Balancing a Growing Family and a Growing Business
The Challenges of Managing a Business While Expanding Your Family
Let’s be real – juggling a thriving business and a growing family can feel like you’re starring in a never-ending circus act. Between the diaper changes, client calls, and strategic planning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But guess what? You’ve got this. With the right strategies and a little bit of humor, you can find that sweet spot where both your family and business flourish. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks that have helped me keep all the balls in the air.
And remember, I’m balancing a business, a growing family, and a full-time cybersecurity gig. And it is HARD - but let me try to help ease your mind if this is something you want to do too! (or, let’s be honest, you feel like you NEED to do in this ever-changing world.)
Effective Time Management Strategies
Time management? More like time wizardry! With a 15-month-old and another on the way, every minute counts. Say it with me, EVERY MINUTE COUNTS! Start by prioritizing tasks – what’s urgent and what can wait? Tools like monday.com or ClickUp can be your new BFFs. Block out time for focused work sessions, and don’t forget to schedule breaks to recharge. And here’s a pro tip: embrace the power of the nap. When the kiddo(s) sleep, you grind. Trust me, those quiet moments are golden. My daughter just dropped her second nap, so we are in the middle of a pivot right now. But, we are working through it!
When I structure my day, I recognize that my full-time takes up my 9-5 work window. So my business is absolutely my 5-9. My daughter wakes up at 7:00a, so I take advantage of my 7:00-9:00a window to get some great bonding and playtime in with my girl. Additionally, to be completely transparent, I have a part-time nanny who comes 9:00a-4:00p 3 days a week. So 2 days out of the week, I am a full-time mama and full-time employee. This is when time management is CRUCIAL. I try to cram all my meetings in one Mon/Tues/Thurs when I have the nanny here to help and just focus on independent work on the other 2 days (which does not always work, but this is how I try to stay on top of everything.)
Delegating Tasks and Seeking Support
Superwoman syndrome is real, but let’s hang up our capes for a second. Delegation isn’t just for big corporations – it’s essential for mompreneurs too (and especially for mompreneurs who still work full-time.) Whether it’s hiring a part-time nanny (shoutout to mine who’s a lifesaver!) or outsourcing tasks like social media management and content creation (hi, I’d love to work with you), find your tribe and lean on them. Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and smart business acumen.
Maintaining Client Relationships and Communication
Your clients are the backbone of your business, and maintaining strong relationships with them is crucial. Regular check-ins, personalized updates, and transparency around your availability can go a long way. Use tools like Zoom or Google Meet (I use Google Meet) for virtual meetings and Slack for quick communications (I’ll be honest, I don’t use Slack yet for my business, but I do use it at my full-time and it is great!) Don’t be afraid to set boundaries – your clients will respect you more for it. And hey, a little humor in your emails never hurt anyone. It keeps things light and shows you’re human too. Remember, if you’re working with the right clients for you, they’ll understand you’re a working mama and sometimes things come up and you just need to focus on the mom thing.
Planning for Maternity Leave and Business Continuity
Maternity leave doesn’t have to spell chaos for your business. Start planning early. Create a detailed plan outlining how your business will run in your absence. Train a trusted team member or hire a temporary manager to handle day-to-day operations. If you are a solopreneur, make sure to communicate fully with your clients what your accessibility looks like and what they can expect moving forward. And try to work ahead as much as possible to prevent interruptions in service. Automate as much as possible – think email responses, social media posts, and client follow-ups. This way, you can focus on your growing family without constantly worrying about your business.
Find Harmony Between Family and Business Growth
Finding the perfect balance between family and business is like finding a unicorn – it might seem impossible, but it’s out there. It’s all about harmony, not perfection. Embrace the chaos, celebrate the wins (big and small), and most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’re building a legacy for your family and a brand that reflects your passion.
Keep going, mama. You’ve got this!