Running a small business is hard enough without any distractions, but when you throw a small child into the mix, things can get really crazy. Find out how to survive as a small business owner with little children!
Whether you’re a new mom (or even a repeat mom!), stuck with a long commute, traveling a lot, or any number of other things, sometimes you just don’t have time to plop down at the computer for hours on end!
But the work still has to get done. Somehow.
After a few weeks of frantically trying to keep up with a newborn and a business, I finally figured out a few ways to minimize my computer time, without sacrificing my business.
How My Smart Phone Saved My Business
Being a new mom, I’ve been struggling to find time to post new articles, respond to email requests from clients, and just generally get my sh*t done.
Know that I couldn’t let my business fall apart, I did some brainstorming about things I COULD still do!
Here’s what I came up with that works for me… And hopefully it will work for you too!
1. Social media updates
This is a no-brainer. Most people use their phones for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram anyway, why should you be any different?
Use your phone to keep up with your pages and your notifications. That way you’re not overwhelmed with a ton of things to respond to when you do get to the computer.
You can spend a few minutes here and there as you find them to maintain social media without spending all day online.
2. Pinterest
No matter what your business is, you can leverage Pinterest to get more clients to your site. And just like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, Pinterest has a great smart phone app.
Spend a few minutes a day pinning to various boards on your Pinterest account and don’t forget to pin things from your own website to help drive traffic there!
3. Brainstorming post ideas
This is my new favorite thing. Brainstorming via Notes on my iPhone.
Where I used to use a fancy system on my computer to keep track of post and product ideas, to-do lists, and client requests, I just keep them on my phone now.
It’s always with me and I can flesh out the ideas as I’m able. I’m actually writing this entire post in Notes while my baby sleeps in my lap!
Once I’m finished I’ll email it to myself. Then when I have 5 minutes I’ll be able to upload the finished post with minimal computer time.
4. Respond to Emails
We all know this is a must in business, but you don’t have to be at a computer to keep up with the task. Seize the opportunity to respond to emails while you’re away from the computer.
It might take a bit longer to respond just using your thumbs (Believe me, I know… I’m typing this whole post with my right thumb! Gonna be sore tomorrow!)… but it will be worth it to keep up with your clients.
5. Respond to Comments on Your Own Site
Again, take advantage of the chance to respond to your own clients and potential clients, while still cuddling your babies.
This may take a bit more work depending on what platform you use for your site. I use WordPress so I’m able to use this app to keep track of and respond to comments.
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Doing these things on your smart phone frees up your time in front of the computer so that you can really get down to business when you have a few minutes.
Like I said, I wrote this entire post on my iPhone while my newborn napped in my arms.
I don’t have to feel bad about missing out on such prime cuddling time and I also got some work done! Isn’t that what it’s all about? Balance.
It’s a hard thing to find as a new mom, but these tips have really helped!
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