Home » Startup Basics » Top 10 Must-Haves for Mompreneurs

Top 10 Must-Haves for Mompreneurs

Successful women biz owners weigh in on the people, places and things they can't live--or work--without.
Print Post a Comment Get the Mag Weekly Updates [-] Text Size [+]

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to interview many mompreneurs, from Julie Aigner Clark of Baby Einstein fame to maternity wear designer Liz Lange. For self-serving purposes, I've asked them all the same question: What can you not live without as a mompreneur? Most answered with things like "a sense of humor," "a passion for business" and "unrelenting determination." I then asked for something more tangible. Many gave the same answers and tips. I think you, too, will agree with this must-have list.

Jo Ilfeld, co-Owner, Let's Go Strolling
1. Phonetag.com--This website is a must-have. It's a service that transcribes phone messages, which are then sent to an e-mail account. With all phone messages transcribed, you can discreetly check voice mail via smart phone while at school assemblies, standing in line, etc. The service provides the entire voice-mail message including call-back phone numbers. It's great for checking the status of voice-mail messages left on the office machine without having to call in all the time.

Julia Tanen, president and CEO, The Tanen Group
2. Day care--My must-have is fantastic, reliable day care. Your hours might not be 9 to 5 as a mom entrepreneur, so you need to be able to depend on your child-care situation so you can attend essential meetings, answer phone calls and work.

content continues below

Julie Aigner ClarkBaby Einstein and The Safe Side
3. Housekeeper--A good housekeeper is my No. 1 must-have. It doesn't matter who makes your bed or does your dishes. Get those household chores off your to-do list, and you'll have much more time to spend on the important things in life. Plus, a good housekeeper can watch your children when you have to take a call or leave for a last-minute meeting.

Beth ButlerBocabeth.com
4. Helpareporter.com--HARO is a must-have for mom entrepreneurs, especially if you can't afford a publicist. On average, business owners receive 15 to 30 queries each day about various media opportunities. It's free, and it just takes a few minutes to see if a query is a good match for your business. 

Alicia Forest, founder and CEOClient Abundance
5. Husband--OK, not everyone has one. But if you do, appreciate him and acknowledge that he can offer great support for you as you run your business. Not only can he can help with the kids, he can also be your sounding board. If he thinks he's a part of your business, he'll be more likely to lend a hand. Liz LangeLiz Lange Maternity
6. A Smart Phone--Whether it's an iPhone, a BlackBerry, a Treo or something else entirely, it allows you to juggle multiple priorities anytime, anywhere. It lets you balance work and motherhood.

Stacey Kannenberg, author and publisher Get Ready To Learn Mom
7. Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn--Get profiles up on all the social media sites; it's free, and some of the heavy traffic these sites get will be transferred to your site as people find your profile and click on your business's website and blog links. Be careful not to let it suck too much time from your day; designate a specific amount of time each day to attend to social networking sites and stick to that schedule. Use sites such as twitterfeed.com to feed your information from Twitter to your other social networking profiles.

Stacey Ross, founderSan Diego Bargain Mama
8. Dedicated Work Space--Your hours might not be traditional and you may be home based, but you need adequate work space if you want to be productive. Create a home office that's organized and inspiring. Make sure you have enough time each day to work while someone watches your children.

Maria BaileyTrillion-Dollar Moms and Marketing To Moms
9. A Good Accountant--Get somebody who will help you make decisions to prepare for the growth of your company. While this may seem like something you can do yourself, it's best to have a professional make sure your business is financially sound from the start.

Lisa DruxmanStroller Strides

I'll take No. 10. I think a virtual office is most important. Make sure you have a web-based system so you have access to your e-mail, faxes, files and calendar wherever you go.

Mom entrepreneurs continue to be some of the most creative, resourceful and passionate people in business. They have a fierce determination for success and openness to learn from others. Learn from what these successes mompreneurs have shared here, and these invaluable time-savers will benefit you, too.


Lisa Druxman is the founder and CEO of fitness franchise Stroller Strides. Druxman is also a nationally recognized speaker and author, and is considered an expert in the field of fitness, particularly pre- and postnatal fitness.
Print Get the Mag Weekly Updates Posted under: Startup Basics

2 Comments

  • Absolutely. And, to add to the list is Self: We have to give ourselves permission to be the business owner, treat ourselves with importance and have the business plan and business goals. I've worked with MotherhoodTransitions.com to coach me and to give me the skill set to envision success; create the business opportunities for growth and allow what used to be barriers, become gates for expansion. As individuals, we can make a difference, if we believe in ourselves.

  • Yes, a good housekeeper, cleaning service, etc. Definitely lets me mark that not-so-fun-chore off my list of things to do! Great list..Thanks!

Leave a comment



Please enter the text below:



Former Socialite Makes Horror Profitable
Bloody Mary's makeup transforms movie stars, Marines and Halloween revelers.

RECENT SUCCESS STORIES
Newsletters
Sign up for our bi-monthly newsletters:
Starting a Business
Sales and Marketing
Tech/e-Business
Growing a Business
Franchise News

Enter E-Mail
Leading With Care Topshelf Reading Picks HireMyMom.com