The advice was shared during a Young Entrepreneurs Webinar organised by MTN under the theme, “The Side-Hustle Growth Playbook: Running a Business While in School or on a 9-to-5.”

The session brought together entrepreneurs from different industries who shared practical lessons on starting, managing and growing successful businesses while balancing other responsibilities.

Founder of Bazal Art Studios and lawyer, Lawrencia Bazal Darko, urged participants to build businesses that could function even when they were not physically present.

She noted that entrepreneurs should focus on creating systems and structures that allowed their businesses to continue operating effectively regardless of their involvement in daily activities.

Sharing her journey, Ms. Bazal Darko explained that her passion for the arts led her into photography, with her business evolving from newborn photography into maternity shoots, birth photography, graduation sessions and portraits for a wider range of clients.

She advised entrepreneurs to stay within their strengths and refer clients to others when requests fell outside their expertise.

Reflecting on lessons from her entrepreneurial journey, she noted that while she had learned the importance of systems and structure in the corporate environment, she initially failed to apply those principles to her own business.

She encouraged entrepreneurs to prioritise their wellbeing, take breaks when necessary and avoid burnout.

On business formalisation, Ms. Bazal Darko explained that entrepreneurs should carefully consider timing, noting that registration comes with responsibilities such as tax obligations and contractual requirements. She also stressed the importance of separating personal finances from business finances and putting clear policies and terms in place.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NyoNyo Essentials, Chichi Yakubu, encouraged participants not to rely on a single source of income.

She urged aspiring entrepreneurs to invest in personal development and pursue business ideas even when they felt unprepared.

“There is never really a right time to start. You just have to do it,” she noted.

Ms. Yakubu advised individuals seeking financial security to maintain their corporate careers while gradually building businesses they were passionate about.

She also highlighted the role of social media in attracting customers, sharing how a single post helped increase visibility for her brand and opened new opportunities.

According to her, skills gained in the corporate world, including discipline, professionalism and time management, could be valuable assets for entrepreneurs.

Influencer and entrepreneur, Princess Ama Burland, owner of Diya Organics and Diya Studio, encouraged participants to become storytellers rather than simply posting products online.

She noted that customers were more likely to engage with brands when they understood the journey behind them.

Ms. Burland observed that many small businesses focused heavily on views and engagement while paying less attention to converting audiences into customers.

She encouraged entrepreneurs to educate consumers about their products, provide clear contact information and create content that drives sales.

She also underscored the importance of structure and delegation, advising entrepreneurs who are balancing businesses with school or full-time employment to outsource selected tasks such as social media management and website administration where necessary.

The webinar formed part of MTN Ghana's efforts to support entrepreneurship and equip young people with practical tools for business growth through initiatives and digital solutions aimed at empowering small businesses.