It sounds like an oxymoron but when I become a mother I found more time to dream about what I really wanted to do. I was home with my new infant learning how to keep a human alive which was scary as all get out, but a few months into my new role I started to get my bearings. Fast forward 8 years and add two more kids, building a business during nap time isn’t fully sustainable like it used to be when it was just Waylon and I. I’ve learned as I’ve grown as a mother and business woman along the way that being a mother might slow you down sometimes but it doesn’t ever take away from your success. Here are 5 ways why mothers make the best entrepreneurs.
- WORKING UNDER PRESSURE
It’s time to get out the front door and your kid can’t find his favorite T-shirt. He won’t wear anything else. You help him look for it and the baby starts screaming from the other room. You know that you’ll be late for your meeting and reach out to your phone to text your boss that you’ll be late, only to find a text from your babysitter that she’s sick and won’t make it today…. you’d be surprised how similar this is to managing a company. Mothers are able to juggle many things while putting out fires and still accomplishing the task at hand.
- NEGOTIATION SKILLS
You think it’s hard selling your solution to a potential customer or negotiating a deal? Try selling vegetables to a stubborn five-year-old! Believe me, if you have kids, you must already be a great negotiator. Closing deals is a piece of cake for you. Basically I sum this all up by saying as a mother you are programed to know what people need and how to get them to do what is best for them. You’re able to educate others on what you’re selling and why they will benefit from it.
- CREATIVITY AND THE ABILITY TO CROWDSOURCE
As an entrepreneur with minimum financial resources, the ability to come up with creative strategies, access other people’s knowledge, connections, and resources is crucial. As a mom, you are used to asking your friends, family, and even strangers for their help and advice, and they usually come through. You can do this well because you know IT TAKES A VILLAGE!
You might ask your neighbor, “How did you find that awesome and cleaner at such a good price?” or “How did you acquire your second-hand baby equipment?” As an entrepreneur, you know crowdsourcing is crucial–and the same applies to motherhood. You have to know when to ask for or hire help.
- PUTTING YOUR EGO ASIDE
This one is huge! Mother put their ego’s aside from the day they see those 2 pink lines…. you are thrust into a world where you have absolutely no control. Fast forward to labor and deliver in which you literally do not care who sees you as long as they are there to help you birth a baby. The day I gave birth to Ruby was probably the day I felt most primally me. No ego, no shadow, no distractions. During the moments of transition the only thought in my mind was how to stay alive and how to get my baby safely out. I knew my baby was coming even though the nurse told me to wait…. I trusted my instincts and a few seconds later Ruby Jean was earth-side. I look back on this moment with fondness because of how real and primal I felt. This totally translates to being a business owner, household runner and entrepreneur because you need to trust your instincts and and be authentic in these roles as well.
The best entrepreneurs are smart, resourceful, and hard-working. Our egos get big and overdeveloped when there’s no one to check us… as a mother there is always another human that will “check you” and your “ego”. We know there are times to win an argument and times to back down if it serves your long-term interests. I have to pick and choose my battles with my kids all the time; you just can die on every hill. Being able to put your ego aside while managing your business can be crucial when you want to get people on your side.
- WEATHERING THE UPS AND DOWNS
Many startup founders describe entrepreneurial life as a roller-coaster. One day you get a great review in the paper or a big business opportunity appears, and the next day an investor backs down or your system crashes. You go from flying high to wanting to throw it all away. But successful entrepreneurs don’t give up.
While a startup founder always has a choice to give up and throw in the towel, a mother can never give up on her child. One day your kid makes you a card at school and you are crazy in love with them, and the next day they trash the entire house just before your mother-in-law comes to visit. However, you would never shut them down, even if you wanted to in your secret moments. So you learn to weather the storm with each new challenge that arises.
Let me share a little example with you, my good friend Natalie Borton is a mother of 2, successful jewelry designer and entrepreneur that works from home. A few months ago she made the biggest mistake she’s ever made in her business which actually turned into a profit. She miscounted her product and sold double the amount of earnings that she actually had. In a matter of days she had to hustle to get more product, make it, and ship it out to her customers before Christmas. It was a stressful week but she managed to put this fire out, make more money and learn that she is capable of selling more!
Check out Episode 45 on the Sure, Babe podcastto hear this story in Natalie’s own words as well as a full interview on how she overcame her fears to build a thriving business from home.
If you have ever considered starting your own venture and were afraid that motherhood might hold you back–consider how your newfound skills will push you forward–and jump on the entrepreneurship train. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I found my life’s work and calling after I became a mother and theoretically had less time. I became more resourceful and efficient with my time while creating a business and brand I love. Don’t let another day go by thinking that you can’t still pursue your dreams and calling because of motherhood.
Also be sure to take my FREE “Find Your Personality Superpower” quiz to discover how your personalty can propel you in your career and entrepreneurial goals.
