21 answers
dan
Student
New Rochelle, New York
1
Question
21 answers
Kiara McAlpine
Data Analyst
2
Answers
Wesley Chapel, Florida
Updated
Kiara’s Answer
Hello Dan,
I began running a business my senior year of college and highly recommend creating a schedule with a little bit of wiggle room. I believe in balance, but it's important that you prioritize your time well. Enjoy your college experience but also ensure you're treating your body well (eating, sleeping, etc.) while continuing to work towards your goals. Maybe you dedicate your weekends towards your business, and the week for schoolwork, and a free day somewhere in between. Regardless of what you decide, I recommend creating events in your calendar for the semester and following it accordingly.
I began running a business my senior year of college and highly recommend creating a schedule with a little bit of wiggle room. I believe in balance, but it's important that you prioritize your time well. Enjoy your college experience but also ensure you're treating your body well (eating, sleeping, etc.) while continuing to work towards your goals. Maybe you dedicate your weekends towards your business, and the week for schoolwork, and a free day somewhere in between. Regardless of what you decide, I recommend creating events in your calendar for the semester and following it accordingly.
allan lewis
project manager
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
allan’s Answer
The success of your business, whether it's a brick-and-mortar establishment or an online venture, largely depends on your approach. Prioritizing specific business hours can be a game-changer, providing structure and predictability. Additionally, consider embracing online courses. They offer great flexibility, allowing you to learn and grow at your own pace. Remember, every step you take towards enhancing your skills is a step towards success. Keep going!
Abhilasha Kayal
Client Manager
5
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Abhilasha’s Answer
Here are some uplifting suggestions for balancing your studies with running a business:
1. Master the art of time management.
2. Embrace the idea that your weekends will be dedicated to your business.
3. Stay on course and maintain consistency.
4. Ensure your business complements your academic career path. If it's entirely different and just a means for extra income, a part-time job might be a more suitable choice.
5. Remember, success in business demands hard work, focus, and unwavering consistency. Don't ever give up!
Wishing you all the success in the world!
1. Master the art of time management.
2. Embrace the idea that your weekends will be dedicated to your business.
3. Stay on course and maintain consistency.
4. Ensure your business complements your academic career path. If it's entirely different and just a means for extra income, a part-time job might be a more suitable choice.
5. Remember, success in business demands hard work, focus, and unwavering consistency. Don't ever give up!
Wishing you all the success in the world!
Shunyi Zhang
Consulting
2
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Shunyi’s Answer
1. Prioritize Time Management
Schedule Rigorously: Use a planner or digital calendar to block out time for classes, studying, business tasks, and personal time. Being disciplined with your schedule helps prevent conflicts and ensures you allocate enough time for both school and business.
Set Specific Goals: Have clear, measurable goals for both your academic and business activities. This helps keep you focused and motivated.
2. Leverage College Resources
Use Campus Facilities: Take advantage of campus resources such as libraries, study rooms, and business centers.
Seek Advice from Professors: Engage with professors who have expertise in areas relevant to your business. They can provide valuable advice and may also be willing to mentor you.
3. Delegate and Build a Reliable Team
Hire Competent People: If possible, hire fellow students or freelancers who can handle aspects of the business where you might not have as much time to dedicate. This can include marketing, sales, or day-to-day operations.
Use Collaborative Tools: Employ tools like Slack, Asana, or Trello to manage tasks and communicate effectively with your team.
4. Automate and Streamline Operations
Implement Automation Tools: Use software solutions for accounting, customer relationship management (CRM), and social media management to save time and reduce errors.
Simplify Processes: Continually look for ways to streamline operations and reduce manual work.
5. Maintain Financial Health
Keep Track of Finances: Regularly monitor your business’s financial health through budgeting and financial statements. Use accounting software to keep accurate records.
Seek Funding if Necessary: Explore scholarships, grants, and investor options that can inject additional funds into your business without compromising your studies.
6. Stay Legally Compliant
Understand Legal Requirements: Ensure that you are aware of and comply with any legal obligations related to running a business, such as licenses, permits, and taxes.
7. Balance Work and Life
Set Boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries between work and study. Allow time for rest and relaxation to avoid burnout.
Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.
8. Network Extensively
Join Relevant Groups: Participate in university clubs and external organizations related to your business. Networking can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and ideas.
9. Be Prepared for Challenges
Stay Flexible: College schedules and workloads can change. Be prepared to adapt your business strategies accordingly.
Learn from Failures: View any setbacks as learning opportunities and use them to improve your business and personal growth.
Running a business in college can significantly enhance your education and provide practical experience that classroom learning alone cannot offer. By managing your time effectively, utilizing resources wisely, and maintaining a balance, you can successfully grow your business while excelling academically.
Schedule Rigorously: Use a planner or digital calendar to block out time for classes, studying, business tasks, and personal time. Being disciplined with your schedule helps prevent conflicts and ensures you allocate enough time for both school and business.
Set Specific Goals: Have clear, measurable goals for both your academic and business activities. This helps keep you focused and motivated.
2. Leverage College Resources
Use Campus Facilities: Take advantage of campus resources such as libraries, study rooms, and business centers.
Seek Advice from Professors: Engage with professors who have expertise in areas relevant to your business. They can provide valuable advice and may also be willing to mentor you.
3. Delegate and Build a Reliable Team
Hire Competent People: If possible, hire fellow students or freelancers who can handle aspects of the business where you might not have as much time to dedicate. This can include marketing, sales, or day-to-day operations.
Use Collaborative Tools: Employ tools like Slack, Asana, or Trello to manage tasks and communicate effectively with your team.
4. Automate and Streamline Operations
Implement Automation Tools: Use software solutions for accounting, customer relationship management (CRM), and social media management to save time and reduce errors.
Simplify Processes: Continually look for ways to streamline operations and reduce manual work.
5. Maintain Financial Health
Keep Track of Finances: Regularly monitor your business’s financial health through budgeting and financial statements. Use accounting software to keep accurate records.
Seek Funding if Necessary: Explore scholarships, grants, and investor options that can inject additional funds into your business without compromising your studies.
6. Stay Legally Compliant
Understand Legal Requirements: Ensure that you are aware of and comply with any legal obligations related to running a business, such as licenses, permits, and taxes.
7. Balance Work and Life
Set Boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries between work and study. Allow time for rest and relaxation to avoid burnout.
Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.
8. Network Extensively
Join Relevant Groups: Participate in university clubs and external organizations related to your business. Networking can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and ideas.
9. Be Prepared for Challenges
Stay Flexible: College schedules and workloads can change. Be prepared to adapt your business strategies accordingly.
Learn from Failures: View any setbacks as learning opportunities and use them to improve your business and personal growth.
Running a business in college can significantly enhance your education and provide practical experience that classroom learning alone cannot offer. By managing your time effectively, utilizing resources wisely, and maintaining a balance, you can successfully grow your business while excelling academically.
Adaobi Ogheneovo B.SC Acct, MPA , IBM
CLIENT MANAGER
65
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
This will require effective time management, prioritization and strong support network. By balancing your academics and business responsibilities, you can gain valuable experience and set yourself up for success in both areas.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS ARE,
Maintain work life balance
Utilize technology
Seek support from the right sources
Set clear goals
Create a schedule.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS ARE,
Maintain work life balance
Utilize technology
Seek support from the right sources
Set clear goals
Create a schedule.
Miki Akamatsu
Independence Compliance Monitoring
4
Answers
Westbury, New York
Updated
Miki’s Answer
Here are some suggestions based on my observation of college entrepreneurs.
1. Have a mentor/counselor to talk to, preferably at your college. Please discuss your schoolwork, your business, your personal life, and get honest feedback about how you are balancing and how you appear from the perspective of the third person. Am I doing well? Am I overwhelmed by the business? Is there any issue with my schoolwork and grade? Meet with the person as often as possible and be completely truthful. This will help you maintain your sanity.
2. Choose your business partners wisely. If you are going to do business with your friends/family or have business relationships with vendors, don't create a self-inflicted crisis by choosing wrong people. That will be your biggest stress and affect your business, schoolwork and personal life.
3. Get a good legal advice (at least in the beginning). If you are creating legal partnerships with your friends or writing up contracts to be signed by your vendors/clients, get it reviewed by a professional even if you have to pay extra in the beginning. If you fail to do this, it may haunt you down the road especially when the business starts to make money.
4. Always envision what you want to be five years later. Always look a bit ahead and examine yourself. Do I want to do this business as my career? Do I want this business to be a nice addition to my resume when I apply for the law or business schools? Does the GPA matter for me and if so, why? Do not lose your sight and ensure what you really want to be. Do not delay answering your inner questions.
With all that said, please sleep enough and eat well. Your health is the most important asset to succeed in your business and life. Good luck!
1. Have a mentor/counselor to talk to, preferably at your college. Please discuss your schoolwork, your business, your personal life, and get honest feedback about how you are balancing and how you appear from the perspective of the third person. Am I doing well? Am I overwhelmed by the business? Is there any issue with my schoolwork and grade? Meet with the person as often as possible and be completely truthful. This will help you maintain your sanity.
2. Choose your business partners wisely. If you are going to do business with your friends/family or have business relationships with vendors, don't create a self-inflicted crisis by choosing wrong people. That will be your biggest stress and affect your business, schoolwork and personal life.
3. Get a good legal advice (at least in the beginning). If you are creating legal partnerships with your friends or writing up contracts to be signed by your vendors/clients, get it reviewed by a professional even if you have to pay extra in the beginning. If you fail to do this, it may haunt you down the road especially when the business starts to make money.
4. Always envision what you want to be five years later. Always look a bit ahead and examine yourself. Do I want to do this business as my career? Do I want this business to be a nice addition to my resume when I apply for the law or business schools? Does the GPA matter for me and if so, why? Do not lose your sight and ensure what you really want to be. Do not delay answering your inner questions.
With all that said, please sleep enough and eat well. Your health is the most important asset to succeed in your business and life. Good luck!
Joseph Lepore
Accounting
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hey Dan!
This is a great question with a lot of great advice provided in the responses above. To build off of these suggestions, I will also provide some ideas I would consider in this situation:
1. Time Management - this is going to be essential in maintaining your business while taking your courses in college. Improving your time management skills will allow you to not only stay on top of your business and other studies, but also allow some extra time to take care of yourself and enjoy other hobbies you may have with the extra free time.
2. Organization - staying organized is going to be key in keeping up with tasks for both your business and studies in college. Keeping everything in order will not only allow you to operate between different areas more smoothly, but it will also keep your head clear as you won't be getting overwhelmed scrambling to find certain papers, books, etc.
3. Routine - getting into a solid routine that works for you and your schedule is something I made sure to have when beginning college. This will help keep you in order and maintain production for both your business, studies, etc. Consistency is key!
4. Mental Health/Well-Being - at the end of the day your mental health and well-being is what matters most. You may find times where you struggle or fail to succeed, but this is completely normal and happens to everybody. Remember it is important to have an outlet/support system you can fall back to, which will definitely help you bounce back. Daily exercise and just moving your body around will also help keep your mind and body fresh as well!
Hope these few pieces of my advice as well as everyone else's helps! Best of luck to you and any of your future endeavors!
This is a great question with a lot of great advice provided in the responses above. To build off of these suggestions, I will also provide some ideas I would consider in this situation:
1. Time Management - this is going to be essential in maintaining your business while taking your courses in college. Improving your time management skills will allow you to not only stay on top of your business and other studies, but also allow some extra time to take care of yourself and enjoy other hobbies you may have with the extra free time.
2. Organization - staying organized is going to be key in keeping up with tasks for both your business and studies in college. Keeping everything in order will not only allow you to operate between different areas more smoothly, but it will also keep your head clear as you won't be getting overwhelmed scrambling to find certain papers, books, etc.
3. Routine - getting into a solid routine that works for you and your schedule is something I made sure to have when beginning college. This will help keep you in order and maintain production for both your business, studies, etc. Consistency is key!
4. Mental Health/Well-Being - at the end of the day your mental health and well-being is what matters most. You may find times where you struggle or fail to succeed, but this is completely normal and happens to everybody. Remember it is important to have an outlet/support system you can fall back to, which will definitely help you bounce back. Daily exercise and just moving your body around will also help keep your mind and body fresh as well!
Hope these few pieces of my advice as well as everyone else's helps! Best of luck to you and any of your future endeavors!
Ibiyemi Mezu
Sales
1
Answer
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Ibiyemi’s Answer
Starting a business in college can be a rewarding experience. It can provide valuable experience and set the foundation for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
There are a few things you should consider making this easier to combine with your schoolwork load.
1. Identify a Need or Problem: Look for gaps in the market or problems that you or your peers face. A successful business idea often stems from addressing a real need.
2. Start Small and Lean: Begin with a minimal viable product (MVP) to test your idea. This approach helps you avoid significant upfront costs and allows you to refine your product based on feedback.
3. Leverage College Resources: Utilize resources available on campus, such as entrepreneurship centers, mentors, and professors. Many colleges offer support in the form of grants, competitions, and workshops.
4. Build a Strong Network: Connect with like-minded individuals, both within and outside your college. Networking can provide support, advice, and potential partnerships.
5. Time Management: Balancing academics and a startup can be challenging. Develop strong time management skills and prioritize your tasks to ensure both your studies and business receive adequate attention.
6. Learn Continuously: Stay open to learning and be adaptable. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and being a lifelong learner will help you navigate changes and stay competitive.
7. Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from customers, mentors, and peers. Constructive criticism can help you improve your product or service and grow your business.
8. Financial Planning: Keep track of your finances meticulously. Understand your costs, revenue streams, and have a plan for managing cash flow. Consider looking for funding opportunities such as grants, scholarships, or competitions specifically for student entrepreneurs.
9. Stay Persistent and Resilient: Entrepreneurship comes with its share of challenges and setbacks. Stay committed, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward.
Finally, it is important to prioritize the most important things. Getting your degree timely and making sure your schoolwork does not take the back seat. It is easy to lose focus once you start generating revenue.
There are a few things you should consider making this easier to combine with your schoolwork load.
1. Identify a Need or Problem: Look for gaps in the market or problems that you or your peers face. A successful business idea often stems from addressing a real need.
2. Start Small and Lean: Begin with a minimal viable product (MVP) to test your idea. This approach helps you avoid significant upfront costs and allows you to refine your product based on feedback.
3. Leverage College Resources: Utilize resources available on campus, such as entrepreneurship centers, mentors, and professors. Many colleges offer support in the form of grants, competitions, and workshops.
4. Build a Strong Network: Connect with like-minded individuals, both within and outside your college. Networking can provide support, advice, and potential partnerships.
5. Time Management: Balancing academics and a startup can be challenging. Develop strong time management skills and prioritize your tasks to ensure both your studies and business receive adequate attention.
6. Learn Continuously: Stay open to learning and be adaptable. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and being a lifelong learner will help you navigate changes and stay competitive.
7. Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from customers, mentors, and peers. Constructive criticism can help you improve your product or service and grow your business.
8. Financial Planning: Keep track of your finances meticulously. Understand your costs, revenue streams, and have a plan for managing cash flow. Consider looking for funding opportunities such as grants, scholarships, or competitions specifically for student entrepreneurs.
9. Stay Persistent and Resilient: Entrepreneurship comes with its share of challenges and setbacks. Stay committed, learn from failures, and keep pushing forward.
Finally, it is important to prioritize the most important things. Getting your degree timely and making sure your schoolwork does not take the back seat. It is easy to lose focus once you start generating revenue.
Staci Paley
Data Privacy Expert
3
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Staci’s Answer
Think about what courses will support your end goals. Its important to think about the long-term (other businesses you may want to do) as well as growing skills that help your short-term goals, such as your current business.
Get to know your personal clock - when are you best able to focus, do deep thinking, etc. Also be deliberate about what kind of activities give you joy. Working and attending school requires a lot of energy and it helps to recharge yourself by doing a little bit of what you love.
Energy management is even more important than time management.
Get to know your personal clock - when are you best able to focus, do deep thinking, etc. Also be deliberate about what kind of activities give you joy. Working and attending school requires a lot of energy and it helps to recharge yourself by doing a little bit of what you love.
Energy management is even more important than time management.
Anne Lee
Tax consultant
11
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Hello,
As of I know, there are several resources in college and outside of college who helps and guide through a student entrepreneurship. Also, there are many places who offers legal advice for free to the students.
I would reach out to the college first and see what kinds of guidance you can get from them. Also, one recommendation is to get to know some other student entrepreneurs so that you can exchange any information or tips!
Good luck!
As of I know, there are several resources in college and outside of college who helps and guide through a student entrepreneurship. Also, there are many places who offers legal advice for free to the students.
I would reach out to the college first and see what kinds of guidance you can get from them. Also, one recommendation is to get to know some other student entrepreneurs so that you can exchange any information or tips!
Good luck!
Sher Farooqi
Analyst
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Sher’s Answer
Balance is very important. You are essentially taking on two full time jobs at once, so making sure you are able to balance out the requirements of school with running your business is essential to ensure you're successful in the future.
Jonathan Lee
Consulting
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
First of all, congratulations. I think starting a business in college is a great first step to introducing yourself to what's it like to be a business owner without the added complications of having a full-time job, taking care of family, etc.
If I were you, I would focus on learning skills vs getting results.
What I mean by that, is don't focus so much on getting x amount of revenue, but on learning the requisite skills of business management (e.g., managing a team, optimizing pricing, controlling overhead, navigating expenses, managing taxes, etc.)
In college I also started multiple eCommerce companies and I will say, my first few businesses were fluke when it came to outcome ($$), but amazing when it came to growing and learning which would later contribute to my success.
So , I highly recommend you prioritize your time on the things that truly matter in your business (leverage the 80/20 Pareto Principle) and make sure you also do well in school!
If I were you, I would focus on learning skills vs getting results.
What I mean by that, is don't focus so much on getting x amount of revenue, but on learning the requisite skills of business management (e.g., managing a team, optimizing pricing, controlling overhead, navigating expenses, managing taxes, etc.)
In college I also started multiple eCommerce companies and I will say, my first few businesses were fluke when it came to outcome ($$), but amazing when it came to growing and learning which would later contribute to my success.
So , I highly recommend you prioritize your time on the things that truly matter in your business (leverage the 80/20 Pareto Principle) and make sure you also do well in school!
Lynn Bautista
Marketing
4
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Lynn’s Answer
time management is always key to balancing out managing your business with work or school. Prioritizing and balancing it out is important. If you can give me more details about your business potentially there might be tools that can help you manage.
Peeyush Nema
4
Answers
Updated
Peeyush’s Answer
Balancing work and study can be challenging, but effective time management can make it achievable. By setting aside specific time slots for studying and working, you can manage both efficiently. During my time as a full-time employee and a college student, I made an extra effort to study in the mornings and evenings, outside of my work hours. I made sure to complete my work duties promptly to prevent them from encroaching on my study time. You might find this approach helpful as well.
Debra Patsky
Sales Effectiveness
14
Answers
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Updated
Debra’s Answer
Need to ensure that you are using tools to stay organized. You will have multiple priorities and staying focused on tasks for the day will be critical for your success.
Rob Himmelwright
Solutions Analyst
1
Answer
Auburn, Alabama
Updated
Rob’s Answer
I believe the key to tackling this lies in being organized. During my final two years of college, I was part of running a business and I learned firsthand the crucial role organization plays. It's also a good idea to set achievable goals, so you don't end up exhausting yourself. I remember a teammate from that business who initially aimed to accomplish something every month. However, she soon found that pace challenging and wisely decided to switch her goals to a quarterly basis. It's all about finding a balance that works for you!
Mandy Morrissey
Consultant
4
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Mandy’s Answer
Take Advantage of College Services: Many colleges offer resources like business incubators, entrepreneurship courses, and legal advice for student entrepreneurs.
Engage with Professors: Your professors can be valuable resources for advice, connections, and sometimes even business opportunities.
Engage with Professors: Your professors can be valuable resources for advice, connections, and sometimes even business opportunities.
Jessica Cochran
Intellectual Property/Masters Student
9
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
It would have been helpful to know what kind of business you have, to give you specific advice on how to juggle school and working at the same time.
General advice though - is that you will need to become a master at time management. Remember that you are paying for school, so that should be the utmost priority until you are done. Per credit hour, you should block off 3 hours outside of class to study/do homework/get tutoring, etc. You may not need the entire 9 hours for a 3 credit course but its always, always better to have a little extra free time than to be late on an assignment.
Start using a calendar to make sure you don't forget important school and work related tasks. Going to school and owning a business will NOT be easy but you should be able to manage quite well if you start and stick to good habits. Good luck and remember to also have fun!
Start using a calendar
General advice though - is that you will need to become a master at time management. Remember that you are paying for school, so that should be the utmost priority until you are done. Per credit hour, you should block off 3 hours outside of class to study/do homework/get tutoring, etc. You may not need the entire 9 hours for a 3 credit course but its always, always better to have a little extra free time than to be late on an assignment.
Start using a calendar to make sure you don't forget important school and work related tasks. Going to school and owning a business will NOT be easy but you should be able to manage quite well if you start and stick to good habits. Good luck and remember to also have fun!
Jessica recommends the following next steps:
time management is always important when trying to manage your business with school or even work. Balancing it out is key. If you could be more specific, I can give you additional tips.
Lynn Bautista
Jake Binley
accountant
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Make the most of your time. Here are a few strategies to consider. Firstly, allocate specific hours for your work, even if you're self-employed. This helps you understand when you can devote your energy to your business. Secondly, consider hiring help. If outsourcing tasks can free up your time, it's worth exploring. For instance, if you're juggling too many business responsibilities, it might be more efficient to delegate some tasks. If you can pay someone $10 an hour to do a job while you focus on tasks that could earn you $15 an hour, you're still making a profit.
Dominic Heithaus
Auditor
1
Answer
Florissant, Missouri
Updated
Dominic’s Answer
Hi Dan,
As someone who helped manage a small start-up business in college, I want to start by reassuring you that with the proper planning and motivation, it can be done and it can be done very successfully! While there are numerous suggestions that can be provided, I found that nailing down the following two things made a huge difference in my success:
1) Scheduling: As a college student, you have a lot going on and keeping you busy, but you often have a lot of flexibility regarding when some of those "goings on" get done. From the very beginning of each semester this is a very important thing to think about. When you are scheduling classes, avoid having your classes super spread out. Try to schedule your classes in blocks, and if possible, on only certain days (for example scheduling a majority of your classes on Tuesday/Thursday rotations), which opens up the remaining days of the week significantly for time to focus on your business. Then at the beginning of each week I would create a list of the various activities/tasks/responsibilities you have that week. Determine what things are flexible, and which are happening at set times. When you do this, make sure you are including the items for your business as well. If you don't calendarize the time when you are going to work on your business and instead just try to work on it whenever you have 20-30 minutes of free time, these tasks will easily fall to the wayside and you will quickly find yourself falling behind and discouraged. Staying on top of those tasks, in addition to class work, clubs, friends, etc. requires diligence, but it can absolutely be done and will make your life a lot easier!
2) Connect with your school's Entrepreneurship club: Many schools have a club where like-minded individuals interested in entrepreneurship get together to discuss business ideas, as well as to brainstorm issues in existing start-ups that members have and work through them. These groups are also very often connected with the broader entrepreneurship community in the city where your school is located. This can be a fantastic way to make connections and meet people who were in your shoes at some point an want to help the next generation of entrepreneurs become successful! Beyond the entrepreneurship club, if you are lucky, your school may also have an entrepreneurship center responsible for acting as a university presence in the city's entrepreneurship community, hosting speakers, case competitions, and a variety of other entrepreneurial driven events that you can learn a lot from. Reach out to them and see if they have any resources that can assist you in making your business successful.
As someone who helped manage a small start-up business in college, I want to start by reassuring you that with the proper planning and motivation, it can be done and it can be done very successfully! While there are numerous suggestions that can be provided, I found that nailing down the following two things made a huge difference in my success:
1) Scheduling: As a college student, you have a lot going on and keeping you busy, but you often have a lot of flexibility regarding when some of those "goings on" get done. From the very beginning of each semester this is a very important thing to think about. When you are scheduling classes, avoid having your classes super spread out. Try to schedule your classes in blocks, and if possible, on only certain days (for example scheduling a majority of your classes on Tuesday/Thursday rotations), which opens up the remaining days of the week significantly for time to focus on your business. Then at the beginning of each week I would create a list of the various activities/tasks/responsibilities you have that week. Determine what things are flexible, and which are happening at set times. When you do this, make sure you are including the items for your business as well. If you don't calendarize the time when you are going to work on your business and instead just try to work on it whenever you have 20-30 minutes of free time, these tasks will easily fall to the wayside and you will quickly find yourself falling behind and discouraged. Staying on top of those tasks, in addition to class work, clubs, friends, etc. requires diligence, but it can absolutely be done and will make your life a lot easier!
2) Connect with your school's Entrepreneurship club: Many schools have a club where like-minded individuals interested in entrepreneurship get together to discuss business ideas, as well as to brainstorm issues in existing start-ups that members have and work through them. These groups are also very often connected with the broader entrepreneurship community in the city where your school is located. This can be a fantastic way to make connections and meet people who were in your shoes at some point an want to help the next generation of entrepreneurs become successful! Beyond the entrepreneurship club, if you are lucky, your school may also have an entrepreneurship center responsible for acting as a university presence in the city's entrepreneurship community, hosting speakers, case competitions, and a variety of other entrepreneurial driven events that you can learn a lot from. Reach out to them and see if they have any resources that can assist you in making your business successful.
Levi Bradley
Small business owner of 3 different business , Commercial cleaning, Construction, Holiday Lighting
6
Answers
Farmington, Maine
Updated
Levi’s Answer
Hire a virtual assistant
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