Parenting affects different people in different ways.
For some, the idea of going back to work immediately after maternity leave is a torturous one. For such parents, the idea of quitting a full-time job to raise their kids becomes an alluring one, except for one thing: finances.
If you are finding yourself in this quagmire lately, this article is for you.
Running a business from your home allows you to make an income while you spend time with your kids and watch them grow.
But how do you settle on the perfect business? Here are some tips to help you out.
1. Assess Your Skills
Your skill-set includes everything you consider yourself to be competent at.
A skill-set assessment is important because it helps you identify a business whose tasks you will be able to execute almost seamlessly.
To do this, list out the skills and competencies you have acquired from your working years. Depending on your profession, these may be numerical skills, report writing, fitness training, and so on.
Don’t neglect the skills you have acquired as a full-time mom as well as they can be valuable in business and in the workplace.
2. Do the Same with your Personality
Your personality informs a lot of things you do, both consciously and unconsciously.
When it comes to business, picking a field that aligns with your personality will make the business more enjoyable to run.
The reverse can almost feel like you are working against yourself. This can make all aspects of your business feel draining and exhausting.
3. Brainstorm on Business Ideas
With your skills, competencies, and personality in mind, identify one or more businesses you feel would be ideal for you.
Look at your community as well and see if there will indeed be a market for what it is that you wish to offer.
Similarly, evaluate whether or not the business ideas you have can work as home-based businesses. Look at legal restrictions, licensing, and so on.
4. Think about the Investment
Your investment here refers to both finances and time resources.
Keeping in mind that you are starting this business so you can raise your kids, picking up something with long hours goes against the reasons for working from home in the first place.
For this reason, try to find a business that compliments your parenting schedule.
Consider the financial undertaking as well to see how much you can put into the business, without jeopardizing your financial security. Your best bet is to identify business options that require little to no capital. You can then reinvest profits and scale your venture.
Online work, baking, dog training, and personal training are good examples of ventures that require very little capital to start.
5. Think about Marketing
Marketing is central to all businesses. This is how you get the word out regarding your home-based business.
Take time to think about how you will go about this, and craft a marketing strategy for your business.
One of the best ways to sell a home-based business is through your networks. Let the people in your circle, professional networks, and neighbors know about the services you are offering.
You can print out business cards and flyers from places such as https://aura-print.com/uk to hand out to people so that they can make referrals as well. High-quality printed materials not only leave a lasting impression but also ensure your business is remembered and provide essential contact information about your company. Additionally, well-designed marketing materials can help convey the professionalism and quality of your services.
Social media is another useful tool for marketing small and home-based businesses.
Ready for Business?
Your business will likely experience some slow periods and teething problems at the inception stages. This should not discourage you.
Remain consistent, give each client your best, and do not hesitate to ask existing clients for referrals.
