On Becoming a Mompreneur - All Access Tour
In October, 2010, I woke up and announced to my family that I was going to start a business. It went something like this, “Good Morning! Today, I am going to become a mompreneur. Have a great day at school.” I know it sounds a little flippant, but there really was no other way of putting it. As I said it, I watched 3 mouths drop to the floor, and I could feel guilt sitting on one shoulder and determination sitting on the other. For some reason, I decided that on that particular morning, I was going to pursue taking my spark of an idea to market.
Let me give you a little background. I was a Stay At Home Mom, Domestic CEO, Professional Volunteer/Giver of Time, and providing free support and life skills for the last decade! I had casually looked into what going back to work would look like for me, and I did not like what I found. Maybe I was not looking in the right place; Maybe I was not presenting myself in the right way; Maybe I was not fully committed; Maybe my creative energies were too strong. Who knows?
What I did know was on this particular morning in October, I was raring to go! I was creating my own destiny, which I am pretty sure sounded like “blah blah blah” to my family. I do not have a business background, but rather a post-graduate degree in clinical social work, so I really had no idea where to begin. I did not let that stop me because I know how to listen and seek out others who can help. Of course, I found StartupNation which quickly became a valuable resource.
By the end of that week in October, I ran my sliver of an idea by a trusted advisor, drafted a partial business plan, set up my own blog so others could follow my adventure, secured a business attorney who helped with non-disclosures for this idea/product, and Backngroovemom was born. I began to work at such a rapid fury because I was so intrigued at the idea of creating something of my own. I discovered many tricks and overcame huge hurdles. Don’t get me wrong, I made many mistakes, and I am sure that I will continue to make a few more. I will give you a behind the scenes look at those tricks and mistakes…just not now. I cannot give everything away at once!
If you are a mom who thinks that somewhere deep inside you have just a tiny little ember or a huge flame of curiosity at becoming a mompreneur - here is my first recommendation:
-Sit down with a piece of paper and write down everything you have ever done. I mean everything. Even if you do not think it is relevant - write it down. Include past and current work experience, volunteer experience, neighborhood committees and projects, the style in which you navigate your every day life, even extended family obligations.
-Take a hard look at your list - did you forget volunteering in the reading corner in your child’s class; negotiating your grandfather into a nursing home; managing your household budget? Do NOT leave anything out because these are all valuable skills.
-If you helped grandpa get what he needed in the nursing home, cutting red tape and how to negotiate on many different levels is a skill you hold. If you were in charge of the first grade reading corner, patience is part of your make-up. How about managing the neighborhood block party? After that, you now know how to negotiate with many different ideas, wants, personalities.
-The point is that you may have a very unique skill set that you have neglected to pay attention to, and this can help you discover your own business in many ways.
-Make your list, consider your ideas, and think about what type of business these qualities lend themselves to……
At the beginning of my pursuit, my oldest son exclaimed “You cannot do this…I am only 9 - I still need you.” He is now excited by my mission and contributes regularly (really). My journey has come a very long way since last fall, and now I am so excited to share on StartupNation an all-access backstage pass to the tour. Until then, visit my blog http://backngroovemom.com to stay up to date with my “product”-tivity.
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Rachel, this was so inspirational. It’s fabulous that you’ve shared your process with everyone and your list of suggestions for getting others started in creating their own business is so valuable.
Your enthusiasm and joy in all of this comes through so clearly in what you write.
Wishing you so much success in this exciting venture. Looking forward to hearing more.
Fiona Stolze
Inspired Art and Living
http://fionastolze.wordpress.com
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
I agree! What a fabulous story Rachel. New business creation can be such a challenge. But your enthusiasm is contagious!
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:16 pm
Rachel,
You are such an inspiration! I LOVE the cataloging of skills, so many women (particular SAHM) overlook or undervalue the depth of skill they bring to the table.
Can’t wait for the product reveal!
Nicole Fende
Rock Your Profits in 2011
http://www.FinanceRockStar.com
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Very motiviating piece!
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Rachel - I am so proud of you! This is just fabulous and I know you will reach your goal with the development of “it”. haha. Such an honor to be a blogger for StartUpNation and I wish you the best of success as I follow your journey! Mazel Tov!
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Rachel,
Love your first post here at StartupNation. You’ve been an incredible community member and now your ability to give back with all the trials, tribulations and triumphs from your efforts as a mom in business will allow you to share even more with the incredible people that make up this startup nation.
Welcome aboard. We’re all incredibly excited for you and support your ambitions… ALL THE WAY TO SUCCESS!!!
Rich (and StartupNation Team)
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:33 pm
Thanks Rich, the team, and fellow entrepreneurs…I am happy to be here & look forward to sharing and celebrating with you - Rachel
February 24th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
WOW you did hit the ground running didn’t you!!!???!!! But that does speak to the passion you have about your biz and your product and THAT is a key element of becoming a successful mompreneur. Congrats and I’m looking forward to watching your journey continue to unfold!
Yvonne Hall
http://www.facebook.com/wildforwildtree
February 25th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Rachel — I am inspired by you! When I feel like giving up (so close to the finish line, no less), I am going to pull this out and read it. You have true courage.
April 11th, 2011 at 7:28 am
[...] that I suggest to budding mompreneurs (whether they were SAHM’s or in a different job) is to make a list of what they could and could not surrender from life as they knew [...]