5 Tips for Being a Successful Mompreneur

On February 29th, 2020, I welcomed my son into the world. It was by far the single most amazing moment in my life, bar none. 

Approximately two weeks later, we went on lockdown due to the pandemic. Over the next few months, I found myself trying to balance learning how to be a good mom, keeping my household running, the dog walked, the cats fed, working a full-time job from home, and running a growing full-time business. Without childcare.

My new title: Single Working Stay-At-Home Mompreneur.

What is a Mompreneur?

Wikipedia defines a Mompreneur as: a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur. 

I have my own definition: a superhero (of any gender) who is raising the next generation while serving others through their business.

For each superhero that tackles this feat, though, there’s a lot at stake. Focus too much on your business, and you feel like you’re dropping the ball as a mom. Don’t focus enough on your business, and you feel like you’re going to fail and not be able to provide financially for your family. 

Tips for being a successful Mompreneur

Women don’t just have two choices anymore after becoming moms: go back to work or be a stay-at-home mom. 

With the technological revolution of the digital era and the rise of easily accessible online business tools, it’s possible to have a thriving business AND a happy family. Here are 5 tips for being a successful Mompreneur. 

1. Plan ahead

This one can sound like a bad joke to most moms who know that when you have kids, all plans go out the window. 

That being said, it’s worth taking the time to plan out your week. Take note of important calls and meetings you’ll need quiet for and schedule them for nap time, when possible.

Writing out the big events of the week can help you make sure you’re not accidentally rushing to a routine pediatrician appointment 30 minutes before a meeting with a client (been there, done that). 

Meanwhile, planning the little things, like knowing what you’re going to serve for meals (and meal-prepping when possible!), can help juggling those big things go a bit smoother. 

2. Create a routine

For me and my son, our routine is essential. Of course it changes as his needs do, but having clear morning, mealtime, and bedtime steps helps him to know what to expect – and makes my job a bit easier. 

Routines help provide a sense of safety and security for children. Knowing what will happen next can give babies and toddlers a sense of comfort, freeing their minds to do their “work” – playing, exploring, and learning.

Having a routine with self-care steps built in will also help you develop and stick with good habits. 

3. Get your kids to help

If you have school-age children or older, why not get them to help? You can get some work done while teaching them valuable life lessons. 

For the school-age children, have them do small tasks that can keep them busy and give you some time to focus. 

For older kids/teens, are there any tasks related to your business they can help with directly? 

One of my clients was struggling to keep up with her social media posts, so she asked her teenage daughter to help. It was a win/win/win for her, her daughter, and her business. Her daughter enjoyed the chance to demonstrate her Insta-post crafting skills, made a little bit of money on the side, and learned about running a business. Meanwhile, my client had her business profit from the routine social exposure and her time was freed up, allowing her to focus on other tasks.

4. Know when to multitask…

I don’t think there’s anyone better at multitasking than a mom……except maybe a Mompreneur.

Both raising kids and running a business require you to have a lot up in the air at once. Multitasking is essential to keeping up with all of your daily to-dos. 

If you don’t already, try listening to trainings or podcasts while you’re in the car, cleaning up around the house, or getting ready for your day or for bed. (Seriously, if you have to stand there for two minutes brushing your teeth anyways, you might as well be learning something. For an added boost, do squats while you’re at it! Just kidding. Kinda…)

5. …And know when to be present

But for as much multitasking as you need to do during your day, there are times when you need to be fully and completely present with what you’re doing. 

When you’re spending time interacting with your kids, be present with them. Don’t answer emails or check your Facebook notifications. Children can feel when you’re not present with them, and can respond by acting out to try to get your full attention. 

The same also goes for your business. As much as possible, try not to have disruptions during your client calls or when interacting with business partners or vendors. Show them that you respect their time and business by being completely present for them. This can be a bit harder if you have a baby or younger child, and I will always tell you to put your child’s safety and wellbeing before your business.

When all is said and done, the most important thing to remember is this:

You can’t do it all. 

Don’t get me wrong! I fully believe you can do anything if you put your mind and heart to it. But you can’t do everything all at once. 

Sit down and prioritize your goals. See what feels right to you, and then write them out. And let the rest go (for now). When you accomplish a goal or your goals shift, move on to the next.

Running a successful, profitable business and raising happy, healthy kids at the same time is possible. It will take some planning, hard work, and a ton of support. Keep your community around you including our Womanly Inspiration FB Group, so we can lift you up as needed and celebrate your successes as they come!

 

Short Article Review

• Wikipedia defines Mompreneur as: a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.
• Plan out the big things in your week in advance.
• Routines help provide a sense of safety and security in children, freeing them to do their “work” of learning and you to focus on your business.
• Getting your older kids to help with some tasks can help you get some work done and teach them valuable life lessons.
• You have to know when to multi-task and when to be present.
• You can do anything, but not everything all at once. Prioritize your goals.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, investment, financial, medical or other advice.  Always seek the advice of a licensed professional regarding any questions you may have.  

The Post 5 Tips For Being a Successful Mompreneur appeared first on Womanly Inspiration.