Here’s a fact: There are many different things that moms can do with their time while still being able to take care of the house and kids.
You don’t need to be rich or live in Silicon Valley (although those things help!) for you to make money on the side.
The idea of becoming a mompreneur is not as daunting as it may seem. In fact, with the right mindset and support, this can be something that you will look back on and be able to say that you achieved all of your life goals.
This blog post will talk about eight tips that any mother can follow to start her own business from home.
Let’s dive in!
1. Find Your Passion, Whether It’s Selling Clothes or Organizing Closets
In order to start your own business, you need an idea.
And not just any idea — it needs to be one that speaks to you and is something you’re passionate about, because more than anything else, entrepreneurship takes hard work (and a lot of it).
If you want success in this area, then the most important thing for you is to find the right idea that will get you excited and passionate about what you’re doing.
Do you enjoy making crafts? Making jewelry? Cooking delicious meals for others to try? There are so many different things that moms can do from home and make money doing it!
Figure out what makes you happy, then focus on doing it.
2. Start Small, Then Grow
It might seem like a good idea to go all-in and try to make enough money for the family. However, you must start slow with one or two items at first.
Why am I telling you this?
Think about it: If things don’t work out as planned, you’re not putting your whole livelihood on the line.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t make a ton of money in the first few months. It will take time to build up your following and develop a market for what you’re doing, so be patient!
3. Build up Your Clientele by Word of Mouth and Social Media Marketing
Did you know that 93% of people trust the recommendations from friends and family?
What’s more, recommendations from friends or family members have far more influence over purchase decisions than influencers or celebrities.
That sounds impressive! So why not use it to your advantage?
For instance, consider networking with other moms in your area. Get out there, meet people, listen to their stories – everyone has something they’re good at! You never know who might be able to share a tip or strategy that will help you get ahead of the game.
In addition to word of mouth, you’ll also need to work on your social media game.
You’ll need to have a Facebook page or Instagram account where people can find out about what you’re selling. Don’t be afraid to share things with the world! Creating content is another way of networking – to showcase your business and your personality.
4. Create a Business Website
Here’s an idea: Improve your small business’ online game by creating a website.
Websites are an investment that will provide your company with increased exposure to potential customers in the form of leads and sales.
Here are four reasons why mompreneurs should invest in their own websites:
- Your website is the cornerstone of your online presence and branding strategy. It’s where prospects go when they want to learn more about what you do or buy something from you.
- Search engine optimization is important for any company that wants to grow online, and with a website, your SEO will be easier than ever before because it can rank high in search engines like Google.
- A website allows customers to find their way back to your site easily so they can purchase again or become repeat customers.
- It makes the process of accepting payments easier by allowing people from all over the world to buy from you.
The best part? You don’t have to be tech-savvy at all. With website builders like Wix and Squarespace, you can create your perfect website in a matter of a few hours.
5. Organize Your Time Efficiently
For moms, finding time to work on your business can seem like an impossible feat. With family and household obligations, it’s hard to find the time for anything else. But with a bit of creativity and some planning, you can make it happen!
One of the best ways to keep your business going while taking care of your family is to integrate it with daily tasks. For example, answer some emails in between making dinner or take a phone call during one of your baby’s naps.
If you need more time, consider reserving certain hours of your day for work. For example, Monday morning through Thursday evening can be dedicated to family and taking care of the home, while Friday afternoon through Sunday are reserved for working on your business.
If that doesn’t fit your schedule, maybe only dedicate a half-hour to an hour of your time to work on business each day. Get creative and find what works for you!
6. Make the Most out of Nap Times and Bedtime Hours
Yes, they’re adorable, but children are not always the most agreeable co-workers.
If you want to avoid having your little one sleeping in your lap while you try to answer emails, then here’s an idea: Make the most out of your little’s one naps and bedtime hours.
When your child goes to sleep, aim to really focus on the important work tasks you need to get done.
If 30-minute naps are not much time to focus on your business, another idea is to work when your child is the calmest. For me, that’s right after my kids wake up and eat.
Mornings can be a wonderful time to get things done, as well! Personally, I find the mornings to be my favorite time to work, just because the house is so quiet and there’s no pressure to be in two places at the same time. I often wake up at 5 a.m. to get in a couple of hours before my kids wake up.
7. Create Space Conducive to Your Success
My next tip is about creating an environment that is as conducive to your success as possible.
What does this mean?
For one, it means setting up a designated workspace that does not include your child’s toys or other distractions such as television sets. A good rule of thumb for creating an office space in your home is to go with a simple, clean design that includes the necessities such as a desk and chair.
Make it clean and tidy and decorate it so it makes you happy. I do not recommend working in your bed. Doing so will only make you feel relaxed and sleepy.
8. Say “No, Thank You” to the Mom Guilt
The sad truth is that mothers are constantly on duty and feel like they should be with their children every minute of the day.
Don’t let the mom guilt get the best of you!
Accept the fact that engaging with your child every single second is not possible. As an adult, you’re responsible for providing for her/him, and with your small business, you’re doing just that!
On the plus side, you’re an extraordinary role model, teaching your child(ren) how a woman can be both an exceptional mother and a remarkable businesswoman.
These are just a few of the tricks I have to share for helping you go from a stay-at-home mom to a kick-ass mompreneur. Do you have any other tips to add to the list? Let me know in the comment section below.
About the Author
Neha Naik is an entrepreneur and a coach who helps her clients turn their passions into incomes.
