[TIP #2] Starting A Childcare Business
As I continue on this exciting venture, here's another tip I've learned...
GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO GROW!
I said what I said and I mean it! As I continue trudging along on this journey, the one thing I keep reminding myself is: “You’re exploring uncharted territory; be kind to yourself and let yourself grow.” There is so much that comes with learning something new, and starting your own business is definitely at the top of the gut-check list! From choosing the appropriate business structure, location, market, and purpose, to writing your business plan, creating multi-year financial projections, searching for grant/loan opportunities, and so much more - much of which I don’t even know yet. If you don’t give yourself permission to learn these things, no matter how long it might take, it will swallow you whole! One thing I found to be helpful while on this journey was registering with the Small Business Administration, and other non-profit organizations, and connecting with mentors. My mentors, like most, have the experience, strategies, and tools that have helped me think things through and move through this process with confidence. Remember that this journey is yours and though a mentor is great to have, some of them are volunteering their time to help you, so don’t take it for granted. Do the work!
As I think about what led me to write this post, I realize how closely it relates to parenting. As a new parent or parent to multiple children, there is so much you will not know, and will need to give yourself space to learn. Learn particular techniques and skills to parenting in general, or approaches to parenting based on the individual personalities of each of your children, if you have multiple. There is no “cookie cutter” or “one size fits all” approach to parenting, much like starting a new business, and being open, and willing to adjust, learn, and re-learn as needed, will aid in your success in doing so. Entrepreneurship and parenting are distinct roles, but the skills and qualities required for success in both can overlap. Many entrepreneurs are also parents and draw upon their parenting experiences in their business endeavors, and vice versa. Below are a few of the similarities that came to mind. Read on…
Responsibility: Both entrepreneurship and parenting come with significant responsibilities. Entrepreneurs are responsible for the success and sustainability of their businesses, while parents are responsible for the well-being and development of their children. In both cases, there are people who depend on you.
Decision-Making: Entrepreneurs and parents must make a myriad of decisions on a daily basis. Entrepreneurs make decisions about their business strategies, product development, marketing, and more, while parents make decisions about their children's education, health, and various other aspects of their upbringing.
Adaptability: Both roles require adaptability and the ability to handle unexpected challenges. Entrepreneurs often face changing market conditions and unforeseen obstacles, while parents must adapt to the changing needs and personalities of their children.
Patience: Patience is crucial in both entrepreneurship and parenting. Building a successful business and raising well-adjusted children often takes time and persistence. Both involve long-term investments that may not yield immediate results.
Learning and Growth: Both roles involve continuous learning and personal growth. Entrepreneurs need to stay updated on industry trends and adapt to new technologies, while parents must learn about child development and parenting techniques to provide the best care for their children.
Risk-Taking: Entrepreneurs and parents often face risks and uncertainties. Entrepreneurs take financial risks when starting and running a business, while parents take on the emotional and financial responsibility of raising a child. Both roles require a willingness to take calculated risks.
Problem-Solving: Problem-solving skills are essential in both entrepreneurship and parenting. Entrepreneurs must solve business-related problems, while parents deal with various challenges in raising their children.
Vision and Planning: Entrepreneurs and parents often have a vision for the future. Entrepreneurs create business plans and strategies to achieve their goals, and parents often have plans for their children's education and development.
Time Management: Both roles require effective time management. Entrepreneurs often work long hours and need to balance their business responsibilities with their personal lives, while parents need to allocate time for their children's needs and their own.
Passion and Dedication: Successful entrepreneurs and parents are often driven by passion and dedication. They are committed to the success and well-being of their businesses or children and are willing to put in the effort required.
Regardless of the objective, all of the above was written as encouragement to continue striving to be your best self when planning, executing, and reaching your goals. To that end, I am giving myself permission to continue along this journey and ride the giant learning curve in front of me with flexibility, openness, and excitement. Why? Well, why not?! This is what I’ve set out to do and if I don’t appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow along the way, I will likely get frustrated and unmotivated, and won’t see it through to the end, which will surely result in massive, unforgivable regret. Never stop telling yourself you can do it and forgive yourself when things get a little overwhelming. Breathe. Reset. Go!
