The Mompreneur movement continues to grow.  More moms are taking the plunge and developing their own businesses or creating their own products.  Many moms are able to work from home and strike a balance between bringing home the bacon and bringing up the kids.  The internet has also opened a world of possibilities making this an ideal time for Moms to launch their own enterprises.  Still, the notion of launching an enterprise (regardless of size) can be overwhelming, intimidating, and downright terrifying.  So before you empty your savings account or refinance your home, consider these tips to ensure a successful transition to the world of Mompreneurs!

Define the Dream

I am convinced that everyone has one – a dream that is.  We all are equipped with that still small voice that encourages us to pursue our passion.  Carl Sandburg once said, “Nothing happens unless first we dream.”  But sometimes our dream gets a little lost in the loads of laundry and can grow with hazy with the headache of homework.  Stop for a moment and consider if you could do anything with your time – what would it be?  Are there causes that your care about or problems that need to be solved.  Your new business could tap into these needs and result in a successful new career.  So take a good hard look and do a little soul searching.  Your dream is there – just under the surface - waiting for you to take notice.

Do Your Homework

Now that you have your dream defined – it’s time to do your homework.  Using the internet as your primary tool, check out what’s out there and if a demand exists.  Also, consider whether additional training or education is needed.  Talk to people who have succeeded in similar enterprises.  Not only will that allow you to tap into much-needed expertise, it’s also a wonderful way to network.

Create a Plan

Now don’t freak out at the notion of creating a business plan.  For many women, putting it on paper is overwhelming and anxiety producing.  I think the reason this task can seem so difficult has more to do with psychology versus capability.  It is the fear that is keeping you from moving forward RIGHT NOW.  Mary Manin Morrissey said, “You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.” So take that step and write the plan – it will propel your dream from fantasy to reality.  Although fears will emerge as you start taking these important steps, a plan can serve as a road map and will keep you on course as your vision comes to light.  A basic plan should include a mission statement, goals, marketing strategy and budget.  Once that’s completed, you are on your way!

Get Going!

Once the plan is created, set a timeline and get going!  I promise, the more you focus on your dream, the easier it will be to quiet the stirring within.  Think of it this way, you are doing what you are destined to do!  Marsha Norman said it best, “Dreams are illustrations… from the book your soul is writing about you.”  Remember, most mom businesses grow organically through connections that already exist or new ones within your community.  Talk up your business wherever you go—whether it’s at a PTA meeting, Rotary Club, or the sidelines of your child’s soccer game.  Develop a website that’s a showcase for you and your enterprise and keep business cards on hand.  It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or suck all of your free time away.  It’s something that you can pace – as long as you are making progress. 

One of my favorite quotes is from Mark Twain.  He wrote, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”  Join the other pioneering Momprenuers and take the chance.  Or, stealing a line from a famous tennis shoe,  “JUST DO IT!”  You’ll never regret it.

Paige McCoy Smith is the Not-So-Perfect Parent, appearing Mondays and Wednesdays on "Good Morning Texas."   E-mail o8sis