This post is a guest post by Amanda Henderson. Amanda is a blogger at http://safechildren.info/

Many stay-at-home mothers have a lot on their plates these days, which makes it difficult to think about ways to boost a career. If you’ve always dreamed of starting your own business, however, there’s no time like the present. With access to various resources online, it's easier than ever to become a “momtrepreneur” and grow a business from home even as you raise your family. The key is to find a business model that works for your specific circumstances while getting support and advice from other parents who have experience. You can start by checking out blog posts and podcasts from Danielle Rivenbark, who offers inspiration and tips to other working moms. Then, think about the best business ideas for your specific skill set.

Brainstorm

If you’re unclear about the path you want to take as an entrepreneur, think about what makes the most sense for you and your family. Starting a business that requires a physical storefront is extremely time-consuming and expensive, for instance, but you can create a business at home that can be carried out on a smaller, more accessible scale. Creative endeavors such as photography, crafting, making jewelry, and sewing can be highly profitable if you have the right platform, while freelancing, blogging, and becoming a virtual assistant are popular self-employment ideas for stay-at-home parents who need flexibility in their daily schedules.

Take precautions

No matter what sort of business you decide to start, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re protected in the event of litigation or major debt. Forming an LLC, or limited liability company, can ensure that you won’t be held personally responsible for your business’s finances because it keeps everything separate. Not only that, an LLC offers tax benefits and some flexibility with the way you run your company. There are a few different steps required depending on which state you live in, so get familiar with the rules and regulations for forming a North Carolina LLC before you get started, including deadlines for filing paperwork and local requirements for naming your business.

Do your research

Once you have some of the legalities figured out, it’s essential to do some research on your potential competition. Whether your business will be web-based or in-person, you’ll want to get the scoop on similar businesses and get a feel for their business model. Not only will this help you plan for your own company’s needs, but it will also allow you to network a bit and get to know other entrepreneurs who can be of help as you grow your business, which is an important part of the process. You can also utilize blogs and other online resources to gain support and get ideas; Danielle Rivenbark posts often about being a working mom and how she balances it all.

Plan well

When starting a business from home, it’s crucial to plan not only for your company’s well-being but for your own. Finding a good work/life balance is challenging for most entrepreneurs, and it often takes some time to get into a routine that everyone is comfortable with. Caring for small children while working from home can be especially daunting, but there are ways to prevent stress, such as creating play centers in a safe area where they can be supervised as you check emails and take care of other small tasks. Setting boundaries and limits is important; you might let older children know that if you’re in your workspace with the door closed, you’re not to be interrupted, but an open door means you’re available.

Starting a business as a stay-at-home mom requires a lot of planning, but you can make the process a smooth one by getting organized and doing your research. Reach out to fellow momtrepreneurs when possible so you can start building a network of like-minded individuals.

Interested in contacting Danielle Rivenbark? Fill out the form on the website and get in touch.