4 Ways the Internet Makes Being a Mom Entrepreneur Easier

Chances are, you rely on the other moms you know for carpools, a laugh, maybe even an extra poster board for school projects when you forgot to hit up Michaels.But I've found that you can rely on moms for a lot more than that.Like support for your business.Think about it -- who understands the mom/work juggle better than another mom business owner?I've found that by networking with, relying on, hiring, and encouraging other moms, you can find all the support you need for that often isolating work-at-home-mom gig you've got going.And not just in your back yard, time zone, or working hours. The virtual world has changed our world in so many ways, and taking advantage of it can improve your quality of life AND grow your business.How? Well, here are four ways the World Wide Web makes being a mom entrepreneur easier.

4 Ways the Internet Makes Being a Mom Entrepreneur Easier

1. You can be international 

The beauty of working virtually is that you can work with moms all over the world. You can hire them or take them on as clients. Or both!I get support from moms in Oregon, Memphis, the Philippines, India, Belgium, and the Netherlands! And my client roster spans the globe.The Internet makes it possible to do business anywhere, making you an international mom entrepreneur.

2. You can work when you want to

When you're a mom entrepreneur, you don't always have those big blocks of "9-to-5" time like folks who work outside the home. Luckily, an Internet connection or Wi-Fi helps you use every bit of available time you do have, no matter where you are.With my handy smartphone, I can move through an amazing amount of work just sitting in my car waiting for my children's school dismissal bell or for the piano lesson to end. And I'm doing more than just processing email. I'm using some amazing tools that increase my productivity, and help me run my business on the go.Using my smartphone, I can:

• SKYPE or "hangout" with clients, or even hold a join.me meeting.
• Check art through Dropbox.
• Clip interesting articles or tweets I come across to Evernote.
• Correspond with clients through Facebook messaging.
• Update my boards on Pinterest.

I am 100% more productive than I could have been just five years ago before 4G.I've even started to take my morning walk with another mom in Memphis – power strategizing her social media campaign while we power walk. We're burning calories instead of burning the midnight oil!

3. You can use time zones to your advantage

You don't have to be an insomniac to reach people in different time zones anymore. (Though if you are an insomniac, you've almost always got company from other moms finishing or starting their days!)One of my stateside clients teaches a course in Europe late at night when her kids are asleep, but her customers' day is just starting.  A little nap and she's good to go, to be with the kids during the day.My designer in Singapore has already started her Monday when I need something Sunday night.My clients on the east coast wake up to plans I prepared in the late evening in LA. Conversely, I chat with my east coast client after her kids are fed and before mine return home from soccer practice. It’s whatever works, for both parties.

4. You can find your village no matter where you live

I have found my "village"...virtually.I still rely on my local village, of course, but this group of women entrepreneurs I have met online speak my language even when my closest carpool friends don't. We share work, and advice, and all the love and support we mom entrepreneurs need.I love having a business I can call my own, and I love to know I'm not alone.They say it takes a village and I agree....whether the village is in your backyard or halfway around the world!

How has the Internet improved your life as a mom entrepreneur? Tell us in the comments.

About the author:Laura Wallis is an online marketing consultant known as the “Web Navigator Gal". She's on a mission to help entrepreneurs navigate the world of online marketing so they can get noticed and grow their business.