Women entrepreneurs should, and do, keep their day-jobs when starting up their new businesses.

Thanks Kristen of Re:inventioninc. blog, Babson College released a report with all the details.

Undoubtedly, I am a speed-reader, and can jot down all the main points I want from a report and move on at rapid rates…but I couldn’t help but highlight so many interesting facts & figures of this report, I’m actually printing out myself a copy right now; so I can refer to it often.

My main point is this:

• I highly recommend all women entrepreneurs to keep their day-job, get a part-time job, or get-work-for-hire, while their starting out. Unless, of course you have the financial resources and capitol to keep your paycheck for your living expenses, health insurance, etc. But, even if your financially secure for 1-3 years…for your health and well-being, I still recommend the role of “contractor” or “employee” for at least 25% of your work-hours.

And, here’s a few reasons why:

1. 67 percent of women-led businesses are home-based, therefore–you need to get out!

2. I see clients driving themselves crazy eagerly seeking their clients, for one single buck, that they lose credibility in the process. They begin to sell their business services and products at reduced prices; giving less value to their work and expertise. Not cool!

You deserve all your rates and more! Remember: You are the Expert, seeking clients to hire you and/or purchase your products.

3. I even recommended to clients to get a part-time mall job while they’re starting out. Eight-dollars/hour is better than nothing.

It’s good for your health, less stress (at least you’re bring some money in), and I actually have clients building their clientèle in their obvious part-time jobs to the shoppers:

“You look highly qualified for this position”…turns into, “oh, this is just for fun, my “real” business is…”…”I actually get clients from this fun-break for me…”

4. It keeps you focused on your business better.

How?

When you’re married to your business start-up, doing it day and night, you lose focus, passion, you get distracted finding other ways to make money, etc.

Since you’ll need better time management skills to focus on your employment and business, you start to work more wisely and not just hard.

*Many* times I see women entrepreneurs succeeding to new levels–then, they keep their part-time job…literally for fun!

Don’t believe me!? I’ll start collecting case studies of my clients and share their experiences, given their permission, of course.

5. I know of at least one case off the top of my head:

A new part-time turned full-time job made this entrepreneur so successful, that he [yes, male entrepreneurs listen to me too ] found his best qualities, skills, talents and experiences. He re-focused his business which was “almost” totally different then his first business start-up. Viola! It’s worth it.

Still think its not worth holding dual-positions…share you’re thoughts below.

Hey, as chicks, we do it all already–why not get paid our worth in the process!

Update: March 4, 2006

By accident, knowing that I missed something on March 1st, I ventured back to Ben Yoskovitz’s blog at StartUpSpark.com for details about blogtipping.

Then, he reminded me that EntrepreneurshipWeekUSA finished yesterday.

Shucks–my frantic week really got the best of me, and I didn’t get to do something special for you. I hope to make it up to you, as my official website/blog re-launch date is scheduled for March 15, 2007!

Anyways, Ben is hosting a Business Book Contest; and since this post was officially made yesterday, and his deadline is tomorrow, I feel like I contributed to the week’s celebration–although small.

Lesson learned: subscribe to blogs you like to stay informed!

So, I’m submitting this

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Posted on March 3rd, 2007 by ponnsabra
Filed under: Entrepreneurialism