There’s a LOT (I mean a LOT) of hype out there regarding the whole concept of “Working at Home.” We see it. It’s all over social media –people who appear deliriously happy about their business opportunities (typically MLM plans — Multi-Level-Marketing). But when you get down to it, you are STILL running a business. As the parent of a tiny child, let me tell you that it is a LOT of work. YOU have to make it successful. There’s no one standing over you and keeping you accountable. You are your OWN boss. But here’s the thing: Since you ARE a boss, you have to conduct your business as such. Below are two plain truths about working at home that will probably alter your perception if you’re relatively new to the work at home business circuit. For others who know the biz., well, I think it pretty much speaks for itself. :p
1. There are no set hours.
AHA. The perk that we ALL hear time and time again when we salivate with longing for a home-based job or business opportunity. But you have to think about what that means. It means that you can easily let things get out of hand and waste countless hours on the computer, basically making nothing to show for it. How do you compensate? The concept if QUALITY, not quantity. I’m learning this more every day.
I get more response from folks from a simple “like and comment” facebook pic. than I do from hours and hours of planning marketing strategies. I think it’s about maximizing your time, and after a year of solely working from home, I think I’m starting to understand what this means. It means that YOU have to establish boundaries for yourself and for your family. I can’t stress this enough. You HAVE to set these boundaries to safeguard your own sanity. If you don’t, you risk losing precious time with those you love and with yourself. So what do you do? Create your own business hours that are THE most convenient for you. Don’t listen to what other folks say about this. Only you know that’s best for your sanity.
I find that I work best at night. Period. This means that I’m shifting my focus so that my brain is programmed to teach at night after the baby is asleep. No more worrying all day about when and how I’m going to accomplish everything. I know that at night, I’m going to get it done, so I can stop worrying about work during the day and stressing out over how I’m going to balance half in the morning or half at night. If the baby is asleep, I can work. If she’s awake, then NO work — period. These are my personal parameters, and I promise that they’ll work beautifully for you, too. So rest during the times that you are free and completely devote your time to your family.
2. You’ll encounter unlimited earning potential and top training.
Look, I’m not here to bash anyone’s opportunity or upline, but here’s the honest truth: Some of this training seems like simple “busy work.” I know what you say, “But I have to keep accountable.” Yes, but is it doing that much good? How much time do you actually spend watching the training videos for your business? Do they really help your business that much, or is most of it simple marketing techniques that help you to achieve results? I find that talking to people and sharing my lifestyle have been the top ways of reaching out and sharing my opportunity with others.
People like to BUY, and not everyone is an entrepreneur at heart. A good friend of mine told me this, and it’s resonated with me ever since. I find myself getting downright frustrated by getting caught up in the hype of a business opportunity. I’m no professional marketer by ANY means, but I’m learning that staying committed to your business, building solid communications with others, and naturally sharing your products through personal testimony and fun events are the methods that usually prove effective when I’ve closed a sale.
Finally, let me close by affirming that I am NO professional marketer and have so much to learn. HOWEVER, as a business owner and work at home parent, I do want to let folks know of the reality before they jump in and become frustrated with demands of balancing work, family, school, and everything else.
I’d love to chat with you about anything and everything, so always feel that you can reach out.
Peace and love,
Katie
pocketful of dimes 