To be both a mother and a successful business owner is a dream of many women and a reality for a few. Is it possible to have a functional, loving family and a fulfilling, profitable business? Yes, with realistic expectations. We need patience and the ability to juggle to be efficient and smart about our time and our resources.
The good news is that juggling is a skill, and you can learn it.
Being a mom and business owner may be challenging but it is also rewarding. Many mothers choose to leave employment security, 9-5 predictability and company benefits in the hope of turning a vision into a business. The possibility of doing what you love, owning your own time, creating flexibility in your schedule and earning residual, long-term income is more than enticing – it’s inspiring.
I encourage moms who are currently in business or want to be, to think big, find more resources and apply tips that work. Below are inspiring stories from Women in Business clients and what they’ve learned about enjoying their kids while building an enterprise.
Kelsey King of Jefferson Bee Company
Kelsey King, http://www.JeffersonBeeCo.com, offers practical advice:
- Set a schedule that leaves time for the family and stick to it.
- Don’t be discouraged if your child interrupts you. Take the time to sit and play with them. Some days they just need to refill their tanks. You won’t regret it.
- Create a dedicated office space separate from your bedroom and somewhere you can focus.
- Get ready in the morning like you would if you were to go in to work. This helps you get set for your day.
Kelsey also says that writing a business plan is the key to getting started. “This should be number one and helps you create your goals. I worked with consultants at the Women’s Business Center for editing and insight. I’m so grateful I did!” In addition, Kelsey recommends getting financial books in order, creating a budget and taking the time to learn about social media.
“Since starting this business I have learned that I am more capable than I could have imagined. It has allowed me to explore my creative side. Starting a business is hard work. It is something that not only takes time and energy but also your emotions. It is so important to choose something that you are passionate about, something that you want to wake up every morning to do, and something you will be able to share with your family for the rest of their lives.
“The most important thing to remember is that we are moms first. Although it is so important to realize we can have both a family and career, sometimes that means you keep your company at a manageable level and take growth slowly, and that is more than okay; it is smart.”
Dori Mondon, AbundantContent.com, shares, “I’ve learned to set my boundaries, for sure, and I’ve really learned to trust myself. It’s important to me that the work I do not only support my family but also effect positive change in the world.”
One of the benefits of self-employment is the influence we can have on our children. Mondon says, “We have so much to teach our children, and my daughter is already showing some of her own entrepreneurial spirit at six.” She adds, “It’s really important to have a support network in place before you get started. Also, sit down and figure out childcare as part of your business map. Know your most productive hours and schedule to work then. I rented an office space away from home so that I can focus without distraction.”
Devyn Hummer, BarefootBusinessStudio.com, states, “My three children are getting to the age where they want to participate in activities, which has only added to the chaos. I’ve learned over the years that being organized and delegating will carry you far. I created a family calendar which lets everyone know who is where doing what.” Devyn’s advice is to stay organized. “My husband and I keep a large whiteboard in our office. It has been really helpful for leaving notes to each other, writing down quick thoughts that come up, and making a list of home needs. When the list is in plain sight, we tend to complete the tasks faster.
“With all of my kids in school now, I make the most out of the six hours I have. I have to stay within my limits. Even though I am trying to grow a business, I must keep a good balance with my family life. Learning when to say no is a skill that takes practice but boy is it important for mothers.”
Devyn’s encouragement? “Any mother that is considering starting her own business should absolutely go for it! Is it a lot of work? Yes, it is. But there is a payoff to business ownership. You can create your business to fit your life and work. The time it takes to establish systems at home and work is well worth the effort in the end. Go, Mama!”
Your Local Resource:
The Women’s Business Center at JEDI, http://www.e-jedi.org, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs thrive. Serving Northern California, we offer free business consulting and low-cost classes that save business owners time. We know saving time is especially important for moms.
We also believe that one of the most important ways to achieve anything is to be around others who have already done it. Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. Supportive networks and mentors propel us towards an extraordinary life or business. We want to provide that for you.
Among our many offerings, both live and online, the WBC also offers a monthly meeting in Redding, entitled “WE Thrive Together” for women entrepreneurs.
Join us Thursday, October 19, at noon. Our speaker Hope Seth will speak on “Creating Personal, Family and Business Success.” Learn more and register at http://www.e-jedi.org/schedule or call (530) 926-6670.
Hope is a mother of four children, ranging in age from one month to 14 years. She is currently working as a consultant for educational and economic development efforts. Her entrepreneurial journey has been varied and includes the fields of design and marketing, communications and tech startups. Her most recent creation has been the Shasta Venture Hub, in Redding.
When asked how she juggles personal, family and business life, she offered this insight, “At any given time, one of these areas may be more demanding than another, making it feel unbalanced and not as productive or successful as desired. For me, the key has really come down to recognizing seasons, managing expectations and assembling a team.” She added, “Recognizing seasons helps define our goals and prioritize time/resources. Managing expectations of ourselves and others helps protect our emotional well-being. But I am truly convinced it takes a team to juggle well.”
Here are TOP TEN TIPS for mom business owners:
- Take care of yourself and make your health a priority.
- Learn to say no.
- Delegate and hire others for domestic duties and chores so that you can free up your time for business.
- Be on the same page with your partner (if you have one) and share family responsibilities.
- If you have a home office, treat it like a real office and shut the door when you need to.
- Work with a coach or consultant to plan your business wisely. Contact http://www.e-jedi.org for cost-free help.
- Set aside time to nurture you.
- Create a supportive network of other professional moms. Join WE Thrive Together events.
- Learn the art of double-tasking and scheduling your tasks around predictable naps. Stay flexible, and be ready for unexpected.
- Learn how to make use of mobile technology and time management tools.
Small Business Support Resources
Women Of Vision
Message us at:
http://www.facebook.com/Womenofvisionreddingcalifornia
Or email: Women.of.vision.redding@gmail.com
Women In Business Network
(Mount Shasta & Yreka branches)
Join us for monthly networking meetings.
http://www.wibnetwork.net
Shasta Venture
4300 Caterpillar
Redding CA 96003
info@shastaventurehub.com
(530) 224-4920
http://www.shastaventurehub.com
NEC Small Business Development Center at Butte College (SBDC)
Serving Butte, Glenn & Tehama Counties
2480 Notre Dame Blvd
Chico CA 95928
(530) 895-9017
http://www.buttecollegesbdc.com
JEDI-Women’s Business Center
Jefferson Economic Development Institute
205 Chestnut Street
Mount Shasta CA 96067
(530) 926-6670 / (888) 926-6670
info@e-jedi.org
http://www.e-jedi.org
We Thrive Together program:
http://www.e-jedi.org/?s=we+thrive+together
Women’s Business Center at Jedi:
http://www.e-jedi.org/womensbusinesscenteratjedi
Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce
Dave Gowan, CEO
100 Main St
PO Box 850
Red Bluff CA 96080
(530) 527-6220 (ext 303)
http://www.redbluffchamber.com
“Good Morning, Red Bluff” is the most popular networking event in Tehama County. Meet other small businesses and organizations; hosted by a different area business the last Thursday each month. No need to be a member. For more info give us a call or check our events calendar.
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