How to build a business as a stay at home mom?

If you want to stay home with your children, but you can’t afford not to work, what do you do? The simple answer is you work from home. You could look for a job that lets you work remotely, or you could start your own business. The advantage of starting your own business is you can set your own rules about when you work and how much work you do. But if you’re a mother, do you really have the time to set up your own business? Yes! It may seem daunting, but setting up a business is easier than it sounds. Here are some things you need to know to start a business as a stay at home mom:

• Get a Website

Knowing how to create a website is the first step to being a “momtrepreneur.” This is because internet marketing dominates, and no matter what kind of business you’re going to run, you’re going to need a website. Luckily there are a ton of tutorials online that will walk you step-by-step through the process. Just type “how to create a website” into your search bar, and you’ll be on your way.

• Decide What Your Business Will Be

What do you want to do? Do you want to sell something? Do you want to offer a service, such as party planning or manicures? Do you want to blog? Whatever you want to do, there’s likely a way to make money for it. Just get out your handy search engine and ask, “how to make money from X.”

• Evaluate the Potential Costs and Profits of Your Business

Figuring out your expenses and revenues is crucial to a successful business. You need to make a list of all the things you might need to buy or rent; these will be your expenses. Then you need to decide how much you’re going to charge for your product or services. Initially, your expenses will outweigh your revenue, but you should calculate how much you need to sell in order to break even and how much to make a profit. 

• Research Laws and Regulations Around Home Businesses

Before you launch your business, you need to make sure you know of any local, state, or federal laws or regulations that may apply to your business. You don’t want to accidentally break a rule and end up being fined or having your business shut down. 

• Find Out If You Need a Business License

Some governmental authorities may require you to register your business or to get a business license. For instance, certain professions like cosmetologists, and travel agents, need to be licensed. To find out if your business requires a license, contact your state’s department of business regulation.

• Balance Your Responsibilities

As a mom and a business owner, you’re going to have competing priorities. Therefore it’s important to figure out a way to balance your work and your parenting responsibilities. An excellent way to start is to make a list of all your obligations. Then create a schedule so that you have sufficient time to cater to all your commitments.

• Be Responsive to Customers

Although your primary job is caring for your family, you have to make sure you provide exceptional customer service. As a small business owner, even one bad review could tank you. Make sure you return all emails and phone calls within 24 hours, and if you can’t address an issue right away, let the customer know you’ve received their message and will take care of their issue as soon as possible.

• Always Be On Time

Punctuality is key to establishing a good reputation. Provide your goods or services on time. This means that if you sell a product online, you ship it as quickly as possible. And if you provide a service, you show up on time.

Do these eight things, and your business will be off to the races.