5 Start-Up Strategy Tips for the Incredible Mompreneur
Get started on your Start-Up by deciding what you need to do to make sure your business stands apart from the competition. The best way to do this is to figure out who your target audience is and focus on the services you can provide to grab them. Start by admitting to yourself that you just can’t do it all. No one can and no one should. You need to determine your niche. Read the article “7 Steps to Defining Your Niche Market” at http://entm.ag/1CUj5sr to get started or, for those of you with an established business already, narrow down your target for more successful marketing strategies.
Every business should have a mission statement, business goals, a marketing plan, and (of course) estimates for start-up costs. You should also have a good idea how much you can expect to earn as a business owner. If you need to, contact an Accountant and/or an Attorney to help you figure everything out. To begin, register and build your business plan at www.SBA.gov.
Once you’ve decided to start a business, then comes the fun part: Building your brand. Choose a name for your business and register it as a “DBA” or “Doing Business As” with the county or state tax office. Next, choose a domain name and purchase it from a domain registrar such as Go Daddy (for tips on how to choose your domain name, read this article: http://bit.ly/1IyUx6x). Having your brand established and well-designed marketing materials from the beginning is a great foundation for every small business, and will allow you to look like the professional that you are from the get-go.
While many women find it difficult to promote themselves, as a business owner it’s a must. You need to be your own spin doctor. Talk up your business and the services that you offer wherever you go. Always keep business cards handy, and pass them out as often as possible. Post press releases and other news about your business on your website and social media accounts, as well as testimonials from satisfied customers. Volunteer your services at local events, for area groups and schools, and every other opportunity that will allow you to showcase your talents and get your business noticed.
Finally, remember that mom-owned businesses tend to grow organically. How much your business can grow at a given time will be determined by the amount of time you have available to dedicate to your business. Growing slowly and steadily will give you more control over work versus family time, as well as offer you more flexibility. Creating a healthy balance between your professional and personal life is what we all crave.