Have you ever dreamt of building something big and amazing, all by yourself, but that nagging voice whispers, “Who am I to do this?” It’s a familiar feeling, that tug-of-war between ambition and self-doubt, and it can be even more intense if you have spent the last few years up to your neck in the nitty-gritty of child-rearing, and are wondering if you have any brainpower left.
This being said, it’s also true that you can let perfect become the enemy of good if you’re not careful, always waiting for the perfect time, place and capability before you put your dreams into motion. What if we told you that for the most part, people aren’t perfect professionals before they get out there and start a business?
Most successful entrepreneurs felt exactly like you at the start of their business. Every business starts with a small idea, a blurred vision in someones mind, a project cooked up in someone’s kitchen or in their garage or workshop. Just look at Microsoft and Facebook – little projects dreamed up by nerdy young men, and look what happened next…
When I took over Motivating Mum, my predecessor said to me – it’s easy, just write blogs about mums in business then go on social media and promote them. i’d never been on social media in my life, and I literally had no idea what to do, but I gave it a go, learned on the job, kept up with technological change as it happened – and here I am 14 years later, managing my own blogs and making a living as a virtual assistant helping other small businesses with their blogging and social media.
Instead of letting perfectionism paralyse you, let’s transform those whispers into cheers for your amazing potential. Remember, most of us learn by doing, and starting your business is the ultimate learning adventure! Start small, build at your own pace, and learn as you go along. Here are a few tips.
Embrace the Power of Enough
You don’t need to be a coding whiz or a marketing guru to launch your dream. You don’t even need to know exactly where you business is going at the start. Just figure out what you are good at and what you enjoy, what your product or service is, and who you believe you can sell it to. That’s all you need at the very start.
Focus on your Unique Strengths and Passions
What are you naturally good at? What problems can you solve with your skills and experience? Remember, your lived experience as a mum is a wealth of knowledge and resilience! In the best businesses you will find the business owner doing what they are good at and passionate about, and as soon as the business is big enough, the rest of the business processes and tasks can be delegated to specialists, who are equally passionate about those areas as you are about your special thing.
Build Your Dream Team (Even if it’s Tiny)
You don’t have to do it all alone! Outsource tasks that drain your energy or fall outside your expertise. Hire a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks, or collaborate with a local graphic designer for your branding. Using outsourced IT support can be so helpful, they will assist you with your tools, your network, your online security, and everything, while you can define and scale how that works from a modular perspective.Think of it as investing in your own well-being and success.
Community is Your Superpower
Surround yourself with supportive cheerleaders who believe in you and your vision. Connect with other mums in business online or in local community networking groups if you have them. Share experiences, offer encouragement, and learn from each other. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
Resilience is Your Superpower too
You need to understand that mistakes are inevitable. They’re not roadblocks, but stepping stones to growth. When faced with challenges, take a deep breath and remind yourself of your strength and resourcefulness, which you have gained just by being a mum, and in whatever careers you have done previously. I s there any part of parenting that you could have done differently? Of course there is , but yet you muddled through, and so it is with business. See setbacks as opportunities to learn and adapt. You’ve got this!
Start Small, Dream Big:
Don’t feel pressured to launch a full-blown empire overnight. Begin with a manageable project or service, that is suitable for the stage of life you are at and the time you have available. Test the waters, gather feedback, and refine your approach as you go. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory!
Remember you are capable, resourceful, and full of potential. Believe in yourself, nurture your dreams, and embrace the beautiful messiness of the entrepreneurial journey. You’ve got this! Now go out there and conquer the world, one small step at a time.
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