Embracing the "Mompreneur" Identity: Why Being a Mom Makes You a Better Entrepreneur
Sep 19, 2024In today's fast-paced business world, the term "mompreneur" is becoming more widely recognized. However, many women still face the pressure to downplay their roles as mothers in the professional sphere. This pressure often stems from outdated beliefs that mothers are less available or less committed to their work. But I'm here to challenge that notion and highlight why being a mom doesn't just complement your business skills—it enhances them.
The concept of the "motherhood penalty" is, unfortunately, a reality many women face. Research conducted by Shelley Correll, a professor of sociology at Cornell, revealed that women with hints of motherhood on their résumés were 44% less likely to get a job. Furthermore, salary offers often decrease with each additional child. This research underscores the biases against working mothers in the corporate world.
Personally, I left a career in law over a decade ago because I noticed that the legal industry wasn’t friendly to working moms. Women who had children either didn’t return to work or weren’t taken as seriously if they did. The environment lacked role models who successfully balanced both a thriving career and a fulfilling family life—at least not the life I was looking for.
As Sheryl Sandberg wisely said in her book Lean In, "We need more portrayals of women as competent professionals and happy mothers—or even happy professionals and competent mothers." And I couldn't agree more.
I’m not going to conceal the fact that I’m a mom, and I’m not sorry about it. In fact, motherhood has made me a better entrepreneur. Since having my children, I’ve become more focused on what truly matters, a better networker, and someone who connects deeply with clients, especially those in the baby and parenting space.
Moreover, I realize that my children are watching me. I’m setting an example for them about being passionate, hard-working, and proud of your work. They see firsthand that it’s possible to be both a dedicated parent and a successful business owner.
The truth is, moms are uniquely equipped with skills that make them outstanding entrepreneurs and employees. Here are some reasons why:
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Master Time Management and Efficiency
Moms are the ultimate time managers. We get up early, stay up late, delegate tasks, and make lists. We know how to crowd-source, ask for what we need, and complete tasks without wasting time. Our days are packed, and we make every minute count.
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Focus on What Matters
Moms don’t have time for unimportant tasks. We quickly figure out what’s essential and get it done because we have to. This focus allows us to prioritize effectively, ensuring that we meet our goals both at work and at home.
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Skilled Multi-Taskers
From taking conference calls while picking up kids to writing proposals while pumping breast milk, moms are skilled multi-taskers. We manage to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously and do it all with grace and efficiency.
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Work Well Under Pressure
When the pressure’s on, moms perform. Whether it’s a sick child at home or a looming deadline, we just figure it out. We enlist help, move things around, and make it happen—no panic, just action.
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Exceptional People Management and Negotiation Skills
Moms are expert negotiators and people managers. Whether it’s convincing a child to wear appropriate clothing or managing sibling disputes, these skills translate seamlessly into managing clients, bosses, and colleagues.
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Badass Managers
We manage households, kids’ schedules, and businesses. There are a lot of moving parts, but moms handle it all with ease. Things might not always be perfect, but they’re always good enough.
Moms are some of the most productive, focused, and effective people out there. Sure, promoting the fact that I’m a mom might limit some opportunities, but that’s okay. I’m not interested in working with companies that can’t appreciate the strengths that motherhood brings to the table.
So, to all the mompreneurs out there, don’t be afraid to embrace your dual role. You’re doing an amazing job, and the world needs more moms like you running businesses. I’m a mom, a wife, and a business owner, and I’m not sorry about it.