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Preparing for maternity leave was a completely different experience this time around! In some ways, a little easier- instead of having literally no idea of timing (with Felix, we had 10 weeks to prepare, and with Teddy, only 28 hours!), we had a roughly-eight-month lead time to get our house in order. But on the other hand, because I had the physical side of pregnancy & recovery, there were limitations I hadn’t previously needed to contend with. I’ll admit… I underestimated that part.

Fortunately for me, I know a BUNCH of high-performing CEO mamas I could hit up for advice, and when it came to a podcast episode on the matter, I knew exactly who to call- Yael Bendahan, a business and marketing mentor for mom entrepreneurs who want to create consistently growing income and hit 6-figures PLUS with simple, scalable offer suites and “mom-viable” marketing.

Maternity leave prep can feel incredibly overwhelming as small business owner- because there’s no corporate policy or safety net, it’s on you to create your own safeguards and savings. But because we’re small business owners, we get to write our own rules without having to run plans through a bureaucratic structure. There’s freedom and creativity and so much possibility!

In chatting with Yael for Season 5, Episode 2 of The Artisan CEO Podcast, here’s what she had to say about preparing well for extended time off for your business:

1. Transition to a Scalable Business Model

One of the most impactful strategies shared by Yael was the idea of transitioning from a purely service-based model to something more scalable, like offering coaching or courses. As a photographer, you could create resources or mini-courses for other photographers or your clients, offering a new revenue stream that doesn’t rely on constant client work, giving you more flexibility during your leave.

2. Pre-Sell Services and Front-Load Your Work

Offering clients the chance to book future sessions with extended payment plans not only secures income but also keeps your schedule filled after you return! You can provide incentives, like bundled sessions or extra perks for clients who book early.

Front-loading work is another effective approach. Before you go on leave, aim to complete as many projects as possible to build a financial buffer. This can help you avoid the stress of trying to catch up once your maternity leave ends, allowing you to focus on the quality time you’ll need with your sweet new babe.

3. Leverage Digital Products and Recurring Revenue

Creating digital products, such as photography presets or guides for brand photography, can help to sustain your income while you’re away. Even if you’re not actively working with clients, these digital resources can continue generating passive income.

Additionally, consider introducing recurring revenue models like retainer clients or subscription-based services. For example, you could offer clients a yearly package that includes multiple sessions, ensuring a steady flow of income and reducing the pressure of constantly securing new business. 

4. Automate and Delegate Where Possible

Automation and delegation are your best friends during maternity leave. Set up autoresponders that inform clients of your limited availability and give them clear expectations on when they can expect to hear back from you. If you can, hire a virtual assistant to manage inquiries and new leads. < That step alone has given Matt & I SO much peace of mind each time we’ve taken off for mat leave!

5. Prepare for the Unexpected with a Minimum Viable Workflow

Let’s also be realistic- we can plan as much as we like, but some aspect of the plan will inevitably go awry (LOL like how I had to scrap my birth plan as soon as we arrived at the hospital). Identify the minimum tasks that need to be handled to keep the lights on in your business, even during emergencies. Whether it’s keeping up with client communications or scheduling automated social media posts, focusing on the essentials will help you maintain momentum during unexpected events.

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Maternity leave doesn’t have to mean a full-stop of all the momentum you’ve built up in your business. By implementing even just a couple of these strategies, you can enjoy this precious season with your family and maintain cashflow. With thoughtful planning, you can return to work without fear, knowing your business was still running while you were away.  

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Check our more episodes of The Artisan CEO Podcast!