You’re a mom – which just might be one of the most rewarding (and challenging!) jobs in its own right. And you’re an entrepreneur – perhaps one of what Fox Business calls the “new breed of Mompreneurs”, working hard to balance business and family needs.
You’re not alone. The number of woman-owned business increased by 59% from 1997 to 2013, according to The 2013 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express OPEN. The report says that as of 2013, there were an estimated 8.6+ million women-owned businesses in the US, generating over $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing nearly 7.8 million people.
Women are rocking it – in business and in life. They’re redefining the very concept of what it means to be a “modern mom” – and they’re doing it in increasing numbers and in innovative ways.
If you’re a Mompreneur, I have five tips to help bring out the very best – in you and in your business. Let’s get started!
Get a new perspective.
How many times have you heard stories like these?
- “I gave up everything after my son was born.”
- “Maybe after the kids are in school, I’ll be able to do something for myself.”
- “When the kids are out of the house, I’ll have more time to focus on starting my own business.”
Being a mom is not a setback – in fact, most moms are pretty well-acquainted with traits that make every entrepreneur shine – multitasking, creative thinking, managing money, problem-solving, negotiating, keeping things organized, and building great relationships. Most of us are committed, resilient, and pretty flexible, too.
Apply these same skills to your entrepreneurial life – and watch your successes blossom!
Stop comparing yourself.
Who’s your biggest critic, really? Are you your own worst enemy? If you spend too much time focusing on people you perceive as smarter, more attractive, more successful or just plain “better” than you, you won’t be able to pay attention to what really matters – your own life.
Best-selling author and stay-at-home mom Pamela Zimmer brings awareness to and supports women with Postpartum Depression. “The best thing you can do is to focus on making it your best possible life, and that means different things to different people!” she advises. Don’t concern yourself with what your friends, family, or neighbors are working towards – focus on what you want to achieve instead.
Include your kids.
Lauren Thom founded Fleurty Girl using $2,000 from her tax return. Fast forward five years, and the mom of three now owns five locations and manages 30 employees. Her advice? She includes her family in her business by making them a part of her entrepreneurial journey. “I’ve always considered my kids to be my board of directors,” she shares.
And who knows, your kids might serve as the very inspiration behind the products or services you offer! Melissa Kieling had a problem – she struggled to find a product that would keep her kids’ lunches cold and safe. Like any creative mom, she developed the PackIt Personal Cooler, a lunch bag with a freezable gel built into its lining. PackIt has flourished into a $14 million business with a range of products offered in countries around the globe.
Think progress, not perfection.
We all fail sometimes – that’s just part of life. But if you’re a perfectionist, it can be easy to focus so much on getting things pin-perfect that you lose focus on the end result. Think about the goals you’ve set for yourself…
Are they realistic, attainable and reflective of your authentic inner self? Or do they serve to limit you and add to feelings of stress, frustration, or strain? Don’t be afraid to reevaluate your goals from time to time.
Above all, never forget to celebrate all you have accomplished, allowing yourself to build momentum for further progress by focusing on everything you’ve already achieved. Progress is always possible; perfection is not.
Take your passion…and make it happen.
Jessica Herrin, CEO and founder of Stella & Dot, a jewelry and accessories company, says it best. “When I have done things only because it was what others highly valued, I did a few good things. When I have pursued the things that make my heart sing, I have done something great.”
Identify what brings you joy and pursue it. You’re far more likely to succeed and to experience higher levels of satisfaction and fulfillment when you’re following your true calling – not what others think you should be doing.
Here’s the best part – when you’re a Mompreneur, you’re not just any business owner. You’re showing your kids the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for them – and you’re serving as an inspiration to other women whether you realize it or not. So, stand proud and embrace your success!
If you’re ready to take your passion and make it happen, you have to get your spunk back first! Click here to watch a 3-part video series designed to to take you to higher levels in your life.
Images courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
Colleen Slaughter, Proud Executive Coach to the UN World Food Program, the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
As an Executive Coach for Women in Leadership and Transformational Facilitator, my intention is to help leaders in positions of high influence to understand their worth at a profound level.
Supporting women leaders to truly thrive and step into their greatness, while succeeding in male-dominated industries and spaces is my native genius.
My technique and approach show you how to achieve incredible career success without compromising any part of who you are and what makes you magnificent.