Collaborative post
You might think that, if you’re a parent, you will have to put your dreams of running your own business on the back burner, at least until they are a little older, but that is not necessarily the case! Many parents, even those of very young children, manage to run successful startups, and there is no reason you cannot do the same.
That being the case, here are some quick tips for starting a business when you are a very busy parent.
1. Carve Out a Flexible Business Schedule
Yes, when you start a business, you have to work really hard to get it off the ground, but that does not necessarily mean you need to work from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day! One of the best things about being your own boss is that you can set your own hours, and doing so will enable you to be on mum duty when you need to, while still building up a strong business too. Do what works for you.
2. Think About a Franchise
If you want to make life as a busy parent and business owner easier for yourself, then you might want to think about running s franchise. If you can find a franchise for sale that you fall in love with, it will mean you have to do less work on developing your business and the method for running it successfully – all of the information and tools you need to get started will be included, so you can hit the ground running from day one.
3. Involve Your Children in the Business
Why not turn your business venture into a family affair? Involving your children, where appropriate, could not only serve as an educational experience for them but also foster a sense of unity and shared achievement. It’s an excellent opportunity to cultivate a work ethic in them whilst giving you the chance to work without feeling you’re sidelining family time.
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Harnessing the power of technology can be a lifesaver for parent entrepreneurs who are trying to juggle their company with the very real and important needs of their children. From automated marketing tools to efficient inventory management systems, technology can significantly streamline your business processes, allowing you more time to spend with your family.
5. Delegate and Outsource If You Can
Remember, being at the helm of a business doesn’t mean you have to shoulder all responsibilities single-handedly. Delegating tasks and outsourcing where necessary can free up valuable time, ensuring you are not spread too thinly between business and parental duties. And you know what? Often you get a much better end result from doing so because you can hire people who really are experts at what they do.
No one is saying it will be easy, or that there won’t be tears along the way, but if you truly dream of running your own business one day, there is no reason why that day cannot be today, even if you have kids to care for!