This post is a continuation of the story of my journey toward financial freedom.
When my daughter was very young and I was a new, breastfeeding mom I was torn between working and staying home to take care of my daughter. I missed her terribly and wanted to be the one to raise her rather than a daycare center. I made the decision to become a stay at home mom.
My plan was to use my desktop publishing and administrative skills to earn money. I had a great book about desktop publishing and decided to take the plunge. A good friend had given me a used computer to get started. From that day I considered myself an entrepreneur.
I had a few business cards made and created flyers to give out. I began spreading the word about my services and I was even featured in the local newspaper. The angle was basically “single mom starts home business”.
I was flying by the seat of my pants mostly because I had very little business sense or help. I didn’t know any business owners and had no contacts. My confidence level was very low so I didn’t take the initiative to go out and meet people.
I’m sure my pricing was too low and I was not very good at marketing. Still I tried and got a couple of steady clients. After a while the financial pressure began to weigh on me. I didn’t have a clear mind or sense of security for me and my baby so I began looking for work again.
The short time I spent as a business owner taught me many lessons:
1. Have a mentor
2. Have an established network
3. Target your services and market to those people
4. Have a solid support system
5. Have a simple business plan or plan of action
Even though I made the choice to return to work, I never gave up my dream to be an entrepreneur. I’ve found ways to make money on the side over the years as I test the possibilities. I’m sure I’ll be a full-time WAHM very soon with determination and a greater sense of confidence!
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
At least you tried. That’s kind of where I am right now with my “business”. See, I am still developing the confidence to actually call it a business. I have no idea what I’m doing, its basically focusing on targets and trying to market to those targets. The problem is that I’m sure I don’t market to enough targets. I do have some mentors (in my head) that I turn to for small bits of advice. Thanks for reminding me, that in order to grow, I must not be afraid to go in full force, to believe in my business and myself as a business owner!
Thanks again for all of your support!