Entrepreneurial ventures and startup companies are a growing field, as more and more men and women are looking to build brands and create businesses they are passionate about. As there is an influx in small businesses and independent businesses, there are more women joining the entrepreneurial ranks, as many have found the flexibility of entrepreneurship to work ideally with their schedules, especially if they are juggling the roles of wife, mother, and career woman.
The unique challenges many women face in running businesses can be difficult to navigate, especially if they are a working mother. For those who have a desire to build a business, there are a few business practices that can help them create a thriving business while also learning how to balance it with their current lifestyle.
Lose the Guilt
One area of business that tends to pester at women is the guilt they feel having to split time between their business, their kids, and their spouse. When working, many women feel a bit of guilt that they are not spending time with their children. Alternatively, when spending time with their children, they tend to feel guilt about not working nagging at them. This obstacle can prove to be extremely challenging, as many women struggle to find the balance they need to run a successful business while also feeling as though they are not neglecting their children.
Though it can be difficult to shake off feelings of guilt, it is important to be able to compartmentalize and focus on being in the moment. Dedicate certain hours to work and certain hours to time with your kids—and do not let yourself think about the other things you could be doing. The truth is, both your kids and your business will most likely be just fine when you are away from them for moments.
Outsource
Now-a-days, it is commonplace to outsource most human resources tasks, as it is more financially reasonable to pay a third party organization than it is to hire someone in house to perform certain tasks, including accounting, payroll, and other similar tasks.
In the beginning, many small businesses do not necessarily need to outsource right away. However, as the business begins to expand, it can be a smart move, as it not only frees up your time, allowing you to focus your sites on more important business matters, or offering you more time with your family, it is also a financially smart move.
Considering using a company, such as National PEO, to handle your outsourcing needs. They are professional and educated individuals who can alleviate some of the menial, day-to-day tasks that are necessary but time consuming.
Use Technology
Technology can be extremely beneficial for new business owners, as it allows you to work from any location, schedule social media marketing, and connect with other women business owners. Though these tasks are important, and make your workday more efficient, there are other uses for technology that can help you maintain the balance of work and family life.
Email is one of those communication tools that can be distracting. Many people tend to feel as if they must respond to emails immediately, thus they are constantly checking their email. However, the beauty of email is that a message can be received and can wait, for as long as you need, in your inbox until you have the time to respond. Additionally, you can even set an auto
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responder for emails that can alert anyone who is trying to get in touch with you that you have received the email and will respond during your business hours. When you are out of your office or spending time with your kids, you can relax and allow technology to take care of everything.
Join Groups
Being an entrepreneur is difficult, especially if the brand you are building is starting off slowly. It can be easy to grow discouraged, and without any support, it can be easy to want to quit. Instead, making connections, whether through the American Business Women’s Association, networking, or other forms of communication, can help you stay on track, get advice and perspective, and re-ignite your passion for the business.
While juggling the life of a new business and wife and mother can be difficult, with the right tools and mindset, you can have the best of all worlds.