Ironically, I've been moving further and further away from what was once a joyful home office. I found myself in a space where I couldn't keep any of my work where necessary. Each day I had to pull out every single thing I needed--from several locations--where I needed them, which was not a place conducive to work. It was give and take if the Internet worked and always a revolving door for anyone to sit and talk "since I am not really doing anything anyway."
And that's the life of a home office, usually one that also houses kids.
With this I'm announcing I have moved to a new location and with it, a new home office. Everything will be in it's place and I now have commercial internet service and will not be worried about being in someone's space nor them in mine.
It's weird, because I truly believe you can work anywhere, however, it never occurred to me your state of mind may not be able to work anywhere. There's a point you can get to where you are taking much more time to be so much less productive that you no longer see working from home as viable.
If you are in a situation where you are feeling pressured, down, "blue, or even depressed by your surroundings, take a moment to shut down your business a few days and figure out where you are in need of help--because you are in need. Perhaps you can see a counselor, psychologist, Rabbi, church clergy member... even your primary care physician. Whatever it is you need, seek help and seek change so you can get back to the best you and a much better business.
Hosting Now Only $3.95?!?!
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Rethinking Everything
You're still here, I see. How about this, are you still running a home business? Are you loving it? Does it pay your bills or provide what you need it to provide?
If you are unhappy, rethink your business. Do you need to reimagine your role? Is there a possibly the market was oversaturated and it's difficult to compete? Are you a lazy record-keeper?
There are a few things you can ask yourself to help decide if you should continue to push forward or if you should consider cutting your losses.
Are you in love with the idea of working from home, running your own business, or are you simply passionate with something that happens to be run from home? Chose one, two, or all three; it doesn't matter as long as you are honest with yourself.
Is it YOU that is faltering? Is it the economy where your product or service is falling short?
Whether you lack the passion or lack the skills there are so many things you can do but one of them is probably to stop what you are doing and change it. You see, if your way isn't working, you MUST try another way--even if it hurts a little.
Freelance Writers
I've gotta say this: Do not fall in love with your words unless you are only writing for yourself (have at it!). If your goal is to earn money, yes, you have to write what you know and it's also good to be enjoying it, but you'll sell nothing if you are not satisfying the market. And when I say "market" I mean what your market really is/who they are not what you believe it should/they would be.
All Others
It's a new year and a new you, make it a "like-new" business where you work harder to succeed where success lives.
Still here? I'm just rambling because I am so dang tired and busy trying to figure out if I should change that I tithe 90% of my work because you know what? My needs completely changed but my work and my business didn't. Time to grow up.
If you are unhappy, rethink your business. Do you need to reimagine your role? Is there a possibly the market was oversaturated and it's difficult to compete? Are you a lazy record-keeper?
There are a few things you can ask yourself to help decide if you should continue to push forward or if you should consider cutting your losses.
Are you in love with the idea of working from home, running your own business, or are you simply passionate with something that happens to be run from home? Chose one, two, or all three; it doesn't matter as long as you are honest with yourself.
Is it YOU that is faltering? Is it the economy where your product or service is falling short?
Whether you lack the passion or lack the skills there are so many things you can do but one of them is probably to stop what you are doing and change it. You see, if your way isn't working, you MUST try another way--even if it hurts a little.
Freelance Writers
I've gotta say this: Do not fall in love with your words unless you are only writing for yourself (have at it!). If your goal is to earn money, yes, you have to write what you know and it's also good to be enjoying it, but you'll sell nothing if you are not satisfying the market. And when I say "market" I mean what your market really is/who they are not what you believe it should/they would be.
All Others
It's a new year and a new you, make it a "like-new" business where you work harder to succeed where success lives.
Still here? I'm just rambling because I am so dang tired and busy trying to figure out if I should change that I tithe 90% of my work because you know what? My needs completely changed but my work and my business didn't. Time to grow up.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Simple Works: Home Business Tips That Will Save Time and Money
Raising seven kids has taught me well in life and business. My husband and I each brought three kids to the table (his three boys, my three girls) and we shared an extra child we couldn't love more. To get along as full siblings is nearly unheard of, but as step siblings? Nearly impossible. Yet, they got along well. Very well.
People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:
Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.
Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.
Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress.
No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.
Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time.
Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.
Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.
Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?
Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.
When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.
Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less.
If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.
This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.
People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:
Be consistent, accountable, and follow through.
Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.
Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.
Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress.
No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.
Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time.
Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.
Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.
Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?
Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.
When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.
Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less.
If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.
This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.
Simple Works: Home Business Tips That Will Save Time and Money
Raising seven kids has taught me well in life and business. My husband and I each brought three kids to the table (his three boys, my three girls) and we shared an extra child we couldn't love more. To get along as full siblings is nearly unheard of, but as step siblings? Nearly impossible. Yet, they got along well. Very well.
People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:
Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.
Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.
Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress.
No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.
Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time.
Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.
Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.
Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?
Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.
When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.
Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less.
If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.
This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.
People complimented them often and would ask us the secret; it was always the same:
Be consistent, accountable, and follow through.
Like raising good children, you could not choose a better formula for business success, in fact, it's so easy, people overlook it. And wonder why they fail.
Working from home is a blessing, but also a curse. You may find yourself putting off something until "later" and later forgets to show up. The next thing you know, you're searching for your receipts to show the bank that there was supposed to be a charge reversal or your phone service is disconnected but not because you have no money--because you forgot to pay the bill you can't find.
Being thorough and consistent can save on late fees, lost accounts, looking immature as a business, and a huge amount of stress.
No matter what kind of home business you run or how much your business earns, these tips can change your life as you know it and keep in mind, I've cut it to the bare bones. Seriously, just do this if you are not already doing it.
Put your paperwork away in the same place. Every time.
Use file folders, even if you keep it in a cardboard box. You may end up with more folders than you really need, but as you are consistent in using them and putting them away, your mind will automatically be on the lookout for the best way to do this for you and your needs.
Your filing system is too elaborate if paper is piling up; don't work hard and loathe doing it, simplify. Some small businesses have only two files: IN and OUT. Whatever works BEST for your business and for the least amount of effort is exactly what you need.
Keep LIKE things together. Bills with bills. Receipts either stapled to bills or with other receipts divided only if you have so many it's necessary. Pens with pens all in the same place every single time. Get it?
Do not fight yourself. If you work better on the computer, scan your bills and keep in folders on your computer. Find an app for your phone that works with you. If you are a paper hoarder as I am, then stop trying to force making everything online. Go with what will make you get things done.
When you tell someone you will call... call. Follow through.
Work hard to make your day-to-day "normal" things--like filing and return phone calls--take five minutes or less.
If you have someone else working with you, learn to delegate and only work on the more difficult things that must have your attention.
This is enough to get you going. Do you know why? Because simple works.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Keeping Up On YOUR Business Education
Nothing can help you and your business more than keeping educated about your product, service, programs you use, etc.
Freelance writer? Take a refresher course on grammar and writing style; as you know, even grammar changes from time to time and you should be current and updated to the social standards (think additional and new meanings to these words, for instance: sick, read, shade, and that "can't" is now acceptable).
Are you in the health and fitness field? Take an updated course on nutrition-what we thought we knew about fat and fake sugar, for instance, is nowhere near what we know now, or try out a few of the latest exercise classes.
Maybe you are a home daycare provider, you can easily brush up on child nutrition, new activities introduced by other providers and parents, you could learn about safety in your home, and always, always, brush up on your first aid skills (even THOSE change throughout time).
Businesswise, regardless of your area of expertise, take a local college course in marketing, find a MeetUp of like minds, join Toastmasters, talk to a tax consultant yearly.
There is so much you can do to stay current and on task. Take five minutes out of your time today and list those things that interest you and will move your business ahead.
Freelance writer? Take a refresher course on grammar and writing style; as you know, even grammar changes from time to time and you should be current and updated to the social standards (think additional and new meanings to these words, for instance: sick, read, shade, and that "can't" is now acceptable).
Are you in the health and fitness field? Take an updated course on nutrition-what we thought we knew about fat and fake sugar, for instance, is nowhere near what we know now, or try out a few of the latest exercise classes.
Maybe you are a home daycare provider, you can easily brush up on child nutrition, new activities introduced by other providers and parents, you could learn about safety in your home, and always, always, brush up on your first aid skills (even THOSE change throughout time).
Businesswise, regardless of your area of expertise, take a local college course in marketing, find a MeetUp of like minds, join Toastmasters, talk to a tax consultant yearly.
There is so much you can do to stay current and on task. Take five minutes out of your time today and list those things that interest you and will move your business ahead.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day - Missing Teen, Lue Vang
Happy Mother's Day to all you work-from-home mama's! I'm wishing you the best, and as mothers, I'm wishing us all a profitable and joyous business to keep us happy, satisfied, and paid up on all our bills.
To celebrate Mother's Day, won't you please help just one mother have a reason to celebrate?
Lue Vang, a 17 year old Carson City High School student, has been missing from Nevada since last week, April 29, 2011. He was last seen early in the morning. Using his family's 1995 blue Honda Prelude, he took his computer and a few other possessions with him, and it's possible he headed to, or is in Seattle, Washington.
If you've seen Lue Vang and/or the Honda Prelude, license plate 321VPP - Nevada, please call your local authorities, the Carson City, Nevada, Sheriff's Office at 775-887-2011, Neng Vang at 651-308-6885 or Debbie Thao at 651-955-2667.
Thank you for your help, and... Happy Mother's Day.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tired?
Are you ever just tired? Tired of virtually everything? I am, but I know this is one of the pitfalls of working from home and I have to pass it.
The first thing to do is try to identify the reason behind being tired of it all.
Could I be weary of cold calling and getting nothing positive from it? Maybe I'm tired of working my butt off and seeing no extra money? What about positive feedback; are you getting any?
Second, we must figure out what motivates us? What do you need to make you excited again? What excited you so much, you decided to work from home, to be your own boss? What makes you feel like you can "do anything?"
Lastly, you try to "fix" the reasons, make them obsolete if you can, and you attempt to recreate the excitement. Even in love, you have to go back to basics, to start over once in a while, lest it become stale.
Your home business, emotionally, is much like love (the kind that leads to and resides in marriage). Home business (as is marriage) is NOT a feeling. But feelings do dictate your actions oh-so-many times!
As you are following my personal journey and trials of working from home, I figure I may as well let it all hang out:
Oh. My. News text alert, BRB.
LATER:
Ironically, as I wrote this earlier, something happened that pretty much changed EVERYTHING. With Osama bin Laden's death, I can't possibly concentrate, as we are a military family (if it's in the news; it's safe to use™ - IIItNIStU™) and are on alert. Work your business while you wait!
The first thing to do is try to identify the reason behind being tired of it all.
Could I be weary of cold calling and getting nothing positive from it? Maybe I'm tired of working my butt off and seeing no extra money? What about positive feedback; are you getting any?
Second, we must figure out what motivates us? What do you need to make you excited again? What excited you so much, you decided to work from home, to be your own boss? What makes you feel like you can "do anything?"
Lastly, you try to "fix" the reasons, make them obsolete if you can, and you attempt to recreate the excitement. Even in love, you have to go back to basics, to start over once in a while, lest it become stale.
Your home business, emotionally, is much like love (the kind that leads to and resides in marriage). Home business (as is marriage) is NOT a feeling. But feelings do dictate your actions oh-so-many times!
As you are following my personal journey and trials of working from home, I figure I may as well let it all hang out:
Oh. My. News text alert, BRB.
LATER:
Ironically, as I wrote this earlier, something happened that pretty much changed EVERYTHING. With Osama bin Laden's death, I can't possibly concentrate, as we are a military family (if it's in the news; it's safe to use™ - IIItNIStU™) and are on alert. Work your business while you wait!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
ChaCha Tip
Are you a ChaCha guide? (Do you wanna be? Go to ChaCha and let them know Teraisa@gmail.com referred you so we can be on the same team!). There are two ways to get started as a ChaCha guide, provided you're in and signed as a freelance - you either put one toe in at a time or you jump in, just like a pool. I'm typically the person who jumps, but in this instance, I'm barely at my calves, right now.
It's important to me to be a good ChaCha Guide, not just someone who works a job and that's that. I want my answers to matter, because they matter to me. I like to do things right; I like to be accurate.
My ChaCha tip for the day: After you log in, check out at least one tip sheet (re-read if you've read them all) and go to the forum for a post or two. ChaCha can't exist if it doesn't work, which is why the particular rules are in place and need to be followed. You don't always have to learn by trial and error - that's what the tip sheets are for!
As you read more and more tip sheets and answer/research more and more questions, you'll feel more comfortable and perhaps, along with me, we can get go above the knees and beyond. For now, though, I'm taking it slow and watching my quality.
It's important to me to be a good ChaCha Guide, not just someone who works a job and that's that. I want my answers to matter, because they matter to me. I like to do things right; I like to be accurate.
My ChaCha tip for the day: After you log in, check out at least one tip sheet (re-read if you've read them all) and go to the forum for a post or two. ChaCha can't exist if it doesn't work, which is why the particular rules are in place and need to be followed. You don't always have to learn by trial and error - that's what the tip sheets are for!
As you read more and more tip sheets and answer/research more and more questions, you'll feel more comfortable and perhaps, along with me, we can get go above the knees and beyond. For now, though, I'm taking it slow and watching my quality.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Five Minutes Again
Always, I have five minutes of time at some point to do something with work. Home businesses not only do not run themselves, but they take what seems like much more time than a big business outside your home, and why not? You're the one running your business, your family, and your "me" time. Of COURSE it'll take more time.
Maybe you don't have more time. Maybe your senior middle son is going to his first and only prom and there are tuxedos to pick up, hair spray to be found, pictures to take? Perhaps you're taking time out to grill the driver, to find out exactly where the prom is being held, and laying down the rules.
Plus, you have all your other kids, your spouse, maybe some in-laws (not me), lunch, dinner, and it's Easter tomorrow, and... and... and...
By this time, I WANT to work my business! I need a break from real life. Don't get me wrong, I can handle putting work away and swimming in the ocean, but everyday life, dealing with it, and knowing it all starts over again tomorrow with new stuff replacing what you just did is, well, it's life.
Take a break from life, just a moment, maybe you can think of it as time to yourself, even if it's not for yourself, give yourself those precious five minutes we're always talking about.
Seriously! Find a quiet space, make a phone call. Make that cold call you've been dreading: one minute to practice, a minute to call and introduce yourself, a minute to sell yourself and your product/business, and a minute to LISTEN, and lastly, a moment to congratulate yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone (regardless of success).
I'm using five minutes to share this thought, answer an email, and check out my recent article query.
The minutes flew by, I'm off to real life again, but I have a fresh attitude, which is great, because it's Prom picture-taking time!
Maybe you don't have more time. Maybe your senior middle son is going to his first and only prom and there are tuxedos to pick up, hair spray to be found, pictures to take? Perhaps you're taking time out to grill the driver, to find out exactly where the prom is being held, and laying down the rules.
Plus, you have all your other kids, your spouse, maybe some in-laws (not me), lunch, dinner, and it's Easter tomorrow, and... and... and...
By this time, I WANT to work my business! I need a break from real life. Don't get me wrong, I can handle putting work away and swimming in the ocean, but everyday life, dealing with it, and knowing it all starts over again tomorrow with new stuff replacing what you just did is, well, it's life.
Take a break from life, just a moment, maybe you can think of it as time to yourself, even if it's not for yourself, give yourself those precious five minutes we're always talking about.
Seriously! Find a quiet space, make a phone call. Make that cold call you've been dreading: one minute to practice, a minute to call and introduce yourself, a minute to sell yourself and your product/business, and a minute to LISTEN, and lastly, a moment to congratulate yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone (regardless of success).
I'm using five minutes to share this thought, answer an email, and check out my recent article query.
The minutes flew by, I'm off to real life again, but I have a fresh attitude, which is great, because it's Prom picture-taking time!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Laws of Power? Law 21
According to Joost Elffers and Robert Greene, there are 48 laws of power. There's so many types of "power" -good and bad- I have to wonder how it applies to each type. Power of a dictator. Power of the mind. Power of your personality. Power to unlock secrets. Power of success. Power to brainwash. Power is powerful.
Let's take a look at the laws, one at a time, over the next few months, and how they can relate to you and your home business, if at all.
"Playing sucker..." caught my eye because the connotation immediately puts me off. I figure, the best way to deal with Law 21 is to CHANGE it, to reword it. Put a positive spin on it, perhaps, because the negativeness can't be good for business, least of all, YOUR home business.
Yet, re-arranged, re-worded, there is value to the statement.
When someone is in your life, whether by birth, friendship, or business, you care about them in some way. When you care for a person, actions speak loud. If you have millions of dollars, that may be the best way you can show you care-hand them a bundle after they complete an excellent six-week course of how to manage money.
For the rest of us, we can show we care by allowing them to be themselves and to feel good about it. Not lying and pretending to be stupid (think: dumb blonde trying to snag a handsome young man in the 1950's, the kind of girl who wants her man to not only take care of her, but to feel like she needs him and can't function properly without his smarts), but admiration and whenever possible, true edification.
Instead of taking the literal advice of Law 21, take this advice: Edify others, allow them to feel good about themselves, and let nature flow from there.
Whatever you do, you don't have to play dumb, you just have to acknowledge the other person's strengths, lift them up and let them know you have faith, and when all's said and done, reward them for "good behavior."
Let's take a look at the laws, one at a time, over the next few months, and how they can relate to you and your home business, if at all.
Law 21
Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker – Seem Dumber than your Mark
No one likes feeling stupider than the next persons [sic]. The trick, is to make your victims feel smart – and not just smart, but smarter than you are. Once convinced of this, they will never suspect that you may have ulterior motives.
"Playing sucker..." caught my eye because the connotation immediately puts me off. I figure, the best way to deal with Law 21 is to CHANGE it, to reword it. Put a positive spin on it, perhaps, because the negativeness can't be good for business, least of all, YOUR home business.
Yet, re-arranged, re-worded, there is value to the statement.
When someone is in your life, whether by birth, friendship, or business, you care about them in some way. When you care for a person, actions speak loud. If you have millions of dollars, that may be the best way you can show you care-hand them a bundle after they complete an excellent six-week course of how to manage money.
For the rest of us, we can show we care by allowing them to be themselves and to feel good about it. Not lying and pretending to be stupid (think: dumb blonde trying to snag a handsome young man in the 1950's, the kind of girl who wants her man to not only take care of her, but to feel like she needs him and can't function properly without his smarts), but admiration and whenever possible, true edification.
Instead of taking the literal advice of Law 21, take this advice: Edify others, allow them to feel good about themselves, and let nature flow from there.
Whatever you do, you don't have to play dumb, you just have to acknowledge the other person's strengths, lift them up and let them know you have faith, and when all's said and done, reward them for "good behavior."
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Making Phone Calls
Tonight, I read an awesome post and basically, someone was saying she hated making calls for her business.
Another responded: Not calling is the same as a NO.
It's so simple, it's ridiculous!
Another responded: Not calling is the same as a NO.
It's so simple, it's ridiculous!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Stir Crazy and Business-less.
Vacation is one thing, not that it's really vacation, but a way for our solider to say "goodbye" just in case... but this is ridiculous. We've been out of our home an extra week now, broken up by about two weeks, and it doesn't look like we'll be back tomorrow. As we plan each day that passes.
I'm losing At Home America business because I'm afraid to commit.
Seriously. I can't even say "YES" to anyone about anything at all because the truth is, every single day, I MAY be on a plane. I MAY have Internet or not. I don't know. I don't know about tomorrow, much less next week.
So, we have these beautiful Easter gifts from At Home America and no way to even earn them much less sell them. What a bummer. Catalog parties, however, started now, can go on for two weeks and I KNOW I'll be home. I have to be. I have to be. In two weeks, our soldier may be in Afghanistan. I cannot be here, nor anywhere but where he is until then. Host an online party through me and maybe you'll bring us both good vibes.
Lest you think why I'm not writing or ChaCha!'ing, it's a matter of sleeping in one stinky room with three teens and major lack of sleep. Everything I seem to write (including this) comes out senseless. Sigh.
I'm losing At Home America business because I'm afraid to commit.
Seriously. I can't even say "YES" to anyone about anything at all because the truth is, every single day, I MAY be on a plane. I MAY have Internet or not. I don't know. I don't know about tomorrow, much less next week.
So, we have these beautiful Easter gifts from At Home America and no way to even earn them much less sell them. What a bummer. Catalog parties, however, started now, can go on for two weeks and I KNOW I'll be home. I have to be. I have to be. In two weeks, our soldier may be in Afghanistan. I cannot be here, nor anywhere but where he is until then. Host an online party through me and maybe you'll bring us both good vibes.
Lest you think why I'm not writing or ChaCha!'ing, it's a matter of sleeping in one stinky room with three teens and major lack of sleep. Everything I seem to write (including this) comes out senseless. Sigh.
Monday, February 28, 2011
There's No Business Like Slow Business
After the holiday season, sales can be daunting, to say the least. If you find yourself in a slump, use it to clean up your business, including your presentation. Take the time to find new clients, call customers you've been putting off, sending out a "personal" hand held earthly mailed flyer, reminding people you are here for them and what your current specials are. Believe it or not, sometimes, you only need to offer yourself and a new angle to get new business.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Avon Calling? Anyone calling?
Do you dread cold calls? Dread most any business calls? Why? It seems the reason behind cold calling is not the call, nor the person at the other end, it's you. Not in a bad way, mind you, but in that you do not trust you know what you need to talk about. Don't worry what they think of you or that they do not want the opportunity you're offering, worry only that you know your product, service, or self inside and out.
If I was selling a car and someone called me, I'd be sweating. I don't know anything about cars! If they ask me more than how old it is, what condition the body is in, or how many miles it has, I'm not going to know and I'm going to stress about it. Heck, I'll probably start talking a lot just to cover up my obvious nerves and lack of knowledge.
If I was calling someone to babysit... no problem. I know what I need, when I need it, how long I need it, what I'll pay, etc. I know everything there is to know about what I need in a babysitter and what I offer in return.
Before you call, take a deep breath and think about why you are calling. What is the purpose? Regardless of whether the person is expecting your call, requested your call, or you're about to ask for a few minutes of their time, know why you are calling. Then, using only a sentence, sum up the reason for the call. Make that sentence count, get their attention and make it short and sweet.
If it helps, take an index card and write any points you want to make in the most basic terms so you can see it as you talk. You may end up reading it off the card and sounding a little as if you are, but the main thing is that you don't waste your time or theirs and that you do get to the point right away.
Pause a moment so they can talk and hear what they have to say. If you don't know an answer, be honest and let them know you aren't sure, but it's a great question and you'll get back to them with the answer in the next two hours or the next day, and go from there.
If there are too many questions you cannot answer, brush up on your business and all the nuances and make the calls at another time. You must know your business or you can't help someone else make any type of decision and of course your calling others will be more than uncomfortable.
Other than all that, what's the worst that can happen?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Decisions...
Working from home works for me and for our family. I LOVE it. Even though everyone here drives me nuts, and they don't take my "job" as seriously as ANY OTHER PERSON who works in our home, I'd do it again if I had to do it over.
The main struggle is self-motivation when it comes to effort. I'm motivated, however without a "for sure at the end of the week" paycheck, I tend to feel as my family does: it takes the back seat to pretty much everything.
It's true. Evaluate your decisions, your time, and how you run your business. Be honest. Do you take hours (or days) to do something that could be done in mere moments? Do you often set something down, knowing you'll get to it soon or later?
Even my begging for recognition from my family can be seen as procrastinating when I'm honest (of course, it's possible--I've owned my own business since February 15, 1997--the lack of acknowledgment I never got/get that someone who leaves the house gets/got, could have come first, but I digress...).
Here's the chuckle, I realized this while working out, after having added a new extension to True Crime Fanatic (because I have so much time, I need MORE to do). I've always loved exercise and sports, therefore it really hit hard when I got COPD and couldn't do much physical because even making a bed wears me out. It's HARD for me (but very important to us all to exercise). That means, to workout 2 hours a day is tough. Sometimes I want to throw in the towel because no one expects me to try hard, so why bother? Then it hit me... as I'm running on the machine, I'm telling myself, why are you in such a hurry? What else do you have to do?
It never occurred to me that it wasn't even the pain from moving that made me antsy, call off a workout, or leave early; it's my impatience. I'm in such a hurry, to take the TIME is what was negative. I never feel like I have enough time.
Asking myself what else I had to do saved me. Because here's my life in a nutshell: my husband, our kids, writing, business.
And that's it! That's all there is. Why am I in such a hurry? And that led me to wondering where all the time is going. Why am I always behind? It's like I'm running to stand still
(thanks Bono
) and I've been doing it all these years. Just running and doing and never satisfied.
That moment gave me permission to finish what I started and at one "sitting" AND it allowed me to ask the same question when I need to make a cold call or I get online to research. Call, because there is nothing else you need to be doing at this moment. Grab the daily research list and do it because there's nothing else you need to be doing.
You see the beauty of it all, right? Once I realized I CAN finish and nothing's going to fall apart or go missing by my doing so, I not only did "it," but I became more organized because I could finish and put it away (physically or mentally). By default, I also came up with a great new and natural attitude, which in turn, made me more productive, which is the second biggest need in running a successful business.
The main struggle is self-motivation when it comes to effort. I'm motivated, however without a "for sure at the end of the week" paycheck, I tend to feel as my family does: it takes the back seat to pretty much everything.
It's true. Evaluate your decisions, your time, and how you run your business. Be honest. Do you take hours (or days) to do something that could be done in mere moments? Do you often set something down, knowing you'll get to it soon or later?
Even my begging for recognition from my family can be seen as procrastinating when I'm honest (of course, it's possible--I've owned my own business since February 15, 1997--the lack of acknowledgment I never got/get that someone who leaves the house gets/got, could have come first, but I digress...).
Here's the chuckle, I realized this while working out, after having added a new extension to True Crime Fanatic (because I have so much time, I need MORE to do). I've always loved exercise and sports, therefore it really hit hard when I got COPD and couldn't do much physical because even making a bed wears me out. It's HARD for me (but very important to us all to exercise). That means, to workout 2 hours a day is tough. Sometimes I want to throw in the towel because no one expects me to try hard, so why bother? Then it hit me... as I'm running on the machine, I'm telling myself, why are you in such a hurry? What else do you have to do?
It never occurred to me that it wasn't even the pain from moving that made me antsy, call off a workout, or leave early; it's my impatience. I'm in such a hurry, to take the TIME is what was negative. I never feel like I have enough time.
Asking myself what else I had to do saved me. Because here's my life in a nutshell: my husband, our kids, writing, business.
And that's it! That's all there is. Why am I in such a hurry? And that led me to wondering where all the time is going. Why am I always behind? It's like I'm running to stand still
(thanks Bono) and I've been doing it all these years. Just running and doing and never satisfied.That moment gave me permission to finish what I started and at one "sitting" AND it allowed me to ask the same question when I need to make a cold call or I get online to research. Call, because there is nothing else you need to be doing at this moment. Grab the daily research list and do it because there's nothing else you need to be doing.
You see the beauty of it all, right? Once I realized I CAN finish and nothing's going to fall apart or go missing by my doing so, I not only did "it," but I became more organized because I could finish and put it away (physically or mentally). By default, I also came up with a great new and natural attitude, which in turn, made me more productive, which is the second biggest need in running a successful business.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
How's Business?
Business in February and March is supposedly slow. How's your business?
If you rely on customers and they aren't there or you are stuck in snow, make the most of your time. Reevaluate what works and what doesn't, make new plans and goals, reorganize anything that's not working and straighten up everything that is working.
If your business has you making phone calls, the slow time is the best time. It keeps your energy high and focused, making it easier for when business does come calling to jump into high gear.
Slow business is just a way to remind you to do the little things that keep the bigger things going, things you don't find time for when your business is full throttle.
If you rely on customers and they aren't there or you are stuck in snow, make the most of your time. Reevaluate what works and what doesn't, make new plans and goals, reorganize anything that's not working and straighten up everything that is working.
If your business has you making phone calls, the slow time is the best time. It keeps your energy high and focused, making it easier for when business does come calling to jump into high gear.
Slow business is just a way to remind you to do the little things that keep the bigger things going, things you don't find time for when your business is full throttle.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Setback - Failure - Or...
It's been a difficult month for me, business-wise, as you may have noticed. Someone asked me how do I tell people around me that I failed at something I planned. Fail? I didn't fail! I was positive, right? I didn't cry and whine [too much], right? And... I tried. Since when is trying, and I do mean trying HARD a failure?
When you come to something that doesn't work, try, try again. And then try something else. You keep trying until you get it right or find a much better solution.
I won't go into what I most failed doing this month, but I can safely say it will be short-lived, and next month, I'll share what successes my failure brought me.
Which, of course, makes it NOT a failure. What's a failure anyway?
For me, not writing is always a failure, my solution is to clean, and it works because everyone at home is happy and I love it because when the inspiration does or does not start and I write, I don't have a pile of dishes, a streak of dirt, or stinky laundry 
distracting me. 
But that is not a success story, not really.
What if... I didn't write and things got in the way, and one day, while procrastinating and pretending like going on a cleaning binge is a positive alternative, a piece of glass cut deep into my foot? What if I had to go to Urgent Care? What if the doctor there was a jerk and I asked to sit in the waiting room, waste more time, until there's a more competent doctor? What if the doctor came out, apologized, and I reluctantly agreed to go back? What if... he said he was very sorry and normally there's no excuse, but this one time, he learned his brother's wife went out last night and didn't come home and what if the same doctor continued - gasp! (yes, even doctors give out strange and personal information at the oddest times) - and said "I just want to know where he hid the body. My own brother!"
I'm a true crime writer, as my kids say. Yes, things like that happen all the time. I'm not saying this is great to exploit him, I write for FREE! I want to HELP. Yet, I admit, if the brother is guilty and his own brother had a feeling, and I learn about it first hand and before the police hear about, you betcha I'll be excited. Don't judge me, it's natural, the stuff pumping through our vein!
That's one of those accidental success stories. They happen all the time. For instance, why do you think Colonel Sander's picture is him of an OLD man? Not only did he receive a thousand rejections for his chicken recipe before striking gold, but he also failed at pretty much everything he ever tried, including his short-lived attempt at kidnapping. Through much more than I write here, he managed to succeed and indeed, his succes
s outlived him.Next time you fail at a goal you set for yourself, remember, it's only a moment and it will pass.
Check out these other famous business failures.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Random Organization Tips
Organization is about knowing where everything you need is at the moment you need it. What are the five most important tools you use in your business? Can you, without showing physically nor while you are physically seeing everything, explain to a ten year old where to find each of those items? If not, reconsider your organization practices.
~Keep a garbage can near the place you most open mail; throw unsolicited mail away immediately.
~If you set up any type of filing system and you find yourself buried in an unorganized paper mess, cut your losses and try a different method. For instance, someone drowning in un-filed papers might simply relabel their file folders by months rather than by product, bills, receipts, etc.
~Consider using a file wallet for receipts until you know which file system works best for you.
~If you don't feel like doing something now, decide if you'll want to do it later. If not, either do it now and forget about it, or rethink what you're doing.
~Before you put off today what you can do tomorrow, figure out if late fees are involved if something comes up and you can't get to it.
~Don't put that there! Not taking a moment to put things all the way away will add up to hours searching for that one thing you really need but can't find.
~It's worth your time and effort to set up a space, no matter how small, to designate for your work. When you need something, it will always be there.
~Invest in SPAM software if you do not use a big company email (such as Google's gmail), as SPAM is a time thief.
~Use a timer when "checking your email" or browsing the web "for work." Give yourself five minutes to do what you need to do, then move on.
~Use your Rolodex for all it's worth - store your passwords with the name and other important information for easy access; when you meet a potential client, use the front of your Rolodex card for name and contact information, use the back for notes that will mentally remind you who the person is and how you can be of help to each other~Do you currently use gmail? Google's gmail comes with a calendar that emails reminders when you want and sync's with most smart phones. Better yet, if you are a Mac user, iCal will keep your days completely organized with a little help from you.
~Look at your calendar at the end of the evening (an hour before bed is great) and add to it if necessary; check out your calendar first thing in the morning - you will save valuable time by incorporating these two small things into your daily life (EXCELLENT for work and personal life)
~Clean up your desk top at the end of the day, this way you won't be tempted to avoid it the next day.
~Need more room? Use a tall bookcase, a baker's rack, or even stacked crates to give you extra space (if you like the baker's rack in the picture, ask ME how to earn it free by hosting an online At Home America party). ~Do you use your bedroom for your office space? Without going into the ramifications of the office on your sleep, utilize all the space you can - use underbed boxes to store things you need, but do not use often.
~Use dry erase boards and/or cork boards near your workspace to keep important papers and information in constant view and easy access. When you walk by, or sit down to work, you'll automatically be able to see what's urgent and deal with it.
~Unless you are expecting a specific text, resist the urge to "glance" at each text that comes in while working, if you have a hard time ignoring it and refuse to turn the phone off, schedule one minute each half hour to check your phone.
~Never be afraid to answer those who ask for favors "because you don't "really" work," or because you are home "all day long," with a strong and hardy "NO, thank you; I'm busy."
Monday, January 17, 2011
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