Being a parent who is living with disabilities can come with some unique challenges, especially if you have dreams of opening your own business. Figuring out how to get your business and up and running is just one, but you also need tools that will help you balance the needs of that business with the needs of your family. Not to mention your own needs. If you’re a parent with disabilities who is looking to start your own business, these pointers can definitely help.
Boost Your Business Skills With Online Training
Before you start your business, consider completing a few courses to help you better understand the process. The online format will give you the flexibility that you need as a busy parent while providing you with leadership skills, self-awareness, and self-confidence. All of which can be essential for establishing a successful new business of any size. If you’re concerned about costs, know that there are financing options designed to help you. To further sharpen your prowess as a business owner, also consider taking online accounting training from Universal Accounting School.
Develop Flexible Plans for Your New Business
With some training under your belt, you will be ready and competent to move to the next step and write a business plan. Business plans can be tricky for smaller startups, especially if you want to develop plans that you can actually use to fuel your success. As you start your general business plan, try to think about the needs and wants of your target audience, and then write with them in mind. Although details can be important, you should also try to keep this initial roadmap short and concise. As long as you have a few key elements, including a marketing plan, you should be all set to start your small business with confidence. Just like your overarching business plans, marketing strategies should be tailored to fit your target customers. Speaking of target customers, it’s also a good idea to ensure content is accessible, to connect with other folks living with disabilities.
Set Up Your Accessible and Functional Workspace
Most first-time business owners end up working from home, at least in the beginning. Since you will be working from a home with kids around, organizing a home workspace could be a smart move for your productivity. Bonus productivity points if you can set this office up in a room or area of your home that is free from distractions and interruptions. A spare room with a door is always the best bet but if you’re short on space or need to keep an eye on little ones, setting up your workstation against a wall can also work. Depending on your needs, you may also need to design this space with accessibility features in mind. For example, opting for a desk that can be easily adjusted to varying heights can make home offices more practical for those who use a wheelchair and embossed labeling can help those with low vision keep workspaces organized.
Create Routines That Work for You and Your Family
While working from home can provide the practicality and flexibility you need to care for your family, this sort of arrangement can also come with some challenges. Establishing clear routines and expectations for every member of your household can help reduce the stress of these challenges. So start with your family’s morning routine and work your way down from there. While structure can be key, it’s also helpful to find the right balance of flexibility and structure for your family’s needs. If anxiety starts creeping in, you may want to work in a few more breaks for rest, exercise, and family time. Once you have a schedule worked out, post it in your family’s command center, so you won’t have to remind kids about to-do’s and expectations.
Running a successful small business isn’t for the faint of heart. As a busy parent and someone living with disabilities, you’re already used to conquering challenges. So with time and know-how, you can easily turn those skills into incredible assets for your new business!
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