Category: Business

Self-employed mum of two: the truth about working from home with kids

WHAT TO EXPECT | Balancing business, kids, burnout, and everything in between. I’m sharing what’s helped me navigate motherhood & self-employment, mistakes I made, what helped me cope & what I had to let go of.

You know you’ve grown as a person when you’re watching your kids mixing playdough colours and it doesn’t trigger you anymore. Or at least not as much. Am I right? With time, you learn to accept the little wins and just let go of the rest.

So now that Chloe (17 months) has started childcare, we’re entering – yet again – a whole new routine. That is, whenever she isn’t home sick with something (which happens more often than you’d think). Just this week – BAM – Chloe’s sick and my whole schedule crumbled. It’s fine (I mean what else can I do?), I’m used to it by now. These little unpleasant surprises just keep me on my toes.

If you read my blogs you know that I’m going to keep this real. No sugarcoating because who has time for that anyways? So no, it hasn’t been rainbows and unicorns working from home with a baby and a 5-year-old. Keeping up with my current retainers, projects and workload with Chloe at home was anything but easy. I wasn’t accepting any new projects and turning down new retainers for months because I couldn’t.

Between naps & deadlines

Maternity leave? What even is that? I was at my desk right up until Chloe’s birth, waddling around with a belly so big I had to swivel sideways to reach my keyboard. I guess, you can say that that’s one of the biggest drawbacks of being self-employed. I once had someone telling me that I have it easy because being my own boss, I could just stop working whenever I wanted, do whatever I wanted. I laughed.

If I stop working (setting aside the whole breaching-contracts thing for a moment and the fact that I have bills to pay) those retainers won’t wait around. They’ll just move on to someone else. And I know how difficult it is to start from scratch because that’s exactly what I had to do when I started my own gig. At the same time (and here’s when I went on a guilt trip), I simply wanted to be a good mum. So, I didn’t accept new work and tried to balance everything out, with Chloe taking top priority.

“But how are you managing to work as a self-employed with two kids?”

At the time, I had no idea how I was managing. But somehow, I did. Willpower? Maybe. Any help I could get from family members? Definitely. I worked at odd hours. Whenever the baby slept, I couldn’t just sleep as everyone tells you to (and I do mean everyone). I needed to get shit done and seeing that I don’t have any magical abilities (yet), something had to give.

My BIGGEST mistake 😱

That was one of the biggest mistakes I made. The lack of sleep killed me and eventually caught up with me. Running on four hours of sleep, day after day, is exhausting and unfortunately led to a really bad burnout. SO – lesson learned – but at the time, I couldn’t see a way out. Saying all this, my hubby and I do balance our chores, family duties and everything in between because that is how we roll. And, my mum is a godsend and I’m not sure how I would have coped without her. But now, looking back, I can kind of see what worked and what didn’t.

The oops list (no, I didn’t get it all right).

  1. Trying to do everything at once.
  2. Trying to please everyone.
  3. Multitasking.
  4. Throwing self-care out the window.
  5. Ignoring signs of burnout until it’s too late.
  6. And, getting to that point.

What helped.

  1. Accepting that I cannot do everything all at once.
  2. Instead of finding the perfect ‘block time’, I worked in 30-minute/1 hour bursts (not ideal but it worked for a while).
  3. ‘Batching’ similar work, like filming content, to save mental energy (and time).
  4. Creating a very loose schedule and a daily DOABLE to-do list.
  5. Clear and honest communication about timelines with my clients. Building a good relationship with people you’re working with always helps.
  6. Resting, doing things I love, going for coffees, alone and guilt-free. Which is much more difficult than you’d think, but necessary.

Ideals I had to just let go of.

  • Quiet, uninterrupted work time.
  • Pretending I can do it all alone.
  • Comparing to others.
  • Sticking to a rigid schedule.
  • Responding immediately.

I learned to prioritise better. And I learned that rest and sleep are just as important and without them, I couldn’t concentrate anyway. I scheduled my time however I could so that when the baby wasn’t clinging to me, I worked my ass off – in bursts. What I spent hours on before, I got done in half that time.

There is no manual.

Mind you, as I’m writing all this, I’m trying to answer weird and random fire questions by my now 6-year- old while calming the little one down because all she wants to do is sit on my lap all day. But with both of them at school in the mornings, I found my rhythm again. And yes, I do start with a coffee at my local coffee shop because that is the little me-time I have and – to be honest with you, it fuels me and I feel my best again, on a personal & professional level.

Wow, I have managed to write this down. Weeks in the making because, well, kids. But I’m trying not to be too hard on myself and I’m happy to see this as a win, which it kind of is.

Speak soon
Amanda x

↠ MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and show what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

How to overcome Imposter Syndrome

If you’ve ever felt inadequate, or like you don’t deserve the good in your life, your job – even when your accomplishments result from your resilience and hard work- read this because I can sense a nod. That sense of phoniness and unworthiness leaves a dent in your self-confidence. And it’s not a feeling that you can easily shake off. I know that only too well.

Feeling like an imposter has got to be one of the worst feelings yet. Even after years of working within the marketing industry, I sometimes find myself questioning my abilities even though I fully know that I shouldn’t.

“I don’t deserve this”
“They’ll find me out”
“I’m not good enough”
“I’m not worthy of my success”
“I’m a fraud”

That’s Imposter Syndrome to you. A belief that you don’t deserve the praise for your accomplishments and fear that you will be found out as a fraud. Is all this normal? Yes. Should we give in to this feeling? A resounding NO. However, it’s easier said than done – although I do have a couple of tips to help you overcome this ugly feeling of unworthiness. Whenever this feeling creeps up, here’s what you CAN do.

  1. Recognise this feeling

    This is the first step and most probably the hardest because we sometimes spiral. Try keeping a journal to record these instances and recognise these moments when you feel like an imposter. And then, let go.
  2. Focus on the facts and challenge negative self-talk

    We can be the harshest critics of ourselves, sometimes unwarranted. Learn to reframe self-negative thoughts to build confidence. How? When you catch yourself thinking along these lines, ask yourself: “What evidence do I have to support this?” Replace these negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
  3. Share your experience

    Find a trusted friend, mentor or support group and share your feelings with them for reassurance. You will be surprised how many of us share the same feelings. This will also help you find new coping strategies and understand how normal it is to experience imposter syndrome.
  4. Embrace growth

    Imposter syndrome can stem from the fear of not knowing enough. Why not set a realistic goal for self-improvement through lifelong learning? It can help alleviate this fear and encourage personal growth.
  5. Celebrate your progress

    Every little milestone is worth celebrating! View challenges as opportunities for growth rather than a fear of inadequacy.

You will meet people who will undermine your work, believe me. And sometimes they do it under the pretense of good intentions. Through the years you will learn to filter, pick, and choose your support network. And even then you will still cross paths with people who do not wish you the best (to put it mildly).

Most of us have been there. I still find myself overthinking things and wondering whether I’m good enough for the job. I’m being totally honest with you now. It wouldn’t be the first time I get a request for a big project and question whether I can pull it off. In the end, I dive in head first and challenge myself even if it’s something out of my comfort zone. It’s how I manage to outgrow it. And you will get there by being patient with yourself and believing you can. Because you’re amazing and you can.

There’s also this. Self-employed people, running their own businesses, face a set of different challenges. How many times has someone put a price on your work, remarked that your work is expensive or pointed out that someone else can do the ‘same’ job for less? My advice? Move on. Do not take them on as clients because they are clearly NOT your target market. Let. Them. Go.

Never second guess your capabilities, and especially your worth. If you’ve done your research, you have the experience, the knowledge, and the know-how, do not let others dictate your worth. That’s unprofessional, unfair, and uncalled for.

Scenario. I drop a baker a message to order a cake. If say the cake is not within my budget, I thank them and move on. Wouldn’t it be rude to message back ‘Hmm, but I think your cake is expensive and you should charge me less. It’s just batter and a little icing.’ That would put you on their good list. If it’s just batter and a little icing, why not do it yourself then?

Same with the service industry. Rethink your audience & market – if you’re getting these kinds of messages over and over though, perhaps it’s time to shake things up a bit. Re-evaluate your goals, and the ideal client that you wish to have – and work towards that. But that’s another story for another day!

Back to overcoming imposter syndrome. It’s not easy but you can wave goodbye to that nasty self-doubt holding you back. Acknowledge imposter feelings, reframe negative thoughts, celebrate your achievements, share your experience, and embrace lifelong learning. One thing you should remember? You are not alone.

Be proud of who you are and how far you’ve come.

Until next time,
Amanda x

Raising kids, building a business.

A guide to (try &) master work-from-home success

WHAT TO EXPECT | If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, a small business owner, and a parent who works (mostly) from home, this guide will help you navigate work and family life.

“How will you manage with two kids?” I wish I had a euro for every time someone asked me that – I wouldn’t have to work another day in my life! I swear, once the other person spots my growing belly (which is hard to miss at this stage really), and knows that I’m a self-employed working mum, it’s the first thing that pops out – after the obligatory congratulations. I have already written about juggling WFH and motherhood earlier this year – let’s go through a couple more things I learned along the way.

So, yes. How will I manage work and two kids? When I started back in 2017 with just Nina my dog following me around, I thought it was hard. Which mind you, it was – starting my business from scratch was anything but easy. But then again, it’s what makes all the hard work worthwhile and I wouldn’t change a single thing.

But then, two years later, little Bethany dropped into our world and things changed. Completely. If you run your own small business, you probably know how difficult it is to even take a day off. The minute my water broke, I remember sitting back down (after a quick shower and whatsapping my husband that it was finally happening) to tie loose ends, message clients, and make sure everything was in order before I left for the hospital. After that, it was quite the challenge to reschedule my work around her sleeping and feeding times when I was running on 3-hour naps (I remember the sleepless nights all too well). But with the great help of my family, and the below tips I pulled through. That’s why I created this little guide.

Having a second child changes things yet again. So, back to the writing board.

1. Create a productive work environment

The first few months are tough – so let’s be realistic. Setting clear boundaries to work towards a more structured routine can be nearly impossible sometimes. One thing that will help you focus on the task at hand is to have a dedicated work area where you can mentally separate work from home, free from distractions. Again, it will take time to adjust and you will end up working on your laptop while feeding or cradling the baby. Distractions are everywhere with kids in the same building. But do create your space and work from there when you can.

2. Set realistic goals and expectations

Focus on what’s important and prioritize tasks based on deadlines and importance: both for work and home. It’s better to have a manageable to-do list with fewer tasks and get them all out of the way than to create an unachievable list that goes on forever. Allocating your time (and energy) wisely is key to feeling a sense of accomplishment and avoiding feeling overwhelmed.

3. Outsource and delegate tasks to maximise productivity

At a certain point, I realised that I couldn’t do it alone. I accepted that I need help to focus on the things that I excel in and delegate other tasks (e.g. admin, accounts) to a trusted person. The same goes for housework chores and childcare. It’s impossible (and ultimately, shouldn’t be the case) to take everything upon yourself. Delegating certain tasks will free up your time and reduce the stress of trying to do everything yourself.

4. Embrace flexibility

If you’re self-employed or work freelance, you do not have a boss, and your work schedule is more flexible. But you do have clients/customers and you do have deadlines. So unlike what some people think, it’s not all unicorns and rainbows. But what you can do is embrace that flexibility and learn to work it in your favour. If you run your own business you already know that sometimes, you have to skip weekends and also, work weird ungodly hours to get things done. Being a working parent, you also need to work early mornings, during naptimes, or at night – and adjust your work and home life as you go along.

But also, don’t push it. I know how it feels when someone tells you to rest when the baby sleeps. When will the work get done then? At the same time it’s important to try and find a balance – burning out is the last thing your body and mind need.

How to overcome common obstacles & stay motivated

Your coffee will get cold. That, I promise. And you will forget about your mid-day snack or lunch – or both, every once in a while. But never forget about taking care of yourself. That is non-negotiable and essential to maintain the focus and energy you need as a parent and for your career. So yes, if you have the chance to head out on your own and grab a coffee – do it. Get out of the house, change scenery, and do something you love. Read, draw, go for a run, meditate – whatever helps you relax and recharge.

So back to the question, “How will you manage?” I usually reply with: “Somehow, I will.” And so will you. Being your own boss and being a parent are both learning curves. I’m sure you’re doing an incredible job so be kind to yourself.

Let’s recap:

  1. Always accept help (from trusted people)
  2. Learn to prioritize and delegate
  3. Take real breaks (taking a shower DOES NOT COUNT)
  4. Don’t be too hard on yourself

↠ MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and will be showing what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Thinking of taking the leap? Let’s get you started! Here are 5 things I wish someone told me before becoming self-employed!

Until next time
Amanda x

5 things I wish someone told me before becoming self-employed.

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As a freelancer, a small business owner, or someone who is self-employed, you will wear multiple hats and take on different roles. More so at the start of your journey. You’re providing a service or selling a product but you’re also running your business. How can you do all that effectively?

WHAT TO EXPECT | If you’re considering self-employment, in this post I will uncover the 5 things I wish someone told me before starting my own business.

After leaving my 9 to 5 job, I turned down full-time job opportunities to embark on my self-employment journey. To date, I still turn down exciting roles. The thing is, after having a taste of self-employment, I would not hesitate to do it all over again – even with all the struggles and setbacks.

However, I wish I had a mentor when deciding on giving self-employment a go. I wish there was someone who I could rely on, someone who went through the things that awaited me and guided me through them. I made my way into the self-employed world on my own, knowing absolutely nothing about what it means to work solo and only learned through trial and error. So this is me sharing the 5 things I wish someone told me before becoming self-employed.

1. Plan for financial stability

Being self-employed = having a fluctuating income. Or at least until you manage to bag a couple of retainers. During the first year, you will be forking out money until you get started. So instead of diving into self-employment head first, make sure you have a financial safety net in place. Have a plan B, C, and D just in case.

If you’re providing a service, make sure you have an agreement in place, and don’t be afraid to ask for a deposit. There will be instances where you will have to chase clients to settle the bill for work that you’ve already done. Been there, I’m afraid.

You’ll also need to get ready to handle administrative tasks that might have been alien to you in your previous job. Invoicing, bookkeeping, managing, and financing your business. The best gift you can give yourself is that of orderliness and being organised. So make sure to:

  • Track your expenses
  • Save up
  • Budget
  • Create an emergency fund to cover surprise expenses
  • Set aside money (in a separate account if need be) for taxes, SSC & Vat contributions

Which brings me to the next one.

2. Understand taxes

The biggest headache of them all. Taxes, Social Security Contributions, and VAT. I can feel my head throb by just mentioning them. But it’s important to understand and keep track of your incomings and goings. For a long time, I winged it on my own using accounting software (which I still use for some things) to track expenses, issue invoices, and all that jazz. More about this here.

I’m quite organised (as you need to be). I keep copies of every single document, invoice, and receipt, digitize them, and save them in their respective folders. When I was just starting out, I was trying to cut costs so I took care of everything myself. But honestly, hiring an accountant was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. All those anxiety-filled hours I wasted trying to understand and fill in tax forms are now spent doing something productive. Looking back, I would have hired a trusted accountant right from the start.

GEMMA regularly holds free training sessions by industry professionals – so be on the lookout! They also have a handy guidebook on self-employment.

3. Build a strong support network

Connect with like-minded people from your industry. Bounce ideas. Don’t be afraid to collaborate with other freelancers and self-employed individuals because sometimes, working on your own can be quite isolating. I didn’t dive into the networking game in the first year because I was still trying to find my footing. But building connections on socials can be a great thing. Joining groups and communities can also do wonders (1.) to build a network and relationships and (2.) to connect with potential clients. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. It might not feel good at first – with all of the newness and uncertainties that come with taking the leap – but I promise, it will be worth your while in the long run.

4. Set boundaries

When you’re self-employed, the boundaries between work and your personal life tend to blur. There will be days when it gets overwhelming and not just during the first couple of months. Years in, I still get days where I find myself spritzing calming spray in an effort to keep stress at bay. It doesn’t always work, mind you. The trick is to not let it get to that point and escalate. I find it absolutely important to set boundaries and know your limit to prevent burnout and create a healthy life-work balance.

  • Take frequent breaks
  • Set working hours
  • Change scenery
  • Get out of the house & go for a walk
  • Learn to priortise tasks
  • Create a schedule to keep you on track

I have also learned to say ‘no’ when my current workload reaches its capacity. Or when a project is not the best fit for me. There’s no need to be afraid of declining work as long as you do it gracefully and respectfully. When or if the time comes, outsource, delegate, and grow your team. You don’t have to do everything at once or everything by yourself. But take it a step at a time.

So yes, your well-being comes first.

5. Self-Care is a priority

Funny thing when you’re your own boss, no one will think you’re ever busy. What people don’t realise when they see you at a coffee shop at 10 am on a weekday, is that you also work through weekends, and public holidays, wake up early or stay in late to meet deadlines and make ends meet.

During a real conversation I had with an acquaintance a few weeks ago, self-employment made it into the stream. The first thing this person said?

“Being your own boss. I envy your flexibility. You can just take the day off.”

Um, no. Not really. True, flexibility is a big pro which I love but we also work around the clock to make it work. It’s like any other job but with your business directly at stake. It can be demanding and it can be stressful. So it’s SUPER important to go and have that coffee by yourself or with a friend at 10am on a Tuesday. Make time for a walk, relax, spend quality time with your loved ones, and enjoy your hobbies. Whatever helps you unwind and take better care of yourself, do it. Schedule it like you do work. Because if you’re not at your best, if you’re not feeling your best, you can’t give your absolute best.

And there you have it. The first 5 things I would have told myself six years ago when I was just starting out!

↠ MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and will be showing what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Self-Employed? Let’s get you organised! Tools that will help you stay on top of your game right here.

Until next time
Amanda x

Hello Emily! What’s cooking?

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For my next interview, I set my mind on getting to know another self-employed local who runs her small business. I wanted to listen to her story: how it started, what inspires her, and what really goes on behind what you see on socials. So I was looking for someone who started her business from the ground up.

Emily quickly came to mind. I’ve been following Emily on Instagram for a while and was instantly hooked when I saw her tasty creations. She’s the local queen of pies. So funny story – turns out, she lives right around the corner from my place. So instead of having an online call or just sending off my questions, we met at a local coffee shop some 5 minutes walk away.

We got sidetracked a bazillion times BUT we finally got down to it. First, let’s get to know Emily a little more.

Who is Emily?

E: I run a small catering business. I have a 9-year-old son, Oliver. In my free time, I love to read and travel. I love to cook and eat – but I think that’s pretty standard haha! I’ve been working in the catering industry since I was 14 – a family friend of ours had a snack bar and on weekends and during the holidays, I used to help them out. I have nice, fond memories of that time and I remember her telling me: “If you want to be a chef you have to learn how to dice an onion properly.” That’s still etched in my mind!

I continued my studies at ITS and also lived in the UK for quite a while and worked at a couple different places. One of which was Gordon Ramsey’s restaurants there – which BTW was one of the worst experiences of my life. I then moved on to work as a Chef de Partie at an AA Rosette restaurant, and I loved it. Spent two years there before moving back to Malta.

What inspired you to start your own business?

E: By a lot of things! Although I love the catering industry, I decided that with a kid I didn’t want to be working weekends, holidays etc. So when Oliver was young, I studied finance and took on a 9 to 5 job within the financial industry. I enjoyed certain elements of it – I loved the stability and needed to have structure at the time. But I always knew that that was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Fast forward eight years in mid-Covid, I decided to take the plunge. It was a long time coming as I wanted to have a safety net of savings – this wasn’t a quick decision, I needed to feel prepared. And if anything, working in the financial sector taught me about planning, strategy, and how to take care of and grow my money. So I gave in my notice and January 2022 was my official start to self-employment. It was nuts!

Eats by Emily

Walk us through the food/cuisine that you specialise in?

E: This is a tough one. I think I’m still discovering this. Before, when I worked in catering I used to specialize in pastry – fine dining desserts and sweets. However, when I started my own thing. I wanted to branch out. So now, I love to prepare healthy, seasonal, and interesting meals. I also love pies and making not-so-popular pies. When I started making the pumpkin pie, I feel like no one in Malta had trialed this out. And after the third year, I have people who keep coming back for it. But right now I’m enjoying the process of experimenting, flavour matching, and learning new things.

How do you manage your time effectively as a self-employed chef?

E: I don’t haha. I have good weeks and ‘bad’ weeks. So ‘bad’ weeks are when I need to be cooking in the kitchen every single day. I say ‘bad’ – it’s very good for business but it’s not good for me to be in the right mindset. A good week is when I have a Mon-Wed-Fri cooking schedule and do admin, creating content, researching, and planning in between. My work is very seasonal. I would have non-stop months and other weeks where I can plan ahead for those busy months. This is something I’m learning now – that I need to plan for the following months during my less busy periods when I’m not in the kitchen. And, I try as much as I can, to take the weekend off – not always possible. I know this may sound cheesy, but ever since I started working for myself, I have never had a single Sunday evening blues and that is such a big relief for me. Sunday afternoon comes and I realise that I’m actually looking forward to Monday. Mind you, I don’t always wake up chirpy and whatever. But I had moments before in my other job where I was depressed in the mornings, not wanting to go to work. So I’m really grateful for that.

What are your future goals for your business & how are you planning on achieving them?

E: I love this! Immediate future goals are: finish the kitchen and move in! Also, this year I would love to officially launch a consistent meal plan service and eventually hire an employee. It’s not sustainable working 16 hours a day so I’m looking forward to all of this. Those are my goals for this year.

I know you’re just starting out yourself but what is one piece of advice you would give to someone who’s thinking of switching to self-employment?

E: A couple of things.

  1. It is not as glamorous as people make it out to be. It takes a lot of hard work and hours. It’s not this easy simple life some people think it to be.
  2. Take a leap of faith but it has to be calculated. It needs to be logical and makes sense financially. So have a business plan and run it by someone who understands. “If it’s meant to be, it will be” is not enough to leave a stable full time job.
  3. Have a safety net. Whether it’s working a couple of years to have an emergency fund, or discussing with your partner – whatever works for you, have that. There are going to be months were you’ll be in the red – a client leaves unexpectedly or because you’re not paid yet. It might mean skipping lavish holidays for a couple of years. You’re going to make sacrifices but I think that if you’re doing something you love, it’s a sacrifice that you’re willing to make.

Hey, is anything exciting happening for Mother’s Day?

E: I’m trialing some stuff for Mother’s Day. I have something in mind that it either works brilliantly or it won’t work at all! But I have this cute idea – I won’t say anything for now but will keep you updated!

QUICK questions with Emily

Sweet or savoury?
Sweet! I have the sweetest tooth!

Tea or Coffee?
Coffee

Favourite film?
To be fair I’m not so much a film person. I always fall asleep during films so I don’t get to the end of them.

Early bird or night owl?
Early bird for sure. I wake up at 5am and after 8pm I don’t function.

One thing you would like to cross off your bucket list?
OMG, I have so many. How am I going to choose one? Top three?
1. Visit Mexico
2. Adopt a senior dog
3. I honestly want to travel – a lot

Loved our chat Em & look forward to our next coffee date!

Go Follow!

Till next time,
Amanda x

Working from home with kids: how to make it work.

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Tips & tricks that will help you stay sane ↴

Working from home with kids presents a new set of challenges. Making it work is a struggle and an art. I’ve been self-employed since 2017 and became a mum two years later. So I’ve been juggling WFH and motherhood for four years now. Most of you may have first experienced this during the pandemic. I remember, during the first few months of isolation, people asked me how I manage not to lose my marbles at the end of the day. Honestly, most of the time, I have no idea how I don’t.

Even as I’m trying to write this, I stopped like a million times. My almost-four-year-old is asking me to play with her, nudging me, and doing everything in her power to grab my attention. I feel terribly guilty for having to work when she’s at home. And the only chance I have to create my content, work on my personal projects, and actually do something for myself (sometimes even something as basic as washing my hair) – is in the evening when she’s at home.

This brings us to the million-dollar question I’ve been asked at least a thousand times.

▶ “But how do you manage?”

Mind you, on some days I don’t manage to be productive. At all. But most things I learned through experience and some take a while getting used to but if you put your mind to it, you’ll get there eventually. I’m sharing five (5) tried & tested tips that help me get through my working day at home with my child.

1. Workspace

Having a designated area for work helps set a boundary between home life and work itself. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown office if you don’t have the space for it (like in my case). A desk setup and shelving should be just about enough to get you off working from your couch or dining table.

2. Schedule & prioritize

The demands of both work and family life are trying. Having a routine helps but we all know how that blows to pieces when one of the kids sneezes. Didn’t mean for that to rhyme, but there you have it. You need to be flexible and manage your expectations when you have kids around. Schedule your work when the kids are occupied: at school, during home activities or during nap time.

So I’m the most productive in the mornings when Bethany is at school and then I’ll work around entertaining her when she comes back home in the afternoon. First thing in the morning, I make a list. A simple, pen-to-paper list, starting with top priority, time-bound work including tasks that require 100% focus, meetings, and calls. So that once I have Beth at home, I manage tasks a little down that list.

3. Set achievable goals

This should be highlighted, bold, and underlined. It’s better to keep that list short and have 6 doable tasks than jot down 20 tasks that you cannot, for the life of you, get through. It’s frustrating and overwhelming. I’ve been through that too many times to count before it finally sank in. And NEVER ever multitask. That is just the worst. You’ll feel more stressed, and unable to concentrate and it will set you back tenfold.

4. Learn to say NO.

This is a learning curve. It’s easier said than done and I’ve learned this the hard way. But it’s better to know your limit than be in over your head. Otherwise, you’ll burn out faster than the fireworks on the fourth of July (or if you’re Maltese, on Santa Marija). If a task is not a priority, focus on what is truly important during your allocated work time.

There are times during the early years of self-employment when you cannot afford to say no to some projects. You’re just starting out and need both experience and cash flow. I’ve been there, I get it. Years later though, once you’ve found your niche, your market, do not be scared to decline work when: 1. you have too much on your plate 2. requests do not align with your priorities.

5. Take breaks

If you have a time when you’re without your kids, take a break. Don’t power through the day without stopping to take a breath. You need that time to refocus. When you’re with your kids, plan activities for them. Kids will not sit through one activity for long. I found that preparing activities beforehand helps: with puzzles, drawing, painting, and role-playing. Going to the park/play areas after school is another way to take a mental break and spend some good quality time together (and get them to exercise with the hope of a short nap later).

Listen, when I have a deadline, I’m going to be the first to admit that Disney+ saves me every time. You’re not a bad parent for including a little more screen time when you find yourself backed against a wall. Which brings me to working through distractions – it’s an acquired skill. When you have no option but to work through ‘Let it go’ on a loop, you’ll see what I mean. I usually stay close to Bethany to have eyes on her and put on my headphones. There will be nudges, there will be requests for snacks and whatnot but it’s doable.

✨ Be kind to yourself.

You’re doing the best you can. Sometimes even more so don’t be too hard on yourself if you didn’t manage to go through your work list or had to increase a little screen time to complete a task. I’m also aware that it depends on the type of job that you have, the kind of employer and clients. Little by little, we’re getting to a place where people understand what it means to have work responsibilities and the demands of parenting.

My advice to you? Take care of yourself and don’t ever forget that. During my cabin crew years and every time I get on a plane, there is that one phrase that you may take for granted but I cannot get out of my head: “Put on your mask first before helping others.” I apply it to my everyday life. If I burn out, if I fail to take care of myself, how can I care for others? My family? My clients? And accept help when you need it.

Until next time,

Amanda x

↠ MORE ON THIS! I’m sharing my self-employed journey on Instagram and will be showing what I find most helpful over there. Feel free to follow for tips & updates!

Mobile Marketing: 3 Must-knows

I have a couple of questions for you. Let’s go!

  • Where is your phone right now?
  • Where do you put your phone while you sleep?
  • Do you use your phone to check the time?
  • Do you take your phone to the bathroom with you?
  • Has the time you use your phone increased?
  • Are you reading this on your phone right now?

Hey, relax. This post is NOT about smartphone addiction. I wanted to help you realise (if you haven’t on your own already) that smartphones have become a necessity. We can live without them, mind you. I spent 10 days in Cuba, back in 2018, without any internet connection and it was BLISS. But the fact that I’m even saying that it felt good to not look at my phone for a long time goes to show how much I am on my phone. Sometimes, without even realising it.

What is mobile marketing?

➯ A digital marketing strategy aimed at reaching a target audience on their smartphones, tablets, and/or other mobile devices, via websites, email, SMS and MMS, social media, and apps.

As a business owner, you have to think mobile. You want to hook your audience, engage with them and make a sale.

As a consumer, and an avid smartphone user, you want to browse through aesthetically pleasing shops without a hiccup.

COVID-19 was a setback. It turned our lives upside down. BUT one thing that came out of this, when businesses had to close their doors temporarily, was the realisation that being available online was the only viable option at the time.

Locally, I have seen a rise in e-shops and an improvement in making a customer’s online shopping experience a pleasant one. Still a long way to go but we’re getting there.

How is your mobile marketing doing?

If you can’t answer this, I believe it’s high time you pay a little more attention to mobile.

Everyone (or almost everyone) is on their phones – constantly. We chat, play, work, listen to music, shop, scroll endlessly through TikTok and tap from one story to the next on IG.

3 Must-Knows

To get the hang of mobile marketing, you need more than just three (3) tips, I know – BUT – we need to start from somewhere.

1. WHO ARE YOUR PEOPLE?

Understand your audience. Sure, you’ve heard this a million times. But do you truly know who and where your people are? How do they use their mobile devices?

The most simple thing to do is to ASK. Run a super short survey/poll and ask your already-existing customers short and simple questions. Example:

  • Are you on Instagram?
  • Do you prefer shopping on your phone or desktop?
  • Which devices do you use? (Phone, tablet etc.)

Know who your people are. Listen to online discussions and be present – start a conversation. It’s NOT ENOUGH to just be there. You have to be seen and heard.

2. WRITE FOR MOBILE

It’s not the first time I came across a Facebook post that simply NEVER ends. Your message needs to come across clearly. Being clear and concise is essential. I cannot stress this enough. Even your call to action needs to be clear so that users will be able to understand what to expect.

When it comes to writing for mobile (e.g. online – social media & offline – SMS) avoid writing chunks of paragraphs. This is not an essay. Write short, punchy headlines and straightforward messages, use visuals – make it count!

3. GREAT USER EXPERIENCE

Make it easy for users to navigate through your shop. Having a mobile-friendly website is a must and not an option. Mobile devices call for interaction and users expect a more personalised experience.

You don’t want them to end up frustrated because they’re having trouble with browsing or making a payment. So, make it seamless for users to purchase with a few clicks as possible.

Nowadays, having social media presence is essential for any business. So, BE SOCIAL. Grow your business around a customer experience focused culture.

Think of all the things that bother you as an online user as you browse through other social media accounts and pages, learn from them and avoid repeating their mistakes.

Where is your business at right now?

If you haven’t already, start working on how to build and maximise your mobile presence.

And hey, don’t be afraid of change. It’s good to spice things up. You know, there’s always room for improvement and I’m sure you’ll do great!

Amanda x

Start your business: a guide (part 1)

We have been through a lot of ups and downs this past year. Some of us lost their jobs, some of us changed their jobs and some decided to start out on their own.

I’ve been there back in 2017. The first year (not month) was the toughest. I remember forking out money to set up my website and everything else before I had any income. And when I did have an income, it was only a trickle the first month. But when you successfully land your first client (and you will), I kid you not, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.

Mind you, it never gets easier. If you think that running your own business and being your own boss is a breeze, you’re in for an unpleasant surprise. Add being a parent to the mix whose child is at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, and there you have it.

But, I’m writing this to help you out, not to frighten the living daylights out of you. I’ve always been one to say it as it is; no beating about the bush. Bear with me.

So, now that you are ready to get started, I’d like to give you a helping hand. I didn’t have any guidance when I set foot on this path and always thought it would be nice to have had someone shed light on the road ahead.

OK, let’s cut to the chase. Where do you start?

1. Research, research!

Assuming you know what your products or services you’re going to offer are and that it is the right business venture for you, research first. Make sure there is a market for what you’re offering. Never assume people will buy your product just because YOU (or your family) like it.

Ask yourself
  • Who are you selling to? Who are your primary customers?
  • What are their needs, frustrations?
  • How does your product/service help them?
  • Are there any products/services similar to yours?
  • Who is your competition?
  • How will you set yourself apart?

2. Plan it out.

A business without a plan? That’s a no-go. Don’t even think about going there. A business plan can be simple, nothing out of this world, but you need to have one. Specify your objective and map it out. What direction are you planning to take? This will change as your business grows.

Sample Business Plan to help you with writing your own: Samples by Hubspot.

3. Funding.

Service providers, online businesses, brick & mortar businesses – you all need the same thing: funding. The expense may differ depending on the business type but it costs money to start any business.

First you need to determine how much startup funding you will need. I can assure you that you will have bills and invoices to settle way before your business takes flight.

  • Will you self-fund?
  • Will you look for investors?
  • Will you be taking a small loan?

So make sure you put a lot of thought into this because you need this information before you launch. You can even seek (or perhaps it’s better if you do) professional guidance from trusted financial advisors.

Quick Tips
  • List the expenses
  • Estimate how much these expenses will cost
  • Draw a full financial picture
  • Use this to calculate your initial fund

What kind of expenses? Equipment, office space, utilities, marketing, salaries, market research, website, communications etc.

RECAP
  1. Refine your idea
  2. Conduct market research
  3. Check out the competition
  4. Write a Business Plan
  5. Draw a financial map

This is PART 1 of my guide. What will you expect in PART 2?

  • Registrations
  • Location
  • Structure
  • Marketing

Becoming self-occupied or self-employed also mean: paying your own taxes, vat and social security contributions. But we’ll cover that in PART 2 😉

You will probably start small and you will have moments of failure. Learn from them. Don’t toss everything to the side as soon as one thing goes wrong. That’s life, it’s a learning process.

Amanda x