Going into business for yourself is a huge commitment, and when combined with a busy home life as a parent, you may concede that you will never sleep again.
The UK is currently home to 800,000 stay-at-home mothers who are also business owners who should be getting a better quality of life than they do. Here are some top tips on achieving and maintaining a work-life balance for busy mothers.
Expect chaos
Combining business with parenthood is a surefire recipe for chaos, so embrace and expect it. Chaos can be difficult to really prepare for, but an attitude of confidence and clarity will help you navigate through it. Chaos can also distract you from your achievements and make it difficult to enjoy that success, so maintaining focus on your goal and acknowledging each small step in the right direction will make it easier to power on.
Be unique
Everybody needs a USP, but when you have a busy life it can be easy to fall into the habit of going on autopilot and forgetting to make every day unique. Take a little time every now and then to reflect on your business as a whole and what defines you, and project these qualities. Also, make effort to keep up to date on your competition and the ways in which you can distinguish yourself.
Use support
In business we network for a reason, so don’t feel guilty about taking advantage of those around you who can help out in times of difficulty. Reaching out to your support network is not indicative of a lack of business efficiency, quite the opposite. It shows your ability to work through problems in an efficient manner – an important trait in businesspeople. Build constantly on this network and don’t ever feel bad about using it.
Be accountable
It is common for working parents to try to achieve a better work-life balance, but when running a business this can be more challenging than ever, and at times, work may take centre stage. This may not be desirable, but remain accountable for where your time goes, as assigning blame takes more time and effort than it is worth. When you recognise any such imbalance, accept it and try to work through it.
Be inspirational
It is so common for working parents to feel guilty about the amount of time – and quality of time – they end up spending with their loved ones, but one very positive factor of being a hardworking parent is the good example you set. The many hours you dedicate to making yourself a success will provide your children with inspiration and strong work ethic, and they are more likely to go on to similar successes in later life having seen your efforts first hand.
Love your business
When you spend much of your time doing the same thing, it can begin to lose its appeal, so it is important that you love your business from the start and that it is something you are very passionate about. Passion is the main driving force of a successful business, that will see you through tough times and allow you to enjoy the good times. If your business is your calling and a good use of your many skills, it will be a fulfilling experience.
About the author
By Charlotte Baldwin, Operations Manager at IQ Cards:
IQ Cards are a fundraising company that provide schools and establishments with the necessary tools to fundraise via selling high-quality and unique gifts designed by pupils. As part of the established on-demand print and digital solutions provider The IQ Digital House, ensures that all requirements and products are produced to the highest standards, delivered on time and at great value prices. Several of the IQ cards team are mothers and PTA members themselves appreciating and understanding school protocols extremely well. They are the preferred supplier for PTA UK. For more information please visit here.
