Seven years ago I had a brand new 14-week-old baby and I had to go back to work. I'd left my husband, bought a flat on my own and was striking out to support my little family as best I knew how. I was good at it. I had a great job, a good routine ... then after 3 months back at work I was made redundant.

Well, with mouths to feed, nappies to buy, a nanny to finance and a mortage to pay, there was no resting-on-my-laurel allowed. So, I spent a month trying to find another salaried job. Nothing. I spent a month considering what I'd always wanted to do and there - ting! - was the answer to my dreams. I wanted to work for myself. I wanted to use what I knew to bring out the best in others. And from that very day, I began to strive towards that dream.

Just 3 months after that day, I had completed my first level of executive coaching training and had taken on my first client. My business grew steadily. My clients list grew and each year I learned more, shared more, invested more in myself. My client list continued to grow.

I've never been happier, more fulfilled or felt more in control of my future than since I've run my own businesses. On the same hand, I've never stretched, learned and challenged my own limited thinking about myself and my capatilites.

If you've ever considered taking this path for yourself - and let's face it, we single parents need more flexibility around working hours and the ability to earn than most - then here's some things that I've learned along the way. Here are my hard-learned top tips:

1. Do something you LOVE

Working for yourself is a steep learning curve and as much as you learn about the practicalities of business, you'll learn about yourself too. If you're putting yourself through this process you may as well be creating something you believe in, something that inspires you, something that you know you were born to share with the world.

2. Build a support network

There are days when I thought I'd never make the dream a reality. On those days my support network were invaluable - my dad, my friend Cherie, my coaches and my mastermind groups. Thank God for them! Be selective about who you share your dreams with - they can be shattered in a moment if those championing you are in any way threatened by your drive to succeed. Two, maybe three people at the most is all you need. If you don't know the right people here, just hold the intention for them to reveal themselves to you ... stand back, and watch the magic!

3. Invest in yourself

Mindset is a huge part of succeeding in business, but you don't just develop that overnight. Invest in your own development along the way. I used books, business coaches, seminars and mentors - and when I had enough spare money, I flew to the states to learn the latest new business theories from those at the forefront of their games. Did it pay off? In bucket loads!!

4. The marketing is more important than the mastery

You cannot run a successful business if nobody knows how brilliant your product or service is. If you have the choice of advancing your craft or increasing your marketing know-how, choose the latter. The most gifted doctor in the world will remain poor if he can't get his name out to his prospective clients. Trust me on this one! Don't get sucked in by schools or course 'sellers' who tell you that if you increase your mastery your business will magically increase. Invest in marketing. As your business and client-base grow, you'll learn along the way.

5. Embrase new technology

I know this one might scare you! Trust me, I've been going through this for years now. Just when I think I've conquered my technology fears a whole other area of learning (and opportunity) opens up. For single parents the freedom that comes from running your own business - especially one where you work from home with huge flexiblity - is priceless. Face your fears! Keep up-to-date with email, internet, social media and your world-wide marketplace. It will change the way you do business. I will open new doors. It will empower you to 'keep up with the kids'!

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