I would like to talk to you this afternoon about 4 Ways to Get Your Start as a Mompreneur. My niece Alyssa and my sister Debbie will be starting there own blogs this week and sharing what a Mompreneur is is one thing I will be teaching them.
Are you a stay-at-home mom looking to earn some extra cash? Starting a small home-based business is a great way for busy parents to gain income without sacrificing the flexibility they need to care for their children. That’s especially helpful when those children have special needs or autism. If you’re ready to become a mompreneur, here are some steps to help you succeed.
Put Together a Mom-Friendly Business Model
There are quite a few proven models for success when it comes to startups. From customizing products for consumers (monogramming and special details) to working in direct sales, there are tons of ways to build a successful business when you are a stay-at-home mom. Direct sales can be a very good option for busy moms since you will have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to your schedule. You can sell anything from safer kitchen products to beauty essentials with companies that already have proven reputations. As a sales rep, you also can earn free products and other incentives that you can use in your own home. Whatever direction you choose to go, spend some time forming a solid business plan to help you get off to a successful start.
Figure Out Your Business Finances
Figuring out a business budget may seem scary, but it really shouldn’t be! You’ve already had practice figuring out a budget and spending for your family. Budgeting for a child with special needs can be especially tricky, so if you’ve managed it, then figuring out financials for your business should be a snap. Chances are, you will need to spend a little in the beginning to get your business up and running. You can always use savings to cover initial expenses or look into other ways to fund your new venture. Credit cards are a popular option for small business owners, so make sure you know how to choose the best business credit cards for your needs. You can also look into other ways to fund your small business, including short-term loans, SBA loans, merchant cash advance, or financing through equity.
Create Time and Space for Work at Home
One of the biggest perks of starting a small business is that you can work from home. That’s a big bonus if you’re a stay-at-home mom, but think twice about simply working from your kitchen table. Whether you’re monogramming accessories or drumming up sales, you need a space where you can really focus on making your new business a big success. Pick a spot in your house where you can work solo, and set up a distraction-free home workspace. A comfy chair, desk, and some office essentials are all you really need. If you don’t have a laptop yet, think about picking one up. Being able to take your work with you if the kids need something or you need to work outside of your home is a major perk for busy mom business owners.
Balance Work with Mom Duties
As a mother to a child with special needs, you already have a lot on your plate. From therapy sessions to school schedules and keeping your house sensory-friendly, it can be a chore to fit everything you need into a single day. Starting a new business means adding even more to your busy schedule, but you’re likely a multitasking pro, so you can totally handle it. If you don’t already have one, snag a task management app for your phone and upload your “to-do” list into it to keep everything organized. To keep your family eating a healthy diet, try meal prepping on weekends to save time during the week. Finally, make sure you set aside time for self-care to manage stress. Take a relaxing bath, enjoy a glass of wine, or treat yourself to a pedicure. You definitely deserve it — and your health may even depend on it.
Being a successful mompreneur means finding a business model and routine that doesn’t interfere with your other responsibilities. By putting some thought into your business, setting up an organized schedule, and maintaining a balanced budget, you can find the success you want without sacrificing the time you need to be a parent.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
