Getting Started: I want to work from home, but don't know where to start.
I want to work from home, but don't know where to start.
You are not alone. It's a very overwhelming process. The first step is to narrow down your choices. Focus on your strengths, experience and skills. Making a list will give you a place to start. Once you have the list, you can decide if you are eligible for a job that will allow you to work at home, or wether or not freelancing or a business is in your future.
Getting started: 3 things to keep in mind.
3 Things to Remember
There are 3 things you should keep in mind before starting a new job or business:
1.) Passion. Is this something I will enjoy doing every day?
2.) Challenges. Am I willing to do what it takes to overcome the daily and unexpected challenges to make this work?
3.) Commitment. Am I committed to putting the time into this job or business to make it work. This includes both the daily and weekly time commitment, as well as giving it 6 months to a year to watch it grow. "I understand that what I do today will effect my business 3 months from now".
Getting Started: But I don't want to do.....
But I Don't Want to do....
One thing I hear a lot of is, I want to work from home but I don't want to do x, y and z.
I want that job! I want to do nothing and get paid for it.
Now in reality, we all know that even with the dream job, there will always be elements that we don't want to do. Why is working from home different?
Ask yourself:
What is the reality of working from home?
Now, what is your reality?
One reason many people have such a hard time is because they are so focused on what they want and don't want to do, they forget to look at the whole picture.
The reality of working from home is that you have to do the work. This involves putting in hours, stepping outside your comfort zone and doing the full job, not just the fun parts. It's a learning process, you'll make mistakes, and that's OK.
Think of it as a recipe. If a recipe calls for certain ingredients and steps, skipping a step will most often ruin the recipe. Of course, we know that there are always substitutions, but we are talking about skipping a step. Let's say you are baking a cake. You add the ingredients but don't have a mixer. So you decide not to spend the time stirring and beating the batter, but throw it straight into the cake pan. Imagine what your cake would look and taste like.
Now, I know you always hear me say that working from home is fun! Follow your passion! I stand by that 100%. If you love what you do, you won't mind doing the other parts.
Who here likes to take out the garbage? What would happen if you never took it out and just let it overflow? How long does it really take you to do this task? It may not be the most enjoyable chore, but someone in every household has to do it. When it's over, you can move on to more fun things.
So here is to having fun and watching your dreams come true, even if we do have to do the dirty work now and then!
Getting Started Tip: Start with what you know.
Start with what you know!
With the dream of working from home, our imagination and sense of adventure can run overtime. Often you are exhausted just thinking of all your options. The best place to start is with what is familiar, with what you know. If you are looking for a job, brush up that resume and apply for jobs that your experience and skills will be an asset to. Make yourself stand out by knowing you are the most qualified out of all those applicants.
If you are starting a business, stay with the familiar as well. Would you start a business building homes if you never used a hammer? Would you start training horses if you never rode one? Does this mean you can't learn? No. But be sure to get the necessary experience and confidence first. Before choosing a business, make sure it is something you will enjoy and that will challenge you in the way you need to be challenged.
Getting Started: Jumping from company to company?
Jumping? Wandering? Lost?
Do you ever feel yourself wandering from company to company? Ask yourself why. Are you unhappy with your current choice? What do the companies have in common that you are looking for? What do you dislike that makes you wander? Or do you just want it all?
The key to success is to focus. You need to find one biz that excites you, is marketable in your area and that challenges you to keep moving. Getting bored or not seeing progress are 2 big reasons for skipping around. If you are bored, is there a way to make this business more exciting for you? Can you expand your goals? If you are not seeing progress, review what activity you have actually done. Often we spend more time thinking about our business then actually working it. If it's not working for you, make a list of reasons why. Then review them. Are these good reasons or excuses? If they are good reasons, then it is time to move on.
All of these businesses can work. The question is, how are you working it to make it work?
Business Tip: Where does my time go?
Where Does My Time Go?
Do you ever feel like you are working so hard and not getting anywhere, like you keep digging and digging and working harder and harder while the shovel gets heavier and heavier? Often times, we are spending more time thinking about our biz or organizing then actually doing revenue generating activities. It is possible to over-organize and over-think yourself into failure!
If you feel overwhelmed, spend this week tracking your time. Create a schedule per hour, and every hour write down what you do, and if it is related to family, work, or house. Divide work into 3 categories:
Thinking (planning out, making lists)
Organizing (cleaning your desk, filing)
Training (training calls, reading)
Revenue Generating (Talking to customers, phone, face to face, parties, training your team
Then take this to the dinner table and discuss as a family where you can be more efficient, where others can help, and where you are truly working and truly procrastinating. Use this research to work smarter, not harder!
Examples: Spend Sunday night doing all your organizing for the week.
Involved your kids by letting them do your filing, stamping, or mailing
Have a schedule for when you train yourself, make calls and train your team
Set time aside to be on the phone with customers
Business Tip: I feel like quitting!
Throwing in the Towel!
How often do you just feel like quitting? Do you ever feel like things are just not happening? Maybe you feel you spend hours working with no results?
Balancing your personal life and your business is very overwhelming. So first, know that you are not alone.
At one point or another, everyone feels like quitting. What makes someone successful, is that they don't.
Everyday, you should not only be setting business goals, but personal goals. If you feel you are keeping a balance, you will keep your stress level down.
Use the Daily Planning Calendar on my website (a printable version is attached and can be found in the documents on http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/coachingwithheart/) to help you balance your day.
Remember, working from home is one of the toughest jobs there is. Not only are you being a mom and homemaker, but you are working on supporting the family. Like everything, skills need to be learned and it will take time.
Tell yourself "Yes I can" and soon you will.
Business Tip: Are you Proactive or Reactive?
Are you Proactive or Reactive?
This topic is inspired by the book "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
Inspiration and ideas come in many forms! You should spend 15 minutes a day improving your mind!
You make 5 calls, and no one answers. Finally, on the 6th call, you dial the number and she answers! Right after you introduce yourself, she says "I can't talk."
Do you:
A.) Walk into the other room and say, "no one wants to talk to me. I'm not cut out for this business."
B.) Throw all your leads in the trash.
C.) Pick up the phone and call the next person.
D.) Quit for the day, but commit to making calls tomorrow.
If you picked A or B, you are Reactive. You let things happen to you, vs. making things happen. We are in control of our lives, though we often forget this important fact. To be successful, you need to know that though some things are out of our control, the way we handle it is what is important! It does take time and practice to overcome this feeling of rejection, even partial rejection because she never said "no." The best way to overcome this is to change your attitude, which we will address in future newsletters. Remember why you started. Remember why you picked your business. Believe in yourself and others will too!
If you picked C, you are Proactive. You know that one call does not mean that no one is interested. In fact, you understand that just because the timing is bad for her to talk, she may still be interested. You know that there are many variables why she couldn't talk. She may have been on her way out the door or changing a diaper. You keep going knowing that call 7 or even call 10 is waiting for your services!
If you picked D, you are between Reactive and Proactive. You understand that her response had nothing to do with you, but you still don't like rejection in any form. You will want to work on overcoming this fear and focusing on the positive sides of what you have to offer, like a free shopping spree and FUN! You are almost there! Focus on the positive!
Business: Try, try, and try again
Try, try, and try again!
Have you ever done something once, failed, and quit? Why?
For me, cooking is an area I have to work on. I think I boiled water 25 times before I figured out why it always would bubble up and gush all over my stove! Seriously. But, I needed to learn how to boil water so I could make my kids spaghetti. The first dozen times, I just would boil the water, add the pasta, turn up the heat to make sure the bubbles were jumping, and walk away. I always came back to find a mess.
What changed? First, I finally asked. Amazingly I learned that you are supposed to turn down the heatso it just boils. Of course, I still didn't get it right. Some times I turned the water down to far. Other times, not enough. And I still always walked away.
Finally one day I stayed long enough to watch the boiling and find the right temp. It took trial and error. The kitchen is not my area. However, I needed to make this work. And guess what, I finally did. Now I make great spaghetti, when the noodles aren't sticking together.
This is just like your business.
- Try, try again, and try some more.
- Ask for help.
- Try again.
- Monitor what you do to identify what is going wrong.
- Know that not all things come to everyone easily.
- Be willing to try new things.
- Don't walk away.
Working Your Biz: Pockets of Time
Pockets of Time
"I'm too busy."
"I don't have enough time."
"I can't find a balance."
Sound familiar? Often times we spend so much time trying to figure it out, we forget to leave time to work.
What if instead of finding 1 or 2 hours you found four to six 15 minutes of time, or four 30 minute blocks?
Schedule these times into your day. Wake up 15 minutes early. Dedicate Elmo's World to work time. Have your significant other give the kids a bath and jump on the phone.
The key is to schedule your day so you know when you are going to work. Have your day planned out. For example:
POCKETS
1.) Phone calls, new team members, 2 at 7 minutes each. Have the phone numbers of 10 - 15 people ready with purpose of call.
2.) Emails. Have form emails you can copy and paste.
3.) More phone calls being customer based, 3 at 5 minutes each. Have information ready.
4.) Organize, get mailing together, place orders, etc.
Customize your pockets according to what you need.
A.) Decide on how many days you want to work or need.
B.) Decide on how many pockets of time you need.
C.) Use events like naps, picking up kids, and favorite shows to schedule your time.
D.) Reward your children for letting you work. (More on this in future newsletters).
Working Your Biz: Time stealers
Time Stealers
Since we are discussing time, let's talk about time stealers. Laundry and TV are two huge time stealers. What else do you do that doesn't further your family, personal or business goals?
First, lets talk about laundry. This you have to do, it's not an option. However, if you come up with a system, it won't steal so much time. For me, i throw the laundry in the wash in the morning. Switch at lunch. And fold during, TV time.
Now let's talk about TV. We all have our favorite show. I have to watch Desperate Housewives. However, I've cut back on a lot of the TV shows I used to watch. Think about sitting in front of the TV, watching a show. Then the next one comes on. You get hooked. Before you know it, it's an hour or 2 later. What could you have done in that time?
If you have to watch TV, use the time to get other things done. Fold laundry, do a mailing, respond to emails during commercial. Most importantly, pick your one or two favorite shows and erase the rest. You won't miss it after a month or two, and you'll find you have so much more time!
Accountability Tip: Buddy Up
Buddy Up!
Accountability. Another "key" to success. How can we hold ourselves
accountable for working our biz, or finding or perfect fit?
How can we make the right decisions for our family and business?
Find a partner! Help each other to stay on task, climb over hurdles,
and jump up and down in excitement with success!
Sales/Recruiting Tip: What's your attitude?
What's your attitude?
Think back to the last thing you did for your job/biz that involved other people: for example, the last party you booked or held, or the last recruit or sale you closed.
Was this task successful?
Why or why not?
Now, if it was successful, think about your confidence level. Were you feeling good when you started the task? What were you doing before?
If it was not successful, what were you doing beforehand? Did you quit working after the negative experience or move on? If you continued, how was your attitude and what happened?
Looking at yourself in all these situations will help you see how you can become successful. I know it's a lot of questions to ask, but success and failure are related to your attitude and energy levels. What you learn from every experience is invaluable. When you can identify the positive and lock into it, your success rate will increase.
A positive attitude is important, but you need more. You need to believe in yourself, believe in the sale and do it with an upbeat and fun disposition.
Have you ever answered the phone and someone says in a monotone voice "Hello. May I speak with Mr. or Mrs. cakrafrafarhe, or whatever your name is. Hello miss. I am calling to tell you about the super, doper 5000 cleaning system magazine that will change your life. We will send you a free 6 month subscription at absolutely no cost to you, except for when you forget to cancel it." Well you get the point. Remember, read that aloud monotone. What do you hear? Are you excited? It's free. Or are you debating wether or not to just hang up the phone or to tell them you don't live there? Are they putting you to sleep?
Now, imagine if someone called you who was happy! They really wanted to talk to you and they knew how to pronounce your name, or at least apologized if they butchered it. Would you be more willing to listen to someone who had an upbeat attitude? Reread the above script after jumping up and down 6 times, turning around and patting your head. Now smile. The sound of your voice, your attitude, is what will gravitate others towards you. If you are having fun, they want to know why.
I will be addressing attitude in the future. You get what you believe you deserve!
What do you deserve? EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Attitude is the way we feel about ourselves, and the way we act towards others. Use yours as a business tool. If your attitude towards yourself is negative, you need to fix it. The only person who can do this is You. Talk to your upline or mentor and start a program to look for the positive. When you see the light peeking through the clouds, you'll be amazed at how bright things begin to look.
Sales/Recruiting: Network at the Pool
Network While You Play!
Wow! June is here! Who said you can't take work with you? I'm right now at the pool, one of my two favorite places to work. The other one is the park! Why? All the people I meet! I get to see favorite customers, and meet new ones.
It doesn't matter what you do, networking is the most important part of your business. Without a network of customers, hostesses and those who need your product or who KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES, you are out of business!
How do you network? Let's paint a picture.
Jill is a consultant with Gidgatdoodles. She started 3 months ago because she couldn't live without them. Even her kids use Gidgatdoodles on a daily basis. One beautiful spring day she woke up and decided to take the kids to the park. While packing her bag, she grabbed a Gidgatdoodles product to store drinks and snacks in.
While playing, she found a bench and sat down. Right next to her was another mom.
"Hi! I'm Jill." said Jill. "Which kids are yours?"
"Hi! I'm Jen. Those two are mine."
"Do you come here often?" asked Jill.
"Every day it's not raining," laughed Jen.
"I can relate! I need to get out of the house more often!" said Jill. "So what do you do when you're not at the park?"
"Oh, I just stay home, clean and cook. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have something that's my own, and doesn't involve someone else's underwear."
Jill nodded her head. "I totally understand!" Wow, now is a great time to introduce what she does.
"That's why I just recently started working from home with Gidgatdoodles."
"Gidgatdooles? I think I heard of that! That's that new company!"
"Yeah! Have you seen any of their stuff yet?" asked Jill.
"No," said Jen.
"I have the boys snacks in one and it's with me. Here, let me grab it out!" Jill shows the Gidgat Snack Holder to Jen.
"That's pretty cool! I could use one of those. What are the other products like?"
"I don't have a catalog with me," said Jill, who doesn't bring them with her for a reason. "Here, give me your number and I'll call you. I can bring some stuff over to show you, or you can come over."
"That would be great! My number is 123456," said Jen.
"How late can I call you?"
"9:30," said Jen.
"So, what plans do you have for the summer," asked Jill. If the conversation kept going, that's fine, but Jill has Jen's phone number, so she can follow up. If the conversation moves away from the topic, not a bid deal. Jill knows when Jen sees the products and gives her a catalog, she can share more info on the parties and opportunity.
If you are comfortable enough to schedule something there, that's great too. The key is to go with the flow and build a relationship. You don't want Jen to think the only reason you talked to her was to sell her Gidgatdoodles.
Sales Tip: Using passion!
Using Passion!
The best way to sell your product is to be passionate about it! Are you using it? Are you giving it as gifts? If the answer is no, ask yourself why. When I need a boost to go out and share what I've got, I spend time using my product and involving anyone else I can as well. When they are excited and having fun, I get another boost and a reaffirmation that I am in the right place. Bottle that feeling and use it to let others know how they will benefit from what you have to offer.
My son was invited to a birthday party, so what did I give? One of the toys I sell. Well, I found out the mom loved the toys and she asked me for a catalog! She was so excited at the great gift her son got, and I planted a seed for gift giving sales in the future.
Selling is sharing something you love and helping them to make great decisions!
Sales Tip: Be a Detective
Be a Detective (finding customers and recruits)
If you've been with me since the first newsletter, you may be noticing a pattern of asking questions. Asking questions is the only way to find out information! We can make assumptions like "she doesn't have any kids so she wouldn't need any toys." What is the truth? Maybe she is an aunt, teacher, godmother, daycare provider, or pregnant. So never prejudge!
By asking questions you can find out if they have a need for your product and if they have a need to make extra money!
You can also be a detective to find out about events where you can set up a booth and increase your customer base that way. If you see something that looks like a good fit, call! Show them how you can benefit them by having a booth there.
Examples of questions to ask someone standing next to you at the grocery store are:
--What do you do for a living? How's that working for you?
--Have you bought any great candles lately?
--How often do you cook a week? Tell me about your favorite recipe.
--Tell me about the children or pets in your life.
--Who do you know who would benefit from a cooking class?
--Who do you know who would benefit from an extra $100 to $1000 a month?
--When do you have some time for a great relaxing spa day?
--Where do you go for your cooking spices?
Remember: Who, What, When, Where, Why and sometimes How!
Sales Tip: It's all about the customers
It's All About the Customers
Ever wonder why some people are really successful? Do you ever feel
like whining "why isn't it happening for me?" If you said "yes" to
the second question, you've got your answer!
Your business when dealing with others has nothing to do with you,
it's is all about what you can do for someone else!
How can you help them feel better about themself?
How can you provide a service that will benefit them?
What can you do that will make their life easier?
How can you help them prepare for birthdays, new babies or weddings
they will be attending in the near future?
When you put their needs ahead of your own, you'll find that your
needs are fulfilled. Happy customers = more money.
This works in recruiting as well! Remember, it's all about them.
Find their need. Find their why. You'll see results.
Sales/Marketing tip: Don't miss everyday opportunities.
Daily Opportunities! Don't Miss Them!
It is so easy to miss great opportunities! They are everywhere. For example, I was working a daycare conference. My company recently partnered with an Autism support group. While looking at the agenda, I saw that there were speakers on this subject. So I made sure to find them out and shared my info. They invited me and my products to a meeting. Had I not paid attention to the speakers or thought to talk to them, I would have missed out at this handed to me opportunity.
Below are some ways to take advantage of opportunities! However, my best tip is: Keep Your Eyes Open!
- Do you read the paper? If not, START! There are tons of great opportunities there. If you sell books and the library is looking for donations, talk to them about doing a fundraiser! What about the church who is doing a huge pancake breakfast and craft show, call to see if you can set up a booth! Always ask "How can my services fit in to benefit these people or organization?"
- Community Calendar! Check weekly
- Your car!!!! How often do people see your car! You should have something on there to advertise your biz
- Donations for silent auctions. A great way to get your name out and it's a tax deduction
- Always give your products as gifts (especially at showers and birthday parties!).
- Keep your eyes open! You don't know what opportunity is waiting for you!
Family: Summer Circles
SUMMER CIRCLES!
Help! Summer has me driving in circles! Sound familiar? Today we woke up, took my oldest son to Bug Camp, drove my 2 year old to playgroup all the way on the other side of town, had to leave early to go pick up Alex from Bug Camp. Then I had to feed them, take a potty break (we are potty training Billy), drive Alex to Art Camp. Get Billy down for a nap. Then I had a scheduled call, and a newsletter to write. Plus I got a new toy I want to play with the kids, and another business call tonight. All I want to do is run through the sprinkler with my kids! Sound familiar?
Where's the fun?
Summer does this to you. Last week I addressed working your business at the pool or park. This week, I want to talk about working your business side by side with attaining the Chauffeur/Mom of the year award.
With all this craziness, your work tends to sink to the bottom of the pool. The best thing to do is work first, then play. (Easier said then done).
Wake up a little earlier or stay up a little later and allow yourself time to organize your day. Know what work must be done, what would be nice to get done, and bonus. Do this for both your personal life and your work life.
Prioritize everything by numbering it. Try to do as much as you can in the morning so you can spend the afternoon playing. Leave yourself time at night as well to get some work done. If your morning is unmanageable, then schedule in work time in the afternoon. However, you need to commit a time to work.
Remember to take advantage of those Pockets of Time I've written about in the past as well. While picking up your child, show up 15 minutes early and whip out that cell phone. While your kids are getting their swim suits on, lock yourself in your office for just 15 minutes to cross off #1 and #2 on that list.
Remember, CONSISTENCY IS WHAT MATTERS! Work your biz a little each day and you will see success!
Personal: What about you?
What about you?
When was the last time you put you first? If you are like me, its been a long time! Sometime in the next 2 weeks I challenge you to do something for you as a reward of working so hard!
Remembering you is a great success tool! When you are happy and content, your motivation drive is higher.
- Get a manicure
- Go out to lunch or dinner with a friend, no kids!
- Go to a movie without cartoons!
- Take the kids somewhere YOU want to go.
- Go for a walk by yourself.
- Read a book
- Take a long, hot bath.
- Go buy something just for you!
- Run to the grocery store and buy chocolate. Wait until the kids are in bed and go to town.
- Call a long lost friend just to gossip for 2 hours.
- Do something you enjoy.
Managing Stress: Letting go
Letting Go
Success is all about letting go. Often times, our lives and minds are soo cluttered, we can't find what we need to make our life a success. The only way to find it, is to clean up the clutter.
Imagine your life is a closet. You can barely shut the door, and when you open it wide, everything comes flying out at you.
Make a list of everything in your closet. Some things you will never let go, like a favorite childhood teddy bear. Other things you hold on to not because you need them, but because you are afraid of what will happen when you do let them go, like an old pair of ballet shoes or dictionary from 10 years ago.
If you need to, think of these as hats
EXAMPLES:
Motherhood
Wife
Business
Work
volunteerism
Chauffeur
Cleaning lady
Cook
Referee
Coach
Social butterfly
Book club host
yes person
Advice giver
Personal goals that are stressing you out more then helping (walking every day, cooking 6 nights a week, cleaning daily, etc.),
Include in your list all committees you are on, and all things that take up your time even just thinking about them.
Now prioritize them. List them in order of what is most important.
Next, star the items that you can not get rid of. These need to jump to the top of the list. When I say you can't get rid of them, that is being a mother or a wife. Volunteer work doesn't count.
When valuating, ask yourself if you do it for yourself or direct family (gets a higher priority) or others (loses priority).
Now, delete the items that clutter your life. Make room in that closet.
The items that are starred, look at them and see if you can find help.
When you declutter your life, and say "no", you will find more energy to focus on the things that are important to you.
Remember, stress is a huge part of DE MOTIVATION.
Family: Make it a family business!
Make It A Family Business
I asked my husband what my tip should be this week and he said budgeting your time. Well, I think that is something we all need to work on. I often find myself getting lost in work, and part of his job is bringing me back to the family.
Involving your husband and kids gives you permission to treat your business like a business without the guilt. It also allows them to see how serious you are.
Let your husband and kids know your schedule. If you need to work 4 hours that day, let them know when you plan to work and when you plan to play. Reward your kids for letting you work. Take them to the park, do a craft or head to McD's. Make mommy working a good thing because when mommy works, your kids get to do something they do not get to do when mommy is not working.
Have a calendar so your family knows ahead of time when you will be away from the home. Be sure to mark family events before scheduling your parties, events or booths. Remember, family always comes first. But, you do need to treat your business like a job. So determine how often you want to work, and commit to working it.
Use your instinct. If your kids are acting up, ask yourself if you are spending more time working and ignoring their needs. Try to involve them more, or find activities they can do outside of the home which would give you time to work. Ask your older kids to help you label catalogs or help you deliver products. Have them test your products and give opinions.
My oldest loves my job. He sees me taking it seriously, and I can see a budding entrepreneur developing. Every summer he sets up a toy booth and waits for people to come over so he can sell them products. He knows the reason I do my business, and understands that without the income, he wouldn't get all the great stuff he has.
So remember, you work from home. Your family is your home. Therefore, they are your staff and your boss. Treat them with respect and listen. Know when your office is open, and don't forget to close shop when office hours are over.
Marketing: Trick or Treating for Customers
Trick Or Treating for Customers!
10/14/06
Halloween is just around the corner! What are you doing to promote your business? We often overlook opportunities that stare us in the face every day! This is one opportunity where people are coming to you! Does it mean you'll make a lot of money? Probably not. But you never know when someone is looking for what you offer!
Here are some suggestions:
- Make a goody bag. Include a logo item for kids and a coupon for adults, plus of course candy!
- Do a drawing for mommy and daddy for a free item!
- Schedule an open house and hand out invites
- Trick or treat as your business! If you sell candles, make a candle costume and put a sign on.
- Invite them in! If you sell food, have some out for parents to sample while their child picks out their treat. Light your candles and have them prominently displayed with business cards by the door. If you scrapbook, have a great display with your past Halloween pages.
- Look at what you do and how you can market it! Be creative. There is still time!
- If you do direct sales, find 10 Trick Or Treaters. Have them gather $100 in orders. Give them something as a reward, double hostess or put their name in a drawing for a $100 shopping spree.
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