How to Build Success as a Busy Mum in Business: From Chaos to CEO
Being a mum is hard enough, but throw entrepreneurship into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a cocktail of crazy schedules, sleepless nights, and constant chaos. But guess what? You can still be successful in business. In fact, being a mum might just be your secret weapon. So, grab a cup of coffee (or two), sit back, and let’s dive into how to build success as a busy mum in business.
1. Find Your Why (and Let It Drive You)
Running a business while raising kids isn’t for the faint-hearted. It takes grit, patience, and a strong sense of purpose. What’s your "why"? Whether it’s providing a better future for your family, pursuing a passion, or proving to yourself that you can do it — your "why" is your driving force. Keep it front and center on the tough days because let’s face it, there will be plenty of those.
2. Time Blocking Is Your Best Friend
If there’s one thing mums know, it’s that time is never on our side. Enter: time blocking. This is your key to staying sane. Block out chunks of time in your calendar for work, family, self-care, and everything in between. Instead of multitasking (which, let’s be honest, usually just means doing five things poorly), focus on one task at a time. You’ll be more productive, and less likely to feel like you’re drowning in your to-do list.
3. Ditch the Perfectionism
Spoiler alert: no one has it all together. Not that mum who seems to always have fresh cookies for the bake sale, and definitely not that business owner who seems to crush every launch. Here’s the truth — perfectionism will cripple your progress. Embrace the idea that "good enough" is better than "perfect" because perfection is unattainable, especially when you’re balancing business with motherhood. Done is better than perfect.
4. Get Ruthless with Your To-Do List
Not every task is created equal. Some things move the needle in your business, while others are just busywork. Be ruthless about where you spend your time. Identify the tasks that will have the most impact on your business growth and prioritize them. The rest? Either delegate, automate, or eliminate. Focus on quality over quantity and remember — it’s okay to leave some things undone.
5. Ask for Help (Seriously)
This one is tough for a lot of mums because we’re used to being the ones people rely on. But newsflash: asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re smart. Whether it’s asking your partner to take the kids for a few hours so you can focus, hiring a babysitter, or outsourcing tasks in your business (hello, virtual assistant!), getting help frees up your time to do what you do best — grow your empire.
6. Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable
I know, I know. Self-care feels like a luxury when you’ve got kids, clients, and a business to run. But listen — if you’re running on empty, everything will suffer, including your business. Make self-care a priority, whether it’s a 10-minute meditation, a hot bath after the kids are asleep, or a walk in the fresh air. When you take care of yourself, you’re more energized, focused, and ready to take on the world (or at least your email inbox).
7. Leverage Your Mum Skills in Business
Mums are natural-born problem solvers, negotiators, and multitaskers — all essential skills in business. You’ve been handling temper tantrums and negotiating with toddlers like a boss, so why not channel that energy into your business? You’re more resilient than you think. And that patience you’ve developed as a mum? It’s going to serve you well when dealing with difficult clients or navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
8. Be Flexible with Your Goals
When you’re a mum, you learn very quickly that things don’t always go as planned. Same goes for business. Set clear goals, but don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary. Flexibility is key when you’re balancing two major roles. It’s okay if you don’t hit every target by the exact date you set. What’s important is progress — slow and steady wins the race, especially when you’re juggling as much as you are.
9. Network with Other Mumpreneurs
There’s power in numbers. Surround yourself with other mums who are in the same boat as you. Join communities (like MIB International) where you can share tips, vent about the challenges, and celebrate each other’s wins. Networking with other mumpreneurs not only helps you grow your business but also keeps you sane — because no one understands the hustle better than another mum who’s doing it too.
10. Celebrate Every Win
You’re building a business while raising tiny humans — that’s no small feat. So, don’t wait for the big milestones to celebrate your success. Did you finally nail that pitch? Celebrate. Got through a full workday without a meltdown (from you or the kids)? Celebrate. You’re making moves and achieving your dreams, so give yourself credit where it’s due.
In Conclusion: You’re Already a Success
Being a mum and a business owner is no easy task, but you’re already doing it, and that’s a success in itself. Remember, it’s not about having it all figured out or being perfect. It’s about making progress, learning as you go, and showing your kids that you can pursue your dreams while raising them. You’ve got this!
