7 steps to set your business up so you can have the time you need with your new baby
If you run a small business and you're expecting, it can be hard to imagine when you're going to find time to spend with your new baby. Only 43 per cent of small-business owners take four weeks or more of leave each year, and 14 per cent do not even remember the last time they had a holiday. So how is it exactly you're going to find time to take time off for a baby?
Now that time is inching closer to the baby's arrival, how's your planning going? Got everything in place ready to go? Haven't thought about it? If you're in the latter camp, we've got you covered. Read on for seven steps to set up your business before the baby comes.
1. Give plenty of notice
If you're a sole trader or planning to continue working once the baby arrives, give your clients plenty of notice that there may be some changes or disruptions to your usual workflow. People are often more flexible and accommodating once they know the reasons behind changes – and having a child is one of the best reasons for change!
2. Don't take on too much
When you're building up your business, it can be hard to say no to new work. While you won't want to turn down a fantastic opportunity that comes your way, know your limits. If a new contract pushes you over the edge, it won't be worth it for either party, so consider what your business can bear and get ready to hold the boundary. Remember this is not forever. Recommend someone you trust for the work you turn down or let clients know you'll be available in a few months. You might be surprised at how suddenly non-urgent some clients' work is or how long they are willing to wait.
3. Get support
If you’re planning to run the business without hiring someone new or taking much time off you are going to need help. We'll repeat that last bit. You are going to need help. Don't be ashamed to proactively seek support. Too often, we try to do everything ourselves when people are more than willing to help. Rather than having people drop by to meet the baby and stay for endless cups of tea, ask if they can watch the baby for a few hours while you catch up on admin. Or perhaps they can bring you a few home-cooked meals. Lean on your community, actively communicate your needs, and outsource what you can – many successful business owners do.
4. Pick a business focus
Babies can be surprisingly well-behaved in the early days, and you may have long stretches of time to work while the baby and/or your partner naps. Or you might feel like some kind of permanently exhausted pigeon. It could go either way. While you can't predict your baby's mood (at any given time), you can make the time you spend on your business effective.
Consider what aspects of your business generate the most revenue, and focus on those in the early months of new parenthood. Maybe you'll continue to work for one or two well-paying clients or sub-contract someone else to do the bulk of the work that you'll oversee. Figure out how you can continue the business with minimal effort, and don't hesitate to delegate time-sucking tasks where possible.
5. Consider a trial run
In the lead-up to leave or the baby's arrival, consider taking a short break (remember holidays?) to iron out any issues before you take a period of short or long leave. This can give you confidence that the team (if you have one) can handle operations and iron out any issues before the baby comes.
6. Plan for a complete break (even if it's a short one)
Even if you plan to send emails from the maternity ward, plan for a complete break from your business. When it comes to babies and children, there are plenty of circumstances that are completely out of our control (e.g. pre-term birth or health issues).
Give yourself the best start at parenting by taking some time out of business, even if it's a few days. After the adrenalin wears off, exhaustion will hit, and you will want to have the option of switching off if you need to. If you are a sole trader, consider a service such as a virtual assistant to help monitor customer enquires or hire a sub-contractor for a short period.
7. Look after your mental health and that of your partner
This is easier said than done with a newborn. Be aware of the signs of postnatal depression and anxiety, and the learn the difference between parent stress and 'distress'. Running a business while looking after a baby can be a heavy weight on your shoulders, and if you’re supporting your partner too this weight can feel even heavier some days. Refer to your support plan and don’t wait until things reach crisis point. Enlist help from your partner, family, or friends, or talk to a professional.
Helpful resources
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Your GP – if you don’t have a good GP, Beyond Blue’s Find a mental health professional page can be a good place to start.
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HealthDirect – this service is managed by registered nurses who will let you know if you need to take your baby to a GP or go to the hospital.
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Centre of Perinatal Excellence – COPE.
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The eCOPE directory contains details of health practitioners specialising in perinatal mental health in your local area.
