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Parenting feels like a thankless task at times. As a parent, your days are filled with taking care of your children's needs, managing the household, and trying to find time for yourself. While parenting remains your number one priority, there may come a time when you want to expand your horizons professionally as well, especially if you gave up a high-flying career to have your children.
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to start your own business but also want to retain the flexibility of being there for your kids, becoming a mumpreneur could be the perfect solution. It’s a great option for mums, especially in today’s digital era where so much can be done online.
So, what’s involved? Let’s find out.
A mumpreneur is a mother who starts and runs her own business while simultaneously raising her children. The term combines "mum" and "entrepreneur" and refers to women who want to have careers but also want to be present in their children's lives.
Mumpreneurs have found innovative ways to balance and blend business ownership with motherhood. They start businesses that allow them to set their own schedules and be available for their families when needed. With the right planning and support systems in place, mother entrepreneurs demonstrate that you can have success in both parenting and business.
Some of the top mumpreneurs right now include:
Deciding to become a mumpreneur offers many advantages:
Flexible Schedule
One of the biggest perks of starting your own business as a parent is having control over your schedule. You can choose when you want to work and when you want to be available for your kids. As opposed to the fixed 9-to-5 schedule of a regular office job, you can work during nap times, after the kids go to bed, or during school hours. This flexibility allows you to attend school events and activities or care for sick kids when necessary.
Financial Independence
Generating your own income gives you financial independence and stability for your family's future. Your business earnings allow you to have discretionary spending for your children's needs without relying solely on a spouse or partner's income.
Personal Fulfilment
Running a business lets you pursue your professional passions in addition to parenting. The intellectual stimulation and sense of accomplishment from entrepreneurship provide fulfilment beyond domestic responsibilities.
Role Model for Children
As a mumpreneur, you become a role model for your children by demonstrating it's possible to balance business ownership with motherhood. You teach them values like hard work, perseverance, and financial responsibility that will help them later in life.
Starting a business as a mum has its fair share of challenges as well:
Lack of Time
The number one hurdle mumpreneurs face is lack of time. With young kids at home, your time is limited, so you'll need excellent time management skills. Having less time means you may grow your business slower than someone without childcare duties.
Guilt
Many mumpreneurs struggle with guilt over dividing their attention between business and family. It's important to keep perspective and recognise that giving your children a passionate, fulfilled mother sets a positive example.
Lack of Childcare Support
Unless you have a willing partner or family member who can regularly look after your children, you'll have to juggle childcare and work singlehandedly. The cost of private childcare can also be prohibitive.
Overwhelming Responsibilities
Running a household with children while starting a business leads to immense pressure. Without proper self-care, you may risk burning out from trying to manage everything flawlessly.
If you want to join the growing ranks of mumpreneurs, here are some tips to set yourself up for success:
Start Small
Don't put too much pressure on yourself from day one. Begin with a small home-based business that you can manage part-time before your company generates enough income for you to transition into full-time entrepreneurship.
Choose a Flexible Business Model
Pick a business idea that offers inherent flexibility like a service-based, online, or consulting business. That way you can work at non-traditional times and when kids are at school or asleep.
Schedule Business Time Strategically
Carve out pockets of time for business tasks when you have childcare help, like when your partner is home or children are at activities. Use nap times and early mornings before the kids wake up to work.
Outsource What You Can
While there are plenty of things you can do yourself, it makes sense to outsource as much as possible. Hire freelancers or use agencies to outsource tasks like web design, bookkeeping, social media marketing etc. Focus your energy on mission-critical aspects only.
Don't Isolate Yourself
Join a support network of fellow mumpreneurs who understand the challenges you face. Learning from others who balance motherhood and entrepreneurship will motivate and inspire you.
Make Time for Self-Care
Between kids and business, it's easy to neglect your own needs. But simple self-care like exercising, eating well, and taking brief breaks will help you function at your best.
Once you've selected your business idea, it's time to take the necessary steps to get your mumpreneur venture up and running. This critical stage requires research, planning, and execution to transform your idea into reality.
Start by thoroughly researching your target market and competitors. Gather insights into customer demographics, needs, purchasing habits, and pain points your business can solve. Analyse competitors to identify gaps or opportunities in the market. Use this data to refine your product or service strategy.
Next, scrutinise the financial side, including startup costs, operating expenses, pricing models, and potential revenue streams. Create a startup budget and projected cash flow statement to ensure your business model is economically viable. Having a financial cushion is wise as it may take time to achieve profitability.
Don't skip the legal foundations either. Register your company name, apply for required licenses and permits, and understand relevant regulations. Consider business insurance and protections like trademarks and patents if applicable.
Promoting your new venture is essential as well. Craft a brand identity and marketing strategy leveraging cost-effective tactics like social media and influencer partnerships. Build buzz before your official launch.
With the fundamentals covered, it's time to start operations. Stay nimble and agile, focusing on delivering an excellent product or service. Refine your offering based on customer feedback. Documenting processes and planning future growth will position you for ongoing mumpreneur success. Invest in the tools you need, like accounting software, and productivity tools such as a PDF compressor – try this site for one that’s easy to use.
Becoming a mumpreneur gives you the flexibility and freedom to raise your children while pursuing your career ambitions. With careful planning and commitment, you can tap into your inner boss-mum. Be patient with yourself, don't be afraid to ask for help, and remember your children don't need perfect—they just need you.