Working 9–5? That Might Be the Best Thing for Your Magnet Business

Working 9–5? That Might Be the Best Thing for Your Magnet Business

When you think of starting a side hustle, it’s easy to dream about quitting your job and going all-in. But here’s a hot take: your current 9–5 job might just be the best first customer base you’ll ever have — especially if you’re launching a photo magnet, keychain, or custom gift business.

I touched on this briefly in my Bulk Orders Guide, but I want to go deeper and show you how your workplace can become a hidden goldmine for building visibility, getting feedback, and sparking real orders. Whether you’re a receptionist, teacher, nurse, or office assistant — opportunity is literally all around you.

 

Opportunity Is Everywhere (Especially at Work)

Think about it:

  • You have a desk or workspace = perfect for displaying your magnets.

  • There’s an office fridge or break room = great place to leave a few samples.

  • You probably talk to coworkers, customers, or clients daily = built-in audience.

  • There are events, staff birthdays, retirements, and holidays = built-in reason to create custom gifts.

You don’t have to sell to your coworkers. In fact, I don’t recommend it. Instead, show, don’t sell:

  • Stick a magnet on your filing cabinet or whiteboard with a quote or calendar.

  • Drop a thank-you magnet in the staff breakroom with your logo and a QR code.

  • Make a few motivational magnets for your coworkers’ desks.

  • Create a custom magnet for your manager’s birthday — they'll remember it.

These little touches create curiosity — and that’s when people start asking questions. “Wait… you made this? Can you make one for my sister’s wedding?” Yep. That’s how it begins.


Easy Ideas to Market Your Magnet Business at the Office

If you're looking for non-pushy, creative ways to get visibility at work, here are a few:

  • Desk Decor: Keep a few motivational quote magnets or mini calendars where others can see them.

  • Office Fridge Samples: Place a couple of samples on the breakroom fridge (branded with your QR code or website).

  • Coworker Gifts: Make magnets for birthdays, retirements, or baby showers. Include your business info subtly on the back.

  • Holiday Swaps: Around Christmas or Valentine’s Day, offer to make small sets for gift exchanges.

  • Bulletin Boards: Post a flyer or small sample pack with a "Custom Photo Gifts Available!" sign.

  • Staff Event Keepsakes: Offer your services to create magnets for a staff celebration, nurse appreciation week, teacher week, etc.

 

Bonus: Turn Your Work Content Into Social Content

Working full-time while building a business? That’s inspiring — and shareable.

Film short videos of you:

  • Making magnets before your shift

  • Packing sample sets on your lunch break

  • Delivering a surprise magnet to a coworker

  • Displaying your products at your desk

This kind of behind-the-scenes content builds trust and shows how you're making it work — even with limited time.

And don’t forget your SEO — when you share online, use tags like:

#personalizedphotomagnets • #buyphotomagnets • #orderphotomagnets • #photomagnetsonline • #photomagnetsforgifts • #bestphotomagnet


Final Thought: Your Day Job Isn’t Holding You Back — It’s Holding the Door Open

Too many people think they have to quit their job to grow something of their own. But I built the early stages of my own magnet business while running a full-time national tour. My workspace was literally my kitchen table, a merch trailer and hotel rooms. Oh how I WISH I was making magnets back when I lived in Australia & worked for an electrical company - I would have had THOUSANDS of opportunities to market a magnet business! 

The key is this: don’t wait for orders — create opportunities. And your 9–5 is full of them.


Ready to Start Landing Bulk Orders?

If you’re serious about turning samples into real sales, check out my guide:
From Samples to Bulk Orders — it walks you through how to pitch businesses, design branded magnets, and create momentum using the same exact strategy I used to grow my business from my kitchen table.

#MagnetBusinessTips #SideHustleWhileWorking #WorkplaceMarketing #MagnetSamples #OfficeGifts #personalizedphotomagnets #buyphotomagnets #orderphotomagnets #photomagnetsonline #photomagnetsforgifts #bestphotomagnet #MagneticTreasuresCo 

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