Mompreneurs – It Takes a Village
Posted in Business
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By Holly Reisem Hanna
I’m sure you remember Hillary Clinton’s book, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” where she talks about the impact and importance that individuals outside the home have on a child’s overall well-being. I was thinking about this concept the other day when I was struggling with some website difficulties.
You see, as a mompreneur/solopreneur it’s just me that runs the show, so when there is an issue I am the one who needs to take care of it. But even though I don’t have any full-time or part-time employees working for me, I do have a village that I can call on, one that impacts me as a person and helps me to grow and nurture my business. Just because you’re a solopreneur doesn’t mean you have to travel down this path of entrepreneurship alone. Here are just a few of my village members who have an incredible impact on me and my business each day.
Web Programmer: I don’t know what I would do without my very reliable and knowledgeable web programmer. She is this amazing local woman, named Susan from October Skies, who answers my cries for help at the drop of a hat. My blog has been hacked into, it’s needed numerous modifications, and when I when I want a new feature added, she is there and she never disappoints. I could learn how to do some of the tasks that she performs but it would take me hours, maybe even days to accomplish what she does in a short period of time. For all the time and headaches she saves me from she is worth her weight in gold!
Graphic Designer: Logo design and banner ad design another area that is not my forte. I have tried to create my own banners and let’s just say they looked like they were home-made. To be competitive on the web you need have a professional looking website, logo and graphics. I know graphic designers can be very pricey, but I have found a wonderful mompreneur that is reliable, prompt and best of all affordable – not to mention that I love her designs! So here is my shout out to Dawn Berryman of Market Mommy for helping me with all of my design needs.
Virtual Assistant: Being ill or going on vacation is not conducive to being a solopreneur; these are just some of the scenarios when a virtual assistant (VA) comes in handy. All of those administrative tasks that take up so much time can easily be delegated to VA and the longer you work with one the better they will know your business and how to help you manage it. Referred by one of the members of my business group, Tammy Keller with Get Things Done is another local, work at home woman who helps me out when I need it. Professional, reliable and friendly, she puts my mind at ease when I travel.
Circle of Mompreneurs: Here in Austin I belong to a local business group called Business + Balance Austin, even though I don’t attend that many meetings in person, I do participate in their daily email correspondence which has proven to be invaluable. I have also made some good friends within the group and having their support and guidance is priceless! I have also met numerous mompreneurs online via Facebook and Twitter and I can’t tell you how much their friendship and encouragement has helped me out. Networking with liked minded individuals is productive, it gets the creative juices flowing and it is especially important to be around people that understand what you’re going through. Because often times being a mompreneur can be an emotional roller coaster and you will need that support both mentally and emotionally.
Family & Friends: These people are truly the backbone of your village; they are there for you when the going gets tough, when you need a sitter or a shoulder to cry on. Both through good times and bad these people will help you out in whatever capacity you need, whether it’s becoming an assembly line so that you can finish all those products just in time for the holiday season, or if you need financial assistance. Know who is in this immediate circle and remember to cherish them and show them the appreciation that they deserve.
Being a mompreneur definitely has it challenges but knowing who is in your village can help alleviate some of the stress and challenges that come with the territory.
Who is your village? I can think of some other people I would like to have, such as an editor and accountant. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
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OMG… isn’t it true? Business does take a village. Ditto to your list, but do have to mention that my husband is the cornerstone of our business. I couldn’t do it without him. He’s my rock and is instrumental in keeping all entities moving forward – family, home & business. An assistant would be nice, but all in due time I suppose.
Thanks for sharing.
A great article Holly! BTW, I’m an editor! Edited for local magazine for a year, edit business docs, and have edits 2 published books that are on the market. :) So, if you ever need an extra eye… :)
Angela,
That’s good to know. Finding a good and reliable “village member” is half the battle. And having worked with you I know that you’re trustworthy & responsible! :-) Have a great weekend! H
Ros,
Same for me, I don’t know what I would do without my husband! I often hear stories of mompreneurs who have un-supportive spouses and I really don’t know how they do it. A personal assistant would be nice too… one day. Enjoy your weekend! H
But, apparently I don’t ‘edits’ my own work! LOL. :)