As a woman, you deal with different things than the average
man who works at home. Starting and
maintaining a business while running a household requires an effective process
or stress will quickly toss you under the bus.
Time management is crucial or your life will quickly lack the balance it
needs to maintain success in key areas.
Running a business has many facets. Throw in a husband who still needs a wife/lover
to come home to. Add in kids who need
mom. And because a woman’s work is never
done, the nest needs maintenance. You
even have some homeschooling, homesteading, or active church or community
participation going on. It’s enough to
make you want to throw in the towel before you even get started. Yet you have this dream that just won’t let
go of you.
I’m primarily writing to married women who work - or want to
work - a freelance business from home. Others
may find value here, and you are welcome to glean anything you can, too. Just know that your mileage may vary.
Women face different
struggles
Many men have written some good material about working from
home. The one challenge many of them
don’t face is the need to cook and clean for their spouse and kids. Typically they can get up and work until
breakfast is ready. They worry about
shutting off the constant interruptions.
We rarely have the same luxury. I
know there are exceptions (men with military spouses on leave is just one
example.) I rarely see men writing from
that point of view.
Studies still indicate women do a disproportionate amount of
the housework, even when the woman works outside the home. We also need to consider our physical needs and
scheduling certain challenges more lightly during certain parts of the month. We need to deal with stereotypes that come
with being a female entrepreneur as well as a freelancer.
Deal with the
start-up
Pulling together the pieces to open your business is dizzying
and time-consuming. Learning which
business entity makes sense for you. Picking
a logo and business cards. Deciding on
an accounting system. Understanding how to work with technology to build your
website. You just want to do your thing already!
Keep a business alive
You have your accounting system picked, and you know how to
use it for your day to day operations, but you still need to know what certain
numbers mean and why they are critical for the life of your business. Learn how
to market regularly and even out cash flow.
Time management
Time-management is a challenge. It’s a messy process to find what works best
for you. This will be a place to find
ideas and be reminded of the big picture when you find yourself absorbed by
overwhelm when something isn’t working.
Learning how to get the important stuff done by your designated quitting
time? Priceless!
Balance
Learning to pay attention to various categories for a
balanced life is critical to success or it will be hollow. A fulfilled wife/mom who isn’t stressed out
all the time will be the biggest gift to her family and community, as well as
her clients. Pursuing health through exercise, sleep, hydration, and good
eating gives you more energy for all the challenges on your agenda. So does personal growth – in business,
relationships, and especially God.
Streamline
Whether it’s a system for marketing, billing, cleaning or
paying bills, streamlining the process lets you optimize your day and reduce
stress. Some of you will be able to
negotiate with your husband for help.
Some won’t. We’ll talk about it
in a way that upholds your marriage. No
man-bashing here. (Not only is it harmful
to the relationship, it’s a complete waste of energy.)
I hope you’ll join me
This is a space where people get your struggle. I’m just starting this journey. Some areas are stronger than others are. Sometimes, I have it together better than
others - and then I hit a bump and struggle.
I’m determined to learn and give you a front row seat. You get to avoid my mistakes and see where I
succeed. I want to be a beacon that helps you avoid my pitfalls. I want to demonstrate that it’s ok to be imperfect
– a journey in itself for this perfectionist!
Tuesday Table Talk
Look for posts every Tuesday.
This will be our time to gather around the coffee table, enjoy a cuppa
together, spread out our workload and see where we can gain clarity in our
lives. With clarity, we will have
greater success and value in the activities we choose. With those wise choices, we stand a far
greater chance to succeed in our business ventures.
I hope to see you Tuesday!
