Women experience less societal gender restrictions and are no longer limited to motherhood or a career. Successful women in business world prove that it’s possible and can be exceptionally rewarding. As a mother of three and a business owner, I can work a flexible schedule to attend a school field trip or take a conference call while we’re at the pool. For me, at least, it makes both parts more rewarding to know how hard you work for something you love.
Being a mompreneur isn’t always easy but it is doable. I stick to some basics to keep things organized and efficient.
Five Tips to Help “Mompreneurs” Grow Their Business (while keeping their sanity).
Define a Home Workspace
Your home workspace defines a place where you can take on your business woman identity and focus on work. Pick an area that is large enough to suit your needs and free of distractions. If you design custom jewelry, think about how you’ll need an office and a workshop. Avoid setting up multiple stations around the house that will lead to chaotic, inefficient workflow. (Happens to me and I regret each time!) If you meet with clients regularly or have staff meetings at home, convert a separate structure, such as a garage, into a meeting room. Upcycling a large shed is also a cost-effective way to build a professional workspace at home. In a pinch, a partitioned off corner will do too.
Free Business Tools
Funding can challenge a mompreneur embarking on any startup, but smart moms know how to work a buck. While the kids are napping, create marketing material and business cards by utilizing inexpensive resources on the Internet. Design a logo and store it on Mint.com or Vistaprint. You can imprint the logo on business cards and mimic the same look for postcards or stationary to use for networking. Business cards cost nothing to print, but shipping has a fee. Cards can also be professionally edited for just an additional ten dollars. Ready-to-use small business forms and contracts are also available on the Businessweek website too. Other free downloads can enhance your business as well, such as a cash flow worksheet and executive summary template.
Social Media!
Business Insider states that moms are among the most active members of social networking because of mobile access. Use social media as a tool and you are never really away from the office. Most social networking sites offer free downloadable apps or pay less than two dollars for the Sorbees app to combine Twitter and Facebook.
Separate Home & Business Finances
Credit is not always bad. In fact, small businesses need a good credit history. You can earn cash back with credit cards from AmericanExpress.com. This gives you extra money while investing on your business. Using a Small Business credit card keeps your company expenses separate from your household budget. Expenses appear on one easy-to-read statement at the end of the month. Amex has a great OPEN Forum to gain insights from other business experts on topics such as leadership, money, marketing, and technology.
Kids Grow, So Can Your Business
Startups while juggling a baby or two can certainly be successful, but you may find it easier to manage if you hold back until the kids go off to school. You can use additional kid free hours to devote time to your business and take it even further.
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