Collaborative post
Being your own boss sounds like just about the perfect set up for the busy parent. As a small business owner, you have the chance to set your own schedule while doing something you’re truly passionate about.
It’s a flexibility that many of us are craving after the pandemic. And though the early days of starting your business will be hard work, it’s worth it in the long run. Provided you have a workable business concept and the dedication to make it pay off, you can build a career you love that works for you.
With that in mind, these are just three tips for parents who dream of starting a business.
1. Keep learning
Whatever career path you’re on, you should never stop growing your skills. Learning new things will keep your talents fresh and prevent you from falling behind in your industry.
An online degree is a great way for a busy parents to boost both their personal development and their business ambitions – for instance, a Master of Business Administration course from a remote institution like ARU Distance Learning.
Alternatively, networking events are a fantastic opportunity to benefit from the expertise of other business professionals, many of whom will understand how it feels to start from scratch.
2. Know when to ask for help
Having a strong team of people to rely on is crucial in both your personal and professional life, whether that’s family, friends, colleagues or employees.
And knowing when to call on them is not simply a necessity, but an essential skill. This could be as simple as asking a friend or family member to take the kids off your hands for a couple of hours to get your head down, or passing work tasks over to your staff.
Handing over control can be difficult, but once you master the art of delegation, you’ll learn to make the most of the skills at your disposal and take the pressure off yourself too. Not only is asking for help in this way a sign of strong leadership, it also signifies trust between yourself and your employees – something that is crucial for business efficacy and long-term loyalty.
3. Protect your time
Starting a business is one of the most time-consuming endeavours a person can undertake.
But then again, so is parenting.
That’s why juggling both can be exceptionally difficult, especially when you’re new to either.
And if you’re struggling to manage your time, it won’t just affect you but your family too. So it’s important to set aside time for yourself, and for them.
This may be as simple as designating one evening per week that is exclusively for family time. Or it may mean disconnecting the phone every so often so that you can get an hour’s peace in an afternoon. Whatever it is, protecting your free time is crucial as a small business owner and a parent, so don’t be afraid to put yourself first every once in a while.
These are just three simple tips that will help make your business ambitions a reality that fits around your family.