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36/37 weeks pregnant and pretty for maternity leave is quite the task! So in this episode I open up about my personal journey as a business owner preparing for maternity leave, covering the strategies and challenges of managing my graphic design business while getting ready to take time off to welcome my new baby.

From establishing systems that allow the business to operate without my direct involvement to the intricacies of maintaining ongoing marketing and support for my courses, here’s a real look into the preparations I’m making (which has been SO different from when I prepared for baby #1 3 years ago).

1. Establish Clear Boundaries:

Setting clear boundaries during my maternity leave is so important. As a small business owner, I need to make sure my clients and team members are aware of my leave dates and the level of support available during this time. Along with implementing autoresponders for emails, creating pinned social media posts, and setting up automated funnels to manage client inquiries and expectations effectively.

2. Delegate and Train Your Team:

One of my key strategies was to train and empower my team to manage essential business tasks during my absence. If you have employees or contractors, ensure that they are well-equipped to handle client communications, project management, and other operational responsibilities. Providing thorough training and standard operating procedures (SOPs) can facilitate a smooth transition and maintain business continuity.

3. Implement Systems and Workflows:

I used the lead-up to my maternity leave to establish efficient systems and workflows within my business. Whether it’s scheduling content (podcast and Youtube), setting up automated marketing strategies (Facebook ads), or refining client onboarding processes, having robust systems in place streamlined operations and minimized disruptions while I was away.

4. Leverage Technology and Outsourcing:

I’m not doing this alone! I have so much support from everyone. Ie. my virtual assistant and video editor are helping me create and schedule over 3 months of podcast/Youtube content. Plus, I have SO many subscriptions to various programs that help with certain tasks to alleviate workload. Ie. Tools for project management, communication, content creation, hosting, etc.

5. Financial Planning and Analysis:

As a small business owner, ensuring financial stability during maternity leave is crucial. I reviewed my cash flow, projected income, and expenses to understand the financial impact of my leave. If feasible, adjust your pricing or product offerings to support continued revenue generation. Having a clear understanding of your financial outlook will provide peace of mind and help you make informed decisions. AKA. I know, that even if I can’t sell any more course enrolments while on leave that payment plans from previous enrolments will be able to pay for my team/technology costs.

Navigating maternity leave as a small business owner is undoubtedly a complex endeavor. I hope some of the tips in this episode can help you plan if you look at having extended time off your biz.

Don’t shy away from delegating, build sustainable systems, and prioritise your well-being. Remember, you can steer your business through maternity leave with effective planning, empowerment of your team, and a supportive network of resources.

Keen to work with me?

DIY course: www.whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb

Done-for-you design: www.whitedeer.com.au/done-for-you

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