By Leslie Campos
Stay-at-home moms have a tough job on their hands, and it can be even tougher to try and manage a career while raising the kids. If you’re looking for a change, or if you have a great business idea you’d like to try, there’s no time like the present to start building your entrepreneurial skills. Starting a business does take some planning, but it also allows you to create a more flexible schedule and work on your own terms. In some cases, you may even be able to form a business by doing something you love, such as selling items you craft yourself. You can utilize several resources to achieve work/life balance, such as Science Teacher Mom, which provides educational content and science kits for kids to do at home. Start by making sure you have the right tools to find success from the very beginning by forming an LLC.
Protect your finances
New entrepreneurs always benefit from having a measure of protection, and creating a limited liability company can help you separate your personal and professional finances to ensure there are no issues with the IRS down the road. Not only that, an LLC provides tax benefits and is less complicated than other business structures, so you can focus on building the type of business you want. There are several steps involved, including naming your LLC, but with the help of an online formation service, you can file the paperwork without a hitch. Take a look at the requirements for filing in your state, as every area has different regulations.
Designate a workspace
Once you’ve formed an LLC and have a business plan written out, it’s crucial to create a workspace that gives you plenty of room for organization and allows for some privacy. If your child is young and requires your attention during the day, you might also set up a safe area in the room so you can keep an eye on things while the little ones play or nap. You don’t need a huge home office, but a desk and comfortable chair are key components. If you’re a creator and will have inventory, you’ll also need a space to store supplies and products, as well as packing materials for shipping. Research and compare a few different ecommerce platforms, as some offer dropshipping solutions.
Keep a routine
Even if you have a great shared space with the kids, straying too far from their routine can lead to big problems when you’re trying to get work done. Stick to your normal schedule as closely as possible, or work out a new one that you can incorporate slowly as the weeks progress. Not only will this be helpful for the kids, it will allow you to take breaks throughout the day so you’re not overwhelmed. Get dressed each morning as though you’re leaving the house; this will help you stay motivated. Go outdoors with the kiddos when the weather is nice, as this can boost your mood and productivity and will help everyone sleep better at night.
Stay social
With so many details to consider, you might think that staying social would be the last task on your list. However, parents who work from home often find themselves feeling isolated from friends and family, which can take a toll on your mental health. Not only that, finding ways to connect with others will help you boost your business. Create professional social media profiles so you can spread the word about your products or services, and look for online opportunities to network as well. Get out into the community to research your competition and to meet other small business owners; you never know where a partnership opportunity will arise!
Starting a business as a busy parent can seem daunting, but as with anything else, it just takes a bit of planning and preparation. Armed with the right tools and resources, you can create a successful company on your own terms.
Interested in requesting a science kit for your child? Check out the online shop at Science Teacher Mom and learn more about subscription boxes today.
Photo via Pexels