your business GPS/roadmap for the next 3-5 years. The U.S. Small Business Administration has a great tool to guide you through creating your business plan.
What that will do for you is give you a clearer picture of where you’re dipping your pretty Louboutins in… Plus give you a serious reality check, so hold on to your open-toed Zanottis…
Got a Financial Plan?
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No one likes to be broke, ok? Which also means as you’re planning your heroic escape from Office Land, you need to secure yourself some coins in the meantime. You know, just in case your business doesn’t break the million-dollar finish line the first year…
But more seriously, a BIG part of your Big Corporate Exit plan is to avoid starvation and plain financial distress. So if you haven’t started just yet, it may be time to push on the Savings pedal, and make sure you have 9 months to a year worth of business expenses saved up. Ambitious? Yes, and so are you…
Remember that going from the security of a periodic paycheck to your own revenues and profits is not an exact science. You may have some great months, and some not so great months…You may have to re-invest in your business, or face unexpected expenses…So you want a cushion that lets you skip out on stress acne and all kinds of other premature aging signs….
Round Up Your Support System
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I don’t care how independent you are, you’re going to need some support. Let me repeat this again, more for myself than you: You’re going to need some support! Whether it’s emotional, spiritual, financial, or just someone to give you a hug and tell you you’re not actually making the biggest mistake of your life (which you’re not)…
Many entrepreneurs, especially women, forget this major part of building a business. It’s hard work, on top of everything you may already have on your plate. So rally your girlfriends, call your mama, hug your kids, whisper tender sweet words to your goldfish, rely on the support system you already have or start building it.
It doesn’t mean your bestie has to buy all your facial products, or subscribe to your daily podcast. But what it means is that when you’re hustling and doing your thing and going through Entrepreneur Jungle, you’re not all alone. And that counts…a lot….
Get Mentally Ready
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Mental toughness is par for the course. As much as you may have detested your informal meeting sessions on the daily at work, facing the pressure of being in business for yourself is a challenge.
So get your mental nerves/weapons/armor in place early on. Whether it’s developing a daily meditation practice, or getting a mentor, or even making exercise an integral part of your routine, start planning for ways to stay on top of the head game.
You’re in this to win, and winning starts in your mind. So get started…
Make Education a Priority
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Jumping in to your business means holding yourself accountable for what you know, and how you apply it in your organization. Which also means learning continuously, especially as you prepare to jump ship from Corporate.
Actually, there is no better time to learn about being an entrepreneur than while you’re still in Corporate. Use this time to learn more about management, leadership, as well as the tools you’ll need to strive on your own. If your business is related to your current job, now is the time to absorb as much training as possible. In any case, take every opportunity currently offered by your day job to educate yourself (within allowable and ethical limits, of course).
Put a Ring Date on It
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There’s no better motivator for action than a deadline! When you know you’ve got to get it done by a certain date, something just shifts in and around you to make it happen! The same applies to your Big Corporate exit plan!
After careful planning and preparation, or actually while you’re still planning and preparing, set a date for your glorious exit! Don’t just set it, but commit to it whole-heartedly. Once you do this, organize your deliverables, to-do’s and action steps around it.
Are you Ready to Start Your Big Corporate Exit Plan?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
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by Solange Lopes | Nov 4, 2016 | Start Your Business
Disclosure: Please note this post contains affiliate links.
So you decided to start your own business…You’ve thought about it long and hard, and are ready to set it up! Now all you need to get started are the right tools. As a side hustler myself, I’ve learnt from other successful entrepreneurs and have been using a few essential tools to run my blog and business on the go.
Here are my 5 most recommended tools to build your business on the go:
Bluehost
If a website is anywhere part of your business strategy (and it should), then you should look into a reliable web hosting solution. Bluehost makes it very easy to get your site up and running, and have WordPress installed in just a click. Bonus: You can host multiple domains on one account, so whenever you’re ready to start another website, you’re all set!
You may have heard that building your email list is crucial to a successful business. Mail chimp allows you collect the emails of people subscribing to your offers and/or business updates, and keep in touch with them through email campaigns. Great tool!
Ever seen one of those great lead pages used to promote products, or announce events? Many of them are created through Leadpages. I use it to build promotional pages for my products and offers, and collect emails through them. Bonus: it can easily be integrated to Mailchimp, among other applications.
Need business cards that stand out from the crowd? I love the originality of Moo’s business cards, which you can customize to your own taste. There’s nothing like leaving someone with a card that makes them remember you…
Want to learn about business and entrepreneurship on the go? There are so many great podcasts you can easily access through iTunes! I became hooked on podcasts after starting my own side hustle, as I could just grasp a ton of business tips while working, driving or even at the gym!
How about you? What are your favorite tools to build your business on the side?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
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by Solange Lopes | Nov 2, 2016 | Start Your Business
Disclosure: Please note this post has affiliate links.
Whatever your career path or the kind of business you’re creating, branding holds a special, if not crucial place, in establishing yourself. From getting to know yourself in terms of your “why” and business motivations, to articulating your brand message and mission statement, determining your brand identity is a necessary and challenging process we often skip altogether.
In her #LaunchLove Brand Identity Workbook, Amanda Spann of Spann & Company, co-founder of tiphub, an investment manager built around a community of entrepreneurs in Africa and the African Diaspora as well as the Founder/Co-founder of a few apps including Alchomy, TipOff and ChatArt, aims to help you do just that. Amanda is an expert at branding, being a former publicist herself who now specializes in marketing & ecosystem development for new and emerging brands. She’s been honored as one of Business Insider’s 30 Most Important Women In Tech Under 30, Walker’s Legacy 2016 Power50, Rolling Out’s 25 Women you should know, BET’s Blacks on the Brink of Greatness, as well as one of the 5 future leaders in technology by Black Enterprise Magazine.
As a career woman and an entrepreneur, I particularly enjoyed the simplicity and straight-forwardness of this excellent workbook. Through expertly framed questions, Amanda leads you to shape your own brand purpose, message and mission statement. I love that this workbook walked me through thinking about, and writing down all of the crucial elements necessary to discover and refine my own brand.
You can use this workbook whether you’re working in the corporate world, building your business, or doing both. While there are some elements that specifically apply to building your business (like identifying your tagline, or defining your target audience), most of the items discussed and developed in the workbook can be applied to any career or business path.
Overall, I think this is a powerful tool to brand your career and/or business, whatever field you may be into. I highly encourage you to get it and make the time to go through each and every one of the steps to implement your very own branding strategy.
Click HERE to get your copy of the #LaunchLove Brand Identity Workbook!
PS: Don’t forget to check out all the other #LaunchLove products by Amanda Spann as well! Click HERE for the #LaunchLove e-store.
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
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by Solange Lopes | Oct 3, 2016 | Career, Start Your Business
You’ve heard the term “corporatepreneur” before…Basically, it’s just another term for “side hustler”, except said “side hustler” also happens to be doing the 9-to-5 thing in Big Corporate. Because, you know, bills gotta get paid, shoes bought, and some (shred of) sanity preserved…And that’s quite a few people out there, especially among 2o- and 30- something millennials who apparently are obsessed with the concept (what else are we not blaming millennials with these days, anyways?)
Yet in more practical terms, without all the glam and controversy (or controversial glamour or glamorized controversy, pick your poison) of the perfect millennial who teaches fitness classes after defending criminals in court, or writes online after analyzing spreadsheets all day, there’s the less glamorous day-to-day side of it…The side of long hours, commitment, discipline and sometimes wanting to pull your hair (or eyelashes or weave) out, drop the whole thing and go back to being a normal 9-to-5er hanging out with the girls after-hours…
When I tell some friends I write on the side, without really much of a guarantee to make more than the cost of a Starbucks pumpkin latte any day, I can almost see the question marks popping up inside their heads. Like, why? Why the headaches, the long hours, the occasional rejection, when you still have to finish the laundry, check the kids’ homework and most importantly, sleep!
There are many reasons why so-called “corporatepreneurs” decide to hustle on the side, ranging from personal passion to the need to make extra money, to the persistent Dream that can’t seem to let go of its grip…
While the “why” may have very different origins and implications, the “how” of it all is almost always rooted in an indelible desire to do what it takes to defend and bring forth THE vision.Which for many a “corporatepreneur”out there translates into mornings kinda like this:
The Night Before:
If you’re a “corporatepreneur”, you know your day really starts the day before, at least mentally. You’re planning what has to be done the next day, excusing your lack of sleep by the fact that your best ideas come at 3am.
4 AM- Who invented alarm clocks?
Your best ideas came at 3am, and guess what happens at 4am? The alarm clock that you set up to wake you up at the crack of dawn because you were so motivated and eager to make this a spectacularly successful day, has become Public Enemy Numero Uno. That’s when you discharge all that pent-up energy from not having enough time to exercise anyways onto this tiny, innocent thing called the snooze button.
4:30 AM- Why are my feet so heavy and besides, who invented daily personal hygiene?
Now there are only so many times you can hit the snooze button before either breaking it it put your hand on administrative leave. This is where you actually exit the comfy sheets and your entrepreneurial feet officially hit the floor.
5AM- Prayer and Meditation aka “Get Your Mind Straight”
You wouldn’t be starting your day right without getting your mind straight. It may mean a prayer or meditation practice or just sitting in silence somewhere for q while (which when you have two kids, including a toddler, might as well count as your spa moment of the day).
If you can add to it some inspirational reading if you have more time, then you’re golden!
5:30AM – Work, Work, Work, Work!
This is when things start getting serious, and you realize you only have about an hour and change before chaos, aka the kids, breakfast, starting the car, begins. Rihanna’s tune starts playing in your head, and you leave your Instagram feed and go to town!
6:45 AM – Crap! Gotta get the kids up
Last finishing touches on the blog post, or the sales page, or the product before reality sets in. Save the work, send a last email, and get going!
7:45 AM – Where are the keys?
That last email had to be re-sent, which kinda set everything back. And now, of course, no one can seem to find the keys…as we’re standing outside and the front door’s locked…from the inside!
8:30AM- Why am I here again?
Sitting in your car in the parking lot, contemplating turning around and going back to finish that sales page, that product, or that blog post. Then you remember the mortgage is coming due next week, and that you’re working to create something…And oh, where are your keys again?
How’s your typical morning as a “Corporatepreneur”?
Love,
The Corporate Sis.
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This post is part of a Working Mom series run by The Corporate Sister in honor of Mother’ Day.
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