Are you a stay-at-home mom who wants to own your own business? Not sure where to start? If you’re nervous about starting your own business, you really shouldn’t be! As a SAHM, you are already used to managing schedules, budgeting money, and multitasking like a pro. Moms are natural when it comes to running a business, but here are some tips that can help you build your new business into a success.
Decide on a Business That Works for You
The first item on your mompreneur agenda should be to figure out what kind of business to start. You may need a business that’s easy to start or one that doesn’t take a lot of funding to begin. Budgets are especially important to busy parents, but there are tons of businesses you can begin without spending a ton of your own money. One business that works well for busy parents is a drop-shipping business. Managing a drop-shipping business, where you work with suppliers to sell in-demand products to customers, is a low-risk option that is simple to set up (you only pay for products that you actually sell to customers) and will not take too much time away from your other responsibilities.
Get Your Work Life Organized
As a mom, you know that sticking to a routine can help you manage your day. The same applies to your new business needs. In order to make any small business a success, you need to stay organized. If you are used to using a whiteboard to track your to-do list, incorporate your work tasks into it. You may even find it helpful to start a new one and organize it, such as a Kanban board, in order to manage your new workload. You can also look for time management and scheduling apps to keep deadlines from slipping your mind.
Make Home Life Easier to Manage
Starting a new business doesn’t mean your responsibilities as a SAHM are going to stop or even slow down. You’ll need to find ways to squeeze your new work life into your life as a mom, and changing up your weekly routine can help you do just that. If you usually cook every night, try meal prepping some healthy options on Sundays to save yourself some time during the week. If business really starts to boom, look for ways you can get a little help around the house. Hire a part-time dog walker or use grocery delivery apps instead of running errands.
Multi-Task When Kids are Around
If you can swing it, try to schedule your work duties during times that your kids are napping or out of the house. But as a busy mom, you’re likely to find yourself working even when the kids are around. Hiring a part-time sitter is a great option for squeezing in work when the kids are awake. If you can’t hire help, try using some of these tips for managing your children while trying to manage working from home. Talk to older kids about your need to focus and offer incentives for good behavior. It’s also helpful to set up a home office where you can work while your kids play in another room.
Save Some Time for Self-Care
Mom stress is a very real thing, but adding a small business to your life will only increase whatever stress you typically feel. It will take some time to adjust to your new schedule and demands, so try to be patient. Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet and making time for exercise, even if it’s just some daily yoga or a walk. Exercise can boost your energy levels, which will definitely come in handy. Find positive ways to relieve stress and make sure you are always leaving some time in your schedule for self-care.
If you are a stay-at-home mom looking to start a new business, you shouldn’t stress about it. After all, being a mom is the toughest job, so if you can take on that, you can take on whatever your small business throws at you. Get out there and make your business a success!
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