Being a stay-at-home mom can be rewarding, but it can also become monotonous. If you’re looking to bring in some extra money while still being at home with your kids, starting your own business might be the perfect option for you. But where do you start? The Flashlight Agency has some tips to help you get going on the path to becoming a successful “mompreneur.”
Draft a Business Plan
Every business starts with a solid business plan. This should have research into potential competitors, customer target markets, marketing strategies, projected expenses and revenue streams, etc., so that there is a clear direction for the future of your business. A well-crafted plan will also help secure financing should you need it in order to get off the ground.
Designate Your Business Appropriately
Decide how you want to structure your business. An LLC (limited liability company) is one of the more popular options for small businesses and entrepreneurs because it protects personal assets from business debts and liabilities — it’s essentially a bridge between a sole proprietorship and a corporation. This means that if things don't go according to plan, you won't lose the house or other personal assets. You will need to create an Operating Agreement, which sets forth rules, regulations, and procedures that must be followed by all members of the company.
Be Strategic in Your Marketing
You'll need to start thinking about how to best market yourself as a mompreneur right off the bat. Having professional materials that you can hand out, like brochures and flyers, will make all the difference in terms of getting noticed by potential customers who may be interested in what you offer. A well-designed, memorable business card is essential, as it gives potential customers something physical to refer to.
Online, consider creating social media accounts on platforms where members of your target audience will stumble upon what services or products you provide. Regularly create posts and advertising campaigns that target those who could benefit most from them. If this seems like a lot of work, check out Flashlight Agency’s digital marketing services.
Give Yourself Adequate Space to Work
If you need space for inventory or to set up a home office for yourself (or both), think about finding a bigger home. Use a search platform to find a rental specifically in your area of choice, then narrow down your search by filtering it by neighborhood, number of bedrooms, price points, and more.
The important thing here is not just having plenty of room but also making sure it's easily accessible for clients if needed, too. That way, they won’t have any trouble finding your place when they come over for meetings or consultations.
Make Time for Your Kids
One challenge that many moms face when starting their own businesses is managing their children while trying to get work done at home. It takes time and practice to balance parenting and running a business successfully, but it can be done.
Setting aside specific hours each day dedicated solely to working will help you create boundaries while also freeing up time during the rest of the day to spend with your kids. You may also consider hiring someone part-time or even full-time who can watch over them while you work or delegate tasks like meal prep and cleaning up after meals so that you have more time during the day to work without interruption.
Starting your own business as a mompreneur doesn't have to be complicated. However, careful consideration must go into planning each step before jumping right in. Consider crucial steps like choosing an LLC designation, writing up detailed plans, and finding more space if needed — these are all important components towards achieving success in this venture. Above all, reach out to Flashlight Agency to help with your marketing efforts.