Starting and growing a business whilst also caring for a family is, without doubt, one of the biggest balancing acts. Combining career ambitions with school runs and feeding the family is tough. But with careful planning, resourcefulness and support, thousands of Mumpreneurs across the UK prove it can be done. Follow this advice to set yourself up for success:
Leverage Your Existing Skills
Chances are, you already possess many transferable skills from parenting that are invaluable in business - multitasking, patience, creativity, problem-solving and perseverance. Identify how to best apply these skills (and any previous career experience) to find a product, service or business idea that plays to your strengths. This focus will make the path smoother.
Schedule Realistic Timeframes
Having targets and deadlines is motivating, but block out time in your schedule sensibly. Avoid frustration by factoring in ample periods for business tasks alongside domestic duties. Review progress weekly rather than daily to allow reasonable timeframes. And don't forget to schedule breaks, too!
Outsource What You Can
Delegating tasks allows you to focus on high-priority and value-adding business activities. Consider using online assistants, childcare swaps with friends or local students for admin tasks, deliveries or babysitting. Even outsourcing chores or cooking can free up precious hours.
Use Online Tools and Templates
The digital world offers time-strapped Mumpreneurs many helpful tools. Use online scheduling/calendar tools to plan and share tasks between family members. Profit from the array of free legal document, invoice, expenses and cash flow projection templates available. With content creation and graphic design software, you will find things like a before and after template for social media posts, flyers, proposals and more.
Optimise Your Website and Socials
One of the quickest ways to grow a business is through your website and social media. An online presence opens vital sales channels and marketing avenues, so ensure your website and social media are fit for business. Use search optimisation and analytics to refine and drive web traffic. Post content regularly on social platforms to engage followers and promote offers. And don't forget simple steps like adding payment facilities or contact forms to make customer purchasing seamless.
Form a Community
Connect with fellow Mumpreneurs for solidarity, ideas and advice. Local business networks, online forums or social media groups offer support plus potential collaborations. Attend relevant events when possible, too. Consider mentoring new Mumpreneurs later to give back whilst furthering your own development.
Set Financial Foundations
Track income/expenses diligently and have contingencies for shortfalls. Starting small scale or keeping existing flexible work initially can provide stability whilst testing your business concept. Use mobile apps or online software to manage accounts, invoicing and tax. Always investigate financing supports like start-up loans/grants.
Don’t Neglect Self Care
Entrepreneurship and parenting both make heavy demands. So, guard your mental and physical bandwidth fiercely. Eat nutritious, healthy meals, exercise when possible, set device downtime and get sufficient sleep. Share feelings or stresses so they don't become overbearing - whether with your partner, friends or a professional. Refill your own cup first! Taking care of yourself will give you the energy you need to create a successful business while bringing up children.
Seek Supportive Childcare Options
Finding reliable and flexible childcare is essential for Mumpreneurs; however, finding flexible childcare isn’t always straightforward. Options like nurseries, childminders or nannies can be costly, so consider mature family members or swapping sitting duties with other working parents first. You could also see if your children can attend study support sessions or clubs after school, too, allowing you extra hours. Government schemes assist some childcare costs or explore local networks, helping parents share suitable arrangements.
Grow Your Support Circle
Assembling a wider circle with different expertise assists business growth. A bookkeeper provides financial oversight so you can focus elsewhere. Marketing or tech professionals boost website development and social media skills. Mentors who've built their own brands are invaluable for strategy guidance. Mastermind groups enable collaborative problem-solving. Delegating tasks to a VA (virtual assistant) adds hours. Interns may swap admin work for experience opportunities. Building this support team to plug knowledge gaps is a smart success strategy.
Juggling business ventures whilst parenting is intense yet enriching when passion fuelled. Following savvy tips around leveraging your talents, managing time, gathering support and sustaining self-care makes striking this balance achievable. Align ambitions to your personal lifestyle then start shaping your entrepreneurial journey one step at a time. With grit and patience, Mumpreneurs can thrive at both careers they love the most.
