I love being a mom. I also love being an entrepreneur. Being both at the same time? Well, it definitely has its pros and cons. For me, though, the pos...
I love being a mom. I also love being an entrepreneur. Being both at the same time? Well,
it definitely has its pros and cons. For me, though, the positives of being a mompreneur far outweigh the negatives.
When I think back to my days as a workplace gypsy, I remember how frustrated I felt pursuing someone else’s vision. I often felt like I was walking around half asleep. It wasn’t until I tapped into my entrepreneurial spirit that I finally woke up.
Deciding to run my own business feeds that creative part of me that thrives on autonomy and innovation. I’m in charge of my own destiny, and that exhilarates and excites me. It also scares the pants off me. Why? Because my success or failure in business affects more than just me; it affects my family.
Because of that, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Be clear about why you want to be a mompreneur. What is your reason for becoming a mompreneur? Is it to be closer to your children? Does it connect you with your passion? If so, stay true to it. Perhaps you are you looking for a quick income? If so, you may want to reconsider. Starting a business with the sole purpose of earning money can lead to quick burn out as many entrepreneurs live lean for a few months – and sometimes years.
2. Set clear, yet flexible boundaries. It sounds a bit like a riddle wrapped in a puzzle, however you need to be both flexible and have boundaries. When your work is at home, there's always the temptation to keep on working. The line between business and family can become blurred. Before you know it, you don’t feel as though you are being effective in either. Establish clear boundaries about when and where you will work. Simultaneously, be prepared to be flexible for those days when your children are sick or just need some extra snuggle time with mom.
3. Determine whether you are a family-first business or a business-first family. From businesses and careers, children’s activities, social obligations, shopping, volunteer work, vacations and personal downtime, mompreneurs are pulled in several directions in their quest for accomplishment. Determining whether you are business-first family or a family-first business supports you in setting your priorities. For example, a business-first family may need to make certain sacrifices, such as longer workweeks, fewer weekend getaways and missed social obligations in order to create a successful business. A family-first business is one where the owner says may make the decision to work fewer hours to spend more time with family. Neither way is wrong, and quite often most family entrepreneurs find themselves bouncing between the two. Being clear on which you are at any certain time will help you determine where to spend your time.
4. Take risks. Don't let fear of failure stand in your way. Being a mompreneur is a lot like being on a roller coaster. It is filled with wind-whipping highs and lows. Through it all, learn to be open to new ideas. Take that first step and have faith that the next one will appear.
5. Be a model mom. Run your business and your life in a way that you want your children to learn from. Being an entrepreneur provides many challenges and successes. Your initiative and response to these opportunities can teach your children essential life skills and leadership abilities.
Making the choice to raise a family and grow a business is both rewarding and challenging. However in choosing to be a mompreneur, you are becoming part of a movement to empower not just moms but children to lead the changes they wish to see in family, business and life.
© 2009 Julie Watson Smith
