By Jenna Sherman at Parent Leaders
Babies and business — if you’re a new parent, you may not think the two can mix.
It’s true that juggling a new business and a new baby can make you feel like a circus performer.
It can also make you feel completely out of your depth, but that’s only if you go it all on your own.
With the right help, resources, and tips, you can make life work with your little one and your business goals.
Here are a few tips to get you started.
Hire freelance help
As a new parent, you’ve already got so much on your plate. This is why you should think about hiring freelancers to help with your new business.
For example, you may need a logo and some design assets such as a branded e-newsletter - a freelance graphic designer can make short work of this.
Even setting up a website with a website builder such as WordPress, Wix or SquareSpace can take time if you have no experience so finding people with expertise will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run.
Personal recommendations are best but if you don't know anyone - or you are looking for a more cost effective option - try websites such as Upwork or People Per Hour to find freelancers from as little as £17 per hour.
Trying to do every little thing yourself is not necessary or sustainable.
Freelancers that can be useful for business owners include:
- Writers
- Photographers
- Virtual assistants
- Web developers
Get expert childcare
Freelancers can free up your time, but you also need a way to free up your focus.
If you’re serious about being a business owner, it will be productive to budget for childcare. Plus your child will benefit hugely too from spending time with other people and children and learning through play.
A few sessions a week in an early years setting such as a pre-school, nursery or childminder would give you time to concentrate on your business.
Learn to network
As well as looking for freelance help and childcare, you should also spend some time connecting with other small business owners.
Seasoned business owners can provide a wealth of information and insight for fresh entrepreneurs like yourself.
Once your business is set up, these business relationships can also provide a major boost in terms of visibility and legitimacy.
Find support
Another perk to building strong ties with other business owners? You’ll have someone to vent or talk to whenever you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. After all, trying to run a new business while you’re also adjusting to being a parent is really tough.
No matter how strong you are, you need a supportive network to provide encouragement and help you through hard times.
You can reach out to friends and family members, but sometimes, you may need support from other parents who are dealing with a similar life situation.
Set up a home office
While websites and apps can help parents organise their lives and the lives of young children, it’s also helpful to have a dedicated workspace.
Being able to close a door or otherwise separate this space from your children can do wonders for your focus and productivity.
If you have space in your home, choose an area with minimal distractions and then keep it functional with a comfy chair, desk, and some organizing essentials.
Find space in your day to relax
Whethere it's first thing before everyone else gets up, lunchtime, or last thing at night - it's crucial you carve out a few minutes for yourself to relax. This may seem impossible with young children but don't be shy to ask partners, parents or even friends for some help with this.
It will be key to your energy levels, well being and sense of self.
Be clear on boundaries
Whether you're working in a home office or off the kitchen table, it’s vital you establish boundaries to maintain balance. This means setting boundaries with your children, other household members, clients, friends, and perhaps most importantly, yourself.
Setting boundaries will also make those self-care moments such as relaxing, going for a walk, run or to the gym more attainable.
One handy trick, if you can afford it, is to invest in a gym membership where there is a creche included that could look after your child for the morning - giving you time to exercise and do some work.
Caring for a new baby and building a successful business will be no simple feat. There’s no one secret to making the combination work, but keeping some of these tips and tools in mind might help make it work for your life, schedule, and business aims.
Whichever tools you choose - remember you don’t have to figure it out or do it all alone. It’s okay to reach out for help and it’s okay to take time for you.
Where next?
How to choose the right childcare
How decluttering can help your child's behaviour
