Highlight of the Week

March 6th, 2010

One of the things my business support team does every week is have each person share a highlight with the group – often it’s a business highlight, but not always. It might be a strong business week, a change in perspective that better equips us to move forward, something we particularly enjoyed or whatever seems like a highlight to us.

My highlight this week? Having something I really believe in to share with three people who happened to cross my path with particular needs this week. Something to make their lives better. Love that feeling of doing well (financially) by doing good (for others).

0 Comments | Categories: Home-Based Business, Inspiration

Books for Us Women with Professional NonMom Skills and a Mother’s Heart

March 1st, 2010

Wow, where did last week go? I had a couple of atypical days, and the week just flew by. I know that I rely on routine to keep in check the various demands of being a work at home mom. So, when the routine isn’t there, things like blog posting don’t always get done ;-) .

But there is an upside to being out of the routine — getting to do some fun things not usually on the schedule! Like browse in the book store. Yep, I spent part of one afternoon killing time at the mall, and my first choice is the business/entrepreneurship/self-motivation aisle of the large book retailer (it really is my fave place to shop!).

Anyway, I scanned shelf after shelf of titles, looking for something that would speak specifically to me as a professional woman who chooses to work at home. I pulled one promising hard cover little book with appealing colors off the shelf, but the conversation about being a working mother, a career mom, didn’t fit the bill. Some other titles promised insight into women in business, but again, they didn’t seem to be quite on target for me. I ended up buying a book on social media (can’t seem to leave a bookstore empty handed!), but wondering if there ARE any books like the one I was looking for. Perhaps most of the written word on this topic is online, since the internet is often a big part of our success. Have you found any ‘hold in your hands’ books specifically for us women with professional NonMom skills and a mother’s heart?!

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

What Works for TeleWork Works for This Work at Home Mom

Feb 20th, 2010

I saw an article recently about telework programs (for employers) and how to make them successful. Several of the principles suggested for implementing telework made me think of my own home-based business and what helps make it successful:

- establish policies and procedures Yes, they are essential- just as much, if not more essential, for a business run from home. In order to maintain professionalism, in order to make the most of your valuable time, and in order to keep your sanity, having office policies and procedures are wonderful. Now, they may develop organically rather than being in place (and imposed from the outside) right from the beginning, but that’s OK. That will actually allow you to develop the best policies and procedures for your particular work at home situation.

- provide training and support This is something that may not be available in every home-based situation, but it is in mine and I’m very grateful for it. It allows me to be in business for myself, but not by myself. Another possibility would be to look for a mentor in your business field.

- provide an on-call coach or support group This is very similar to the previous principle. I love having free access to my very own business coach, who knows my business intimately AND whose help rewards her as well as me (talk about an incentive to be a great coach!). Even if it’s not built into your business model, there are great business coaches available.

- be willing to recalibrate and adjust the program as needed SO true. Just as in organically developing policies and procedures, a home-based business owner will thrive if she can adapt and overcome.

- foster team building in innovative ways (to replace “hallway and water cooler chat”) Part of the training and support I mention above is done in a team environment in my business model, and that exchange of ideas and the camaraderie it offers is priceless. Again, if this isn’t inherent in your home-based business model, I would encourage you to seek it out (perhaps through Chamber of Commerce or Business Networking activity).

Sure feels good to see my work at home mom positioning lauded as a model for successful work at home ventures! If your work at home seems to be missing something, maybe seeking to fill in one or more of these ideas can help. And if you pursue telework as an employee, look for these hallmarks of a successful program.

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

Did You Always?

Feb 11th, 2010

Did you always plan to take the world by storm?
Did you always know you could be a professional success?
Did you always figure you would rise to the top in your field?

Did you leave it all in the dust to be at home with your kids?

Are you looking for somewhere, someplace, somehow to honor that planning, knowing and figuring? I found that where, that place, and that how! And I would love to share with you what I’ve found…if it’s of interest, let me know.

0 Comments | Categories: Family, Working at Home

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