For even the most determined woman, it can be difficult to balance a career with a family. Of course, women’s determination hasn’t been the issue; instead, a societal and corporate culture of oppression and discrimination has kept women, mothers in particular, from being able to achieve their dreams. Fortunately, progress is being made, and women who want to start a family shouldn’t have to put their careers on hold. If you want to launch a business after having a baby, then I say go for it!
Don’t get me wrong, it definitely won’t be easy, as raising children and running a business are both difficult tasks. Hopefully, the following tips will help any new mom looking to kickstart her career as an entrepreneur.
Set a realistic schedule
One of the main benefits of running your own business is that you get to set your own schedule. However, this flexibility can sometimes be a curse as well as a blessing.
There will be times for any business when the demands of the job mean that it is controlling you rather than the other way around. During a business’s startup period, this issue happens more often than not.
Thus, it’s important to set yourself a realistic schedule that ensures you have plenty of time to dedicate to your business, your baby, and to yourself. There’s nothing wrong with taking a slower approach than you would if you didn’t also have childcare obligations.
And if you have a partner then absolutely tell them you need support. I believe 100% in co-parenting.
Create a business plan
Business plans are important for a number of reasons. First of all, if you want to approach a bank for a loan, then you will need to show them a business plan to get their support.
There are other ways of finding funding these days, as services like LoanPig have made loans available to those who would otherwise have been ineligible. A business plan is also important because it enables you to set out your objectives and how you will achieve them.
Do your homework
It doesn’t matter what sort of business you plan on starting or what previous experience you might have, you must always do your research. Whether you want to create your own business or buy an existing one requires much research. For example, if you consider purchasing a business, you may find it extremely helpful to engage with a business broker like those from CGK Business Sales. Suppose you are not thorough or do poor research. In that case, you may have many issues as you continue your business. If you don’t know a great deal about your chosen industry, doing the groundwork now will enable you to prepare much more effectively for what is coming ahead.
If you already have knowledge and experience with the industry you’ll be working in, your research will affirm that your knowledge and understanding are up to date. Or tell you that you need to get up to speed.
After having a baby, get support
As we said earlier, both managing a business and raising a child are difficult challenges. Trying to do both things together is going to be difficult – even Wonder Woman herself would struggle!
If you think that you need some support, don’t be afraid to ask. You shouldn’t consider it a failing or weakness on your part to ask for help. Your partner or spouse is the obvious choice here, but if you are going it solo, then look to close friends and family who can help you.
With enough skill, talent, and determination, any woman can find her own startup and grow it into a successful business. Raising a baby at the same time will add to the challenge, but it will also add to the reward.