1. Use your network

Bringing up children often means attending toddler groups, going to sporting events or playdates at the park after school. The best way to grow a business is to talk about it!
Word of mouth is an incredibly strong resource when it comes to authentic leads and sales. We all know that mum’s love to connect so give them all of the opportunity to spread the word about what you have to offer. If you’re spending time with the right people they’ll want to support you. Choose wisely:)

2. Wake up early

I know, I know. This one isn’t always possible for some. Especially parents who are sleep deprived from getting up in the night to tend to their little humans but with a small shift in your routine, I promise you - this strategy can be life changing. Go to bed early - wake up early. Skipping your late night binge on Netflix twice a week can make a huge impact on your productivity. Everyone needs to munch out on m&m peanuts and popcorn in front of the TV every once in a while, I hear you. Just not everyday my friend;)

For me, crawling out of bed, slipping on my robe and brewing a fresh, HOT cup of coffee whilst the whole house is asleep is pure bliss. Not only do I get to enjoy some ‘me time’, but I’ve now started my day feeling accomplished all before the school run.

3. ‘Love bomb’ your children

There is no guilt like the guilt that a working parent feels. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush and suddenly realise that it’s been a long time since you’ve spent quality time with your children. It can make you feel all kinds of awful but I learned something that can help you redeem yourself! Thank me later.

A friend of my shared with me that she did this with her son who was struggling with the arrival of a new sibling. It made a huge impact on her little guys spirit and helped mum too. So what the heck is love bombing?! It entails spending a period of time alone with your child and offering them unlimited love and control. This article from The Gentle Touch explains the concept clearly and gives some great advice on how to share the experience with your own. Essentially it makes your children feel held. A bit like hitting the reset button on your relationship:) And it feels good to not say ‘no’ so often too!

4. Practise self-care

This one sounds obvious but moving your body and switching off will directly affect your business in a positive way. I find that after I get back from a fitness class my mind is the sharpest. During my days off when I allow my mind to wander freely I come up with my most creative business ideas. I have energy for my clients when I put my feet up for a day. I find inspiration through books or movies and my marriage feels stronger when we schedule in quality time.

I try to ignore my impulse to tick boxes on my to do list and allow myself to ‘just be’ at least once a week. At the end of the day, as much as I love what I’ve built, there are so many more parts of this life that deserve my attention.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

I’ve been there. That feeling of wanting to prove that you can do it all…be an enthusiastic and caring mother, a loving wife…keep a clean house and be there for your friends. None the less take care of your health. It’s a lot! The thing is that all of these things are important and achievable when you drop your ego and ask for support.

If you have parents nearby perhaps ask them to take the kids out for the day while you catch up on work. It’s likely that they’d want to anyway! It takes a village.

Swap childcare with friends. I used to do this with a fellow entrepreneur and it worked wonderfully! I would watch her children for a few hours and then we would swap. Not only were our little ones happy to have a playdate, but it was an easy time exchange that allowed us both to get work done.

6. Cut yourself some slack

I struggle with this one! I can be quite hard on myself at times but I try to remind myself that being self-employed carries a lot of responsibility. I need to applaud myself for having the valour to take a risk and get here in the first place.
We do a lot and we are still learning…constantly learning! So as much as reflection and self-discipline is essential to running a business, giving yourself grace is too. If you’re reading this blog right now, it means you care. And if you care, you’re a good parent.
OH, and reward yourself for your efforts sometimes will you? You deserve it!