Add operating a business on top of that and you may wonder when a woman has time to even breathe! With all that a businesswoman has to do, it's not impossible to "survive and thrive"!
So, who is this multi-tasked businesswoman or the "sandwiched entrepreneur" (a term some use)? Whatever term you wish to coin, the definition is: The businesswoman who manages to juggle the responsibilities of owning and running a business AND carrying out the responsibilities as a significant other, mother and caregiver.
If you're a businesswoman, you have a great responsibility. It's exciting yet challenging all at the same time. However, having gone through this experience myself, I would like to offer advice to those out there who are struggling to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams while taking care of your personal matters. Here are five tips to help you take your first steps to put you on the road to "surviving and thriving":
1. Develop personal support resources that can include close family members and friends. Why? If a personal matter occurs involving the home, such as a child becoming ill at school, or you have to attend a family activity or you are the caregiver for a senior adult, you will have a family member for friend you can trust to take your place so that you can give attention to your personal matters.
2. Keep a written list of clients for each service or project and timelines for completion. In doing this, you will not be the only person who knows the thorough "goings-on" of your company. By having a person on staff who is well-informed about your company's key clients and the services needed, your clients will continue to receive services in a timely manner.
3. Hire an individual on a contract basis or a regular payroll hiree. The individual should have experience related to your field, show initiative, have strong communication skills, have some college experience, and is customer-focused. If you place a person on the payroll, you need to keep in mind that there are legal responsibilities, such as workman's compensation, for example. If your budget is tight, hiring on a contract basis can be a good thing to consider.
4. Involve your partner in the business. If your partner shows interest in some aspect of your company, let your partner get involved in whatever capacity that highlights your partner's strengths. If your partner does not have any interest or skill, then keep your partner informed as to the general business activities.
5. Maintain contact with your friends. Continue to nurture your friendships by calling or texting (at least) monthly, sending a funny card (periodically) or meeting for lunch or dinner. Your friends do not want to hear from you only when you have a problem. No one likes to be used. Sometimes a businesswoman will forget what is really important – the special people in her life.
Just like anything that is important to you, you have to strategize and work hard at it. But, you can do it – even if you have children! Oh yes, children. This will be the topic of my next blog post.
While what I have shared is general, those of you who have questions specific to your company, your multitasking as a businesswoman, partner, mom, and caregiver, I offer consulting services. Feel free to email me at info@marketingnewauthors.com.
Dr. Fairy Hayes-Scott is an author and owner of MarketingNewAuthors.com and its parent company, Robbie Dean Press. Dr. Hayes-Scott is also co-author of Effective Team Building Activities for the Pumpkin and/or Sweet Potato Pie Lovers.
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