What is your #1 tip for entrepreneurs who are also about to be parents for the first time?
1. Cut the Fat
“In high school, my tennis coach told me, “You can be amazing at two things: Pick your two.” At the time, I was good (not amazing) at too many things. You chose to have a kid; now choose to be a phenomenal parent. You can also be an amazing entrepreneur, but not if you are also becoming a world-class triathlete, trying to make it in Hollywood and raising millions for your favorite nonprofit.”
—KEVON SABER, Fig
2. Let Business Continue
“Don’t think that you need to completely suspend everything for your child’s first three months. The truth is that infants require very little in the beginning, and you’ll have a surprising amount of time for calls, meetings and even productive work. A flexible schedule, however, is helpful.”
—ALEXANDRA LEVIT, Inspiration at Work
3. Cut Yourself Some Slack
“As a business owner and mom, I know there is pressure to show up 100 percent — even when you’re going through the major life change of having a baby. That is NOT true. It is completely reasonable to take some time to spend with your new family, and it’s OK to say “no” to a new client or project. Anyone worth working with will understand, and you’ll soon be back with a newfound motivation.”
—RACHEL RODGERS, Rachel Rodgers Law Office
4. Remember: It’s a Marathon, not a Sprint
“Pulling all-nighters, ignoring your health and working seven days a week may make you feel like you’re getting stuff done, but you’re not. The key is having balance and being organized about how you use your time. I have dinner with my family most nights of the week. I also take my kids to school most mornings, and I spend at least one full weekend day unplugged and focused on my kids.”
—DANNY BOICE, Speek
5. Take Time to Enjoy Parenthood
“Enjoy every second of your pregnancy, the birthing process and the first few months of your child’s life. Those are precious moments that will be forever etched in your memory. Cherish your children and be present — the days go by fast. It’s a blessing to be an entrepreneur as it can create flexibility in your schedule to do the things you want — and parenting should be at the top of the list!”
—JOE BARTON, Barton Publishing
6. Focus on Building Systems
“Entrepreneurial parents, by necessity, become strategic thinkers as they attempt to fit more work in less time. The key comes down to leverage. The only way to reach higher levels of success is to obtain leverage by working “on” your business and building systems to automatically and predictably bring in leads, nurture customers and manage employees.”
—CHARLES GAUDET, Predictable Profits
7. Solidify Your Team
“As a nanny-turned-systems creator, I can say that if you don’t have a team in place (at home and in the business), then you’ll quickly burn out. On the business side, this means automated systems that work while you sleep, a team that can work independently and hopefully a business manager who executes your vision and runs the show while you enjoy time off with your new family member.”
—KELLY AZEVEDO, She’s Got Systems
8. Work on Finding Your “Effectiveness” Time
“We had our daughter two and a half years ago. I thought I’d prepared before we had her, but finding a new time during my day to do my most effective work was something I didn’t predict. Before we had her, I’d wake up late and did my best work after 9 p.m. Now evenings are family time, and I’ve had to get my body used to early mornings and geting a lot done before 10 a.m. Find that time for you.”
—TREVOR MAUCH, Carrot
9. Create a Plan B for Child Care
“Babies do unexpected things, as do businesses. Having multiple options for child care means that you have more flexibility. Always make sure you have a plan B already in place so that your new baby is cared for when you need to handle something for your company — even if you can be in the house at the same time. The more child care options you have, the better.”
—THURSDAY BRAM, Hyper Modern Consulting
10. Learn to Manage Your Time More Effectively
“Efficient time-management will be essential because having a child is sure to turn your life upside-down. If you don’t get the most out of each and every day, your venture could suffer — or, even worse, you’ll miss out on the many memories and joys that come along with childbirth and raising a child.”
—ANDREW SCHRAGE, Money Crashers Personal Finance
Article originally published by StartupCollective. Syndicated by KillerStartups.com with permission.
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