College is an excellent time to launch a business. You already have a consumer base and a lot of support. When beginning a business, there will always be risks, but if you have a need for a product, information about your clients, and an understanding of demand, you will be off to a promising start.
Many undergraduates at Florida A&M operate their businesses in addition to being full-time students. There are several tips and tactics for balancing schoolwork and a business, but the essential thing to do is to define your goals and prioritize the most important matters first.
Jewel Crouch, a fourth-year criminal justice major, runs her own business, Shady Vision LLC. Crouch started her small business in April and was registered with the state of Florida in August.
Shady Visions began as a sunglasses company but has already evolved to include portable fans, with more products on the way.
“It’s hard being a full-time college student and small business owner,” Crouch said. “I have to prioritize a lot. Through this process, I have learned to stay organized and be more active on social media so that I can boost engagement.”
Know your short-term and long-term goals before committing to a company, and always strive toward attaining them. Be conscious of your limits and seek to enroll in programs that will teach you how to manage a successful brand.
Creating the correct class schedule is also critical when beginning a business.
It is necessary to have a daily plan. Making lists can help you stay focused and organized. It will offer you a sense of accomplishment to know that you finished a task. The secret is to maintain your business apart from your educational work and to complete both obligations on time.
Damari Massey, a fourth-year bio pre-med major, runs his own company, DGE. It is an abbreviation that stands for “Do Good Everyday.” Massey founded this brand, which offers everyday apparel, earlier this year.
“Managing a business while in school is definitely challenging,” Massey said. “The best way to balance both is to have a monthly schedule. Understanding the target days you want to work on your business versus working in school is very important.”
To be successful in your business, you must make and sell products people want to buy. Networking is a terrific approach to finding out what things your peers are interested in and are willing to purchase. You have limitless access to online resources and support networks as a student. You also have easy accessibility to other students.
Abdul Apata, a fourth-year broadcast journalism major, founded Chosen Amir Apparel at COVID in 2020, when he had a lot of spare time. He sells men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. Apata just released a breast cancer awareness selection as well.
“It’s definitely challenging being a full-time student and business owner,” said Apata. “Of course, I have set classes, and I’m also in a fraternity, so I need to have great time management skills to make sure I make time for everything and still make sure I have good customer service. Anything in life isn’t going to be easy, and if you don’t feel challenged, you’re not doing it right.”
Receiving assistance while marketing a product can lead to a positive impact. Embracing all the obligations and duties on your own may be difficult.
Access to instructors and peers for guidance and assistance could distinguish between a failed and a successful business. Being a student while running a company may be difficult but having people in your corner who support you can make all the difference.
Accept that business and education may coexist and remain committed to both. School is an excellent chance for you to develop and expand your business while also becoming a more well-rounded individual.