Tackling Toddlers, Thriving in Business Matters
Bernadette Ocampo-Wall
Linda Wooten said, "Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had and dealing with fears you never knew existed."
This powerful quote by Linda Wooten beautifully encapsulates the intricate dance that mothers who are also businesswomen perform daily. Navigating the tumultuous waters of motherhood while steering the ship of a startup business can feel like an epic journey, complete with its own set of trials and triumphs.
As a mother of toddlers, I've experienced the unique challenges and joys that come with balancing the demands of parenthood and entrepreneurship. Toddlers are notorious for their boundless energy, curiosity, and unpredictability. As a mother, these qualities can present both delightful moments of discovery and challenging moments of chaos. Throw in the responsibilities of running a startup, and you have a recipe for a daily whirlwind.
These three keys have been the wind in my sails as I've navigated uncharted waters as a businesswoman and mother, propelling me forward daily.
TAMING TIME
Taming time as a mother of toddlers and a businesswoman involves a meticulous blend of organisation and adaptability.
I've honed the art of time management by prioritising tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and breaking my workday into manageable chunks. During early mornings or evenings, when my little ones are asleep, I tackle crucial projects that require my undivided attention. Additionally, I've embraced technology, using digital calendars, task management apps, and reminders to keep me on track. To maintain a harmonious balance, I incorporate short breaks for quality interactions with my toddlers, ensuring they receive the love and attention they need.
By optimising my daily schedule in this way, I've found a practical and effective means to tame the ever-elusive element of time and find equilibrium between my roles as a dedicated mother and a successful businesswoman.
CONSISTENT CLIENT CARE
Providing consistent client care while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and business ownership requires a delicate balance.
I've cultivated a few practical strategies to ensure my clients receive the attention and support they deserve. Firstly, clear and proactive communication is paramount. I set realistic expectations, transparently sharing my availability and any potential delays while offering solutions to accommodate their needs. Additionally, I've integrated structured work hours during my toddlers' nap times or after their bedtime, ensuring I can dedicate uninterrupted focus to client-related tasks. In moments when my children are engaged in activities, I respond promptly to emails and messages, demonstrating my commitment to their projects.
By combining open communication with well-planned work schedules, I've maintained a reputation for consistent and reliable client care, even as I navigate the whirlwind of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
ROUTINE RESILIENCE
Handling disappointment and setbacks while balancing the relentless demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship is a formidable challenge.
In my journey, I've encountered difficult clients, rejected pitches, and proposals that tested my resilience and adaptability. One practical approach I've adopted is compartmentalisation. When faced with a setback, I allow myself a brief moment to acknowledge my feelings, whether it's frustration, disappointment, or even a bit of self-doubt. However, I've learned not to dwell on these emotions for too long, as there's simply no time to wallow. Instead, I channel my energy into problem-solving and finding constructive solutions. This involves a pragmatic assessment of what went wrong, what I can learn from the experience, and how to adapt my approach moving forward. Moreover, I've cultivated a strong support network, including family and fellow entrepreneurs, who provide invaluable encouragement and perspective during challenging times.
Through these practical strategies and a resilient mindset, I've developed the ability to navigate disappointments and setbacks swiftly, allowing me to maintain momentum in both my business and my role as a mother.
While the path of being a mother of two toddlers and a dedicated businesswoman in a startup may be strewn with challenges, never forget that it's a journey brimming with immense opportunity and impact. Yes, it's undoubtedly hard, but the rewards are immeasurable. Every moment you spend balancing the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship is an investment in a brighter future, not just for you but for your children as well. You're setting an example of determination, resilience, and unwavering dedication, demonstrating to them that dreams can be pursued and realised, even in the midst of chaos.
Your journey is a testament to the power of tenacity, and in the end, it's a story that will inspire not only your children but countless others who dare to dream and balance, striving for a life that combines love, balance, and success.
04/09/23
Momentum Matters
Bernadette Ocampo-Wall
Momentum is a person's best friend. It is forward motion, fuelled by a series of wins.
How do you get momentum?
Through consistency.
If content is king, then consistency is queen! As my husband often says, 'consistency compounds'!
As an individual, it's common to experience a slump from time to time. Despite your best intentions, you might find yourself struggling to keep up with your goals or even losing sight of the bigger picture. It's during these moments that the power of momentum matters the most. Below are application points that can help you rediscover your rhythm and maximise progress in your personal journey.
1. Maintain a Motivated Mindset
It all begins with a mindset. Having a positive and motivated attitude towards your goals. Make it a point to always surround yourself with empowering words that speak life into your dreams. Start your day right with affirmations or morning mantras that can give you the right mindset to tackle any challenge.
2. Map Your Movement
In order to maximise progress, it's important to map a clear path for your personal development. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely) that align and push you towards your vision. Use metrics and milestones to track your progress and keep you accountable to actions that are necessary for forward movement.
3. Master the Art of Mini Milestones
Sometimes, it's the little things that matter most. When setting goals or ambitions, break them down into smaller, more achievable mini milestones. This will enable you to celebrate more often and serve as fuel for your motivation. It can also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed as you work towards the bigger goal.
4. Maintain a Mentor
It's better to learn from intention and not through injury. Whether a coach, friend, or family member, maintaining a mentor is key to maintaining momentum. Having a mentor is an effective way to stay accountable and stay on the right track. Your mentor can provide insights, expert guidance, and a push when you need it most. But remember, who you learn from is as important as what you learn!
5. Make Moves, Even Micro Ones
In order to have momentum, one must keep moving. Take action, even if it's just a small step.
Consistently taking micro-actions will eventually lead you to experience a macro-change. Remember, if you want to move anything forward, you have to move something first.
14/08/23
Less is More...!
Bernadette Ocampo-Wall
As a Copyeditor, I've witnessed countless individuals trying to communicate a message in their content.
In the digital age, we seem to have endless opportunities to do that. Social media platforms, email, blogs, articles, and websites all provide a space where you can communicate your message in different formats.
However, what I've noticed is that many people have a tendency to let their ideas run wild. They pack their content with excess information, convoluted phrases, and ornate language. It is essential to remember that in today's fast-paced world, nobody has the luxury of time to wade through wordy and rambling content.
That's where the concept of brevity comes in and what I commit my energy and effort to as a Copywriter.
When it comes to communication, brevity means:
- Being clear, concise, and to the point.
The idea behind 'less is more' is simple: the shorter your message, the better your chances of it being read, understood, and acted upon.
In fact, the term 'killing your darlings' is often used in writing circles to describe the process of removing anything from a manuscript that does not serve the purpose of the story. It's a great way to train your mind to focus only on the essential elements of your content.
Brevity is not only about becoming an excellent communicator but is also essential in creating streamlined and presentable content. It's a challenging task to convey a message that resonates with your audience with limited words, but it's achievable. It is essential to keep in mind that brevity does not mean 'dumbing down' your content; it's all about distilling the essence of your message into its purest form.
Tightening up your writing with brevity not only strengthens your message but also helps you stand out in the crowd. You may have a unique perspective, style, and voice, but if your content rambles endlessly and lacks structure, it's unlikely to engage your audience. Audiences prefer to receive content in a way that's best suited to their needs, which means it needs to be easy to understand and quickly digestible.
In conclusion, as a Copyeditor, I urge you to focus on the essential elements of your message and cut everything else down. The practice of brevity will help you stand out in today's digital age, where everyone is vying for attention. As a writer, embrace the concept of 'killing your darlings' and streamline your content for maximum impact.
Remember, less is more - brevity is king!
01/08/23
It's Time to Make YOUR Difference
Bernadette Ocampo-Wall
Perhaps it's been there all your life. Every single day. You've been aware of it for as long as you can remember, and you've resented it for as long as you recall.
It's part of who you are, but you wish it wasn't. You wish you could clip it back and be done with it. Disregard it. At the very least, you wish you could stop thinking about it - just push it down deep inside, the way you do a bad dream or nightmare.
But you can't. It's like a toothache. The more you try to ignore it and distract yourself with something else, the more you feel overwhelmed by the pain. You roll your tongue around it over and over, constantly confronted by the truth.
Your voice is different.That's the 'it' I'm talking about. That's the reality you can't escape. The part of you that wishes you could conform to conventional standards, so you don't stick out.
I want to encourage you, your voice is unique and necessary.
It is essential.
Because your work is not just about making a difference, but about contributing your difference.
As a Copyeditor, I see a lot of business writing that is, quite frankly, the same. Buzzwords, platitudes, cliches, and safe language dominate the landscape, making it hard for any company to stand out.
But the truth is, your unique voice is what sets you apart from your competitors. It's what makes your brand memorable and compelling. So, how can you add your voice to the conversation in your industry?
Here are a few tips:
1. Know your audience
You can't reach everyone, but you can reach someone. Before you can add your voice to the conversation, you need to know who you're talking to. What are their pain points? What are their interests? What language do they use? By understanding your audience, you can tailor your content to resonate with them and make a real impact.
2. Be authentic
Your voice should be an extension of your brand's identity, so it's important to be true to yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not or mimic the tone of another company. Instead, focus on what makes your brand unique and let that shine through in your writing.
3. Use storytelling
People love stories, and by incorporating storytelling into your writing, you can create an emotional connection with your audience. Share your brand's journey, highlight success stories, or even just recount an experience that inspired you. By weaving in personal anecdotes, you can make your writing more relatable and engaging.
4. Don't be afraid to take risks
Safe language may be easy, but it's also forgettable. To truly stand out, you need to be willing to take risks with your writing. Use bold language, experiment with sentence structure, or inject humour into your writing. These risks can pay off in a big way and help you create a truly unique voice in your industry.
So, don't be afraid to add your distinct voice to the conversation in your industry. By knowing your audience, being authentic, incorporating storytelling, and taking risks, you can create content that truly resonates and sets your brand apart.
The wonderful truth about understanding, embracing and unleashing your unique voice into your industry's conversation is that doing so will empower you to make not just a difference, but your difference.
As a Copyeditor, my job is to help businesses find their voice and make an impact with their writing. If you are interested in discussing this further contact me using the 'Contact us' form.
13/07/23
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