Starting a business with a baby

The first few weeks as a first time parent are filled with fear and questions, but then you relax and start to think about the future. In many ways it’s the ideal time for acting on that great business idea and starting a business.

Like many solo businesses, mine started to fit in with a change in circumstances – the birth of my son in May 2006. Before then I was freelancing and working full-time. When I finished my contract and was faced with finding work around being a mum, I decided freelancing from home was the best solution. And I didn’t have to put up with any more office politics!

My solution of starting a business worked so well for me as I am fortunate enough to have parents who were willing to look after my son for two days a week.

As my business grew I knew I needed more than two days to work and investigated childcare options. My son now happily goes to “school” two days a week and looks forward to his days with “Granny and Poppy” and “Pa and Nanny”.

My husband and I agreed I would limit working at evenings and weekends so we could spend time together as a family, but I know many successful business parents who wait until their children are asleep and then start work.

The point is that being a solopreneur means you can work to suit yourself.

As I started a business that only needed a little initial investment, I didn’t have to budget costs. I already had a computer, pens, notepads, phone and a car and needed nothing else when I started out. The same went for getting advice from business advisers, accountants or solicitors, but I did need to check whether I had to register for GST (I wasn’t earning enough!).

Initially operating under my own name, I decided last year I wanted a “proper” business and so registered a business name, commissioned a designer for a logo and business cards and set up a website. I haven’t looked back since and can now afford to be picky about the work I take on.

However, I did learn some valuable lessons as I navigated being starting a business and becoming a mum at the same time.

1. Young babies never sleep for as long as you’d like, making it tricky for you to finish that important project;

2. Putting clients first means it is inevitable that you will need to work some nights or weekends because there are always days that don’t go to plan, especially when children are involved;

3. Be careful about saying “yes” to every project that comes your way when starting out because not every client is right for you or your business;

4. Factor in time to get out and speak to other business owners, both parents and non-parents, so you can share experiences – both professional and those that involve mashed vegetables.

5. Never beg a child to go to sleep so you can work – they sense desperation and feed off it.

6. If you have to work while your child/ren is with you, let them play where you can still see them from your office/desk/corner of the dining table or take advantage of hour-long DVDs.

When I have our second child in January 2009 I know there will be huge upheaval in my business and household, but I am prepared for change and know the new experiences will add to me as a business owner as well as a mother.

Joh Baker-Dowdell owns Strawberry Communications, a writing and public relations consultancy specialising in helping businesses tell their story. Services include articles, copywriting, case studies, press releases, media liaison and PR strategy.

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Hi Joh, Thanks for your article. Have you found many business mum and babe groups to join? There are lots of virtual ones - but interested in the more face to face meeting. I know the CPA run a session every quarter. Do you know of any others? Heather Smith from SUNNY BRISBANE! | Read my articles
Hi Heather
I haven't actually found any business mum and baby groups yet, but a group of business mums (and non-mums who were willing to put up with the occasional chat about kids) and I got together for an informal coffee meeting where we live on the NSW Central Coast a few weeks ago.
We met via a business women's website and decided to take it further and help each other with business ideas and tips. It was a great idea and we hope to repeat it soon. Johanna Baker-Dowdell from Wamberal, NSW | Read my articles
As I read this, I couldn't help that think that my own business, network marketing, fits the bill for so many people (especially mothers) looking for income, independence, and flexibility with little to no capital investment. I'm going to share this article with mothers who are considering (or not) starting their own business rather than going back to "work". Just seeing that someone has written about it will likely give them a seed of inspiration. Go back to work... go solo! Wendy Lloyd Curley from Five Dock, NSW, Australia
Joh, your article made me smile - particularly the part about the baby not sleeping as long as you would like!
I have finally accepted that I can work thrice as fast when I am alone, so do most of my work at night, and on Saturday mornings I go to a beautiful city library for a change of scenery. This way I don't feel frustrated trying to work with a baby constantly pulling at my skirts, and feeling guilty that I'm not giving either him or my work the attention that each deserves. Amanda Jephtha from Sydney
Hi Wendy
Obviously I am biased, but I think becoming a soloist business owner is a great way to combine parenting and work.
As a boss I am far more flexible than previous bosses (I say with a smile) and I am lucky enough to be able to choose clients who understand the circumstances in which I will work. Johanna Baker-Dowdell from Wamberal, NSW | Read my articles
Very wise words Amanda.
It took me a while to realise the same thing and make the changes needed so it would work, but it's made me a happier worker and my son a happier child because he has a less stressed mum. Johanna Baker-Dowdell from Wamberal, NSW | Read my articles

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