If you had told me a couple of years ago that I’d be running my own consulting company while raising five energetic boys under 10, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, ready to spill the beans on how I turned my dream into a reality in less than two years. So, grab a cup of coffee and join me as I share the rollercoaster ride of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the magic that happens when you mix networking, referrals, and a whole lot of determination.
The Seed of Entrepreneurial Ambition
Picture this: a house buzzing with the chaos of four young boys and a brand-new baby boy slung to my chest. Yep, that’s my reality. Back in early 2022, between school runs, jump parks, and endless snacks, I found myself yearning for something more. I had a long, successful corporate career in medical devices, but it didn’t always lend itself to the balance I wanted for my family and all these boys! I had a fire in my belly, and a fierce desire to create a better future for myself and for them. So, why not start a consulting company, where I could do the work I love, but at the times that made sense for us. Right?
Launching the business wasn’t a cakewalk, especially with a full house, but I was determined to make it work. Late nights were spent strategizing after the boys hit the hay, and every challenge was met with a dose of resilience and a dash of mom magic.
Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Oh, the challenges! From sticky fingers on my laptop to impromptu Lego landmines in my home office, I learned to navigate the chaos with finesse. Juggling client calls and bedtime stories became my new normal. It was tough, but the rewards, both in terms of personal growth and professional strides, made it all worthwhile.
In the beginning I had a couple clients, mostly small part time gigs, so I quickly found a way to manage my days. I could drop the boys at school, work until 3 and go pick them up again. And it also gave me the flexibility to manage all the doctor appointments, attend every school event, and be completely present the moment the boys were with me.
This worked for a while, but I still felt somewhat unfulfilled. My clients were great, but I wasn’t exactly doing what I had spent my 20-year corporate career learning and establishing. I needed more.
Planting the Seeds of Networking
Now, let’s talk about networking. With five boys tearing through the house before 8 and after 3, I realized I needed a tribe of professionals to connect with quickly and easily during their school hours. LinkedIn became my secret weapon. Between carpooling and dinner prep, I engaged in industry discussions, shared insights, and connected with like-minded professionals. It wasn’t just about making connections; it was about sowing the seeds of relationships that could blossom into something meaningful.
I quickly realized that positioning myself for smaller clients and part time gigs was stealing me away from the work I loved and the network that could bring it to me. So the idea to grow the company started swirling in my mind. Luis and I talked about it often; what would it look like if mom did work a bit more? Could I still balance the boys, and the house hold and medical appointments and everything else? There was only one way to find out, give it a shot!
The Power of Personal Branding
As my consulting company gained traction, I understood the importance of personal branding. I wasn’t just Diana Martinez, newly minted CEO; I was a mom who hustled and knew her stuff. Thought leadership posts, continued learning through webinars, and even a few podcast appearances helped me re-establish myself in the medical device industry. But now I focused on selling my knowledge, not my time. And you know what? It worked!
The real magic happened when those relationships merged with my new brand and then the connections turned into clients. And because those clients had worked with me before in corporate, they quickly realized the value I could add on my own. Referrals flowed in, turning into a steady stream of business. Turns out, trust and reputation are the best marketing tools a mom-preneur can have.
Adapting to Change and Scaling Up
As my consulting company grew, so did the challenges. Managing a growing team while keeping the family ship afloat required some serious mom juggling skills. But you know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention. Adapting to change became second nature, and every hiccup was a chance to innovate.
In less than two years since I started this wild ride, my consulting company not only replaced my previous income but exceeded my expectations. And you bet we celebrated – with a chaotic family dinner, loud laughter, and a little victory dance in my home office.
Celebrating Success and Embracing Balance
Through it all, I’ve held onto my commitment to family and work-life balance. Lessons learned in the juggle became part of my company’s culture, and I’m proud to say that I’m not just building a business; I’m building a life that works for me and my boys.
Whether you’re knee-deep in diapers or drowning in deadlines, remember that the magic lies in the journey. Through networking, personal branding, and the power of referrals, you can turn your dreams into reality. Embrace the chaos, savor the victories, and know that you have a tribe of moms cheering you on. Here’s to the magic of motherhood and entrepreneurship – may your journey be as wild and wonderful as mine!