It takes time to build a business that can reach and impact hundreds or thousands of people. The problem for many entrepreneurs is that they don’t have time to waste when they need to pay the bills.
When you find yourself feeling the pressure of needing quick results, it’s easy to stress and worry. But that doesn’t help you make progress. It only hijacks your mind and body as you feel worn out and frustrated.
Here’s what to do when you need to earn income while you’re building out your long-term business plan that will reach more people:
Do Organic Marketing
It’s easy to depend on advertisements to promote your businesses and overlook the power of personal connections. When you’re in the process of building a scalable business, start by reaching out to prospects organically. Don’t wait for ads to do the work for you. Instead, send personal emails, make phone calls, and send private messages to people on your social media platforms. You’ll be amazed at how personal contact can generate great results.
Find Alternative Ways to Serve Clients
You may have a book, course, or coaching program that you plan to roll out to the public, but while that is being finalized, you can find immediate ways to help people. Beware of getting hung up on reaching the masses. Instead, focus on serving individuals or a few at a time in the beginning. Here are some examples to consider:
If you’re an author, you can coach people or speak about your content while you’re waiting for your book to be published.
If you are a coach, you can begin coaching people one module at a time or speak about your content while you’re building out your entire program. You only need to be one step ahead of your clients.
If you’re a course creator, you can offer live workshops, seminars, and webinars while you are finalizing your content or getting it recorded.
You don’t have to wait until your offer is complete before you begin to make sales and impact lives. Another benefit of this strategy is that you’re able to build a product suite of multiple offers long-term.
You probably have other skills to offer that aren’t exactly what your business is about. You can mow lawns, housesit, walk dogs, deliver food, or do other contract or part-time work. These may not be glamorous but they are short-term solutions that can fund your immediate needs. There’s no shame in doing other work while you build your dream business. In fact, it adds to your story and often builds character along the way.

Unsubscribe to Unused Resources
It’s so easy to subscribe to any and every resource that seems to make sense for your business. Maybe you have unread magazine collections or services you can live without. Many entrepreneurs purchase software subscriptions long before they know what to do with them or are ready to use them. Just as it’s wise to frequently review personal expenses to be better stewards of your finances, it’s also wise to review your current business expenses so you can cut back on your costs while you’re trying to get your business developed.
Sell Unused Items
This may not seem like a business strategy, but it can buy you some time when you simply need cash. There are probably many items in your closets, garage, or storage shed that you don’t use or need anymore. Rather than keeping things that are collecting dust and taking up space, sell these items online or hold a yard sale. When you have cash in the bank, you have less stress while building your business. Why not simplify your life a bit by selling unused items that give you the cash you need to pay your bills in the fragile start-up process?
If you’re an author, coach, or course creator who wants to build an impactful business but aren’t sure what to do first or next, we have created a program just for you!
Design Launch Grow is a business coaching program focused on helping you get clear on who your ideal customers are, where to reach them, how to help them, and how to deliver your products and services most effectively.
We believe that everyone has a fantastic opportunity to build a thriving business that serves their dream customers and clients while fulfilling their God-given calling. Most people simply need training, quality coaching, and a supportive community to make their vision a reality.
If you would like help building a business around your message that generates consistent income month after month, then check out Design Launch Grow today!