Being a mompreneur is hard, but it’s not impossible. With the right mindset and preparation, you can start your own business and be successful! Unfortunately, there are many mistakes that new mompreneurs make that can get in the way of their success. Here are some of the most common mistakes moms make when starting:
Do you have what it takes to be a mompreneur?
Before you start, ask yourself if you have what it takes to see this dream come to life. Write it out. Write out the responsibilities you have on the day-to-day as a wife and mom. Now, how/when/where will you find the time to pour into your business? While the term mompreneur is trending more than ever, the reality of what it takes to build a successful business while raising a strong family is often diminished. You will be embarking on two of the most challenging journeys known to man – motherhood and entrepreneurship, at the same time. I ask you again, do you have what it takes?
10 Mistakes Mompreneurs Make In The Beginning
After giving yourself a reality check, let’s dive into the most common mistakes I see mompreneurs making (even myself). I pray that this post will allow you to learn from the mistakes of others, gain perspective, and be equipped to walk in faith.
#1 Not being led by the Holy Spirit
This is probably the biggest mistake mompreneurs make at the beginning (even after they’ve been doing this for a while!). So many of us have let our current hustle culture push us before we were ready, perhaps even in the wrong direction. We don’t realize how much time we spend trying to please other people instead of following God’s plan for our lives. If you want to be successful in any area of life, including entrepreneurship, then make sure you’re being led by His Spirit and not simply following what everyone else is doing or what seems to be trending right now. This is the single area I wish I had pressed in more when I decided to launch my business.
Our God is so gracious, and I believe he’s “working in” the mistakes I’ve made, but how much better was His plan, His way, and His timing… When you press in here, you become crystal clear on your “why,” the “how,” and “when.” I don’t want to make it sound like God is going to reveal His whole plan to you at once because, more likely, He won’t. His track record shows He gives us just what we need, right when we need it. This is an area that only you and the Lord can come to peace with.
#2 Not believing in their idea/themselves.
If you’re going to be successful in business, you need to believe in your idea and yourself. Have you ever heard the saying, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”? You have to have faith that it will work and be worth all the hard work it takes to achieve success. What you think in your mind and feel in your heart is what you will see come to life. See Proverbs 23:7. This is particularly important because when starting, there will be times when you feel like giving up or are unsure of yourself. If you don’t believe in what you are doing, those feelings can become overwhelming and prevent you from moving forward with your business plan.
It’s also essential for others who see potential in your idea by investing money into it or customers who want something new on the market—they need convincing that what they are buying is worth their time and money. If this doesn’t happen quickly enough after starting your business, then even though people may find some value from what’s being offered by entrepreneurs such as yourself through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook advertising campaigns, etc., most likely that won’t generate enough revenue fast enough for them to continue using those services regularly.
What you believe in your heart affects what you will see in your life and business.
#3 Trying to do too much
As a mompreneur, you must understand that you can’t do everything at once. Attempting to do so will most likely lead to failure and frustration. Instead, it’s crucial that you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and remain focused on only one thing at a time.
For example: if your goal is to establish an online store from scratch within six months (which is quite ambitious and something I would do because I’m crazy), then that should be your focus until the business reaches profitability—a milestone known as “cash flow positive.” Once this has been accomplished, it’s time for the next project or objective on your list—like expanding into other products or services offered by your company—or even start tackling new ideas altogether!
This also applies to your personal life. If your kids have significant events or your husband is going away on a guys’ trip, these factors will affect how much time you have to put into your business. Don’t plan a launch or other big project in the middle of what comes first – your family.
For many of us, part of our “why” for becoming a mompreneur is to have more freedom and flexibility with our families. Take advantage of your control over your schedule even as you build. Don’t wait until you’ve reached ultimate success to enjoy the journey with your family.
#4 They don’t have (or ask for) enough support
Beautiful, I know you are full of ambition and energy and are highly efficient and productive. I think of myself this way, and while it is true, this journey is not meant to be walked alone. Open your mouth and ask for help. You were never asked to do everything all at once or all alone. Tap into your husband, friends, and family who want to help you.
I understand that not everyone has the level of support they need at their fingertips. There is no shame in getting the help you need. From hiring an after-school babysitter to getting help with the laundry and cleaning. It does take a village to raise a child and an even larger village to raise those babies while building a business.
The overly glorified “work-life balance” doesn’t exist. Instead, you get to lead a beautiful symphony.
#5 They don’t take care of themselves.
Similar to how we as mompreneurs avoid asking for support, we often run ourselves ragged. Usually, we attempt to do everything for everyone except ourselves. I don’t know how often I have to say it, but you can’t pour out of an empty cup.
You can’t be a present mom if you’re falling asleep anytime you sit still.
You can’t be the visionary of your business if your mental stamina and strength are depleted.
For many of us, it is not intentional neglect. We truly have the heart to serve others well, even if it means we go without. Because of this, the whole “fill your cup before you pour into someone else’s” doesn’t resonate with you. Understandably so.
For you, beautiful, I want you to stop thinking of it as “me first” and think of it as “me too.” You, too, need time to heal, rest, be loved on, and song over.
#6 Thinking they need every skill possible to succeed
When starting your business journey, focus on yourself and your abilities first. It’s easy to get lost in the thought that you might fail if you don’t have every single skill under the sun. In reality, it doesn’t matter what other people think you should have or what they have.
Focus on what YOU can do better than anyone else! If no one has ever done something before (like launching an online course), then that means that no one has done it before—you are setting the standard for how it is done!
We get paralyzed when we look at everyone else in our industry who has this degree or who has multiple books out, etc. If God called you here, He will equip, qualify, and make room for you.
#7 Being afraid to ask for advice from mentors and other entrepreneurs
Asking for advice from mentors and other entrepreneurs is one of the best things you can do to help yourself and your business grow. It allows you to tap into the experiences, knowledge, and network of an expert in your field who knows what it takes to succeed.
Here’s how to find a mentor:
- Look around — plenty of resources can connect you with local experts in your community or industry (such as Meetup groups or Facebook groups).
- Ask friends and family if they know anyone who would be a good fit for mentoring you or someone on their team.
- Reach out directly via email/LinkedIn message/phone call/etc., explaining what type of help or information you’re looking for and why it would benefit them and yourself. They may not respond right away but keep trying! If nothing else, they may recommend another potential mentor who might be able to talk with you instead.”
Never underestimate the power of investing in yourself this way.
#8 Understanding the reality of what they’re getting into.
Starting your own business is scary! So is raising a family and even being alive in this day and age. It’s easy to think about how great it would be to be your own boss, but sometimes we need a reminder that if we’re not prepared for things like high-stress levels, low paychecks, or long hours, then maybe this isn’t the right path for us after all. You can help yourself set realistic expectations by creating a plan with your family. Map out how you will handle changes in your schedules and finances, and have a backup plan for emergencies.
#9 They Isolate Themselves
Another huge mistake I see mompreneurs make is isolating themselves. With crazy schedules and work demands, we can shut ourselves off from the world around us. We focus so closely on the business that we lose sight of relationships, friends, and real-life connections. We start believing the lie that these things can wait when these are the very things that will fuel us. Instead of retreating in an attempt to get more done, consider
- Set regular date nights with your husband. This way, you know when they are coming and can plan around them without an excuse…
- Connect with other female entrepreneurs. Networking is a great way to surround yourself with like-minded people who are probably juggling the same things as you. Connect with these women and watch you and your business grow. Not sure where to start? Start by searching your local Chamber of Commerce for events and direction or even joining an online community like the one you’re reading this post on now…(hint, hint)
#10 They lose sight of their vision.
Entrepreneurship is difficult no matter who you are or where you come from. Building a business from concept to profitability stretches you in every way imaginable. So does motherhood. I often see women get lost in the dishes, laundry, homework, and meetings and lose themselves. They no longer operate from a place of passion but from a place of familiarity. They run on auto pilot instead of being physically, mentally, and emotionally present until one day they realize they are miserable. They’ve missed the mark.
I encourage you to have regular check-ins with God regarding your business. Call them business meetings or whatever you have to to ensure you make time to review your why, your goals, your wins, and your losses before the Only One capable of bringing beauty from it all.
Mistakes are part of the journey.
Beautiful, these are all lessons I learned the hard way, and they’re things that I think most mompreneurs learn in time. Perhaps these are lessons you’ve already learned—if so, congratulations on taking action on what you already know about yourself, your business, and your lifestyle. We all make mistakes, but many can be avoided if we humbly accept the Truth and act accordingly from that point forward.
Trust me; you are going to make mistakes along the way. It’s the best way we learn. Don’t fear them. Start on the best path possible by doing precisely what you’re doing now, and embrace the joy of taking action and keeping the faith.