Mumpreneur Business Systems: Taming Chaos & Thriving
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Sep 22, 2024
- 5 min read
From Nappy Changes to Niche Clarity: Navigating the Hilarious Realities of the Mumpreneur Juggle
Right, let's be honest, the image of the perfectly poised entrepreneur, effortlessly balancing a thriving business & a blissful family life, is about as real as a unicorn riding a hoverboard. Especially when a recent survey by 99designs found that over 60% of female entrepreneurs cite balancing family responsibilities as their biggest challenge. . I’ve been there. You’ve been there. We all have our war stories. I mean, as if the constant "price of a block of cheese" inflation check wasn't enough for us millennials, right? We're trying to juggle new ventures while the "good salary" has been the same for 10 years! It's like we're expected to spin straw into gold – and braid our daughters’ hair at the same time.
But what if I told you these "oops" moments are not just inevitable, they're actually opportunities? Opportunities to connect more deeply with your audience, to showcase your human side, & yes, even to grow your business. Intrigued? I thought so!
Grab your cuppa (or wine, no judgment here – it's definitely wine o’clock somewhere!), and let’s dive into the hilarious, messy, and ultimately empowering reality of being a female entrepreneur who also happens to be a mum.
The Beautiful Chaos: When Life Interrupts "Work" (and Vice Versa)
Picture this: You're delivering a killer webinar, sharing your expertise with the world, feeling like a total rockstar. You're nailing it! Then, from the other room, you hear it – the unmistakable wail that can only mean one thing: Code Brown situation. On your toddler. During your time to shine. Your heart sinks (along with your carefully crafted professional facade).
Or, another classic: You finally carve out a precious hour for strategic planning. You've got your fancy notebook, your colored pens, your vision board strategically placed for maximum inspiration. You're ready to map out your next million-pound idea. And just as the brilliant thoughts start flowing, your six-year-old bursts in, demanding to know why their hamster isn't wearing a tutu (because, obviously, all hamsters need tutus).
Sound familiar? Thought so! I've had versions of these scenarios play out more times than I can count. Like that time I was midway through recording a training video when my two-year-old decided to redecorate the living room with my entire supply of purple glitter. Let’s just say it added an unexpected (and frankly, quite fabulous) sparkle to the whole production! See, that's where humour can save the day!
Turning "Oops" into Opportunity: Embracing Authenticity and Imperfection
These interruptions, while often frustrating (and sometimes mortifying), offer a goldmine of relatability. If you're a Foundation Builder juggling the mumpreneur life, your audience, especially if they’re in the same boat, will instantly connect with your humanness. Embrace the chaos! A well-placed self-deprecating comment about the joys of toddler life or a quick aside about the background symphony of children's television can turn a potentially awkward moment into a connection point. I remember once completely bombing a client pitch because my toddler decided to stage a dramatic protest against naptime right outside my office door. I felt terrible at the time, like I'd let both my client and my daughter down. But looking back, that experience taught me the invaluable lesson of bringing my whole self to my work, imperfections and all. And ironically, that client later told me that my authenticity, even in that chaotic moment, was one of the reasons they decided to work with me. It resonated. Just last week, despite my carefully planned schedule & AI-powered systems, I ended up mediating a sibling squabble while simultaneously trying to answer client emails. It's a windy path, this entrepreneurial journey, right?
Remember, people buy from people they know, like, & trust. & nothing builds trust faster than authenticity. Sharing these "behind the scenes" glimpses, while keeping professional boundaries where necessary, shows your audience that you're not just a polished expert; you're a real person navigating the same beautiful mess as they are. It humanizes your brand, making you more approachable and, dare I say, lovable. And isn't that we all want as female entrepreneurs?
Practical Strategies for Navigating the Juggle (Because Systems Save Lives!)
Okay, so embracing the chaos is great, but how do you actually manage these moments without your business (and sanity) imploding? It's all about systems, darling! Having efficient systems in place, much like our 'Flow' pillar in the Business Flourish Framework, is like having a secret weapon in your entrepreneurial arsenal. My ongoing PhD research into female entrepreneurship highlights how essential robust, AI-driven systems ('Fusion') are for scaling sustainably, especially for those juggling the demands of motherhood. Here's a quick 3-step checklist, a bit of ‘Focus’ to get started:
Time Blocking Like a Boss: Schedule EVERYTHING. Client calls? Blocked. Strategic planning? Blocked. Family time? Absolutely blocked! Even 15 minutes to play trains with your toddler? You bet it’s blocked! This keeps you focused & minimizes interruptions.
Batching Tasks for Maximum Efficiency: Group similar tasks together. Answering emails? Do it all at once. Creating social media content? Knock it out in one focused session. This minimizes context switching & frees up mental energy – valuable ‘Fuel’ for us busy mums!
Automate, Automate, Automate: Leverage those brilliant AI tools – pure ‘Fusion’ in action. Think automated email sequences, social media scheduling, even AI-powered transcription. Remember, AI empowers you to work smarter, not harder.
Here are a few additional strategies, a bit more ‘Flair’ to attract those ideal clients & keep your business flowing smoothly:
Preparation is Key: Before any client-facing activity (webinar, call, meeting), anticipate potential interruptions. Have a backup plan for childcare, ensure your workspace is as childproof as possible, & have a quick escape route planned.
Embrace the Mute Button: This is your best friend. Use it liberally! If you need to deal with a sudden interruption, mute, handle it swiftly, & return with a smile.
Transparency & Humor: If the interruption is unavoidable, acknowledge it with humor. A quick, relatable comment can diffuse awkwardness & build connection.
Set Clear Boundaries (Where Possible): Establish clear boundaries between “work time” and “family time.” This could involve dedicated work hours, a designated workspace, or a clear signal to your family that when you're in your office, you're "at work."
Prioritize Your Well-being (Fuel Your Fire): Self-care is essential. Carve out time for yourself, even if it's just 15 minutes for tea or meditation. A refreshed you is a more effective entrepreneur & a happier mum.
From Chaos to Confidence: You've Got This!
The juggle is real. I get it. But it's also incredibly rewarding. Building a business while raising a family is a testament to your strength, resilience, and boundless capacity. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the mishaps, and celebrate the small wins. And remember, you're not alone.
Join our Femme:Connect Community Page; it’s a space for us to share the joys, challenges, & hilarious realities of this incredible journey. Connecting with like-minded women can make all the difference.
What’s your go-to strategy for managing a mid-webinar nappy change or a strategic planning session interrupted by a tutu-less hamster crisis? Share your tips below – let's learn & laugh together!
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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