Mompreneurs

Last week I started with the Mompreneur series and introduced Radhia from Treatmesweetlie. She’s part of my blogging community and in our community we share the love. Mommies doing for themselves inspire me, and as more and more women are starting to move mountains, I’m all aboard.

Today I was supposed to feature another mompreneur, but while I was busy with the finishing touches of the post, I was interrupted by a knock at the door. A very decent looking middle aged woman asking if I don’t have an odd job for her to do. A little details on the woman’s appearance and demeanor: Neatly dressed like someone who is going to work, with her handbag which I’m assuming had a packed lunch. She had the most radiant smile, full of confidence and looked like a woman on a mission. The mission obviously to find a job, do it well and earn some bucks to feed her family at the end of the day. She didn’t ask for any handouts and when I told her that I didn’t have any odd jobs for her (while swallowing a lump in my throat because if I could I’d give her a job right on the spot) she politely thanked me for my time, again with a smile and said goodbye. In the few minutes we spoke I could sense that she was a humble and very genuine person. Guys I’ve interviewed candidates for jobs at companies before and most of them fall short on the impression this woman gave me today. When she left I said an earnest prayer asking God to help and bless this woman. I really do hope that she finds something today.

So friends there is no mompreneur feature this week and the mommy I would have featured is understanding about this. Things don’t always go as planned and some stories should not be left untold.

Now a bit more about mompreneurs and entrepreneurs in general and a bit of a rant.

While many women (mostly girls) seek rich husbands to offer financial stability, I’ve chosen to not trade in my hubster for a richer model, but to become THE RICH WIFE. How do you like that?

As an entrepreneur myself I know firsthand how difficult it is to start up. Nevermind getting clients and marketing. The idea of self promoting, if you don’t suffer from forwardjitis (totally made up word and totally love it) like me, is a daunting task because let’s face it you won’t get everyone’s support especially from friends and family members. Not even going to try and analyze or rationalize it because it is what it is. What I have noticed on many occasions is that it’s often those same people who doubted you or didn’t want to support you at first that’s usually the ones who comes asking favours. I hate that. No one gets paid to do favours so don’t expect friends or family who may be of some benefit to you because of their skills or connections to just drop everything and run to your aid. At the same time I’d also like to make it clear that we skilled business people are often keen to assist where we can but do not tolerate being taken advantage of.

Classic example: About a month ago I helped a family member out with one of my services which saved her over R300 if she had to pay a professional (please note that because I’m related, I’m not classified as a professional in her opinion) to perform the task. I got a mild thanks and an extended story about how much she would have paid for the service and the conversation (let’s call it a rant) lasted for a whole 10 minutes about how much people charge for services these days. I didn’t expect payment but a choccie would have made my day or even an empty IOU. I love choccies by the way but it’s not my preferred currency in my business.

During the past few months I’ve also done some telephonic support for friends who seem to think that since I’m home I obviously have nothing better to do than help them with their Excel issues or balancing of books etc. A simple thanks there too and still no choccies. I don’t expect anything, but geez since I’m doing you a favour steal my heart a little.

Many of us know people who knows how to do things and will gladly assist where they can. Entrepreneurs take note: make use of your resources and take advice from people who offer it. You don’t need to follow through with all of it but be open to suggestions. You’ll find there are many professionals who are quite eager to share their knowledge. Do not however abuse them and if it is a service they offer in a professional capacity then don’t be shy to ask for discounted rates or some trade swopping. Again, you’ll find entrepreneurs have a sense of camaraderie and they may be able to make use of your product or service too.

As usual a whole mouthful. Can you imagine having a conversation with me in real life? Ha ha ha…

I’ve approached quite a few moms doing it for themselves and they’re all keen to be featured on my little blog. So this will be “Mompreneur Tuesdays”. Should you wish to be featured, drop me a mail and let’s get chatting 🙂