More and more Mums are starting home-based businesses to supplement the family income. On paper, it's like a match made in heaven - no need for childcare, very little overheads, and you can work whenever you want, choosing your hours around the needs of your kids.
At first, it's really exciting and you're full of enthusiasm and unlimited passion for what you're doing. Yes, it's hard work but it feels good too.
However, women entrepreneurs operate from a female mindset that often sabotages their efforts to be a successful business owner.
We are in charge of running the household to include laundry, house cleaning, shuffling children to activities, walking the dog etc. The majority of the time you put family first.
Let me explain further. You may consult your spouse and the family budget before scheduling out of town business trips. You probably consult the family budget before buying business supplies or investing in your business. You may also consult your spouse and children before you schedule weekend or evening activities.
If you operate from home and constantly put family first you are at risk of being viewed by your spouse, children, family and friends as working on a hobby or jobby (job and hobby) instead of running a business. This can feel insulting and lead to frustration because you don't feel like you are being taken seriously.
The advice I give to my clients is to adopt a new mindset. Stop feeling guilty and beating yourself up. Run your business as if it were a storefront. Stop consulting a spouse that does not support your endeavor, instead find a mastermind group or a business coach.
Mums running home-based businesses must establish clear boundaries for when they conduct revenue-producing and business-building activities.
It is imperative that you have the necessary systems in place so you can grow your business. This includes establishing a time for housecleaning and laundry, which does not cut into business hours or investing in a cleaner. Consider hiring a babysitter or someone to help with children and their after school activities so you can focus on business. You could also look into getting a VA (Virtual Assitant) to take on the low-value, time consuming tasks.
When YOU demonstrate that you're serious about your business, then others around you will too.
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A FREE resource written from one Mum business owner to another. I know what it's like to be burping your baby, toddler wrangling, responding to an email while answering the phone. Oh, and is that dinner I smell? This blog has been created to help you attract your ideal clients, increase your income and maximise your business potential...whilst staying sane (!)
