8 Tips for Finding New Business When You’re a New Mom

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By Lidia Varesco Racoma of Lidia Varesco Design ^[3]

Finding new business is not easy. For new (and even not-so-new) working moms, it can feel downright impossible. Juggling the responsibilities of work and family is hard enough, let alone finding time in your day for marketing and prospecting.

I admit that, after my first child was born, I put aside my marketing for a while. Once I came out of my sleep-deprived state of mind, I realized business had slowed down, so I had to kick my marketing back in gear—but in a different way.

With a fixed childcare schedule, I had a set amount of work hours per day and couldn't attend as many evening networking events. So I had to rethink the way I was finding new prospects and projects.

I have 14 tips for finding new business when you are juggling work and family. Here are the first 8:

1. Follow up

This is probably the most important thing you can do to grow your business. Check in with past clients, email a prospect you met, keep in touch with people as much as possible. TIP: Make a spreadsheet or use a calendar to track when and who to follow up with.

2. Pick a niche

I resisted this for a long time. Now that I have a niche (education-focused organizations who need branding and marketing design), it's easier to find new prospects because I know exactly who I'm looking for and what I can offer them. And more importantly, they can find me more easily.

3. Join a Facebook business group

I'm active in several Facebook groups for local moms in business and working moms. They have been extremely helpful in both growing my business and surviving working motherhood. Most groups offer "promotion days" where members can share their business and network with one another online.

4. Look around your neighborhood

I have found new clients by reaching out to them after reading a story in the local news.

5. Talk to people

Tell your friends or family what you do—you never know who you may have a referral. Don't assume they know!

6. Ask for referrals

Happy clients are happy to pass on your name to others who may need your help. I know that as moms we sometimes feel like we have to do it all, but it's OK to ask for help.

7. Work with a placement agency

There are usually a fair amount of offsite and short-term jobs, which can be more convenient when your children are young. It's also a great way to brush up your skills and network in your industry if you've been out of the workforce for a period.

8. Be realistic about your time

Though a big project that comes along can be tempting, make sure your schedule will allow it. Don't overpromise and underdeliver.

You can read the rest of my tips here ^[4]. And in the meantime, join my Biz Mama Facebook community ^[5] to get started networking with fellow moms in business. Interviews and online networking opportunities are posted weekly.

Read work/life balance tips ^[6] from other bizmamas who attended a recent HOW Design Live.

The summer issue of HOW ^[7]—featuring cover art by Timothy Goodman, a great feature on 3D printing, and 30 creativity exercises to fuel your imagination—dives deep into the ideas, inspirations and innovations behind modern-day creativity. Join us as we discover the Who's, What's, Where's and How's of creativity. Plus get ready for Summer with tons of creative portfolio ideas and exercises. Dig in here.^[8]