How are moms different in business? And, should they be?
A newspaper article was sent to me this week about the ideals and reality of being a mompreneur in today’s business world. A couple of mompreneurs faced the dark-side of doing business when their ideas were stolen or they were undercut by the competition. On a brighter note, other mompreneurs had good experiences in starting their businesses where other moms and mentors provided much needed support.
My initial thought reading the article was that while there are many business leaders and mentors who help others in business, the business world is what it is – competitive – and only the strong survive – it doesn’t matter if you are a businessman, businesswoman or even a mompreneur. This doesn’t make it right and of course, people should follow business ethics and values and help others, but the reality is every business person should be aware and wary of the competition and business sharks. “Mom&Pop” shops have been competing with large chain stores for decades. Even charitable organizations are changing the way they do business to be more like for-profit companies. The article noted that mompreneurs should set a good example for their children. Shouldn’t we all set good examples for our children whether we are mompreneurs, stay-at-home moms, corporate moms, or even dads and people without children?
Overall, I truly believe the business world is not all that bad and I don’t believe only the sharks will win. There are many resources, networks and business people who are willing to help others and who want everyone to succeed. I’ve worked in private, public and non-profit organizations and now I’m a stay-at-home mom doing part-time work and I have had good and not-so-good experiences across all spectrums.
My outstanding question is: Are mompreneurs any different from the rest of the business community? And, should they be upheld to a different standard from other entrepreneurs?
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Mompreneurs
Assuming that the mompreneurs we're talking about don't have 'wives' like many male entrepreneurs, mompreneurs ARE different from the rest of the business community. Not only are they navigating an often hard-nosed, patriarchal business world but they have their children and often husband/parents/in-laws to manage too.
It's BECAUSE women are so good at multi-tasking that we can do this - but it takes a toll on energy levels - as we switch from tough left-brained "business" mode to a softer more right-brained "child mode" to "organizing the dinner or family" mode.
So, I'm assuming we're not talking about setting higher standards for Moms... Unfortunately, whilst it would be nice to say "Let's give mom's a break and allow them a lower standard" - EVERYONE is busy these days. People want their (high quality) product or service NOW, with no hassle. In fact a mompreneur's customers ARE often other moms! They - especially - don't have time and energy to cope with lower standards.
I believe the answer is twofold. 1) Systems and 2) (the oft-repeated) Self-care.
What do I mean by systems? Well, what gets in the way of you being most productive and providing excellent service? Maybe it's your child screaming in the middle of a complex transaction or important phonecall? Well, a system can be as simple as KNOWING WHAT YOU WILL DO or SAY in that situation - a script by the phone that leaves you looking professional or perhaps a short mantra that calms you and reminds you of priorities, "Deep breath, child first" or learning the SAVE shortcut so if your child needs you, press Ctrl+S and go! Take the time and energy to figure out what gets in the way, and set up quick, simple systems that support you.
And self-care? Well, I guess we all hear a lot about this... For me, self-care can be as simple as allowing PLENTY OF TIME for whatever you're doing. DOUBLE your time-estimate if it's something you've done before. QUADRUPLE your estimate if it's something new. Don't have time for that? Well, you won't if you're rushing and make mistakes or end up allowing that inner-critic to beat you up for not being finished already... So, need to go to an important business meeting? Think it will take you 20 minutes to get ready? Allow 40 instead. Think it'll take you 2 hours to set up a new technology on your computer? Allow a day! Try it and I guarantee you'll feel better, calmer, more professional.
In summary, yes - moms are different. It's harder to be a mom AND an entrepreneur. Moms need to be prepared for all basic mom-related situations and give themselves a break - and accept that things will (probably) take longer.
And of course remember - happy, calm moms = happier, calmer kids...