Today is Saturday. The day where most of people take a break. Not me. Today
is my busiest day. I write articles, ship Ebay items, place orders and market
my websites. I have two preschoolers so during the rest of the week I work
while they are sleeping at night or napping.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Does My Work-at-Home Business Spoil My Children?
Friday, January 26, 2007
Nikole Gipps - NHG Consulting (Owner)
Nikole Gipps, Owner, NHG Consulting
http://www.nhgconsulting.com
Why did you join / start you business?
I started the business because I had a plan to stay home with my baby after she was born. So I started working from home when she was just a thought, and continued until now. In the past few months, I relaunched the business to move from an independent contractor to a true small business owner.
Tell us about one of your typical days.
I do the most work when she is asleep, for 2 hours in the afternoon and from 10 pm to 3 am at night. I can usually get a few things done between dinner and bedtime as well, when my husband is playing with her. I'll sometimes take her for a walk or drive during the day just so I can make some phone calls! If she's having a bad day, I just have to accept that my work day goes out the window and I'll get it done the next day.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
The stuff I do is very interesting to me - challenging, ever-changing, but very interesting and engaging. There are just so many bad websites out there, or people not using the web to expand their businesses in all the ways possible. I like that I can help other people achieve more success!
What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?
I always have that guilt ... like am I paying enough attention? If I bring in help with caring for her, am I just handing her off to someone else? It's also hard because I've never really left her with anyone other than my mom or husband. When I have a meeting somewhere, it's always a little stressful to shuffle our lives around.
What are you doing to overcome those challenges?
I just ... do it. I just get dressed, put my happy face on, find someone to leave her with, and just keep telling myself that she's not going to MELT because I left her for 2 hours. She's so young though - it's still hard.
What advice would you give a "wannabe" WAHM?
It's not an easy way to go. Because you are a parent and working from home, you never stop working. I do love it, and I wouldn't give it up, but if you find it too much stress, that is OK too. I find myself the most stressed when I set myself to strict standards. It's just easier to go with the flow.
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 just relaunched my business after being down for a while with a newborn. My net income in 2006 was -$158. I think I'll use it for a good cry. That is the problem with a new business though - the first few years can be a giant money suck until you start turning a profit.
Anything else you would like to share?
My business isn't a typical work from home situation. You can start something with less costs if you become an independent contractor. I had been an IC for years, but I wanted to have a true business now, complete with employees. So my situation is probably a little more extreme.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
"DUUUUV!" It's what my daughter says to me when she wakes me up every morning. It's incentive to get up every morning and do what I do. I want to make her proud of her mommy!
Sheri L. Johnson - M2C GLOBAL Dealer
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Being able to have a flexible schedule so I can do what I want to do when I want to do it.
What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?
Since I have a 3 year old, the biggest challenge currently is keeping her somewhat quiet when I need to talk on the phone.
What are you doing to overcome those challenges?
I am trying to bargain with her and find things to keep her pre-occupied. Can you say "Veggie Tales?"
What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?
Find something that you are passionate about and go for it!
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.
My ultimate goal will be to pay off our house (I paid off my last house in 4.5 yrs), pay cash for our next house, invest in real estate (potential commercial) to ensure there is a great long term wealth accumulation for retirement.
Anything else you would like to share?
Do not underestimate the power of personal growth, you become what you read, watch and listen to. Is it lifting you up and keeping you down? Learn everything you can about marketing, especially on the internet.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
"With God All Things are Possible"
Tricia Meyer - helpingmomsconnect.com & sunshinerewards.com
helpingmomsconnect.com & sunshinerewards.com
Why did you join / start you business?
I started my business for two reasons: 1) To have a more flexible lifestyle in order to participate in my children’s lives and 2) To have control over my own career.
Tell us about one of your typical days.
It depends on the day of the week! Every day is different because I have one daughter in kindergarten half days and one daughter in preschool 3 full days. So I have a good mix of time alone with each girl, time with both girls, and time alone. I try to get up before the rest of the house and check email. As everyone else starts to stir, I begin making breakfast, checking backpacks, and laying out clothes. Once my daughter (or daughters depending on the day) are off to school, I start working from my laptop. My husband comes home for lunch and whoever is home on that day eats together. Then I work a few more hours in the afternoon and the dance/swim/school carpools start. We all get back together for dinner and a couple of hours relaxing with the kids. Then after they go to bed, I work out for an hour. After that, I work on my laptop for a few more hours while my husband and I watch tv.
What is your favorite thing about your job? The flexibility of being able to enjoy LIFE.
What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM? Not working too much. I have a tendency to want to do too much too fast.
What are you doing to overcome those challenges? I try to take things in stride and balance my weeks, understanding that some weeks are more about work and others are more about the family.
What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM? Don’t be constrained by your current skill set. I started out as an attorney. Instead, think about what you ENJOY and turn a hobby into an income.
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 contribute about half of my family’s income, so I pay the bills. But my business does allow my family to enjoy nice things while not sacrificing the ability to spend true family time. I never miss a class field trip and volunteer more than any other mom in the class. On the flip side, we take nice vacations and are building our dream house.
Anything else you would like to share?
Make a plan. Really see where you want to be in 6 months, in a year, and in 5 years. It all may change. But get a picture in your head of what you want and work toward it. Be studious. The internet is a wealth of information and you can find anything at all that you are looking for.
What is your favorite motivational quote? "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more luck I have." -- Thomas Jefferson
Why did you join / start you business?
I started my business for two reasons: 1) To have a more flexible lifestyle in order to participate in my children’s lives and 2) To have control over my own career.
Tell us about one of your typical days.
It depends on the day of the week! Every day is different because I have one daughter in kindergarten half days and one daughter in preschool 3 full days. So I have a good mix of time alone with each girl, time with both girls, and time alone. I try to get up before the rest of the house and check email. As everyone else starts to stir, I begin making breakfast, checking backpacks, and laying out clothes. Once my daughter (or daughters depending on the day) are off to school, I start working from my laptop. My husband comes home for lunch and whoever is home on that day eats together. Then I work a few more hours in the afternoon and the dance/swim/school carpools start. We all get back together for dinner and a couple of hours relaxing with the kids. Then after they go to bed, I work out for an hour. After that, I work on my laptop for a few more hours while my husband and I watch tv.
What is your favorite thing about your job? The flexibility of being able to enjoy LIFE.
What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM? Not working too much. I have a tendency to want to do too much too fast.
What are you doing to overcome those challenges? I try to take things in stride and balance my weeks, understanding that some weeks are more about work and others are more about the family.
What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM? Don’t be constrained by your current skill set. I started out as an attorney. Instead, think about what you ENJOY and turn a hobby into an income.
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 contribute about half of my family’s income, so I pay the bills. But my business does allow my family to enjoy nice things while not sacrificing the ability to spend true family time. I never miss a class field trip and volunteer more than any other mom in the class. On the flip side, we take nice vacations and are building our dream house.
Anything else you would like to share?
Make a plan. Really see where you want to be in 6 months, in a year, and in 5 years. It all may change. But get a picture in your head of what you want and work toward it. Be studious. The internet is a wealth of information and you can find anything at all that you are looking for.
What is your favorite motivational quote? "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more luck I have." -- Thomas Jefferson
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Kim Wall - Home and Garden Party Representative
Why did you join / start your business?
I joined because I have always loved the products and was missing their whole honest approach. Home and Garden Party was my original success story before my daughter got sick. It is already becoming my recent success story now that I am back.
Tell us about one of your typical days.
Well, a typical day for me would be get up get ready for my bank job and get my kids up and ready for school. I pray then check emails before heading out for my 5 hour shift. I get to talk with people about HGP when they comment on something like a piece of jewelry I am wearing or the reeds they are smelling. Come home fix supper and either make a few calls about HGP or get ready to go to a party. My kids are 16 and 12 plus very responsible so that makes life easier. I always take a few moments to spend with each child before heading back out or between calls.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
People. I LOVE meeting people. Giving them information and helping them gain whatever it is they may need or desire in their lives. Whether it be from hostessing, decorating their homes or making extra income.
What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?
Not cuddling with my kids and dog instead of making calls.
What are you doing to overcome those challenges?
I am challenging myself to be more disciplined.
What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?
Go for it! Don't second guess if you can do it. You can do anything if you put your mind to it and make a plan of action.
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 am paying off bills and soon will start my investment portfolio.
Anything else you would like to share?
Do what you love and love what you do. If you ever become discouraged just remember you had passion at one time for your job. You can get it back by jumping in with both feet and not looking back.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. By putting Him first on everything I do success is sure to follow.
Angie Davis - Urban Botanic
http://www.urbanbotanic.com/angie
Why did you join / start you business? I recognized this company as something extremely unique and fun; Individuality is a hot trend right now! The company is new nationally, but they have taken things slow and piloted for a year in Utah. I have been looking for a great party plan for quite awhile and this one fulfills my love for creativity and wonderful product, company, etc.
Tell us about one of your typical days.
Hmm...days are always crazy with kids! I have a 5 yr old and 2 3/4 yr old, plus I babysit four more kids three days a week. During naps, I answer emails and post on message boards, blog, work on marketing. I schedule phone calls for naps and after dinner.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
So many reasons...I love to get out with the "girls" and have some adult conversation, which is the main reason I am drawn to party plans. It is also very confidence building in being a success and earning money, trips, and prizes.
What is you biggest challenge as a WAHM?
Finding balance.
What are you doing to overcome those challenges?
I try to stick to a schedule as to when I work on biz, when I spend time with kids, when I am a wife and homemaker, etc.
What advice would you give a “wannabe” WAHM?
Be smart. Pick something you can live with and be passionate about. Research, research, research. Talk to real people who are living it--if they seem to be too optomistic then ask them to be real with you.
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.
Hmm...right now I am paying off credit card debts, which is my main focus right now--after that, take trips? I love to travel!
Anything else you would like to share?
I have tried many, many companies and was beginning to think home biz just wasn't for me. However, I have realized that I have learned something with every company I have been involved in. Now that I have found THE company that I LOVE, I am now a very experienced businesswoman with knowledge, ideas, and determination.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
Expect success.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Wahm Tip from Cherie Dammen
I am a busy stay at home mom with two kids, two indoor pets and a wonderful loving Husband. I have an at Home Business called Munchkin Music ~ Personalized Childrens CD's and I am on the phone alot taking orders.
I entertain my 1 year old son with a deck of cards.(any kind) 52 card pickup ~ He loves to see the cards fall on the floor and all the colors. He loves to sit in the middle of the cards and just pick one up after the other. Of course tasting each and every one. It keeps him busy for at least 20 minutes. Long enough to get my calls made & answered. It works great!!
The other thing that I have done to keep my 1 year old at bay is give him an old phone book ~ He loves to turn the pages and of course rip some of them out. I am not sure that I am teaching him good book manners, but he loves to hear the fine pages turn and rip. (just keep your good phone books up and away) lol!!! It works!
Cherie Dammen
Munchkin Music
We Put Your Childs Name Right In the Music ~ 98 Times
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