Surviving the Computer Age as a Work at Home Mom without the Corporate IT Dept.

Feb 4th, 2010

A computer is probably a fact of life for most work at home moms with home-based businesses. Earlier posts addressed the questions of what computer equipment is needed and what type to choose. If that mom is coming from the corporate arena to enter the world of working at home, she may also have some concerns about how to survive without the office tech support or IT department. And even if she isn’t accustomed to having computer answers provided by a coworker, there are undoubtedly questions about the best way to navigate potential computer-related issues.

Here are some tips for surviving the computer age as a work at home mom:

1. Look closely at warranty offers when purchasing new computer equipment. The role of the warranty becomes more important when there are hardware problems.

2. Gratefully utilize any family or friends who have expertise with computers and may be willing to lend a helping hand or provide service for a modest fee. A tech-savvy teenager is a great asset, and easier to come by than ever. Ask around.

3. Local computer shops are always an option, and many of these are fellow home-based businesses! Word-of-mouth referrals is a great way to find someone you can trust and a local Chamber of Commerce is another resource for locating someone nearby.

4. Believe it or not (I guess it’s not that surprising!), Google can be a good place to find solutions for computer problems. Copy the text of an error message and paste it into the search box, or type in symptoms of a computer problem (hardware or software). Someone somewhere has probably had the same problem. Where better to note computer problems and resolutions than in the online computer world?!

0 Comments | Categories: Home-Based Business, Working at Home

The Hour of the Work at Home Mom Has Come

Jan 29th, 2010

Do you pay attention to trends? I find it very interesting to reflect upon them – sociological trends, business trends, worldwide trends – trends of all kinds. Have you ever thought of yourself as a part of a trend?!

The June ‘09 issue of Parade Magazine states by 2019 over 40% of the work force is going to be independent contractors. Richard Kiyosaki of Rich Dad/Poor Dad fame talks a lot about entrepreneurship and its increasing role in our world. We work at home moms with home-based businesses are part of these trends! Our hour has come ;-) .

So, what does that mean? Well, first of all, it gives our ventures credibility. I still sometimes hear work at home moms share that the reactions they get when they tell people what they “do” can be less than affirming. Maybe it’s the term, rather than the activity, but part of this larger trend will surely be an increased force of work at home moms with home-based businesses and an increased acceptance of this career choice. It may even thereby give someone the courage to persevere, or make the transition they’ve thought about making to this kind of career.

It’s exciting and yet humbling, in a way. We are frontrunners in a field that will change the landscape of our economy. Go WAHMs!!

2 Comments | Categories: Home-Based Business, Inspiration, Working at Home

Ask, Reflect and Grow

Jan 22nd, 2010

This time of year, there are lots of folks re-assessing their situations…their personal and professional situations, their financial status, their family dynamics. Assessing and evaluating. Maybe you are one of those asking questions like:

- What do you really want to bring into your life? How would you like to be?
- In what ways would you like to grow?
- Who can you forgive today?
- What have you been tolerating that you want to let go of?
- Are you living out your commitment to putting your family first in your life?
- Can you spend more time being grateful and less time being critical?

No matter HOW successful we may feel, it behooves us all to be asking some of these kinds of questions! Otherwise, we stagnate. We may miss out on great opportunities for growth of all kinds. Ask, reflect and grow…

0 Comments | Categories: Inspiration

More on Computer Equipment for the Work at Home Mom: Desktop or Laptop

Jan 12th, 2010

Let’s look more closely at the computer equipment question for the work at home mom. This is a critical business investment, and can be intimidating for the new worker at home. Specifically, let’s consider in this post whether a desktop computer or a laptop is the right choice for a work at home mom.

Well, of course, the type of work you will be doing is fundamental in making this determination. How often will you be on the computer? How big of a role will it play in your work at home? These types of questions will impact how you weigh the variables between the two types.

And it doesn’t actually take long to compare those variables. We addressed the cost comparison in the most recent post on Computer Equipment for the New Work at Home Mom. The desktop computer is typically less expensive and you can get more powerful functionality for the money.

For most home business applications, though, the capacity of a laptop will be sufficient and it does offer the advantages of being portable, taking up less desk space, and often being quieter to run (which may be something to note if your work space is in the main living area of your home).

I began my work at home era with a desktop computer, primarily because it was considerably less expensive than laptop technology back in the day (I’ll be giving away my age pretty soon here if I’m not careful ;-) ). And it served me just fine. When it came time to update my computer systems a couple of years ago, I did opt for a laptop, mostly because I wanted the many benefits of portability. There’s nothing I like better than getting a little bit of computer work done while waiting to pick up the kids after some activity or when riding in the car for long trips and my husband is driving. I like the quieter motor, too.

One other thing to consider is user comfort. The type on a laptop screen is relatively small print, and the distance from the typer to the screen cannot be adjusted. The keyboard also has a different feel on a laptop than with the separate keyboard of a desktop. Some people prefer the laptop options anyway, but it is something to consider. I prefer the screen and keyboard options of a desktop, and so I actually have the best of both worlds — a separate keyboard and adjustable screen that I hook into the laptop when working at my desk and simply disconnect when taking the laptop elsewhere.

I’d encourage you to spend some time thinking about the best options for you. Most work at home moms spend a fair amount of time on/with their computers, so it helps to like one other!

0 Comments | Categories: Home-Based Business, Working at Home

Computer Equipment for the New Work at Home Mom

Jan 7th, 2010

If you’re newly decided to be a work at home mom, or considering taking the plunge, one question you may have is in regard to computer equipment. What will you need and how much will it cost?

The answer to that, depends in part, of course, on the type of work you will do. But most home-based business ventures will require at least basic e-mail and internet capabilities. And if that is the main use of your computer equipment, you should be able to get a desktop computer for under $500 or a laptop for $1000 or less.

Other “extras” to consider: having an in-house printer can save you time and money in the long run, and a wireless card on a laptop (a Wireless G or Wireless N Wifi card) is nice for internet access when traveling, if you anticipate doing that.

Your specific needs (or desires) may vary depending, again, on the type of work you will be doing. A sales rep of a computer company or perhaps a tech-savvy family member or friend can help you determine the best way to fulfill those needs. And maybe you already have personal equipment that can also be used for your home-based business.

Investing in basic computer equipment may seem daunting as you consider business start-up costs, but it can be a tax-deductible business expense, and it will serve you over a number of business years. So, if you think of spreading out the cost over the life of the equipment, it doesn’t amount to very much each month. For example, if you estimate you will be able to use your $500 desktop computer for at least two years, that’s only a $21 investment per month. Seems like much smaller potatoes when you figure it that way ;-)

2 Comments | Categories: Home-Based Business, Working at Home

When Holiday Talents Don’t Shine

Dec 31st, 2009

Another holiday-related post here. At this time of year especially, lots of my friends are baking delicious sounding goodies, decorating with charm, packaging and delivering creative gifts, and/or surprising their children with special events.

Just listening to these amazing pursuits wears me out. And they are amazing…to me that is. Remember, I don’t cook, sew or do crafts (full confession on the About page). Creativity in these “arts” eludes me. And when others’ creativity is in full swing, as it often is this time of year, it’s easy for me to feel lacking.

But this morning it hit me. I worked a full day at home yesterday, AND kept up with the laundry AND fixed the meals AND mothered my four children throughout the day. THAT is my “thing”. That’s what I do and yes, it smacks of a certain brand of creativity. And while the holidays don’t necessarily lend themselves to giving me a venue for showcasing my brand of creativity, I resolve to 1. rejoice in the creative talents of my friends who shine at this time of year, and 2. be at peace with the talents God has gifted me with.

0 Comments | Categories: Motherhood, Working at Home

It’s All in How You Look At It

Dec 17th, 2009

There are various times of year when the work at home mom might feel overloaded. Holidays can be one of those times. There are extra things going on, extra responsibilities, extra motherhood stuff (like shopping), extra business tasks (year-end items), etc.

Those are great times of year to focus in on who you are. I am much happier when I have the self-perception that I am a homeschooling wife and mother….with a home-based business –— rather than the self-image of being a self-employed business woman who works from home while trying to balance motherhood, homeschooling and all the rest (which is quite a lot this time of year!). Keeping the perspective that reflects my core values makes a big difference in maintaining my sanity level ;-) .

1 Comment | Categories: Home-Based Business, Inspiration, Motherhood, Working at Home

Is Working at Home Stimulating Enough?

Dec 8th, 2009

I’ll bet there are a lot of moms in the corporate world who like the challenge of their professional setting. And the interaction with other stimulating people. But I bet some of those moms wish they could work at home. For many, many reasons. And yet…there are probably many questions running through the minds of those hard working moms as they consider the possibility. Without the challenge and stimulation of the workplace, one of those questions, simply put, might be: would I go nuts being at home all the time?

Maybe not the most academic of the many questions to consider, but a valid one nonetheless. Only the mom in question can answer that for herself, but here are some personal thoughts that might be helpful to her (or you!).

Having a home-based business means melding various activity fronts within a smaller area. You’re doing mothering, homemaking, and business all from home (plus lots of other stuff most likely). My own experience is that this actually can provide even more stimulation and invigorating activity on all those fronts. They can be balanced more creatively, juxtaposed more easily, and sometimes combined with greater originality. Examples: supper is in the oven as I write this, we have family “mailing parties” for some snail mail customer contact in my business, my teens give me some great internet business advice, and I can sneak in a customer follow-up call right after answering that ever-present question, “can I have something to eat?”. You’re probably getting the picture. It’s sort of a way of life, and allows me to get more done in all three of those areas (mothering, homemaking and business) than I think would be possible if I weren’t working at home.

Now, having a work at home situation that does include some type of contact with other people does help. I’m on the phone almost every day in some business-related capacity. And definitely communicating via computer every single business day. As you evaluate home-based business options, you may want to consider something that offers that. Unless of course, you’re a loner by nature and the social element of the corporate life is your least favorite part to begin with. If that’s the case, perhaps you won’t miss it by making the transition to at-home work.

And it may be that the work at home mom needs to pay particular attention to her non-work social/emotional/spiritual/physical needs that take her outside the home if that is what she likes. But most work at home moms I know really like being at home, and being at home a lot. If you’ve never had the luxury of trying it, it may not seem appealing at first. But I think it will grow on you ;-) .

0 Comments | Categories: Family, Home-Based Business, Motherhood, Working at Home

Getting Back to Working at Home

Dec 4th, 2009

I had a wonderful break from my home-based business over the Thanksgiving holiday. That was over a week ago. And it has taken me this long to fully re-engage in my routine as a work at home mom. I think that is the hardest part, for me, in this style of career choice.

I am very comfortable with a routine. And when that routine changes, it take some adjusting. Even when the “new” pattern is restful and relaxing, it can actually take some discipline to transition into it! And once it’s time to return to the “original” pattern that demands more from me, I seem to have this natural resistance. No matter how much I adore the “original” pattern, it takes me time to pick up speed and get into it. This is one of the reasons I don’t indulge in those slower-paced breaks very often!

Maybe this is not unique to working at home. Maybe it’s that way for everybody? Or maybe it’s not a function of where one works, but rather one’s work personality :-) .

0 Comments | Categories: Home-Based Business, Working at Home

Sharing the Blessing

Nov 23rd, 2009

If you’re a “helper” personality like I am, it is the best feeling in the world to share something that has blessed your life. That’s one of the reasons I love the business model I work with. Having my own home-based business, being a work at home mom, has blessed my life and that of my family in innumerable ways, and I get to offer that same opportunity to others…maybe even to you!

I went into public interest law because I wanted to help others. I’m grateful I did not have to leave that goal behind when I transitioned into my home-based business.

2 Comments | Categories: Home-Based Business, Working at Home