I recently wrote an article for smallbusiness.co.uk offering tips for mums starting out in business and thought it might be useful to share the same tips with mums visiting www.WorkingMums.co.uk . Judging from some of the phone calls we receive and from the comments posted on some of the other blogs (Paula’s and Yvonne’s in particular) there are a quite a few of us who have either set up our own business, are in the process of setting up a business, or are thinking about it. The tips below are based on my experience to date – if anyone reading this has got more to share, please post a comment! Here is the article:
Starting a business is challenging in itself – add children into the equation, and the challenge is multiplied. Here are a few tips based on my experience as a mum who’s started her own business, www.WorkingMums.co.uk.
1. Childcare is key. Launching a business is extremely tough if you don’t have clear, child-free time to devote to it. I tried it but it didn’t work and we ended up getting an au-pair, something we’d always said we’d never do! Fitting work into “nap times” or while the children are watching cartoons on TV is not a realistic option. You need to get regular childcare – whether it’s friends and family helping out for a few set hours a week or more formalised arrangements with a nursery, childminder or nanny. Not only will this give you clear, quality time to spend on your business, it will also help you to separate work from family in a positive way.
2. Plan your time carefully. Planning in advance will ensure that you always know where you are and can fit everything in. That sounds very regimental but it also means planning in time for relaxing and having fun.
3. Prepare to be flexible. Starting your own business is a lifestyle choice. You can’t just “switch it off” while you go on holiday. Equally it can give you a great deal of flexibility in terms of how and when you work. For me, that’s a huge plus. It may mean a few late nights every so often, but it also means more quality time with my children and the ability to be more flexible around their needs. I try and work 3 days a week from 9 till 3, and more flexibly on the other two days, but I often take calls out of hours from ad agencies, recruiters and other customers.
4. Write a business plan. My husband nagged me to do it but at the time I just wanted to get on with starting the business. I’m happy I did write one as it enabled me to get all my ideas on paper in a logical format, meaning I could prioritise better. In particular, I found that a plan helped address areas of weakness and those that needed further investigation. I still use the original plan as an extremely useful point of reference as our business grows.
5. Do your research. Identify your target market and the need for the service you’re offering and check out any competition (and there will always be competition) – how can you offer a better, cheaper or more effective service or product? Will you be able to take a slice of that market? And, importantly, can you make money from what you are planning to do?
6. Don’t be scared of competition. www.WorkingMums.co.uk launched at the same time as a competitor. Even before launch I read about someone else intending to start a similar service. Undeterred, I felt that I had spotted a niche, the market was big enough for more than one site and our service would be better. Our initial success leads me to believe that my initial belief was correct.
7. If you’re working from home, think about where and how you’re going to work. Having a separate room that you can use as an office is invaluable (if not essential) and doesn’t intrude on your day to day living. Technology has made it much easier and cost-effective to work from home. In my experience having Broadband internet is essential. I also use a Voice Over Internet Phone (VOIP) for my business line, which is very cost effective.
8. Make the most of your network! From family and friends, to mums at school and former colleagues – I’ve really benefited from (and am very grateful for) the advice and hands-on help I’ve been given.
9. Get a mentor. When I was planning the business, I made use of the internet and business support offered through organisations such as Business Link and The Princes Trust. Through these organisations I found an excellent, free mentoring programme that provides objective business advice from industry professionals. My mentor is great – he tells me all the things my husband does, but somehow I seem to listen to him more!
10.Be patient. Starting a business can often take longer than you think. With children in the equation and a household to manage, unexpected illnesses and other priorities can often mean ordinary tasks are not finished as quickly as you’d like. If you can, take your time and get it right – it’s worth it.
www.WorkingMums.co.uk was launched by founder Gillian Nissim in April 2006. The service provides mothers with a growing database of flexible job opportunities and gives employers access to qualified candidates. Over 3,000 candidates and 500 employers are currently registered with the website.
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These are great tips Gillian and thank you for sharing what you have gone through in setting up your business as a mum. Its great to have realistic and focused advice!
I've come to the conclusion, that despite my son having recently started school, its not giving me any free time to concentrate on setting my business up and that I do need to consider further child care. I always said no to an au-pair before but realise I'm going to have to go with it. Any tips for being a working parent with an au-pair!!!
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