Lifetime Moms

Being an entrepreneur takes guts, patience and a lot of heart -- being a mom entrepreneur takes all of those things plus a whole lot more. You have to be a great negotiator, an expert in time management and quick on your feet. I’ve learned that trying to start a business while running a household takes a lot of give and take and balance. You have to be able to adapt to situations quickly and work under constant noise and disruption. QuickSprout.com lists 53 ways to become a better entrepreneur. Here are 10, and how they relate to mom entrepreneurs.

Don’t let emotions cloud your decisions. It’s very easy to grow emotionally attached to a project or business, but this can cloud your judgment and even keep your business from growing. You have to put your emotions aside and outsource some of the work so you can concentrate on what’s most important.

Accept criticism, no matter who gives it to you Think of criticism as a way to improve. If someone says they don’t like the layout of your online store, use that and build on it; ask them what it is they don’t like. You can use the information to test further and create a better experience for your customers.

Never stop networking When you are juggling kids and a business it’s hard to go out and socialize because you spend most of your “free” time working on the business. But taking the time to network is essential for your business and for your well being. Look for a support group, go to Twitter parties and networking events. Find your inner circle of friends and supporters.

Try not to mix your family life with your business Make sure you dedicate time for the kids and family every day, which means stepping away from the computer, shutting down Twitter and Facebook, putting the phone on vibrate and hanging out with the family.

Don’t let anything or anyone stand in your way It’s easy to get sucked into the “mommy” routine, but don’t let the fact that you’re a mom be your excuse for not achieving your goals. Be an example to your children by showing them that you can follow your dreams and passions.

You don’t have to always pay for advice You will be amazed by how much free advice you can find online. You can learn how to set up your business plan and can even request a business license online. If you have business questions, search forums and blogs -- someone is sure to have an answer for you.

Invest in a good accountant and, if needed, an attorney If there is one thing that you should spend money on it should be a good accountant. There are a lot of taxes and forms to fill out when you launch a business and you want to make sure you are doing everything correctly so you don’t end up with huge fines later. I made this mistake with my business and would have forked over a ton of money if I hadn’t consulted an accountant.

Sometimes you have to wait for good deals to come by Don’t jump on the first opportunity, sometimes good things come to those who wait. If you aren’t immediately drawn to an idea or project try and figure out why. Don’t jump into a project if you have doubts, even if it means losing the client or project.

Live in a location filled with entrepreneurs Surrounding yourself with other like-minded people can be great motivation. Learn from those that are successful and the ones that aren’t. Try and set up an entrepreneur support group in your area.

Diversifying is a good way to play it safe. If you have more than one skill or talent, then utilize it to help generate more revenue. Are you a web designer who wants to become a freelance writer? Why not freelance as a web designer as you build your writing portfolio. Becoming a successful entrepreneur takes a lot of work and patience, so make sure you love what you’re doing.