The term ‘mompreneur’ has gained significant traction in recent years, symbolizing a powerful blend of motherhood and entrepreneurship. These resilient women not only raise families but also build businesses, often from the ground up.
Balancing these dual roles is no small feat, and it requires a unique set of skills, strategies, and mindsets. That’s why we have brought you 10 tips for mompreneurs from people who have actually done it!
These insights are drawn from successful entrepreneurs, business coaches, and work-life balance advocates, aiming to empower you with practical advice and strategies.
Who Are Mompreneurs?
Mompreneurs are women who balance motherhood with owning and running their businesses. Despite the immense responsibilities, the number of mompreneurs worldwide is growing steadily, inspiring others to follow suit.
While managing busy schedules, many working moms still pursue entrepreneurship for the autonomy it offers. This trend is reshaping traditional barriers faced by women in the workforce.
If you’re a mom thinking about starting a business, your innate time management and organizational abilities already give you a strong foundation.
Mompreneurs might start small businesses from home or grow them into bigger ones. They choose to be entrepreneurs because it lets them work on their own schedule, so they can spend time with their kids when needed.
Mompreneurs are becoming more common because of the internet, the ability to work from anywhere, and groups that help women in business. They show that you can be a good parent and also do well in business.
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, is a great example of a mompreneur. She once said, “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”
This shows how mompreneurs use what they learn from being working moms to help them in business.
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10 Expert-Backed Tips For Mompreneurs
Starting a business as a mom can be tricky. You’ve got your hands full with family stuff while also trying to make your business work. But don’t worry!
Here are 10 easy-to-follow tips for mompreneurs from successful working mothers:
1. Acknowledge Your Superhuman Strength
Being a mother shows how strong you can be inside, and it can inspire you to start your own business. As psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary says, being a mother is not just something you do, it’s like creating a special place.
In this place, your ability to bounce back from tough times, your gut feelings, and your ability to understand others become really important. So, believe in this inner strength.
As Arianna Huffington, who started The Huffington Post, says, it’s okay to make mistakes sometimes. Understanding that failing is not the opposite of succeeding, it’s just a part of succeeding.
2. Prioritise Self-Care and Strategic Time Management
One of the most important tips for working moms is self-care. Oprah Winfrey famously stated, “You cannot pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”
Integrate self-care into your routine, whether through wellness activities with child-friendly options or dedicated “Cave Days” for deep work.
Remember, as productivity expert Laura Vanderkam suggests, “Time is elastic. We cannot make more time, but time will stretch to accommodate what we choose to put into it.”
Guilt is a common companion for mompreneurs. Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, advises, “Guilt management can be just as important as time management for mothers.” Recognize guilt as a sign of your commitment, not a flaw.
Embracing this mindset, as author and entrepreneur Marie Forleo suggests, “Show up at every moment like you’re meant to be there because your energy precedes anything you could possibly say.”
3. Utilise The Various Government Certifications.
Government certifications can be a game-changer for mompreneurs, offering access to a wealth of resources, contracts, and networks that might otherwise be out of reach.
The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification, for example, is designed to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs in industries where they’re underrepresented.
The WOSB Federal Contracting Program aims to expand federal contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses. By obtaining this certification, your business becomes eligible to compete for federal contracts set aside specifically for WOSBs in certain industries.
Being part of the WOSB program opens doors to a network of fellow women entrepreneurs, even other working moms.
4. Draw Inspiration from Trailblazers
One of the important tips for mompreneurs that I received was to learn from others. Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, shares, “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”
Sara Blakely’s journey from selling fax machines door-to-door to founding Spanx is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovative thinking.
Starting with just $5,000 from her personal savings, Blakely turned Spanx into a globally recognized brand, becoming a billionaire in the process.
Her approach to embracing failure as a learning opportunity, rather than a setback, is particularly inspiring.
Blakely’s success with Spanx was rooted in solving a real-life problem she personally experienced, highlighting the importance of addressing genuine needs in the market.
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5. Cultivate a Supportive Network
A robust support network is invaluable. Michelle Obama emphasizes the importance of community, stating, “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.”
Whether it’s family, friends, or fellow entrepreneurs, surround yourself with people who uplift and support your vision. As Brené Brown, a research professor, puts it, “We don’t have to do it all alone. We were never meant to.”
6. Assemble a Team That Shares Your Vision
One of the important tips for mompreneurs I can give you is to make sure that you have the right people around you. The right team can amplify your efforts and help balance your dual roles.
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, reflects on teamwork’s value, “If you want to improve the organization, you have to improve yourself, and the organization gets pulled up with you.”
Choose individuals who not only complement your skills but also share your commitment to creating a harmonious work-life integration.
7. Master the Art of Work-Life Harmony
Work-life harmony is an evolving process. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, advocates for work-life harmony over balance, suggesting that they are reciprocal, not competitive.
Integrate your work schedule with family life, ensuring that your entrepreneurial endeavors enrich, not detract from, family time.
8. Hold Yourself Accountable, But Be Kind
Self-accountability is key, but so is self-compassion. Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, advises, “A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman.”
Use your voice to set clear goals and boundaries, but also to remind yourself of your worth and humanity. Accountability paired with kindness can lead to sustainable growth and fulfillment.
9. Respect Your Time and That of Others
Time is a precious commodity. As Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker, notes, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
This principle applies to both your family and your business. Honor the individuality and needs of those around you, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
10. Know When to Unplug and Be “Off the Clock”
Understanding when to step back is crucial for long-term sustainability tips for mompreneurs I followed in my journey. As Arianna Huffington advocates, “Disconnecting from our technology to reconnect with ourselves is absolutely essential.”
Embrace moments of rest and disconnection, allowing yourself to recharge and return to your roles with renewed vigor and perspective.
Being a mompreneur means being both a mom and an entrepreneur. It’s about using your motherly instincts along with your ambition to start and run a business.
Remember what Maya Angelou said: things might happen to you, but you decide how they affect you. As a mompreneur, you’re strong, tough, and smart enough to overcome challenges and leave behind a successful and loving legacy.
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A Word From Mind Family
Being a mompreneur means you’re taking care of your family and building your own business at the same time. It’s not easy, but you’re strong and smart enough to handle it.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There are other working moms like you who have succeeded, and they can inspire you. Surround yourself with people who support you and cheer you on.
Taking care of yourself is really important too. Make sure to find time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. And don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t always go perfectly. Mistakes happen, but they’re also opportunities to learn and grow.
Being a mompreneur is all about using your strengths and determination to build something great. So keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Mompreneur?
A mompreneur is a mom who starts and runs her own business while also taking care of her family. It’s about juggling the responsibilities of motherhood with entrepreneurship.
2. What are some tips for mompreneurs?
Tips for mompreneurs include prioritizing self-care, managing time effectively, utilizing government certifications, drawing inspiration from successful mompreneurs, cultivating a supportive network, and assembling a team with a shared vision.
3. Who are some successful mompreneurs?
Successful mompreneurs include Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, Michelle Obama, former First Lady, and Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. They’ve shown resilience, innovation, and balance in both their family and business endeavors.
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