On the fifteenth of every month (that’s usually when I start to get tired from lack of sleep) I ask myself “Why am I doing this?” then at the end of the month when I get paid I’m reminded that all my hard work paid off.
One of my freelance clients actually asked me to come on full time and I declined. They offered me everything I want in a job – a good salary, travel benefits and flexibility. But I politely declined because “I like my situation.” And that’s the truth. I enjoy having a 9 to 5 with a corporation and side hustles with start-ups and small businesses, it’s truly the best of both worlds.
I started my blogging side hustle in 2009 after the market crash and over the last six years (wow where does the time go) it’s flourished into a successful content and social media management business. Not to sound too cliché but over the years I’ve learned to work smarter, not harder.
Every night I stayed up without sleep and every day that ended in tears all pays off when I look at what I’ve accomplished – but it didn’t come easy. The great thing about working for yourself is that you can change anything you want to at anytime. Every time a process drives me crazy I complain about it for a day then I change it. I’ve learned that a few key tools can make your business more efficient, more profitable and just easier.
These are six things my business can’t live without:
Hands free headphones. This is the ultimate multi tasking tool for any business owner. If you don’t want to be stuck on a phone call doing nothing but listening then get yourself hands free headphones. Be sure to get a pair with noise cancelling capabilities otherwise the person on the other end will hear everything going on around you.
Unlimited minutes talk plan. Saved. My. Life. And my business. I used to run out buying phone cards every time I needed to call a client. Now I can talk to anyone in North America at any time.
A laptop. Entrepreneurs – especially online entrepreneurs – can work from anywhere. A laptop and other mobile devices like a smart phone and a tablet can help your office truly be remote.
Good employees. This was a mistake I made early on. I was so into being a boss that I posted an ad on Craigslist and hired two employees before I even had work for them. That’s a mistake you only make once. Now I contract out work from existing connections and referrals, no more job postings for me.
Skype. Thank the higher powers at be for free international calling anywhere in the world.
A good spouse. I am so thankful that my relationship survived my career change because running a business isn’t easy. It takes a special person to support their spouse through self employment. Love you!
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Kristina Tahnyak
Tahnya is a Certified Financial Planner and former Investment Advisor turned marketing and communications professional She holds a degree from Concordia University, is debt free and currently works in the field of digital marketing.
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