Super Mompreneur success guide: 7 top tips to start a business while working full time
Starting a business while juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time mom and wife might sound like a daunting task, but fear not! This is a guide made by a full time working mom who did it and now wants to share it to help you navigate this exciting journey.
A secure full time job doesn’t always pay the bills nowadays. Neither does it provide enough self-fulfillment to wake up each morning bursting with excitement to go clock in and out. I work full time as a teacher and I am a wife and mother of two kids. After maternity leave I had exhausted all my sick days. I was getting docked and my paycheck was half of what it used to be.
An opportunity to make start a network marketing business came up after venting with my friend about how stressed I was about returning to work. I worried every day about dropping off my 5 month old baby at daycare for hours to be cared for by strangers. I worried I barely had enough money to pay for it. If this is you, I’m sure you can relate.
I started working in different businesses with similar business models, and had a newfound motivation to do something with my life. It has taken 2 years for me to pin-point what works best when you want to start a business that will help you meet your extra income goals. I want to share these with you. These are my 5 top tips for starting a business while working full time:
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Choose a low-cost start up business
Find your niche/pillars
Time Management
Build a Strong Support System
Prioritize like a Boss
Set Realistic Expectations
Embrace the Chaos
So if you work full time and have been wanting to start a “side hustle” or start a business without leaving your full time job, right off the bat. The actions steps to help you map it all out in your head (or on paper), is in this guide.
1- Choose a low start-up business
This is the easiest way to get into that business mentality. Especially, if you have worked your 9-5 for so long, you have no clue where to start. I have been a teacher for 17 years. I can definitely say I use to have an institutionalized mindset. What that means is that every day I wake up, get ready for work, go to work, get back home and rest and then do that every single day until I retire. Maybe get a few days or weeks off here and there.
When I started my network marketing business, it took me a while to realize and accept that I was my own boss. I was so used to just being told what to do every day.
The network marketing business model helped me get into that business mindset within just weeks. Within weeks I learned about holding myself accountable and taking actions that would yield results in my business. Of course, money has never come flowing in. That was ok for me. I was in love with my personal growth journey towards becoming a business minded person, leaving my old 9-5 mindset behind.
If you prefer starting a business that would require a bigger investment, the business owner mindset might take a little longer to get to if you have never managed any type of business.
Whatever business model or business idea is tugging at your heart and giving you big dreams, is something you need to start today.
I highly recommend looking into the Prosperity Formula as an option to start a low start up cost business. Click here to learn more!
I am available for guiding sessions to start a business. In which I will share what low cost business I have done and which ones would be a good fit for you. Book me here!
2- Find your niche/pillars
Absolutely all businesses we actually want to spend time on are based on something we like to do, something we started and then turned into an income, or something that has been passed on from one generation to another.
Today, you see influencers, podcasters, vloggers, bloggers, social sellers, book authors and “small” business owners who promote and sell what they choose–Throughout my blog posts you will see I am not a fan of the term “small business.” In my opinion, all businesses are important and none are ever small–There is not a level of knowledge or expertise required to start a business in any niche.
I have several niches. I like to create my content on the fact I am a mother, wide, business owner, teacher, boy mom, advocate for children with disabilities and all things growth mindset. Look at what you naturally love and like in your life. What are you good at? What do you want to improve on? What do you want to learn more about? What is one thing you wish you could teach others?
As a multitasking mom and wife, you have a unique perspective on life that can inspire your business. Whether it's creating a line of "mom-approved" products or offering services that cater to the chaos of family life, embrace your quirks and turn them into your superpower. Who knows, maybe your business will become the go-to destination for exhausted moms in need of a good laugh and a strong cup of coffee.
3- Time Management
First and foremost, remember that time management is key. You might find yourself multitasking like a pro, with one hand changing diapers and the other hand answering client emails. Just make sure you don't accidentally send a poop emoji to a potential customer – that might not make the best impression!
Look at what your workday looks like and when you have pockets of time of at least 10-15 minutes. Turn those blocks of time into your “business hours.” At first it will be hard to keep up with when unexpected things come up, but overtime intentionally working your business during those business hours will come organically.
These are helpful tools and templates I have used or created to manage my time and plan where my money goes;
Time-Block Schedule
Budgeting template
If you would like to get more updates on the tools and resources I use to work full time and manage a business, click here and get these free templates and more sent directly to your e-mail.
4- Build a Support System
Rally your fellow moms and wives for backup, because let's face it, we all need a little help sometimes. And don't forget to recruit your kids and spouse as your very own business consultants – after all, their honest feedback can be priceless. Just be prepared for some brutal honesty and the occasional crayon-drawn marketing strategy.
Super Mompreneur doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Delegate tasks to your partner, kids, or trusted support system. Assign household chores, involve your spouse in childcare responsibilities, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work!
Make your family of your small wins and big wins. Tell them what your goals are and how they can get involved. Include them in those celebrations. Whether you made an initial investment to get started, got a customer, got a client, got a lead or booked a course to help grow your biz. Everything counts. Also, on those days in which results are not what you have wished for, share how you feel and ask for a big hug from your tiny snot nose tot. They are love you and are proud of you.
5-Prioritize like a boss
Start by identifying your top priorities. As a mom and wife, family always comes first. Make sure you carve out dedicated time for your loved ones. Then, determine your business goals and allocate time accordingly. Remember, you can't do it all at once, so focus on what truly matters.
As a multitasking queen, you have the power to do more than one thing at a time. Use those precious moments wisely – listen to business podcasts while folding laundry, brainstorm ideas during your morning commute, or schedule business calls during nap time. Just be careful not to accidentally send a work email to your child's teacher!
6- Set Realistic Expectations
Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically accomplish in a day. Avoid overcommitting and spreading yourself too thin. It's okay to say no and prioritize self-care. Remember, you're a superhero, but even superheroes need rest and relaxation.
A well-planned schedule is your secret weapon. Use digital calendars, planners, or good old-fashioned sticky notes to keep track of your commitments. Schedule dedicated blocks of time for work, family, and personal activities. And don't forget to schedule in some "me time" – even superheroes need to recharge.
7- Embrace the chaos
Let's face it, life can be messy and unpredictable. Learn to embrace the chaos and go with the flow. Be flexible and adaptable, because sometimes the best-laid plans go awry. Laugh at the curveballs life throws at you and remember that imperfection is part of the adventure.
Pivot is the key word. Have a plan A and plan B and a Plan C. Create as many plans you need in order to get your business tasks done. When something unexpected comes up that throws you off, pause, embrace the emotions, ground yourself and re-prioritize.
In conclusion, starting a business while balancing the roles of a full-time working mom and wife requires top level time management skills and a whole lot of patience. Embrace the chaos, enlist the help of your loved ones, and remember that you are always just one sticky note away from getting that dang thing DONE. So, grab your cape, put on your mom jeans, and get ready to conquer the business world – one diaper change at a time! Good luck, super mompreneur!
