Running a business is no walk in the park—add in a major family transition like welcoming a new baby or moving to a new home, and it can feel like you’re trying to juggle flaming swords while blindfolded! But don’t panic! I know this all too well and we will get through this together. This past July, we welcomed our new baby girl into our family and now we are preparing to move across the state to be closer to family. For this blog, I will be using a newborn and moving as my examples.
With the right strategies, you can successfully navigate business growth while managing personal life changes. Whether you’re dealing with the sleepless nights of a newborn or the chaos of packing boxes (like we are), here are some tips for keeping your business on track.
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Plan (But Be Flexible)
The keyword here is flexibility. Sure, you’ll have your to-do list, launch schedule, event/pop ups, and client meetings all mapped out, but family transitions are unpredictable. So being flexible is key to moving through this transition. If your newborn decides to stay up all night or the moving truck arrives late, be ready to adjust. Build some buffer time into your business tasks, and have a backup plan for when things don’t go as expected. Flexibility allows you to handle curveballs without feeling completely overwhelmed. Pre-planning and creating systems within your business will helo you with being flexible, because a schedule will help you with the following tips. -
Automate Wherever Possible
When your time is split between business growth and family, automation can be your best friend. If you know me, I absolutely love automated as much as i can. I mean, a person can only answer the same questions over and over. Automate what you can—whether it’s scheduling social media posts (which you can do for free inside instagram), setting up email marketing sequences (we use a combination of shopify email and Kit), or streamlining your invoicing process. By putting routine tasks on autopilot, you’ll free up mental space and time for those unpredictable family moments.Speaking from our experience, I have been able to increase my productivity, especially since I take on social media clients. Being able to schedule both Aguon Studios content as well as the content for my clients, allows me to sleep in and cuddle my daughter, or stop in the middle of the day to breastfeed the baby. -
Prioritize the Essential
You can’t do everything at once—and you shouldn't need to do it all. But this is really important, especially when there’s a new baby in the house or you’re in the middle of a big move. Make a list of your top priorities in business and personal life. Ask yourself: What tasks will actually move the needle for my business growth? Focus on the essential activities that will help your business grow, and let go of the non-essentials for now. If it’s not urgent, it can wait. -
Set Boundaries and Communicate
I absolutely love setting boundaries and truly believe that learning how to set boundaries is one of the greatest skills you can learn. With a new baby or a move, it’s important to set clear boundaries with your clients, team, and even yourself. Let your clients know when you’ll be available (and when you won’t), and be upfront about any changes in your schedule. Setting realistic expectations from the get-go ensures smooth sailing. Your clients will appreciate your honesty, and you’ll feel less pressure to be "on" 24/7. -
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
This is the time to lean on your support system. In business, delegate tasks to your team or hire a virtual assistant to take over some responsibilities. (Psst… if you are considering VA services, email us. Okay that was our one service plug.) At home, don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or even a babysitter when needed. You’re not a superhero, and there’s no shame in outsourcing what you can’t handle during these transitions. Often times, especially for mothers, we often think that we need to be able to “do it all,” but give yourself grace, because you DO NOT need to do it all. Asking for help does not make you a bad business owner, a bad parent, or a failure… so you can push those thoughts out of your mind. Asking for help and delegating is a skill and a strength. -
Take Care of Yourself
It’s easy to put yourself last when you’re caring for a baby, packing for a move, and managing a business. But if you’re running on empty, both your family and your business will suffer. Make self-care a priority. Even if it’s just a 10-minute break to drink your coffee in peace (especially while it’s still hot), carving out time for yourself is essential for your sanity and productivity. -
Celebrate Small Wins
During times of transition, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s not done. But celebrating small wins—whether it’s wrapping up a client project, getting a good night’s sleep (rare, I know!), or unpacking one box—can help you stay motivated and keep a positive outlook. Growth doesn’t always come in huge leaps; sometimes it’s the little victories that matter most.
Navigating business growth during major family transitions is no small feat, but with a bit of planning, a lot of flexibility, and some well-placed boundaries, you can thrive in both your personal and professional life. You’ve got this!