Question:
How do I get the respect my business deserves?
Super Mom
OK, so "Super Mom" probably isn't what we need to strive towards, but as a work-at-home-mom don't forget to take advantage of the "at-home-mom" part of your title. Schedule your work so that you can be a classroom parent, field trip chaperone, or scout leader. Volunteer to bake cookies for the class party (or at least pick them up at the bakery!) Plan mini outings to the park, zoo, skating rink, or museum with your kids. While deadlines and clients are important, so is your family--and isn't that why you chose to work at home anyway?
Just Say No!
Too often, moms at home are taken advantage of by others who assume that if a mom is at home, she has "time." Any mom at home knows that this is not the case, but even moreso for works at home moms who are not only managing a household but a business or job as well. There are deadlines, clients, appointments, and other required tasks just as in a "regular job." Work-at-home-moms (and dads!) need respect for their positions just as any other working adult. Sometimes, however, the only way to get this respect is to demand it. Get used to saying "no" if a request conflicts with an appointment you already have or your day as it's currently scheduled.
This is not to say that WAHM's should be selfish and mean. One of the benefits of working at home is having flexibility--just make sure you're being flexible and not taken advantage of.
Respect off the job
Issue: I have invested years in school and on the job in building my career. I'll never get the same respect as WAHM (work-at-home-mom).
Call to Action: Contrary to popular belief, parents who are able to stay at home and raise their children are usually envied by their peers, not looked down on. It's quite an accomplishment to go against the grain and hold your family values above society's "norms". List all of your gifts, talents, and education. Take this list and find where you can apply each of these to a life working at home with your children-you may be pleasantly surprised.
*A Lawyer-has the skills of negotiation-useful when dealing with stubborn 4-year-olds as well as hired contractors.
*A Doctor or nurse-has the medical skills necessary for bandaging "boo-boos" as well as experience dealing with insurance companies, which as a parent you will do eventually.
*Were you a math major in college? Then you will know exactly how to split the last piece of cake so that all three children will have exactly the same amount. (Also see negotiating skills!)
Small Businesses Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent business losses?
How do I attract new business?
How do I work around the kids?
How can I save money in my business?
How do I keep customers satisfied?
How do I spend time with my kids while working at home?
How do I manage work hours at home?
How do I work at home around my kids?
How do I read financial statements?
How do I help someone with a problem?
What are some inspirational quotes?
What are some inspirational quotes?
How do I sponsor distributors?
How do I put my life in balance?
What are some inspirational quotes?
How do I choose and MLM company?
How do I do accounting for my business?
How do I know if a company is a pyramid scheme?
Where can I find new business leads?
Where do I find new business ideas?
How do I measure my business growth?
Why won´t my team members follow my leadership?
How do I manage paperwork and piles?
How do I keep my desk organized?
What are some inspirational quotes?
What are Financial Statements?
What do I do when I start to question my business decisions?
How do I track my business income?
How do I find fulfillment in my life?
How do compensation plans differ?
How can I work more efficiently?
What will make me a strong leader?
How do I identify embezzlement?
How do I get work done with kids around?
What do I need to get organized?
Where can I find a babysitter while I´m working at home?
How can I balance work and family?
How do I identify embezzlement?
How do I keep my family organized?
How do I find a name for my business?
How can I prepare for each day?
What is a good business investment?
Why should I attend business seminars?
How can I do my business better?
How do I cut down on phone time?
What do I do with sales taxes I collect?
What can I deduct for my business?
What is the difference between a business and a hobby?
How long do I have to keep taxes, receipts and other important docs?
Where do I find business help?
Why should I keep my desk clean?
How do I keep my goals in line with my life?
How do I prepare a Balance Sheet?
How do I keep from getting burned out?
How do I stay on track with my goals?
How do I protect my business in case of disaster?
What are the skills of a good leader?
Where can I find infomation about starting a home business?
How do I become a better manager?
How do I recruit new distributors?
How do I lead people with different personalities?
Why is decision making important?
What can deduct for a home office?
Why should I thank my customers?
How do I expand my sphere of influence?
What are qualities of a good leader?
How do I work around my family´s schedule?
How do I work business around my family?
How do I compensate my employees?
How can playdates help my business?
How do I make phone calls with children around?
How do I get the respect my business deserves?
How do I develop and train leaders?
How do I handle a business disaster?
How do I keep up with the industry?
What is the difference between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant?
How do I balance my business and personal life?
How can I learn how to do my taxes?
How do I keep my kids away from my work area?
How do I get a business started?
How can I find information about a specific company?
How do I talk on the phone with young children?
How can I measure my productivity?
How do I start a small business?
How do I deal with being told no?
How do I get paid in MLM or Network Marketing?
Can I write off the sale of an asset?
Where do successful people come from?
How do I achieve peace of mind?
Where can I find easy financial tips?
How do I keep a clean house with a home business?
How do I find out about legal issues for my business?
What are the characteristics of successful people?
How do I build my business network?
How can I keep my inbox empty?
What do I need to get organized?
How can I always be prepared for business?
How do I get paid if I´m self-employed?
What is a Binary Compensation Plan?
How do I know if my business is making money?
How do I make money in my business?
Why is working at home good for my family?
How do I hire a professional to do my household chores?
How do I find professional help for my business?
How do I stop all these bounced check charges from my bank?
How do I get the attetion of prospects and turn them into buyers?
How do I balance family and work?
What is the Australian Compensation Plan?
How do I remember everything I need to do?
Can a mom with children really have a successful business?
How do I support my family, community, and my business?
How do direct sellers file taxes?
Where do I find info on starting a business?
What are the laws governing home businesses?
What am I legally responsible for in my business?
What if I set a goal, but don´t reach it?
How do I tell people about my business?
Why are home-businesses a good option?
What does a home-business offer me?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Sheri Ann Richerson |
