Laying a Strong Foundation
The prospect of launching a new business is exciting, there is no doubt about that. However, don’t get ahead of yourself. Take the time to envision your goals. Write these down so that you can better give yourself instructions on how you plan to reach them.
A few tips include:
- Refine your leadership abilities. If you’ve been out of the workforce for a while or are planning to change careers with a new business endeavor, start by evaluating your leadership skills. Marguerite Orane offers leadership coaching that will help you find fulfillment in your work and overcome potential performance issues.
- Set up for success. Once you’ve done some work on yourself, it’s time to start working on your business. To start, register your business name and figure out how you plan to network. For many, this will be joining your local chamber of commerce, which offers many networking opportunities and access to promotional events. Further, joining the chamber increases consumer confidence in small businesses.
- Master marketing. As a small business owner, you know that you have to market for yourself. But, where do you start? A good place to begin is by branding your business with a custom logo. Find a freelance designer — you can do this online — with a style that suits your personal preferences. Freelance designer rates usually fall between $15 and $35 per hour. A higher hourly rate doesn’t necessarily equate to a better logo, so check reviews first. Next, get your website running and open social media accounts.
Work/Life Balance: Is It Possible?
You already know that being a mom is a full-time job. Owning a business is also a never-ending gig. Is it possible to manage both while also tending to your personal needs, social life, and the rest of your family? Yes. Here’s how to get started:
- Create a cozy workspace. Your home office setup matters more than you might think. Make sure to create a space that is cozy, well-lit, and away from the hub of your home. Living Spaces’ home-office examples can serve as inspiration for your home office.
- Set dedicated hours. To achieve balance, you have to make a decision on when you will work and when you will not. For example, you want to dedicate your time to working between 7 am and noon and then again between 2 pm and 5 pm. Let your family know that you are off-limits during these times. You also want to refrain from answering work emails during your family time and, as Entrepreneur.com suggests, focus on quality when you have time with friends and family.
- Outsource when you need it. We’re saving the most difficult for last. That is asking for help. This might mean creating a chore chart so that your spouse or significant other and older children take on some responsibilities. Or, it could mean hiring a babysitter to help with the littlest members of your household on days that you have meetings or must otherwise be dedicated exclusively to work.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have everything you want in life, including a family and a successful business. While there is much, much more to starting and running your empire, take the above tips to heart. They’ll help you find balance and start your journey on the right path.
Post authored by Leslie Campos of Wellparents.com