Maintaining a Successful Small Business as a Busy Mom

It’s no secret that being a mom is a full-time job in itself, and when you add the responsibilities of running a small business, life can become quite overwhelming.

I’ve been a mom for 16 years and owned a photography business for 19. I’ve learned that balancing my family’s needs with the demands of a business is no small feat, but with the right tools, it’s entirely possible. Here are some strategies that have helped me maintain a successful small business while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood.

1. Prioritize and Time Management

One of the most crucial aspects of successfully managing a small business as a busy mom is effective time management while setting clear priorities and boundaries. Before you can even begin investing your time into a small business, you must know what you are physically and mentally capable of.

Everyone will suffer if you are burned out, so take the time to block out uninterrupted time for you to get your work done. Remember, five hours of kid-free time is more effective than ten hours with constant distractions for your work productivity.

Create a daily or weekly schedule that accounts for your business and family responsibilities. Set specific blocks of time for work tasks (while you have childcare) and family time. This will help you stay organized while allocating sufficient time for your business and family.

2. Create a Website That is Easy to Update and Use Social Media

I cannot overstate the power of a strong website that clearly explains what you offer to your clients or customers. If you cannot build your own website, I encourage you to hire someone who can and create an easy way to update it often. When doing this, plan on having updated headshots or brand photos taken for your site and use them on social media.

Choose two social media platforms that are ideal for your specific market and that you feel comfortable using. This could be Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok. You don’t want to stretch yourself too thin by trying to manage too many accounts, so keep it simple. Remember that consistency in content and posting is more important than putting out irrelevant information that will confuse your customers.

3. Keep Learning and Growing

No matter how skilled or knowledgeable you are at your craft, there is always room for improvement. With the speed of technology, staying relevant and up-to-date on the latest in your industry is crucial. Investing in yourself and business education as it relates to your field will always benefit you.

So, don’t be afraid to attend a workshop or conference either in person or virtually. Be sure to read books that will challenge and inspire you. As a busy mom, I have found listening to audiobooks helpful. Here are some of my favorites:

Build Your Story Brand – Donald Miller

Start with Why – Simon Sinek

Atomic Habits – James Clear

The Pumpkin Plan – Mike Michalowicz

4. Build a Support System

Often, running a small business can be lonely. I recommend staying connected with fellow mompreneurs or joining business networks and local groups. It’s such a help to have an online community to reach out to. Surrounding yourself with people who understand your situation and can provide advice and support can make a world of difference.

Maintaining a successful small business as a busy mom is a challenging endeavor, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With effective time management, utilizing the right tools, and prioritizing self-care, you can find a balance that allows you to thrive in your professional and family life.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect but about finding a balance that works for you and your loved ones. Embrace the journey, and you’ll find it possible to be both a successful entrepreneur and a present mom simultaneously.