Why Building a Business While Working a 9–5 Is More Possible Than You Think
- ziemteam
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Many people believe they need to quit their job before they can build a successful online business. The truth? Some of the most successful creators are building profitable communities, creating recurring income, and changing lives while still working full-time.
In this episode of the Network Marketing Insider Podcast, I sat down with Ali Al-Qubati, a mechanical engineer who spends his days working full-time and his evenings building a thriving Skool community. His story proves that success isn't about having unlimited time—it's about consistently using the time you already have.
Here are three powerful lessons from our conversation that every aspiring community builder should apply today.
1. You Don't Need More Time—You Need Better Intentionality
One of the biggest myths online is that you need endless hours to build a successful business.
Ali works a demanding full-time engineering job, yet he dedicates just three to four focused hours after work to growing his business. Rather than trying to do everything, he focuses on the highest-impact activities:
Creating valuable content
Commenting inside relevant communities
Building genuine relationships
Following up with people consistently
The lesson?
Small pockets of focused work, repeated consistently, outperform random bursts of motivation.
If you're a teacher, parent, or working a traditional 9-to-5, don't wait for the "perfect" schedule. Start with the time you already have.
Consistency beats availability.
2. Relationships Create More Opportunities Than Selling Ever Will
One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was simple:
Stop trying to sell everyone. Start trying to help everyone.
Instead of treating every conversation like a sales pitch, build relationships first.
When you genuinely learn about someone's goals and struggles, something incredible happens:
You become memorable.
People trust you.
They recommend you.
Others begin referring opportunities back to you.
This creates an ecosystem where everyone wins.
Your network slowly becomes your sales force—not because you asked them to sell for you, but because you've consistently added value.
In today's creator economy, connection is the new currency.
3. Success on Skool Is a Marathon—Not a Sprint
One of Ali's best pieces of advice was incredibly refreshing:
Patience. Patience. Patience.
Many creators launch a community expecting members to magically appear.
That's not how it works.
There may be weeks where nobody joins.
There may be days where nobody comments.
That doesn't mean you're failing.
Successful community builders continue showing up anyway.
They improve their About page.
They refine their messaging.
They participate in other communities.
They learn from successful creators.
They continue building relationships.
Eventually momentum begins to compound.
Every successful Skool owner started with zero members.
The only difference is that they didn't quit.
Bonus Lesson: Protect Your Health While Building Your Business
Ali also shared something many entrepreneurs overlook.
Your health fuels your business.
Exercise isn't just about looking better—it's about increasing your energy, improving your focus, raising your mood, and giving yourself the mental clarity to keep showing up.
Whether it's the gym, a home workout, walking, or stretching, investing in your health is also investing in your business.
Healthy creators create consistently.
Final Thoughts
If you're waiting for more time, more money, or the perfect opportunity before building your online business, this episode is a reminder that you already have everything you need to begin.
Focus on serving.
Focus on relationships.
Stay patient.
Continue improving.
Those small daily actions eventually create recurring opportunities that can completely change your future.
Want to hear the complete conversation with Ali Al-Qubati?
Watch the latest episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. You'll hear practical strategies, real experiences, and honest conversations designed to help you build a business that lasts.
🚀 Ready to Build Income Beyond Your Paycheck?
If you're a teacher or someone working a 9-to-5 and want to create recurring online income through content, conversations, and community, now is the perfect time to join the Connection Creator Academy.
✅ Start with a FREE 7-day trial
Inside you'll learn how to:
Create content that attracts opportunities.
Start conversations without feeling salesy.
Build a thriving Skool community.
Turn relationships into recurring income.
🎤 Want to Be a Guest on the Podcast?
Have a story, business, or community that's making an impact?
The Network Marketing Insider Podcast is always looking for inspiring entrepreneurs and Skool community owners.
Before applying, be sure to check out the testimonials from previous guests to see how appearing on the show has helped them grow their visibility, credibility, and connections.
One of the fastest ways to grow is by surrounding yourself with action takers.
Explore my curated playlist of vetted Skool communities to discover places where you can learn, network, collaborate, and accelerate your journey with other entrepreneurs.
If you found value in this article, please share it with someone who's trying to build something beyond their paycheck. You never know whose journey could change because of one conversation.
You don't need endless hours. Use the time you already have.