In many ways, being a mom is far harder and more complicated than running any business! That’s why the very idea of doing both can be overwhelming, but while parenthood and business management is a massive feat, if you have a bit of grit, a good sense of balance, and some serious multitasking skills, it can be done. And we’re here to help. Below are ten tips for any mother managing her own business, helping you to make the best of both worlds.
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Make Sure Your Routine is Flexible
Motherhood demands flexibility, and so does entrepreneurship. With this in mind, it’s important to create adaptable time blocks and focus on completing top priorities each day, rather than micromanaging every hour.
Set Clear Boundaries
As we mentioned before, being the perfect “mompreneur” is largely about balancing mom-life and business-life, and a good way to do this is to protect both your work hours and your family time. Let your clients, kids, and loved ones know when you’re “on” and when you’re not, and create clear boundaries that will protect both your time and your energy.
Recognise Your Limitations
It’s also important to note that there’s no such thing as a “super mom”, or indeed, a “super entrepreneur”. That is to say, we’re all human, and humans are prone to making mistakes. As both a mother and a business owner, it’s fair to say you’re juggling a lot, and the last thing you need is a legal issue knocking you off course.
But this can very easily happen. In the US, nearly 53% of SMEs are sued each year, so whether you’re offering services, consulting, or products, having professional liability insurance – also known as errors and omissions insurance – can help protect you from any claims of negligence, mistakes, or unmet expectations.
Find a Support Network
In many ways, insurance policies such as the one mentioned above are their own support network, giving you peace of mind and a little more freedom to focus on growth and take risks. But there are many actual support networks out there. Whether it’s online communities or fellow mompreneurs, having people who get what you do can make all the difference, so take a look around and check if there are any other support networks you can lean on.
Focus on Your Body
Before you were a mother, it’s likely you had your schedule worked out, but being a mom changes you far more than you know. If you used to work best in the early morning, but now need that time to sleep, don’t fight your body and force yourself to stick with old habits. It’s your job to know when you’re at your best now and do the most important work then!
Outsource As Much as Possible
It’s okay to get help. As a mother, you’ve got the tremendously difficult task of juggling parent life with business life, so there’s no shame in outsourcing a number of your tasks to remove some of the burdens. Whether you’re hiring a virtual assistant or a cleaner – or simply getting the dad to pull his finger out a bit more! – every little helps and you’ll definitely notice a difference.
Know Your Numbers
We mentioned before that insurance is ultra important for mompreneurs, as there’s a slightly higher risk of making mistakes. With that in mind, though, it’s also important to know your numbers, even if you’re not a “money person”. Understanding your cash flow, expenses, and profit margins is key to running a sustainable business, so take the time to familiarise yourself with accounting tools and make sure the numbers aren’t ignored.
Involve Your Kids
Depending on their age, there’s no reason why your “business time” can’t also be “family time”. Whether they’re helping with packing orders or going with you to events, your kids can easily be part of the journey, giving you more time with them while also helping to build their understanding of entrepreneurship.
Prioritise Your Own Wellbeing
We’ve talked a lot about juggling parenthood and business life, but it’s important to remember the person in the middle. You! No one can pour from an empty cup, so it’s crucial you give yourself self-care during this journey, taking small moments that are solely for you and no one else.
Celebrate All Your Wins
With that last point in mind, make sure you’re also taking time to celebrate little wins. You’re both a mother and an entrepreneur, and that’s amazing! With this in mind, every task you tick off, every new sale, and every calm school run is a massive achievement and should be celebrated.
Acknowledge your success in real-time, and you’ll find your motivation remains high and your sense of purpose along with it. You’re doing a lot more than just getting by. You’re building something extraordinary for you and your family!
