Unlock Mumpreneur Business Systems: Find Flow & Thrive
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Sep 13, 2024
- 8 min read
The Lost Child Detective Agency (and Other Mumpreneur Adventures)
Ever feel like you're running not one, but two full-time jobs? One is your actual business, the one with clients, emails, & the occasional (okay, maybe frequent) tech meltdown. The other? Oh, that's the "household CEO" gig, complete with surprise spills, urgent requests for glitter glue, & the never-ending quest for matching socks. Sound familiar, Foundation Builders? Thought so!
Being a mum & an entrepreneur is a unique kind of juggling act – a beautiful chaos that I know many of you understand intimately. One minute you're crafting the perfect marketing strategy, the next you're deciphering toddler language or negotiating a truce between warring siblings. And just when you think you've finally found your flow, the dog decides the new rug is a chew toy, or the teenager announces they need a volcano model for school… tomorrow.
I get it. Truly. My own household, with four kids, two energetic Miniature Pinschers (Cappuccino & Espresso, the mother-daughter duo of mayhem), & my personal workaholic who's also deep in his PhD, is a constant source of both heartwarming moments & hilarious, "what-just-happened?" scenarios. Like the time I was about to start a client call, only to discover my toddler daughter had decided my carefully organized notes were perfect for a spontaneous art project, using my favourite lipstick as the medium. Talk about a colourful start to the day!
Or the time my youngest decided to explore the joys of finger painting… with smooth peanut butter… on the newly painted kitchen wall. The little one just looked at me with those big, innocent eyes, completely unfazed by the sticky, beige mess dripping down the pristine white paint. Let's just say it involved a lot of wet wipes, a deep breath (or five), & a silent prayer for the sanity of all mumpreneurs everywhere.
These aren't just funny stories (though, let’s be honest, the humour definitely helps!). They’re real-life examples of the unique challenges – & rewards – of navigating the entrepreneur/motherhood intersection. The thing is, these unexpected moments are not going away. So, how do we navigate them not just to survive, but thrive?
Finding Your Flow (Even When Life Throws Curveballs)
One of the biggest breakthroughs I had was realizing I needed to apply the same strategic thinking & systems I use in my business to my family life. It's about working smart, not just hard. This isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a survival tactic. It's also a core principle within Femmeprenista's Flow pillar – creating systems that work for you, not the other way around.
This realization really hit home when I was juggling my MBA at Cranfield with a nine-month-old. Let me tell you, that was intense.
Long days of lectures (9am to 6pm, often stretching to 8 or 10pm with team projects).
The constant mental load of motherhood – even when physically at uni, part of my brain was always with my little one.
Most of my classmates had more direct childcare support or had left their children in their home countries, which made my juggle that much harder.
And then there were the all-nighters. I vividly remember one in particular for an entrepreneurial finance project, fueled by coffee & sheer willpower, trying to decode complex financial models while my brain was already fried.
This experience, combined with the constant pressure of balancing academic deadlines with the very real demands of motherhood, drove home the point: effort alone isn’t enough; it needs strategic focus & smart systems.
As Rory Sutherland so brilliantly puts it, "If you want to improve how people feel, psychology is a better area for exploration than rational improvement." This resonated deeply with me. Understanding human nature, especially how we perceive value, became a cornerstone not just of my marketing approach (more on that in our Flair pillar of the Business Flourish Framework), but also how I structured my days. Realizing that everything is ultimately based on perception, not objective "fact," was incredibly liberating. It meant I had more agency than I initially thought in shaping not just my clients' experiences, but also my own.
So, how do we practically apply this insight to the mumpreneur life? How do we find flow amidst the beautiful chaos?
Embrace the Unexpected: This might sound counterintuitive, but the first step is accepting that interruptions & unplanned events are part of the deal. Fighting against them only adds to the stress. Instead, build flexibility into your schedule. Those five minutes you blocked for "catch-up" might actually be needed for a quick nappy change or an impromptu story time. For instance, just this morning I had a focused work block scheduled, & my two-year-old decided it was the perfect time to stage a dramatic protest against wearing trousers. Deep breaths & a quick shift of priorities were key – the world didn't end, & the trousers were eventually negotiated. It’s all about adapting, right? Just like my Gemini nature taught me!
Systems are Your Superpower (Even for Laundry!): Think about the systems that make your business run smoothly. Client onboarding? Automated emails. Project management? Trello boards. Apply the same logic to your home life. Meal planning, chore charts (age-appropriate, of course!), even a shared family calendar can be game-changers. It's about creating predictable routines where possible, so the unexpected doesn't completely derail your day. One small system I’ve implemented that’s made a big difference? A designated “drop zone” by the front door for school bags, shoes, & all the other kid-related paraphernalia that used to create a daily mountain of clutter. I’ll be honest, even I struggle sometimes to maintain this system – especially after a long day juggling clients, kids, & PhD research. There are days when that "drop zone" looks more like Mount Everest, but having the system in place, even if it's not perfect, makes the reset so much easier. It's a work in progress, just like all of us!
The Lost Child Detective Agency: Yes, this is a real thing in my house! Kids misplace things. A lot. Instead of turning into a frantic detective every morning, we've created a "lost & found" box. Anything misplaced goes in there. It's not about being perfect; it's about having a system that contains the chaos & saves my sanity. One of my daughters is notorious for losing her hair ties. Now, instead of a daily morning scramble, we have a dedicated “hair tie jar” – it’s not glamorous, but it works. It’s a small win, but these small wins add up, right?
Outsource & Delegate (Where Possible): Just as you might delegate tasks in your business, think about areas you can outsource at home. Grocery delivery, a cleaner (even for a few hours a week), or even swapping childcare with a trusted friend can free up precious time & mental energy. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move. I vividly remember the stress of managing my eldest, two dogs, & a demanding schedule without support.
Laughter is the Best Medicine (& Marketing Strategy)
One of the things I’ve learned from observing comedians is that the funniest stories are often rooted in real life, even if slightly exaggerated. The same principle applies to connecting with your audience. Authenticity resonates. Sharing your own mumpreneur adventures – the good, the bad, & the messy – can not only build stronger connections but also remind your audience that they're not alone in their juggle. Remember the profound & transformative words of Nelson Mandela: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
So, embrace the imperfections. Find the humour in the chaos. And remember, even CEOs & seasoned entrepreneurs have those moments where they're juggling a conference call with a toddler's tantrum or cleaning peanut butter off the walls. It's all part of the journey. If navigating your mumpreneur journey has inspired you to want to be a #BusinessCoachForWomen#BusinessCoachForWomen who helps other #FemaleEntrepreneurs#FemaleEntrepreneurs, you’re not alone. My own journey, from selling sweets in the playground to navigating the corporate world & now building Femmeprenista, has been anything but linear. It's been a winding path, full of unexpected turns, but every step has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, & the power of taking ownership of your progress.
It's About Integration, Not Balance (& a Little Bit of Magic)
When discussing the challenges of juggling business & family, it's important to remember that "balance" can be a myth. It’s more about integration, weaving the different aspects of your life together in a way that feels sustainable & fulfilling. This holistic business growth is essential for avoiding burnout. This is a core principle within our Fuel pillar of the Business Flourish Framework – prioritizing well-being for sustainable success.
What does integration actually look like? Here's a 3-step checklist to get you started:
Time Block Your Day: Schedule specific work blocks during children's nap times or school hours. For instance, I often use the 9am-3pm school day as my focused work time, knowing I can then be fully present for the kids when they get home.
Maximize Micro-Moments: Leverage small pockets of time. I often listen to business podcasts or brainstorm marketing ideas during the school run – it’s amazing how much you can achieve in 15-minute bursts! Inspired by my MBA, I’ve found that even short bursts of focused learning can be incredibly valuable.
Integrate, Don't Separate: Blend work & family strategically. I ensure all client-facing activities are done without the kids present (professionalism is key!), but sometimes, a little bit of "life" bleeds into the background. The hum of Dora the Explorer during a work session? It’s my reality, and it’s okay. It's about finding what works for you & your unique family dynamic.
This reminds me of a client who was struggling to scale her coaching business. She felt overwhelmed, constantly putting out fires, & was caught in that "by me" consciousness, believing success required constant hustle. She'd often say, "I am grateful for where we are... four beautiful, wonderful kids... you... a roof over our heads," expressing genuine gratitude for her blessings while simultaneously holding a bold aspiration for greater impact & abundance. But the pressure to "do it all" was immense. We worked together on reframing her definition of success – moving from "hustle & grind" to "aligned action & smart systems." One tangible shift? She implemented a simple scheduling system using Calendly, which freed up hours each week she'd previously spent on back-and-forth emails. This small change, combined with the mindset shift, had a significant impact, allowing her to double her client base in three months without increasing her working hours. This is the power of integration & strategic effort – working smarter, not just harder.
Remember what Jim Rohn so aptly put into words: “Successful people have libraries. The rest have big screen TVs.” It’s all about your perspective. If you’re a #BusinessCoach#BusinessCoach helping other #FemaleEntrepreneurs#FemaleEntrepreneurs, this is key. It's about having a clear vision (what do you want your day-to-day to look like?), creating systems to support that vision (even small ones like the "hair tie jar" or the school bag "drop zone"), and proactively making choices that align with your goals.
Remember, you’re not just building a business; you’re building a life. Prioritising your well-being, ensuring your business energises rather than drains you, is essential for maintaining your energy & avoiding burnout. It's like Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Then you can serve others, joyfully, from your saucer." Are you ready to build a business that truly flourishes? Our Launch Programme is designed to help Foundation Builders like you gain clarity, build a solid foundation, & confidently launch your online business. Learn more about how we can support your journey here.
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!
Comments