Maximizing Your Commute: Five Strategies to Expand Your Side Business
Written on
Chapter 1: Transforming Commute Time into Productive Moments
Before I left my 9-to-5 job six years ago, the thought of my daily 45-minute commute filled me with dread. The time spent stuck in traffic made me frustrated, especially when I thought about the business tasks I could be accomplishing instead.
What I failed to realize at that moment was that these commuting hours could be incredibly valuable for nurturing my entrepreneurial endeavors and ultimately escaping the corporate grind. In fact, that time spent driving might be one of the few moments in your day when you can focus without distractions from emails, social media, or conversations with family and friends.
As an entrepreneur managing a side business, honing your time management skills is essential. It’s important to make the most of your daily trips to and from your primary job. Rather than tuning into your favorite playlist or replaying past arguments in your head, consider using this time to acquire new knowledge and insights.
The truth is, successful businesses are built on innovative IDEAS, not just hard work. Expanding your mindset, nurturing fresh concepts, gaining new perspectives, or acquiring skills contributes to your business growth because it fosters your development as an individual and leader. In essence, you are building "human capital" that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of the project you pursue.
Here are five strategies to enhance your mindset and generate new ideas during your commutes:
First Method: Engage with an Audiobook
There are numerous impactful (and sometimes life-changing) business books available. I often wish I could effortlessly absorb their wisdom to elevate my business. Fortunately, listening to the audiobook versions comes close. Check out Audible for the latest and greatest business titles that you can easily enjoy on your audio device.
Second Method: Tune into Business Podcasts
Podcasts present another excellent opportunity to make the most of your travel time. They offer a fantastic way to expand your business knowledge and stay informed. Since podcasts are regularly produced, they help you keep up with current concepts, applications, marketing trends, social media strategies, and other essential business tools—unlike books, which may contain outdated information.
Third Method: Attend Audio Business Training Courses
Listening to business training sessions can spark some of your best ideas. I’ve enjoyed courses from various experts like Ali Brown, Eden Pagan, and David Siteman Garland, all of which have provided valuable insights. While some professionals offer free training, many charge for their online courses. Choose a business leader you admire and invest your time in learning from them.
Fourth Method: Download the TED Talks App
With the TED Talks app, you can listen to inspiring talks from a variety of influential figures—be it educational innovators, tech geniuses, or business moguls—right from your smartphone. This is a fantastic way to cultivate new ideas and gain fresh perspectives for both your business and personal life.
Fifth Method: Embrace Silence
Lastly, consider the power of sitting in silence during your commute. You may wonder how this can help grow your business. Well, it’s challenging to generate new ideas when your mind is racing. As we know, successful businesses thrive on IDEA generation, so you need to maintain a steady flow of creative thoughts.
If you are constantly absorbing new information, working non-stop, and trying to implement new strategies, your brain may not have the time to process everything. This can lead to burnout, which ultimately hampers your business progress. Dedicate at least one day each week to simply sit quietly during your commute.
Chapter 2: Resources to Enhance Your Side Business
In this video, "How to Start & Grow your SIDE HUSTLE | Ideas, Tips & Advice for your Side Business," viewers can explore insightful strategies and practical advice for launching and expanding a side hustle effectively.
The second video, "How to Start a Side Hustle without Quitting your 9-5: My Strategy," shares a personal approach to balancing a side business while maintaining a full-time job, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.