Mompreneur Lifesavers
My first entrepreneurial endeavor began almost two decades ago when I starting teaching piano to kids in the neighborhood.
Now I’m almost seven years into being a mom and good grief, did life throw a few curveballs!
That’s putting it lightly. Something demolished all my routines and energy and I have had to figure out how to be an adult human all over again!
The trend word of mompreneur encompasses the double roll we all play!
Thankfully the resources continue to grow to help moms be successful both at parenting and growing their businesses.
Make a schedule. One of the best books I read on this subject is Laura Vanderkam’s Off the Clock. She has written a few great ones on time management! In this book she walks you through creating an exact map of your schedule for the week. This really opened my eyes to how I was really spending my time. I was shocked how little computer time I had, giving every kid free working hour to being in front of my clients. This meant I had to stay awake late to catch up on designs. No wonder I was burnt out and exhausted! This was the first change I made. I forced work in time for my computer to design closets and source product during normal work hours. Clients were better served and I was less drained.
Schedule in catch up time. After a few years into my business and growing my team of organizers, I realized I need time to catch up and reset for the following week. As the CEO, I can’t only spend time IN the business, I have to spend time ON the business too. Streamlining processes, going over financials and even just additional time to catch up for clients. This is why I schedule that time for 4 hours every Monday and Friday in my calendar. Client wants to book? I may adjust the time of day but I won’t cancel the appointment. It’s for the benefit of serving your clients and your business with your best self. Even though every device I have is made by Apple, I prefer Google Calendar. The weekly/monthly views are easier to read and color coordinate.
Choose the best childcare you can afford. I remember reading this first in the book Just Let Me Lie Down: Necessary Terms for the Half-Insane Working Mom by Kristin van Ogtrop This is a peace-of-mind investment - whether you choose a nanny, a daycare or a private school. If you work from home, you may not need as much outside help so deciding what fits your lifestyle is key. Then there are the days tablets and tv are the babysitters (hello, my kids are binging lego building videos on YouTube while I write this). No judgement mama, release the guilt for those days! I know now, two kids in, that nurturing their education not only makes a happier kid, but also results in a happier mama! Do what you can!
Outsource grocery shopping. I used to be one of those people who felt like no one could pick the best bananas besides me. Uh, wrong. I’m not that special. This saved me time in two ways. Not only do I save the 1 hour plus at the store (make that two hours if I had to bring kids) but it also forces me to meal plan for the week. My previous record was once per month. The other added benefit is that I save money shopping from my kitchen. This saves my family money. I know if I already have parsley or how many potatoes I have left. I even start with what I have on hand in the pantry or freezer and choose a corresponding recipe! Depending on where you live, I’m sure you’ll find a grocery service that either offers delivery, drive up service or both. Locally we have Clicklist by Kroger, HEB, Prime Now with Whole Foods and Wal-Mart.
Hire a housekeeper. Now I realize not everyone can afford this if it’s possible, DO IT. I could kiss the woman who comes weekly to our home to save us from the insanity! It used to take me an entire weekend to do our floors and bathrooms and usually cost me time with my kids or time for rest. Perhaps you skip work to do house chores - if you could outsource those tasks would you be able to earn a little more money to make up for it? There are plenty of house cleaning companies but I found our angel by asking a friend for a recommendation. Feel free to ask your fancy friends for a trusted reference!
My prayer at least one of these things become your life savers! It can take years to find your rhythm with kids and work. Give yourself a break mama!
Cheers mi amiga,
