WAHM Tip from Stefani Partin

I entertain my 2 year old daughter with a piece of paper and a few crayons. Since

she doesn't always have access to crayons yet, she is very excited to get them when

I give them to her. It entertains her for at least 10 minutes.

Stefani Partin

NetworkWAHM

Come Connect with other WAHMS

http://www.NetworkWAHM.com

http://www.MommyEnterprises.com

Sheri Taylor, Blazen Promotional Products

Sheri.blazon@yahoo.com

When did you join / start you business?
2004

Tell us about one of your typical days.

Wake up, get my daughter off to school, stop and grab breakfast
Coffer to plan out my day. Go home, check my email, make
Phone calls. Reply to emails. My afternoon mostly consist of
Picking up products and dropping them off to customers, sometimes I stop to make collection visits. My evenings consist of going to places to network to grow my business. This can include networking groups and local hangouts.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

If I need to, I can rearrange my schedule to accommodate my daughter.

What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?
Staying focused on work

What are you doing to overcome those challenges?

Setting up an extra room as a home office really helps keep me focused. When I am in that office, I only work, no personal calls.

What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?

Be sure to have a nice nest egg set aside to be able to grow your business.

While you don’t need to be specific about your actual income, please tell us what you are doing (or plan to do) with the money you have earned.

I use it to pay for my day to day expenses. This is not an extra income for me, I am a single mother who doesn’t get any child support.

What is your favorite “mom-fuel”?

Coffee is my favorite “mom-fuel”, I drink as least a pot a day maybe more, it keeps me going and warm in the winter.

Jamie Fisher - Sarah Coventry Jewelry

www.jamie.sarahcoventryjweb.com,
theblingdiva@yahoo.com

Why did you join / start you business?

I found that women love to spend money on jewelry! I’ve tried to sell other things but have found that the average jewelry party is twice as high as the industry average. Plus, the host benefits are fabulous! With a previous business a $400 party would get my host $50 in free product. In this business that same party gets my host $130 in free jewelry, plus she’ll be entered in a quarterly drawing for a free trip!!!

Tell us about one of your typical days.

My typical day revolves around my kids. I chose this industry for it’s flexibility, so I enjoy volunteering at school, working with my church youth group, and being home to raise my kids. While my kids are in school or playing/napping, I get to work my business and help my team. At night after dinner I get to get out of the house two nights a week and play with jewelry! How fun is that???

What is your favorite thing about your job?

That I get to help women feel good about themselves by dressing up, getting together with their friends, and reaching their own business goals.

What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?

Ooh…honestly, finding the balance between working at home and living at work. If I’m working I feel like I should be with my kids, if I’m with my kids I feel like I should be working.

What are you doing to overcome those challenges?

Setting office hours and daily to-do lists helps. For example, if I have to volunteer at school in the morning I make sure I set aside time in the afternoon to connect with five people…hosts, team members, or customer service follow up. Then when I’ve done that, I close the door and go back to my family!

What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?

Set boundaries and stick to them. Have time that you will NOT take business calls and emails, and days you will NOT do parties. Make sure your family knows they are number one and prove it to them by giving them their own time. But remember that a business can’t work without a business owner, make sure you dedicate time to your business.

While you don’t need to be specific about your actual income, please tell us what you are doing (or plan to do) with the money you have earned.

Right now we are looking to catch up on bills since my husband was laid off. After that I plan on getting my kids into the special classes they want (karate, gymnastics, etc) and also doing a little something for me! (manicures, massages, whatever floats my boat! I’ve earned it!)

Anything else you would like to share?

My biggest advice to anyone in any situation is to think about what you’d like someone to say about you when you are gone from this earth…would you like to have them talk about your business ethics and financial successes, or do you want them to remember your compassion, your dedication to your family and the fact that you were always there when someone needed you?

What is your favorite motivational quote?

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." ~Henry David Thoreau

Tiffany Schwartz- Weidman, Trinkies (cell phone jewelry)

http://www.trinkies.com

Why did you join / start you business?

I love costume jewelry. I saw some antenna rings on the internet and thought they were the cutest things! I set out to find a factory to manufacture them for me at a better quality than what was out there. I love Trinkies and feeling good about your product makes a huge impact on your business.

I have for years tried other kinds of businesses; I knew one day that I would find my passion. I started my business to of course make money and have a more comfortable life, but also to have a sense of self. Being a mom is rewarding, but being a successful WAHM is over the top, WOW!

Tell us about one of your typical days.

My day starts off with getting my five children ready for school, that can sometimes be enough to wear you out before you get started. Then I plan my day while I have coffee. My days vary from days of heavy orders when I do nothing but pack orders to days that I have no orders and that is when I take time to promote my business, do follow up calls with customers. I try to “quit” work by 2 so that I have time for housecleaning before the wee ones get home.

“Let the games begin” – that would be a 3:30 when my children get home and they all have their stories and homework then it’s dinner and this and that until 9:00pm

What is your favorite thing about your job?

The sense of accomplishment, it’s a great feeling to know you are living your dream.

What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?

To stop working! I stay up later than I should sometimes or sneak off to check emails.

What are you doing to overcome those challenges?

I just have to remind myself that I have a family and that it’s not good to stay up to the wee hours and drag the next day. For awhile I had a sign on my computer that said “GO TO BED!”

What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?

Don’t just sell/do whatever because of money. Find something you really feel good about so even during the times you aren’t doing well, you still have a passion for it. Besides I think your passion shows through.

While you don’t need to be specific about your actual income, please tell us what you are doing (or plan to do) with the money you have earned.

The money made from my business pays bills. It also allowed us to take two vacations this past summer and with five children that is not cheap! I also take some of the money to pay extra on my van payment, after I get it paid for I plan to buy myself a new Ford Mustang. It’s always been my dream car.

Anything else you would like to share?

Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions.

You don’t have to listen to what “everybody” says.

Don’t let that one bad customer out of a thousand ruin your day.

Make goals, big and small, it really helps when being in business for yourself as when you reach one you feel “rewarded” for your efforts.

What is your favorite “mom-fuel”?

Coffee, coffee and more coffee!

Gallery 713 Card Shoppe - Teri

www.gallery713cardshoppe.com

Why did you join / start you business?

My friend Christina thought it would be a good way to get my husband’s art work seen as well as make some money at the same timeTell us about one of your typical days.I check my email a dozen times a day and any orders I fill them immediately.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

Being able to get my husband’s art work some exposure.

What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?

Not being able to stay home full time. Unfortunately I still need an outside job until things pick up more.

What are you doing to overcome those challenges?

I am advertising every where I can think of to gain more customers.

What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?

Well, since I feel I still qualify as a “wannabe” I’ll tell you the best advice I was given. “Keep advertising. God has a plan for you and won’t let you down.

While you don’t need to be specific about your actual income, please tell us what you are doing (or plan to do) with the money you have earned.

Put towards bills, save to buy a house, ect…

Anything else you would like to share?

Every card displays a unique artwork made by my husband. I do blank cards, birthday cards, ect….Anything the customer wants me to put inside, I do (well, I don’t put anything dirty. I don’t wanna hear/read about that stuff….)

What is your favorite “mom-fuel”?

Food…just in general. I love good food. Spaghetti, chocolate ice cream, chocolate ANYTHING, cookies, lasagna, anything. I have a hard time concentrating unless I’m eating something. Even if it’s just munching on a small bit of something.

Christina Nolan, Personalways™

http://www.personalways.com
customer_care@personalways.com

Why did you join / start you business?
I’ve learned that you cannot get rich by working for someone else. I want to be rich! ;) Seriously, I envision things like paying bills on time, early even, sending my kids to college and being there for my parents in their Golden Years! Initially, Personalways™ was a photo card shop. By the grace of God and unceasing determination, we have evolved into an ever growing personalized photo gift business. It is very satisfying to create a gift that someone can be excited to give.

Tell us about one of your typical days.
A typical day includes waking up at 6:00 am, getting my 14-year off to school and beginning my work day. I read e-mail, contact customers, maintain the website, update product information, etc. The “fun” part includes photo-editing and creating “proofs” for my customers’ orders. Once they are approved, I use a special combination of ink and heat to create something wonderful. Somewhere in that course of events, my 3 year old wakes up. We eat meals together and take “play” breaks throughout the day.

What is your favorite thing about your job?
My absolute favorite thing is being here for both kids! My little guy needs me some days more than others and my schedule allows for that. Also, a huge plus is that when my oldest needs to come home from school for some reason, we go get him. I don’t have to clear it with anyone or lose pay! So as different as their needs are – I can meet them!

What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?
My biggest challenge is the housework. The house continues to clutter, dishes continue to get dirty and laundry continues to pile.

What are you doing to overcome those challenges?
First of all, it is a team effort. We’re still trying to implement a schedule. Of course this in and of itself is a challenge because no two days are the same! But we continue to work at it.

What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?
First and foremost – figure out what you enjoy doing! You have to love your work. Then look into established programs that are related. I would suggest signing up as an Affiliate, Consultant or Distributor at first. This introduces the World Wide Web and you have mentors to teach and help motivate you. The initial investment is much lower than starting your own business and there is less risk. You can easily branch out from this later on your own!

While you don’t need to be specific about your actual income, please tell us what you are doing (or plan to do) with the money you have earned.
Everything! Squirreling money away for college educations is the highest priority. Also, I plan to help my parents out as needed with retirement and then - travel!

Anything else you would like to share?
Working from home is by far one of the most challenging choices we have as Moms. However, it is also the most rewarding. It can be done and it can be done well. But you have to posses a strong will, endless determination and complete faith in what you are doing! No matter what, believe in yourself and in your dreams!

What is your favorite motivational quote?
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Darlene Demell, Watkins Home Business

Contact information: ddemell@watkinsonline.com
Website http://www.watkinsonline.com/ddemell

Why did you join / start you business?

I began my home business with Watkins because I had grown up with the
products in our home. The Watkins man lived two doors away so I knew the
smells, tastes and what Watkins products could do to help keep us healthy.
I started my business almost 7 years ago after my friend kept asking me to
join. I decided since I was buying the products I may as well join and get
the discount. It just evolved into a lot more from there with my having a
downline and working it more as a business than just for the discount.

Tell us about one of your typical days.

My days are never the same here. I check my emails as soon as I can get on
the computer. I go to my website and check my emails there and check the
status of my orders and so on. I get information packages ready to mail out
to those who have requested them, I get sample packets ready. Then I usually
have some errands to run, deliver orders, mail catalog packages and then
come home and my day is pretty well gone. I have my dinner and come back
onine and start all over with mail, message forums and my website.
On really busy days, I am helping hubby to put new flooring down, paint, or
move furniture around so we can get things done before the holiday season.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love the products and love meeting new people. With Watkins, I have met
many new people both online and offline and have made many new friendships.
Watkins has helped me to move out of my "comfort zone".

What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?

Oh wow, to find more hours in a day would be nice. My biggest challenge I
think is trying to keep organized. I am for a bit then its all in need or
re-organizing again.

What are you doing to overcome those challenges?

I try to organize my files each week. I keep my papers in a filing cabinet
which really helps a lot.

What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?

I think the main thing when someone is looking for a home business, is first
to ask a lot of questions. People jump into things for the money they will
make before they even have any idea what the business is about or what kind
of work it involves on their part. The money is there to be made but it has
to be worked for just like every other job or business. It takes time ,
effort, and consistency.

While you don’t need to be specific about your actual income, please tell us
what you are doing (or plan to do) with the money you have earned.

The money I earn from my home business, helps to pay bills, helps to fix our
home up with new floors, paint etc. and gives me extra spending money for my
crafting.

Anything else you would like to share?

If anyone is looking at Watkins as a possible home business, I will answer
all their questions honestly. I will help them in any way I can and will
welcome them to my team if this is the business for them.


What is your favorite motivational quote?

"Many of life's failures are people
who did not realize how close they were to success when they
gave up."
(Thomas Edison)