Being a mom is a full-time job, and so is running a business. In my 10+ years of business ownership, I’ve discovered that balancing both can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With the right leadership strategies, I believe that you can build a successful business while still being an amazing mom. Here are five leadership tips and tricks for mom entrepreneurs to help you along the way:
1. Set Clear Goals and Prioritize
Setting clear, achievable goals is the first step to success. Define what you want to accomplish in your business and break it down into manageable tasks. Prioritize these tasks based on their importance and due dates. Use tools like to-do lists, project management apps, or my personal favorite – a simple planner – to keep track of your progress.
Leadership Tip:
Involve your kids in the goal-setting process. Share your business vision and goals with them in an age-appropriate way. This not only helps them understand why you might be busy at times but also teaches them valuable lessons about goal-setting and perseverance.
2. Delegate
As an entrepreneur and mom, it’s essential to recognize that you can’t do everything yourself. Delegating tasks can free up your time and mind to focus on what you do best. Whether it’s hiring a team member to help with administrative tasks or getting your family involved in household chores, delegation is key to maintaining balance – both at home and at work.
Leadership Tip:
Empower your team by clearly communicating expectations. Trust them to take ownership of their tasks. While this will feel risky at first, in the end, it will help build an autonomous and reliable support system for your business.
3. Embrace Flexibility
A mentor once told me “Flexibility is the key to life.”
Flexibility is crucial for managing the unpredictable nature of both motherhood and entrepreneurship. Create a flexible work schedule that allows you to be productive while also prioritizing your family’s needs. This might mean working in the early mornings or late evenings when your kids are asleep or scheduling work around their activities.
Leadership Tip:
Consider your family and professional rhythms but be ready to adapt when necessary. Flexibility will help you stay resilient and manage the stress that inevitably comes with building a business while raising a family.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is vital for maintaining the energy and focus needed to run a business and care for your family. Prioritize self-care activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s exercise, reading, or spending time with friends. A healthy, happy you is more effective in all areas of life.
Leadership Tip:
Schedule self-care into your calendar just like any other important meeting or task. This commitment to yourself sets a wonderful example for your children about the importance of self-care and well-being.
5. Build a Strong Support Network
If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”.
– African Proverb
No entrepreneur succeeds alone, and this is especially true for moms who are entrepreneurs. Building a strong support network is vital and will provide you with the resources, advice, and encouragement you need. A strong support network can include family, friends, fellow mom entrepreneurs, mentors, and professional organizations.
Leadership Tip:
Join local or online communities of mom entrepreneurs where you can share experiences, exchange advice, and offer support to each other. Networking with others who understand your unique challenges can provide invaluable insights and motivation.
If you’re looking for an online community to support your roles as both an entrepreneur and mom, CLICK HERE to learn more about the City Mom Collective Sisterhood membership community.
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Keep pushing forward, fellow entrepreneur. And don’t forget to celebrate every milestone along the way. You’ve got this!
