PINK FIRE–“The Mother Business”

Single mothers are all over the world, doing what they do best, holding things together.  Imagine single mothers who own and operate their own business, this is a reality show worth watching and I am certainly the star of it.  There’s the guilt, the time, the accomplishments, the rewards, the praise, the wonder, and the amazement all in a bundle of such a feat.  Am I teaching my son anything by me being a female business owner?  What assistance is there specifically for women business owners who are raising families alone?  Sure, there probably are organizations who support such a cause, but I mean who specializes in it?  What programs are loudly announced for your single parent self to be an entrepreneur?  Well creating ways out of no ways is my way.  The Omai Way is not a street, or a lane, it is an entire community.  This community gets their key specific needs taken care of at all times.  Yes, a perfect world it is.  Being an affiliate of “The Mother Business” is not a pretty badge.  It is scruffy and sticks when it wants to and falls at other times, but nevertheless, it does speak a title into existence:  I gave birth to a child, I gave birth to a business and I am going to raise it, the end dot

We love our children and some of us have a business that may honestly need more attention than a child would seem to so the on search for balance is not the tight rope, but like a noose.  We never want to be hanging in there, don’t you cringe when people tell you that as the noose grows tighter around your neck, “Hang in there.”  A perfect response is, “No, cut me down.”   Freedom is important when you are going through challenges.  A key to freedom I teach is:  Completion.  Have you ever gotten started with the million dollar idea or endeavor and could not finish.  Come on, I am not the only one.  Or how about when you are working and working and see so much progress you feel guilty that you are needing people to watch your child for you while you go make it happen?  Yes, guilt, business women with children will feel guilty to go get that great big contract when a little one wants your small attention.  What do we do?  Well first and foremost we are a mother, but our motherhood does advance into the business world and your child will welcome their virtual sibling with open arms when they are included. 

Inclusitivity

Here are some simple points to including your children (no matter the age) in your daily activities. 

Hire them.  Yes, my 10 year old gets paid 3 dollars to calculate my financials from time to time, $5 to keep my home office clean, $5 to read business documents to me out loud to ensure they are expressive, simple and edited verbally, $3 to rub my feet while I work, and much more.  This can go on their resume, and yes, children can have resumes.  Do not leave educational institutions in charge of the financial aspect of your children’s lives.  They don’t even get paid enough themselves.  No, we are not overworking our children, but we do need to keep them involved.  Take them out for the company appreciation dinners as a reward.  Promote them and treat them like partners, not employees and they will respect what you do even when they do not like it.

Educate them.  Teach them about your business by having them read your articles which are published about you.  Watch your commercials and company videos.  Show them how to do something specific in your business as you are doing it.  Yes, you may have to slow down taking speed off of your production, however the quality you are pushing out is tremendous and multi-fold. 

Vacation them.  You need a vacation and they will too.  Tell them, “This is trip (or meal, or gift, etc.) is paid for my company just for us.”  Show them that your company is providing them with stability and fun.  When children see that your company is their friend, like a big brother or sister, they will not mind as much, the attention you share with it because it is apart of their lives too. 

Visit them.  Take your company to their events, schools, and activities.  Become a sponsor where applicable.  Most certainly participate in career day at their school (if you cannot go, send a representative on your behalf with a treat from Mommy).  Do business in their room.  This means, your computer business, take it in their room while they watch television and play.  This shows your presence, yes your attention is more impactful, however, your presence is so appreciated.  If they are too loud, find something you can do in their room or that they can do in your office which is comfortable for you.  Phone calls are a different story, sure you need to be able to deal with clients and other businesses professionally, but when you can do something where the phone is not involved by all means do it near your child (even at the park).

Service them.  What can your company do for your child?  They can be your charitable client.  Create ways to make your child feel and know they are important by doing something with and for them through your products and services.  Use your child in commercials and marketing material where applicable (shy children make good background extras).  Let your child be your logo as much as possible.  Parents mustn’t play favorites, so don’t do so with a business to child sibling relationship either.
Keep up the great work Moms!