Be organised
My biggest tip for running a business and being a mum is being organised.? There is no way I could do what I do if I was not super organised.? I have lists for each client and what we need to do, plans for social media, plans for advertising, plans for future plans.? I then have a weekly list of everything I need to get done that week with priorities, I even then have a notepad, where I write down what I need to do each day.? I know it sounds a lot, but when you?re juggling ten or so clients at a time, you need to write everything down and plan everything.
I also then have lists at home, shopping lists and lists of what we?re going to eat each day for tea.? I have a work calendar and also a family calendar, so everyone knows what they are doing and when.? My little one is only two and a half, so I think this planning is only going to stand me in good stead when she starts school!
Communicate
It is also really important to communicate well when running a business and being a mum.? Not only does it help you to be organised, but it ensures my clients (and family) are happy.? I have a rule that I will always answer emails in 24 hours, or even just acknowledge people if I can?t give them an answer right away.? I also pick up the phone.? We often fire out emails when we?re busy and I?m guilty of that, but if I have something tricky to explain about a piece of work, or if I need a question answering urgently I use the good old telephone to sort things out ? an art, which seems to be getting lost these days!
Support
Probably the key to my success is the support I have from family ? particularly my Mam and mother in law.? Between us, we share the childcare.? If I have an important meeting to attend, I know one of these great women will jump into action, swap shifts and be there to help.? April goes to Pre-school in November, so I will have even more time to get things done!
Give yourself a break
I recently let things get on top of me.? I didn?t know whether I was coming or going and felt like I was doing a million and one jobs all the time with no respite.? It seemed like I put everyone at the top of the list apart from me!? I discovered a book called?The Self Care revolution, which is fantastic and really gives you a handle on how to manage things, coping mechanisms, stress and how to ?give yourself a break?.? I think we?re all too hard on ourselves to be perfect at everything whether that is work, motherhood, looks, ageing, weight loss and some times, we just need to take a step back and realise that actually we?re good at what we do.? We may not be perfect at everything, but we?re doing our best!
I now make sure I take some time out for me, cinema, spa days and a daily dose of Yoga.? Have a read?it could help you too!
Enjoy it?
The biggest thing is that I love my job.? I enjoy meeting clients, forming relationships, doing marketing and seeing projects come to fruition.? I also love being a Mummy (as most mothers do) and although I say I?m juggling, it?s not really juggling as it?s just life!? It?s what I do and I love it.? I get the best of both worlds, being a Mum whilst running a successful business.
If you are thinking of running a business and being a mum, I?d say go for it.? Yes, it will be hard, yes, there will be times when you want to go back to 9-5, but the rewards far outweigh the negatives.? There is no looking back!? Feel free to contact me if you need any advice!
