What are some tips for stay-at-home moms who want to start their own business while still juggling caring for their family?
Jenna S. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; and Bonnie Kelly and Theresa Walsh of Silpada Designs, answered:
A home-based business is a perfect fit for many moms looking for a full- or part-time job since they can customize it to fit their lifestyle.
Before we started Silpada Designs, a sterling silver jewellery home party company, we were both stay-at-home moms, each with three children, looking for a way to juggle family life while earning extra money. We had a passion for sterling silver jewellery, but also loved having fun and spending time with friends.
During our fun, no-pressure jewellery parties, women began telling us, “You look like you are having so much fun. We wish we could have your jobs!” After hearing this again and again, we discovered that our two-person start-up business could evolve into a fun, life-changing opportunity for other women.
Having a successful home-based business is achievable - even for busy moms. Here are some tips to ensure your success:
- Set regular business hours and stick with them: If you only have time between 9am and 2pm on weekdays to work, stick to those hours and work diligently to get the job done.
- Plan projects around your schedule: Allow your life to control your work and not your work control your life. Plan to work around your personal schedule. Make business calls during times when the kids are at school or with friends. Use times when your kids are home to do mundane tasks like stuffing envelopes (they might even help!).
- Give everyone an office: Keep your desk from becoming a crayon and Barbie repository – give your kids tables where they can do their own “work” like art projects and Play-Doh.
- Strut your stuff: Even if your work uniform is casual, take yourself seriously and conduct yourself like a businesswoman. By doing so others will treat you with respect.
Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh are the co-founders of Silpada Designs, a sterling silver jewellery home party company that allows women to be their own boss, set their own hours and earn as much income as desired. For more information, visit Silpada.ca or call 1-888-925-7732.
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