When we found out I was pregnant of course we were over the moon! The biggest question mark that followed shortly after was, how am I going to juggle a newborn and my business?!
Like many, I had worked hard to build a business that had replaced my previous full-time income. It wasn’t as simple as taking twelve months off and stepping straight back into business (I mean, if only right!) While the flexibility of owning your own business is ACE! It also means, when you aren’t around, things don’t get done!
So.. I put into place a plan that meant I could take time off to enjoy my new bundle of joy! And keep my business running and my clients happy.
I’m sure I am not the first [or last] freelance business owner to have a baby! So I thought I would share my plan because who knows, it might just help someone else too.
1. Plans don’t always go to plan
First up, I have to say.. Even the most planned out plans don’t always go the way you would like them to go! With a full plan in place, my little guy actually decided to come nine weeks early! Which sure did put a spanner in the works!! BUT luckily for me, the plan I did have was already rolling, we just needed to move it forwards!
2. Communicate with Clients
I think it goes without saying, communication with your clients is important. Keeping them in the loop and allowing them to have plenty of time to make their own decisions. Of course, more than likely they will be THRILLED for you and happy to work with you to support your new journey. I explained to my clients that I would be bringing on board another Virtual Assistant who would be assisting with tasks while I was on leave.
3. Map out what you needs to be done
Next up, I wrote a big list of all of the tasks that would need to be done while I was taking some down time. This way I could easily communicate with someone what needed to be done and I had a rough idea of hours I would need them for each month. I used Asana to map out month by month what I would be handing over, a couple of tasks each month leading up to the birth. This kept me accountable for actually handing tasks over and also gave us a clear vision of what needed to be done each month.
4. Find a SUPERSTAR
I was lucky enough to find an AMAZING VA Kate Dixon to work with! Kate and I started working together four months out from my due date - which turned out to be such a blessing with the unexpected early baby delivery!
Once Kate was onboarded, in Asana we mapped out the months I would be off work so client work could continue to tick over! We used Asana as our communication tool, Asana also has a mobile app - which meant I could stay up to date with any notifications on my phone while away from my desk.
I would highly recommend outsourcing during this time. The extra set of hands is invaluable!
5. Batch Content
So, this one I didn’t exactly get to do (thanks pre-term labour!) BUT if I had my time over. I would batch all of my content in advance. Planning out socials, newsletters and blogs to maintain a presence without having to worry that I hadn’t posted in weeks or months!
It’s a little daunting, but the key is PLAN, PLAN and more PLAN! Trust me, your brain will be foggy and your eyes will be tired - but your heart will be so full! You will feel so much lighter knowing your business is still ticking over, even if it’s a little slower than previously!
I’d love for you to follow my journey! Come and say hey - you’ll find my hanging out most on the ‘gram you’ll find me @kirsty_whybrow_va
If you are a freelancer about to embark on maternity leave and have any question, let me know!
