ABCs for the Work at Home Mom - Part 1
By Jill Hart
CWAHM.com
Work-at-home moms face many different challenges. From learning to accept help when needed, to building confidence in ourselves, to remembering the reasons why we chose to work from home. Below is the first in a series of tips to help work-at-home moms in the simplest of ways - the ABC's.
A = Adjustments. A work at home mom must expect the unexpected. She must be prepared to adjust her schedule at any given moment for any number of reasons - a sick child, a backed up drain, or an upset client. A mom who learns to welcome these moments as a chance to show love to her family and concern for her clients will be ahead of the game in the end. Approach these "interruptions" with a great attitude and see what a difference it makes.
B = Better. Works at Home Moms have to be on top of their game. To run a business as well as manage a household takes determination and scheduling. You may not feel like you have a schedule, but take a look at your day/week and see how you are spending your time. Next, think about what you can do better, what you can delegate and what would be better off removed from your schedule to allow you to spend your time in a better manner.
C = Confidence. You wouldn't be a work at home mom without it. Take time to celebrate each success no matter how minute it may seem. Each success will help grow your confidence and turn you into a savvier businesswoman.
D = Dry - Don't let things dry up. Keep content fresh, offer new products and services whenever possible. This will keep you motivated and keep customer returning.
E = Effort - Don't kid yourself. It takes a TON of effort to make a home-based business successful. Don't give up with thing get rough. Keep plugging away - it will pay off
F = Feisty - Every work at home mom has to be at least a tad bit feisty. :) Stand up for your business when need be - don't be afraid to say no when necessary.
G = Generosity - When I fist began my business I sought advice from many successful work-at-home moms. One of the best pieces of advice I received was that what I gave to others would come back tenfold. I've found that to be very true. Helping others is as much a blessing to me as it is to others.
H = Help - There will come a time that you'll need help. You must be willing to accept it, to allow others to do for you what you cannot. In turn, try to be a help to other when they are in need.
I = If - If you don't do it, who will? Mothering is such an important role that gets overlooked so often these days. Always remember that being there for your children is the BEST gift you can ever give them.
J = "Just for you" - Take a little time to do something just for you each day. Even 5 minutes of doing something you enjoy can revive a tired mommy.
K = Keep - Keep your chin up. It will get better. Don't let a lag in business growth get you down. Find some creative ways to get the ball rolling again.
L = Laugh - Take time to laugh with you kids each day. And don't be afraid to laugh at yourself when need be.
M = Mommy - Remember, the reason you do all that you do is for those little ones who call you "Mommy."
Working from home can be difficult, but it is well worth the effort. By keeping things in perspective we can reduce the stress that we put on ourselves. Remember these ABC's and you'll go far in your work-at-home career.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms,
CWAHM.com
. Hart is also the co-author of the upcoming book, Home Based Blessings, due out in November 2006 for Christian moms who want to work at home. Hart and her husband, Allen of CWAHD.com (Christian Work at Home Dads) reside in Nebraska with their two children.
Permission Granted for use on Dr.Laura.com
