Too many mompreneurs hold a pistol to their heads and give the revolver a good spin when trying to get their businesses started and keep them going. They have what I call shiny object syndrome. Any little thing can pull them away from business job one, starting their entrepreneurial life and making sure it brings in the income and keeps the customer satisfied. Getting distracted will surely harm the business.

Trying to balance family, the most important people in your life, and a business isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes drive and desire and focus and plans. If you feel in your deepest soul and in your head that you must have your own business, then go for it. But don’t go off in every direction at once. Make a business plan and make sure you build in the right amount of work time but also children time and significant partner time. Remember you left the rat race because you didn’t have enough time for the people who make your life worthwhile.

Don’t get sidetracked from your goal. If the home phone rings during business time, don’t pick up even if it’s your best friend. It’s business time now, and you can call her during non-business hours. That’s what answering machines (and even all the gizmos on cellphones) are for. Just because you work at home doesn’t mean you’re available to everyone, and that includes the older kids. Of course, if your son just fell out of a tree (which they seem to do with regularity, well, yeah, you have to take him to the hospital). Otherwise, you’re at work; don’t lose your focus and stay directed.

Keep your eyes on the prize.