b y P A U L I N A P O D G O R S K A

M o t h e r & F o u n d e r

S O S s i t t e r . c a / S O S g a r d e . c a

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1

HOW TO SUCCEEDas a Momtrepreneur

My Story

Leon - 5

Paulina - 30 something...

My Story – Founder of SOSsitter

My Story - of SOSgarde

Summary

Definition

Demystifying Myth

Benefits

Pillars of success

Challenges with tips to avoid them

Resources

Conclusion

Definition of a Momtrepreneur

Momtrepreneur

=

Mom FIRST

Entrepreneur SECOND

Demystifying some Myths

It’s a REAL job

Not utopia

Not the holy grail

Not a job you can do with kids in the house

Professional experience IS necessary

Success NOT guaranteed

Benefits

Master of your destiny

Freedom of your own time

Sense of accomplishment

Less costly

Magnified creativity

Time spent with kids

Decreased Mommy gilt

Pillars of success

Good Foundations

Good Idea

Good Attitude

Good Working Method

Success = Good Foundations

1. Financial means for daily life

2. Child care

3. Family support

4. Your personal motivation

Success = Good Idea

Success = Good Working Methods

Self discipline – important! :

Stick to your working hours

Complete task on time

Switch personal phone & emails off during most of work hours

Do non-work tasks on non-working hours

Be organized – personal & professional life:

Establish daily tasks with priorities

Let family know when are your working hours & respect that

Work overtime when it is OK with family members

Success = Good Working Methods

A proper working space: Not shared by anyone but you

Quiet

Clean from house stuff

Be resourceful: Google is your best friend

Community/forums great to find answers

Have an IT person for emergencies

Learn constantly: Establish 30min of your day to learn something new everyday

Follow professional blogs & news

Participate in professional discussions

Success = Good Attitude

Perseverance

“Success in business is 10% idea, and 90% perseverance”

Trust in self

You are the greatest asset of your business

Positive thinking

The thing that will keep you through the tough times

Acceptance of mistakes

Mistake = learning

Challenges

Uncertain financial future Have financial support for the first 2 years (Partner, savings, part-time job)

Fear of mistakes & setbacks Right mental attitude (see slide before)

Isolation Network physically and virtually

Limited social life Plan one outing at regular intervals

Mommy guilt of not spending time with children

Mummy guilt – Tips to tame it

Do not Compare yourself to other moms

Do not allow anyone to make you feel bad

Be realistic - Accept that you cannot give all your time to kids

Spend QUALITY time with your kids – no Blackberry or PC nearby

My Word to YOU

DO IT – be bold and go for it. You are the king of your destiny.

GET FAMILY SUPPORT BEHIND YOU- essential if working from home

GET CHILD CARE – no kids during working hours

If you do make mistakes, it’s good – you are learning

USE ALL SUPPORT YOU CAN GET – mentor, networking, government bodies

Resources

Entrepreneurship:

CDLs (Centre de development Local) (acldq.qc.ca)

Yes Montreal (yesmontreal.ca)

Service d’aide aux jeunes entrepreneurs (sajemontrealmetro.ca)

Momtrepreneur:

The Mom Entrepreneur (themomentrepreneur.com)

Mom Entrepreneurs Network (momentrepreneursnetwork.com)

Les Supermamans (supermamans.com)