Becoming a mumpreneur is a great way to earn a living around your children because, of course, when you own your own business, you can be in complete control of the hours you work. However, running your own business also comes with unique challenges, including the need to effectively track goals and initiatives to ensure success. Using an initiative tracking dashboard can be an invaluable tool in this process, helping you monitor progress and maintain focus on your strategic objectives. Of course, to become a successful mumpreneur, you need a great idea, the drive to succeed, and a wide range of skills that will support your journey. So, let’s take a look at some of them right now.
Photo by Christina Morillo
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Financial Literacy
Understanding the nuts and bolts of accounting and finance is like having a superpower. Whether it’s managing budgets, reading balance sheets, or ensuring profitability, these skills are crucial. They empower you to make informed decisions that keep your business financially healthy and thriving. There are plenty of tools and apps designed to simplify this part of your business. For example, accounting software like QuickBooks can automate much of the heavy lifting, allowing you to keep a close eye on your financial health with just a few clicks.
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Digital Marketing
In the digital age we are living in, there is no two ways about the fact that mastering online marketing is essential for success no matter what you do. From SEO that boosts your website’s visibility to engaging content that draws customers in, these skills help you carve out your niche in the market. Learning the ropes of digital marketing doesn’t require a degree; many successful strategies can be self-taught through online courses and tutorials. Understanding how to leverage social media effectively can also amplify your brand, connecting you directly with your audience and fostering a community around your products or services.
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Networking Skill
Networking might sound like something you really ave no time for when you have to cook for the kids and go through their bedtime routine, but it’s really about building relationships that help you to succeed, which is why it is essential. It is fair to say that, as a mumpreneur, your network can be a lifeline. From virtual coffee meets to attending industry conferences, every connection has the potential to open doors. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for digital networking, allowing you to connect with mentors, peers, and industry leaders who can provide support and opportunities. Remember, networking is a two-way street; it’s as much about what you can offer as what you can gain.
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Time Management
For mumpreneurs, managing time effectively isn’t just useful — it’s an essential part of the equation if you really want to achieve future success (and you do, right?). Techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused sprints, can significantly enhance productivity. Tools like Trello or Asana can help manage projects and to-do lists, ensuring you never miss a beat, whether it’s a client deadline or a school run. Learning to prioritise tasks and set realistic goals will also prevent you from overcommitting, keeping the all-too-familiar overwhelm at bay.
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PDF Editing
In the flow of business communications, being adept at managing and editing PDF documents can be a game-changer. From tweaking a contract to tailoring a proposal, PDF editing skills ensure your business docs are professional and polished. Software solutions like Adobe Acrobat or free tools like PDFescape allow you to manipulate these files with ease, adding or removing text, merging documents, and even converting PDFs to other formats. It’s about making sure that when your documents reach their audience, they reflect the professionalism of your business.
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Sales and Customer Service
The art of sales is much like the delicate dance of parenting — you must be intuitive, patient, and sometimes a bit persuasive. For mumpreneurs, understanding basic sales techniques and customer service can significantly enhance your business’s reputation and revenue. This involves not just pitching your product but listening to your customers, addressing their concerns, and providing solutions that meet their needs. Employ tools like CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems to keep track of customer interactions and preferences, ensuring personalised service that wins loyalty and referrals.
Pexels – CCO Licence – Photo by Christina Morillo
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Basic Web Development
In today’s market, a user-friendly website is your business’s store-front. Learning basic web development, such as managing a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, can give you control over your online presence. Familiarising yourself with basic HTML and CSS can help you make minor tweaks to your site, saving you money and avoiding the need to hire a developer for small updates. Platforms like Squarespace and Wix also offer user-friendly interfaces that simplify the web design process, making it accessible even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.
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Negotiation Skills
Whether securing supplies or finalising freelancing gigs, negotiation is a vital skill for any business owner. Effective negotiation involves more than haggling over prices; it’s about finding a win-win solution that benefits both parties. Techniques such as active listening, clear communication, and proper preparation can transform negotiations from daunting to doable. Practice by role-playing negotiation scenarios with friends or mentors to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
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Legal Basics
Understanding the basic legal aspects of running a business can save you from potential pitfalls down the line. This includes knowing how to properly register your business, protect your intellectual property, and comply with relevant laws and regulations. While complex legal matters should be handled by professionals, having a grasp of the basics can help you ask the right questions and understand the advice given by your lawyer.
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E-commerce Management
If your business involves selling products online, mastering e-commerce platforms is a must. This includes managing inventory, understanding SEO for product listings, and using data analytics to improve sales strategies. Familiarise yourself with platforms like Shopify or Etsy, depending on your product type, to effectively showcase and sell your goods. Integrating tools that automate parts of the sales process can also free up time for other areas of your business.
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Stress Management and Self-Care
Effective stress management and self-care are paramount when you are a busy mum who is embarking on a new business venture. Running a business and managing a household can be overwhelming at the best of times, but regular self-care ensures you can tackle challenges with a clear mind and as much energy and enthusiasm as possible too, of course. So, you should really make an effort to incorporate activities you love into your routine, whether it’s yoga, reading, or a creative hobby such as knitting or painting. Also, don’t underestimate the power of laughter — keeping a light heart can help keep stress at bay, and ensure you are still a fun mum for your kids.
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Embracing Fun
Finally, there is no reason why you should not sprinkle some fun into your entrepreneurial life, right? This could be something as simple as turning up your favourite tunes during a busy workday or as elaborate as planning a themed photo-shoot for your products. When you enjoy what you do, it reflects in your business’s energy and appeal, attracting customers and making the daily grind much more enjoyable. It will also help to protect you from burnout because starting a business when you have little ones to look after is not always easy in the moment, even if it will pay off loads in the future.
If you are able to add all of these skills to your arsenal (and you can do so gradually – it doesn’t have to be all or nothing right now), then you will give yourself a much bigger chance of succeeding as a mumpreneur because you will be able to rely on your own skills more often than not. This will mean you can start your business on a shoestring and build it up without the expense of having to hire kits of people before your company is really off the ground. Learn these skills and change your life today!
