How to Start a Business as You Start Your Family

If you’re tired of dreaming about becoming a business owner, there is never a wrong time to pave your entrepreneurial path. Even if you’re pregnant or just had a baby, there are ways to fast track to financial independence that will let you spend more time with your family. Looking for tips and ideas? You have come to the right place.

What are the best businesses for mums?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The best business is the one that makes the most sense for you and your family and that also matches your skillset. One great idea, however, is to skip starting from scratch and to invest in a franchise. Many of your favourite businesses, including baby dance classes Tappy Toes, operate via a franchise format. What this means is that you are a licensed agent for a larger company. McDonald’s is one example of a franchise company.

If you have experience in a specific industry, you can capitalise on that and start working as a consultant. In this capacity, you can set your own hours and rates, and you will have the freedom to choose which clients you work for. A few other options to consider, according to Stay at Home Mum, include affiliate marketer, adult products sales, packing service, party entertainer, and home daycare provider.

A helping hand is just a click away

Launching a business takes work, there’s no doubt about that. And, you likely already have your hands full with the baby. That doesn’t mean that you can’t find help to ease the burden. There are plenty of resources online to help you start your own company in the UK. A quick search, and you’ll come up with lots of information on licensing and permits, selling goods online, and how to safeguard personally identifiable information.

Need more hands-on help? There’s no problem there either. There are lots of freelancers online that can help you get your business off the ground and running. You might, for example, find a web design specialist to help you get a site up and functional, a virtual assistant to take calls, or a social media marketer to keep up with online reviews and inquiries. Before you hire any of these, get a firm quote, check for reviews, and confirm they can deliver when you need them.

Something else to consider here is hiring someone to help you with your personal life. This might be a babysitter for a few hours in the afternoons when your baby is most awake and active or a cleaning service to help pick up the slack. Remember, you might be supermum, but even Wonder Woman had a sidekick. There is no shame in asking a little help now and then.

Structuring for success

Chances are, as a new mum and business owner, you will start by working from your own home. This will save you in overhead and commute expenses, but it is not without its challenges. However, before you take on your first customer, spend some time structuring your home life and physical space to be the most efficient possible. This might mean charting your baby’s nap schedule or adding a playpen or bassinet next to your desk so that you can work and calm a cranky child at the same time.

Being organised will help as well. If you haven’t already, look for project management software to help you create task lists and schedules. Your program should also make file sharing and communication quick and easy, especially if you plan to outsource some responsibilities.

Starting a business and having a baby are two of the most meaningful events you will ever experience. When you do these at the same time, you can feel overwhelmed quickly. But, the tips above, including hiring freelancers and taking shortcuts by investing in a franchise instead of starting with nothing, can help you make the most of your time so that you can give your attention to what or who needs it the most.

The Tappy Toes blog is always adding new content like this post. Check back often, and maybe consider investing in a franchise for your hometown. View the Tappy Toes franchise prospectus at tappytoes.com/franchise 

Guest blog written by Jenna Sherman and parent-leaders.com