A Beginners Guide to Help Single Parents Start a Business

As a single parent, I am constantly trying to find ways to save money, stretch my budget and bring in more income. It can really stress a person out when the bills start rolling in every month, and you are wondering how you can make ends meet. Expenses have a way of multiplying, and emergency costs creep up at the most inopportune time. You can use coupons and savings codes to help with the monthly financial burdens, but there are ways to bring in extra income that will alleviate stress and allow you to breathe a little easier.

Starting your own business may seem like a dream, but with some thought and passion, you can start bringing in that extra income that will make things so much easier for you. Where do you start though? How are you going to take an idea and translate it into additional funds every month? Here are some steps and ideas that will get you one step closer to financial freedom. I have been a mompreneur for over 12 years, and it all started with these…

Create YOUR List

What are you passionate about? Do you have skills that could transform into a business? Are there things that people often say you are really good at? Sit down and consider all of your personal skills, traits, and abilities and write them down. When I sat down and started thinking about what I could offer, I realized that I had skills that came directly from being a parent. I could follow a budget, organize, multi-task and be creative. These are all parenting skills and are beneficial in any business. I wrote down everything from that I liked pets, to could clean a house, from retail experience to loving to write. There is no such thing as a silly trait or skill. If you can do it, write it down. Your list will be the starting point in deciding what you can be successful at.

Self Doubt Be Gone!

Starting on a new adventure is scary let’s face it! Just remember you are not giving your day job up just yet. You can succeed at being an entrepreneur, but you have got to let that self-doubt go. Negativity and self-doubt will cripple your dreams before they are even off the ground. If believing in yourself is difficult, think of why you want to start a business. If it is for your children, ask them why you would be great at being your own boss. Children have a delightful way of telling you how things are. Ask your network for support! Friends, coworkers, and family can help you become more confident, but it all starts with you!

Put a Plan into Action

You have created a list of your skills, passions, and traits; now it is time to take those skills and define them into a business. Start with small goals like when you want to start and how you can acquire the money to start (many entrepreneurial choices cost little to no money to start, so you can always add to your business plan as things get rolling). There are so many resources for single parents available to make things easier for you. Take a look at what type of financial assistance is available in your area and is right for you.

With so many paths to choose from, the first step in starting a business is believing you can succeed. I have done everything from cleaning houses, selling crafts online, writing and tutoring and I have been able to bring in the extra cash every month for 12 years. Yes it takes time, and yes it can be difficult, but when you realize that you can add income to your bottom line, Your savings accounts and monthly budget will reap the rewards. Believe that you can, and you will!