Many working mums can’t wait to wind down during the summer holidays, spending time making sweet memories with the children and getting a much-needed break from the juggles of the school run and work.
But have you ever considered using the time off to research and start that business you have been dreaming (and talking) about?
Yes! The school summer holidays can be the perfect time for entrepreneurial mums to embark on starting their own businesses.
With the flexibility of remote work and the kids at home, this period offers unique opportunities to launch and nurture a new venture. Here are some unconventional tips to help you get started.
1. Leverage Your Passions
Identify a business idea that aligns with your passions and skills. Whether it’s crafting, baking, writing, or consulting, starting a business in an area you love will keep you motivated. Websites like Etsy and Not On The High Street are great platforms for selling handmade and unique items.
2. Utilise Online Learning
Use the summer holidays to upskill yourself with online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer courses on everything from business management to digital marketing. This can help you gain the knowledge needed to run your business successfully.
3. Involve Your Children
Turn your business venture into a family project. Involving your children can teach them valuable skills and keep them engaged. They can help with simple tasks like packing orders, brainstorming ideas, or even managing a small aspect of the business, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
If you have older children, they can be a godsend with social media, taking pictures of your products etc. You could also pay them for their efforts, which will hopefully increase their motivation to help.
4. Start Small With Low Overheads
Opt for a business model that requires minimal initial investment. Dropshipping, print-on-demand services, or digital products like e-books and online courses can be started with low overhead costs. Services like Shopify and Printful can help you easily set up an online store.
5. Leverage Social Media
Utilise social media platforms to market your business. Create engaging content and connect with your target audience on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Social media is a cost-effective way to build your brand and reach potential customers.
6. Join Mumpreneur Communities
Connect with other mumpreneurs for support and networking. Online communities and forums such as Mumsnet, Netmums, and Facebook groups for business mums offer advice, resources, and camaraderie.
7. Outsource When Necessary
If the juggle becomes too much, you can delegate some of the time-consuming tasks to someone else, saving you time to consider the business strategy and other more delicate areas of the business.
Consider outsourcing tasks that are outside your expertise or time-consuming. Websites like Fiverr and Upwork provide access to freelancers who can help with various aspects of your business, from graphic design to customer service.
8. Flexible Working Hours
Take advantage of the flexibility that comes with running your own business. Set work hours that accommodate family activities and personal time. Apps like Toggle can help you track your time effectively and ensure a healthy work-life balance.
9. Use Free Business Tools
Make use of free or low-cost business tools to streamline your operations. Tools like Canva for graphic design, Wave for accounting, and Mailchimp for email marketing can help you run your business efficiently without breaking the bank.
10. Stay Inspired and Motivated
Keep yourself inspired by reading success stories of other mumpreneurs. Books like “Mumpreneur on Fire” by Estelle Keeber and “The Supermum Myth” by Anya Hayes and Dr. Rachel Andrew offer insights and motivation. Follow blogs and podcasts dedicated to entrepreneurial mums for regular doses of inspiration.
By following these unconventional tips, you can set up and grow your business during the summer holidays, ensuring that you enjoy quality family time and take significant steps towards achieving your entrepreneurial dreams.
