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Motherhood and entrepreneurship are not two things most of us automatically put together, but they can be a perfect combination! This is because being a mom will mean that you are automatically equipped with many of the key skills and mentalities that are at the heart of every successful entrepreneurship. Furthermore, being your own boss can be ideal for a parent since you are able to work to your own schedule and in your own environment. So, if you are a mom with an idea that you have been wanting to take to fruition, keep reading.

Qualities for success

As mentioned, being a mom equips you with many traits that will boost your chances of success as an entrepreneur, and you may find that starting your own business is a walk in the park compared to looking after your little one! Some of your most valuable qualities include:

·         Empathy towards others

·         Natural leadership ability

·         Innovative problem-solving skills

·         A high level of organization

·         Working well under pressure

·         Determination in the face of adversity

·         Great acting skills

·         Superhuman multi-tasking ability!

·         Adaptability when things don’t go to plan

·         The patience of a saint

·         You don’t sweat the small stuff

·         Poker face – perfect for negotiating deals

Tips for success

So, you already know that you get an A* for qualities needed to be an entrepreneur, but what else do you need? Below are six helpful tips to bear in mind when building your business. 

1.      Knowledge is power – Build a strong foundation by taking a course in entrepreneurship. Online courses such as a HND in Business Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management are perfect for busy parents with a hectic and unconventional schedule. Attend live lectures in the evening or weekend or watch the recorded content whenever suits you.

2.      Plan for change – Planning is a key part to being a successful entrepreneur and will allow you to formulate clear goals and direction for your business. However, ensure that your plan is flexible, and will not fall to pieces should one small factor change. You will need to constantly adjust your plan and keep an open mind for the future in order to succeed.

3.      Don’t compare yourself to others – Everyone’s journey is different, your goals may be polar opposite to someone else, and that’s ok. Whatever success looks like to you, whether it be as simple as enjoying the everyday or as complex as running a multi-million dollar empire, focus on what feels good to you.

4.      Accept failure – There may be bumps in the road and times when success seems impossibly out of reach. Don’t be afraid of failure, it’s an inevitable part of life, pat yourself on the back for having tried in the first place, regroup, and try again. In the words of Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington Post, ‘Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success.’

5.      Recharge – It can be more than exhausting to juggle motherhood and running your own business. Trying to be superwoman and meet everyone else’s needs bar your own can lead to burnout. It’s so important to give yourself some you time to recharge, even if it is just a few minutes each day. Rest is just an important part of being a successful entrepreneur as work.

6.      Be inspired – If you’re feeling a lack of motivation, get inspired by some of the inspirational entrepreneur mothers who have come before you. There are plenty of examples to be found at just the click of a mouse away, such as Michele Welsh, founder of SafetyTat, the genius product which allows parents to temporarily tattoo contact details onto their child, sold now in over 140 countries!

Taking the first step

Being a mom can make you a great entrepreneur, and if you have an idea and are hoping for a career change that is flexible and will fit around your family, this can be a great path to go down. Knowing where to start can be tough but gaining knowledge and skills through education is always a great first step. Spend some time researching your options and opt for an online college such as the College of Contract Management that can be managed alongside your other commitments. After this, you will have the know how to set up and start your own business, and teamed with your mom skills, you will be destined for success!