27.09.2021

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: HOW TO MAKE MONEY WHILE ON MATERNITY LEAVE

With maternity leave, a new way of life always begins, a new chapter in the history of the family opens up, values ​​are reconsidered, we think about what will happen in the future…

Here, business coach Jeanne Lurie lists the main advantages and disadvantages of women starting new work projects during maternity leave.

Now we offer you ideas on which activities to pay attention to when starting your own company with low start-up capital. Because, isn't it, maternity leave is not the most cloudless financial period in the life of the family ... We outline ideas that you can turn into a profitable, albeit small, business without endangering your health - sometimes two watermelons under one arm are a mission possible:

Beauty services

Maternity leave gives you a good opportunity to test your strengths and skills in something new. If you do not plan to change your profession, but are only looking for an additional source of income, choose a business that you can quickly master.

For example, to do a manicure or makeup, it is enough to complete a short course. The mastery will be manifested with regular practice and desire for development. The advantages of such work for the young mother are that beauty services are always in demand and you can easily find clients in your immediate environment. And also that you can make a floating schedule so that you are busy when it is convenient for you.

Training

You don't have to be a professional teacher to teach others. You can have a mathematics or philology education, or be fluent in a foreign language, or be "you" with the principles of economics - if you are interested, you will master the process over time and thanks to your students. You will help them too, and you will refresh and enrich your knowledge.

Think about what you understand better than others and make it a source of income.

Work in the specialty from home

For those who are maternity leave from their favorite job, the biggest fear is to lose their competencies during the holidays. If you can be useful to the company you work for, for example with transfers or annual reports, you will receive additional income and you will not lose your professional skills.

Ask your boss to leave you some of the duties you will perform remotely for a fee. He may like the idea, especially if there are things you can do best.

But don't try to do everything you've done before, because you run the risk of overloading yourself and not doing everything on time. Let what you take on be a little part-time work to be able to stay professionally active and spend enough time on yourself and your child.

Photographer

There is a strong demand for quality themed photos: business portraits, photo shoots - for prom, weddings, street walks, expecting a baby, family stories ... You can catch this trend and take advantage of it, the investment and effort are worth it , and they are not impossible. The most important thing is to have the talent of a photographer.

Cakes and pastries to order

Delicious and high quality pasta and bakery products are always in demand. You can make original cakes, holiday or wedding cakes, or emphasize wholemeal cookies and cakes - you are sure to find many fans of healthy food.

Healthy food to order

This trend of 10-15 years is becoming more widespread: homemade pasta, fruit compositions, fresh fruit, canned vegetables and fruits according to grandmother's recipes, homemade muesli and other foods and dishes can give you an idea how to develop a whole diet of the basis of useful products that help health, and offer it.

Textile production and knitting

If you can sew and knit well, you are a rich woman! And if you are up to date with fashion trends and you know how to handle different textures, patterns and colors, you are ready to open a sewing studio. The skill with the sewing machine and the knitting hooks is always welcome.

How to analyze the viability of your business ideas:

- Get to know the competition well;

- Define the market potential and the target audience;

- Develop the products or services you will sell and test them so that you have the opportunity to adjust the process in a timely manner, if necessary;

- Discover what sets your product apart from competitors and focus on it;

- Define a strategy for "capturing" the market;

- Assess what investments and resources you need and if the personal ones are not enough, look for an investor;

- Most importantly - answer the question: "What gives me personally the realization of this business idea, what is my motivation to achieve this goal?"

- Create a unique commercial offer;

- Do not try to do everything yourself, but find an effective team that will help you breathe life into your project;

- Do not market all products at once. If you have several, bet on gradual adaptation - this is more effective. Try it and you will succeed!