Have you made the decision to “go for it” and to “just do it!” and become a mompreneur but you simply do not know where to start or what to do next? Here are some tips to help you get started if you’re ready to change your life, to learn, to grow, to feel a new and different sense of accomplishment and to MAKE MONEY. Or if money isn’t the main reason, maybe it’s to meet incredible people, to go to amazing places or become the best you possible. These tips on becoming a successful mompreneur will help. This is your time to become the next successful home based business mompreneur. Business ownership is great when approached appropriately and intentionally.
So here are some tips to make sure you get started as a mompreneur in the right way.
1) Come Up With The Right Idea, and make it a great idea! A few questions to ask in this area is “What are my passions?” and “What are my talents?” and “What have I done in the past that I can monetize now?” “What are my gifts and how can I help others with those gifts?” And as the saying goes, you have to think outside of the box, too. For instance, let’s say you have a good network to pull from and people consider you a leader, you may find an opportunity to use those strengths even if you don’t have a strong passion for a particular area. For instance, I have a friend who has a huge passion to help single moms, so she started a cleaning company and uses single moms to clean for her, being very intentional of working around their schedule and their kids needs. Her love and passion for those she helps is the driving force, not her “love” for cleaning houses.
2) Come Up With A Catchy Name. Names are important! Think of how much effort you went into naming your child. Well, this is going to be your baby, too! And the more creative, memorable and catchy that a name is, the better. And yes, that’s coming from one whose blog name is “Bonnie Cribbs.” But I’m a guy with the name Bonnie, so that does stick out and is different. I have two companies, one is a magazine agency for schools and public libraries named “Rivistas Subscription Services” – we totally made up the word “Rivistas” in order to secure a domain name and make it something different. For the other, I help entrepreneurs get started as Independent Consultants for Rodan + Fields and help train them to ensure complete success. In that case, most choose to enjoy the benefit of using the well branded and recognized name of Rodan + Fields for better exposure. Put some time into your business name and ask friends and people you respect their thoughts once you come up with the name.
3) Create A Business Plan. This should include your business idea, start-up costs, sales projections, marketing strategies, sales strategies, financing strategies and as a mompreneur, you will need to establish the “hours of operation” or the amount of time you will be able to invest your time into your business. If loans need to be secured or investors are needed, get the money needed. Create a budget and ask other business owners or mentors for their expertise. YOU are at the core of your business, so make sure these business owners, investors and bankers are able to see you at the core of this business opportunity.
4) Join Networks & Begin Meeting People. No business succeeds if no one knows about it. So join networks to learn more about your industry and to have your industry discover who you are. This is a great way to meet potential customers, suppliers, industry leaders, generate ideas and friends. Join local face-to-face networking groups and utilize LinkedIn to network nationally. You’ll have to “get out there” and meet some people in order to succeed, so step away from the computer and meet some people who can help you succeed.
5) Tell Everyone You Know What You’re Doing. You have to get the word out about your business! You can do this step for those you know to begin getting the word out before you turn the “open” light on. By telling those you know about your business they can help you network, help in getting the word out and offer referrals to you. Don’t just shoot them an email or make a facebook post about it, get on the phone and tell them or if you know they are very influential, go grab coffee with them. Begin writing down the name of everyone you know so you can get in touch with them ALL. You’ll be amazed at the number of people you know!
6) Get Things Rolling. You have the plan, you have the name, you have started sharing your business idea with others, now make it happen. Make sure you schedule out the items on your business plan so you can set some deadlines to get your business up-and-running. Planning is very important, but putting those plans into action are vital. You’re in business to make money, so as you begin to get things rolling, make certain you are focused on getting to the point of earning money.
7) Utilize Social Media. This may be a no-brainer in today’s world, so it’s obviously worth mentioning. After you have your business plan complete that includes your marketing plan, you will have a good idea when to start with your social media marketing. I’ve seen several food trucks here in Nashville generate a huge social media following prior to their truck officially opening. For food trucks, a good social media following is vital to their success, so I’ve seen great success in promoting “Opening Soon” media. Social media, done properly can build many followers and establish great relationship. If you’re going to do social media, learn to do it right!
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