How to Build a Thriving Online Business While Working Full-Time

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own online business, but felt held back by your 9-to-5 job?

I know exactly how that feels. Just a few years ago, I was in the same situation. I was stuck in a comfortable but unfulfilling job, feeling like I wasn’t living up to my potential. But I didn’t let that stop me.

Instead of staying in my comfort zone, I had ideas for online business and went step-by-step to make it work.

Today, I’m thrilled to share how I built an online business while working full-time from my lessons.

 

 

Remote Job – Opening a new door!

In 2021, after dedicating three years to building a team for the Vietnam market, I was introduced to the founder of a tech start-up in Singapore and offered the role of HR Operations Lead, with the flexibility to work remotely. This opportunity turned out to be a transformative experience, unlocking countless new possibilities for both my career and personal life.

 

What have I gained

1. Be a full-time traveler while working to expand my horizons.
2. Land online side jobs globally as an HR Consultant & Virtual HR Assistant Business.
3. Be a real blogger with the name Humamaria.
4. Global HR knowledge from working with multiple countries.
5. Qualified relationship extension to meet and learn from brilliant people.
6. Most importantly, witnessing a start-up grow to 150+ countries and employ thousands within 3 years.

 

Did you know it’s all online?

Through this experience, I have realized that online businesses offer far more than financial rewards and an exciting lifestyle, they also boost productivity and provide the freedom to design your life on your own terms.

 

However, I don’t recommend quitting your full-time job right away to pursue an online business.

Instead, craft a well-thought-out plan and transition gradually, only leaving your job if you’re ready to commit fully. If you can manage both your job and business simultaneously, even better. It’s a perfect balance that maximizes security and growth.

 

 

How To Start Your Own Online Business

If you have ever dreamed of starting an online business but felt held back by your full-time job, you’re not alone here.

Life is too short to wait for the perfect moment!

Finding Your Why

One of the most important things I have learned on my journey is the importance of finding your why. Your why is the reason you are building your online business in the first place. It is the thing that drives you, motivates you, and inspires you to keep going every day.

 

For me, my why is the desire to live a life of freedom and flexibility. I want to be able to travel, spend time with loved ones, and pursue my passions without being tied to a 9-to-5 job. I want to be able to make a meaningful impact on my community and create my real life.

 

The Fear of Taking the Leap

I remember the day I realized that I wanted more out of life. I was sitting at my desk, staring blankly at my computer screen, feeling like I was just going through the motions. I knew I had a passion for entrepreneurship, but I was afraid to leap.

 

What if I failed? What if I couldn’t make it work? What if I lost my steady income?

 

But as I sat there, feeling stuck and unfulfilled, I realized that the fear of leaping was holding me back. I was letting fear dictate my decisions, rather than taking control of my destiny. That’s when I decided to take the first step towards building my online business.

Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.

 

How Made It Work

So, how did I do it?

First, I started by identifying my strengths, experiences and passions. I discovered a talent for HR operations, a passion for helping others, and a love for writing. With this clarity, I started offering services as a global HR Consultant, Virtual Assistant, Coaching, and Blogger. I took on side projects, which gradually opened new doors and created even more opportunities along the way.

 

But it wasn’t easy. I had to be intentional about setting aside time to work on my business, even when I was exhausted from my full-time job. I had to be disciplined about creating a schedule and sticking to it. And I had to be willing to learn and adapt, even when things didn’t go as planned.

 

Lesson:  Success takes patience, discipline and consistency. Identify your strengths and experiences, align them with your passions, and take small, intentional steps even when it is tough. Stay committed to your schedule, adapt to challenges, and keep learning. The journey may be hard, but the results will be worth it.

 

 

Tips for Getting Started Business Online

• Identify Your Strengths and Passions: Figure out what you’re good at and what you’re passionate about. This will help you narrow down your niche and find your target audience.
• Start Small: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with small projects and gradually scale up as you grow.
• Seek Support: Join online communities, attend webinars, and seek out mentors who can guide you on your journey.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key to building a successful online business. Set aside time each day or week to work on your business and stick to it.
• Be Patient: Building a successful online business takes time. Don’t expect overnight success, and be patient with your progress.

 

Essential Tools for Simplify Your Online Business

These tools can significantly enhance your online business by streamlining content creation and improving overall productivity.

• Google Calendar: Time management tool
• Trello: Project management tool
• Notion: Taking note, project management tool
• Slack: Team collaboration tool
• WordPress: Website building platform
• Canva: Graphic design tool
• Grammarly: AI writing assistant
• Chat GPT: AI conversational assistant
• Pictory: AI video creation tool

 

 

Overcame the Challenges of Starting an Online Business

Of course, building an online business isn’t without its challenges. There are days when you will feel like giving up when you doubt your abilities, and when you wonder if it’s all worth it. But the key is to persevere, to keep pushing forward, and to believe in yourself.

 

Here are some of the challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:

• Time Management: I had to be intentional about setting aside time to work on my business, even when I was exhausted from my full-time job.
• Self-Doubt: I had to overcome my self-doubt and fear of failure, and believe in my abilities to succeed.
• Learning Curve: I had to be willing to learn and adapt, even when things didn’t go as planned.
• Balancing Work and Life: I had to find a way to balance my work – personal life and make time for the things that matter most to me.
• Diary is a trusted friend: I write down my thoughts every day, which helps me find peace before bed. Revisiting these entries later lets me see how things have changed and gives me a sense of accomplishment as I mark my progress.

 

Creating a Business Plan

Before diving in, make sure you create a detailed business plan. The more details the more helps you clarify your goals, identify your target audience, and outline your marketing strategy easily.

 

Here’s what to include:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of your business, including your mission statement, products or services, and target audience.
• Market Analysis: An analysis of your competition, target market, and industry trends.
• Marketing Strategy: A plan for how you’ll reach your target audience, including social media, content marketing, and paid advertising.
• Operations Plan: A plan for how you’ll run your business on a day-to-day basis, including tasks, timelines, and resources.
• Financial Projections: A forecast of your income and expenses, including revenue projections, expenses, and profit margins.

 

 

Take the First Step Today

Starting an online business while working full-time is not easy, but it’s worth it.

 

If you’re willing to put in the effort, you can achieve financial freedom, personal growth, and a sense of fulfillment. Don’t let fear hold you back. Take that first step today – Subscribe to my blog Humamaria for more insights and practical tips on growing your online income.