Survival Tips for the New Mompreneur

The challenges of starting a new business may be a bit overwhelming but give yourself a break with the learning curve. You have many more responsibilities than the single, childless entrepreneur down the block.

Here are a few tips to help you with your wonderful, new journey:

Give Yourself Enough Time to Learn

Take it slow. Don't pressure yourself to do everything, know everything, be everything, etc. Make a list of what classes you'd like to take and reading material you'd like to read then fit it into your schedule. Your calendar is your bestfriend! He will keep you productive and ultimately help you succeed. Use him wisely. Google Calendar is by far the best, in my opinion. Sync it with your phone for the ultimate business tool.

If you're brand new to the online business world, give yourself a month or two to just to study. Find webinars, YouTube videos, eBooks, success stories, etc. on your subject matter and soak it all in. Make notes of what you like and what you don't like. What you think needs improvement in that industry and what niche you'd like to focus on.

Find what appeals to you and learn everything you can about it. Take it easy in the beginning but be sure to follow your schedule.


Set Expectations for Your Kids

If your kids are like mine and grew up having my attention whenever they wanted then there will be a bit of an adjustment period. Things will have to change. You are now running a business and you must act accordingly, if you want to be successful.

Set the rules and then abide by them. They will follow your lead. If you treat your business as a hobby that you are able to come and go at the drop of a dime then that is how they will treat it as well. Yes you are doing this so that you can work, spend time with your family and be a mom but there are certain responsibilities that you will have as a mompreneur that will ultimately change life as you know it now.

Sit your children down, assuming they are at the age where they can understand you, and explain to them what is happening and what will happen in the near future. If they are not old enough to understand, your best bet would be to get a babysitter for a few hours a day so you can get your work done. Don't schedule your work during nap time that is not a reasonable amount of time to complete your daily tasks. Talk to your partner about stepping up and watching the kids for a few hours.

Let your children know when you must not be interrupted, are in a meeting, studying, etc. If you teach them to respect your time then and only then will they as well. If you run your business as... getting up and going whenever you please, not following a schedule, only working when the kids are asleep then how far do you honestly think your business will go?

They will follow your lead! Lead them well from the beginning and it will make it easier once your business gets busy.

Times that may work well for working on your business include early in the morning before the kids wake up, late at night after they're in bed or during the day when they're in school.

Do what is best for you and your family but make it consistent so everyone knows what to expect.

Networking with Other Mompreneurs

The best thing about the internet is that you are NEVER ALONE!

Find an organization, forum, Facebook group, etc. in your niche to join. Introduce yourself and ask questions, there is always someone eager to help.

There are many other moms who have "been there, done that" and can help you with whatever you are going through at the moment. If you can't find friends, then participate in online work at home mom (WAHM) communities.

Networking with other WAHMs not only provides emotional support, but can give you real world feedback on what's working and what's not for other moms. You'll learn little tips for juggling kids and work that you just won't find on other business-oriented websites.

Surviving the first few months in business and coming out profitable is going to be challenging. But there's nothing quite like the rush of being able to earn extra money, while still being there for your children.

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Best of Luck to you!