There are a number of reasons to consider launching a business with a baby on the way. Perhaps you began the startup process before finding out you were pregnant. Or maybe you need a way to make money from home after the baby arrives. Having a baby often prompts parents to rethink their work situations and seek jobs with a greater degree of flexibility. Plus, many creative business ideas were born out of unsolved parenting problems!
Feeling overwhelmed? Believe it or not, you can start a business while having a baby at the same time. Blogger, podcaster and mother mom Kanika Chadda Gupta shares some tips, tools, and strategies to help you navigate the months ahead.
Build Your Support Network
Building a strong support network is one of the best ways to prepare for the arrival of your baby and the launch of your business. Are there local resources you can turn to when you need a hand?
Friends and family can also serve as valuable sources of support. If you have a partner, discuss dividing up your parenting responsibilities so you’re both shouldering an equal amount of work. Ask your friends and family to pitch in when they visit. You may even want to outsource some household tasks to professionals!
Take Advantage of Time-Saving Business Tools
At the same time, look for ways to streamline and automate your business. Certain digital tools will give you more time to juggle the demands of your business, so you can give more of your attention to the tasks that matter most.
If you have yet to register your business, an online formation service can help you get the job done quickly. Forming an LLC is an important part of launching a business and can offer some valuable peace of mind. Just make sure you review the specific regulations around forming an LLC in your state!
Marketing your business can take a great deal of your time. Use digital marketing tools to keep things easy. For example, when it comes to creating a logo or graphic for your business, you can use a logo design maker to design an eye-catching logo in minutes. Just choose a template and customize it how you like! A professional logo will help your business stand out from the competition, build brand awareness, and make a strong first impression with your customers.
Settle into a Routine
Developing a routine can save you from making hundreds of small decisions every day, freeing up your cognitive power for more demanding projects. A Mother Far From Home recommends prioritizing sleep when making your routine. Try not to stay up too late working on your business after your kids have gone to bed. Going to bed early will ensure you get enough sleep every night while enabling you to take advantage of early mornings before your kids wake up. If you have older kids who are in school, try establishing an after school routine for your family so you know when you will be able to work and when you will be on parenting duty.
Take Your Time
Ideally, you would be able to get the majority of your startup tasks out of the way before your baby arrives. Once your little one comes along, you won’t have nearly as much time to dedicate to your business. Try not to get overwhelmed! You don’t need to do everything right away. Work on building your business slowly, chipping away at your to-do list whenever you have a few free minutes. It might take you a few extra weeks to launch your business this way, but you’ll save yourself from burnout when you take it slow.
Starting a business while welcoming a newborn isn’t easy, but it’s also not impossible. Good planning will help you prepare for both of these demanding jobs. Establish your support network, turn to time-saving tools, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You’ll do great!
Guest post by Karen Weeks
