Starting a Business, Raising a Family, and Living With a Disability

Raising a family while running a business requires a lot of time and effort. If you’re also living with disabilities, you have more on your plate. When you own your company, however, you gain many advantages. You have the flexibility to work around family and personal obligations. You can also set up your workspace to accommodate your requirements.

If you’re preparing to open your business, The Liner Wand offers a few tips that can get you started.

Marketing Your Company
It’s a wise choice to market your business online, even when trying to reach local customers. According to a survey, 97% of consumers use online media to research companies in their area.

Marketing your business on social media can be a smart move, but it involves more than simply creating a few posts. Defining your strategy keeps you from wasting time and money on ineffective campaigns. Build a plan in a few steps:
Define your audience. What’s your target age group? What are their interests and needs? How much money do they make?
Develop a content plan. Social media posts aren’t always about the hard sell; consumers expect them to inform and entertain. Eight out of 10 posts should be educational or entertaining content, while the remaining two are sales-directed.
Keep up with your feeds. Read what others say about your brand. Do they share your posts? Which ones do they like and comment on? Respond to questions, criticism, and praise.

As vital as an online presence is, face-to-face networking hasn’t gone anywhere. Be sure you have business cards in stock. Business cards are more visible than email. They leave a lasting impression on potential clients and customers and give them something by which to remember you.

You can easily design business card online. Look online for pre-made templates that you customize by adding text, fonts, colors, and images that you choose.

Securing Funding
Entrepreneurs with disabilities have access to many grants and loans available specifically for them. Where do you start? A grant doesn’t have to be repaid, so you’ll be a few steps ahead if you can secure this “free” money. If you still need funding, research your loan options.

Start your grant search at places such as:

• National Association for the Self-Employed
• The U.S. Small Business Administration (for service-disabled veterans)
• Your local Chamber of Commerce

Find loans at places such as:

• USDA Business Loans (for entrepreneurs in rural areas)
• SBA Microloan through nonprofit organizations
• Resources in your state

Finding Parenting Support
Raising children can be daunting for people of all ability levels. Parents with disabilities face additional challenges. You need to care for yourself and your family — not only for your personal well-being but also for your company’s success.

Reach out to other parents with disabilities to help build your support community. Even if those you meet are not local, an online support system can be fulfilling. Talking to others who share your situation gives everyone a forum for exchanging ideas and caring for each other.

Choosing high-quality child care is essential. When you need time to work or go to a healthcare appointment, knowing your children are safe and happy is priceless. Interview several prospects and ask for references.

Running a company while caring for your family and yourself is hard work. It all pays off, though, when you see the fruits of your labor.