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.
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Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home. 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.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
This was written the first month I moved to Hawaii. It's actually decent advice, but it turned out I rarely get two hours alone, not all my kids are in school any longer, and I'm constantly following everyone else's schedule. If there's a way, I urge you to put yourself and your writing first. For me, it's just not going to happen.
At last I may actually get my writing taken seriously, not because my family
gets it after years and years, but because they are all adults or close to it,
they all go to school in some form or another, and my husband only comes home for lunch. Yes, I may get two hours to work each day uninterrupted.
Had to get that out. It's sarcastic, to be sure. I've only been talking about
this since the day I started taking my writing seriously in January of 1997.
We had a pretty spot picked out and organized for an office when I realized our
room is a great size, no one will walk through it, I can close the door AND lock
it, and I can easily not notice it at bedtime. And for those of you who believe
you shouldn't work where you sleep, fret not, I haven't slept well in years,
after taking everything out for years. It's time to work my heart out.
I have learned to make things easy on myself a bit. I didn't cut down, cut out, or throw things away, I simply simplified. 24 folders - 2 for each month, one is
immediate action because it's due that particular month, and the other is
anything received, like rejection slips, bills, and yes, check stubs! That's it.
Why make it harder? When I'm rich and famous, I still won't change it because
that doesn't happen often for writers, but if it did, I'd HIRE OUT!
Lastly, I ditched the desk and got a big round table. All my work and my laptop
can be there when I'm working and can slide into a small clear plastic tub when
I'm not working. Nothing complicated. I still use the desktop, but that's
downstairs in the office that will never work as an office because it's too
convenient. For. Everyone. To. Stop. Me. From. Writing.
And thanks for sharing my slice of Heaven.
Goodnight!
At last I may actually get my writing taken seriously, not because my family
gets it after years and years, but because they are all adults or close to it,
they all go to school in some form or another, and my husband only comes home for lunch. Yes, I may get two hours to work each day uninterrupted.
Had to get that out. It's sarcastic, to be sure. I've only been talking about
this since the day I started taking my writing seriously in January of 1997.
We had a pretty spot picked out and organized for an office when I realized our
room is a great size, no one will walk through it, I can close the door AND lock
it, and I can easily not notice it at bedtime. And for those of you who believe
you shouldn't work where you sleep, fret not, I haven't slept well in years,
after taking everything out for years. It's time to work my heart out.
I have learned to make things easy on myself a bit. I didn't cut down, cut out, or throw things away, I simply simplified. 24 folders - 2 for each month, one is
immediate action because it's due that particular month, and the other is
anything received, like rejection slips, bills, and yes, check stubs! That's it.
Why make it harder? When I'm rich and famous, I still won't change it because
that doesn't happen often for writers, but if it did, I'd HIRE OUT!
Lastly, I ditched the desk and got a big round table. All my work and my laptop
can be there when I'm working and can slide into a small clear plastic tub when
I'm not working. Nothing complicated. I still use the desktop, but that's
downstairs in the office that will never work as an office because it's too
convenient. For. Everyone. To. Stop. Me. From. Writing.
And thanks for sharing my slice of Heaven.
Goodnight!
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, January 1, 2011
It's a New Day
Each day you wake, you have a golden opportunity: You can make the day better than the day before. Meet and exceed goals you have yet to meet, relax and enjoy your family, you can make a meal that you've been wanting to try for years... it's all up to you. We don't need "New Years' resolutions;" we need day to day resolutions.
For those of us working from home, it can be difficult to separate home and work. Those are the best days, because they remind you of how flexible you and life can be. Don't take it as a frustration, take it and make it work for them and YOU. Take that time, rest your thoughts about work and lists and goals, and hold your angel. Listen to them. Give them undivided attention. Hear them. Respond to them. Love them.
When all is said and done, aren't they why you choose to work from home? And honestly, when all is said and done, aren't you in a better frame of mind when you come out of that moment and get back to work? Aren't they?
By the way, if you can't get back into your work, take the time to sit down and read a good book. For direct sales, it's always good to study tried, true, and proven methods. For writing, there are thousands of books and it's hard to select only a hundred, so I'll give you a couple of my past favorites. Anything from the late great Gary Provost
is a good read and informative. Screenplay writing... you can't go wrong with Syd Field, he'll show you how to get into your screenplay and propose it so you have a fighting chance. I'm saving my favorite for last. I LOVE, love, love William Goldman. There's no better screenplay to read than one of his. I've read quite a few, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but my all time favorite to read (for my learning purposes) is Absolute Power. I could understand the acts, the direction, the characters, and the words quite easily.
is a good read and informative. Screenplay writing... you can't go wrong with Syd Field, he'll show you how to get into your screenplay and propose it so you have a fighting chance. I'm saving my favorite for last. I LOVE, love, love William Goldman. There's no better screenplay to read than one of his. I've read quite a few, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but my all time favorite to read (for my learning purposes) is Absolute Power. I could understand the acts, the direction, the characters, and the words quite easily.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Getting Better All. The. Time. Or Not.
Three days now, sick, severe head and throat pain. I'm sure it will be over soon. I really need it to be over soon. And the stalking coming back to haunt us yesterday did not help whatsoever. I feel horrible for our girls, it's far worse for them.
I'm in bed with the thought that some rest and tomorrow I'll be just dandy!
Today, while browsing IMDb, where I love to submit clever movie quotes (not the boring ones published for publishing sake), I changed my profile, then jammed to MilSpouse and did the same. I realize, what I am now is a Make Your Temporary House a Home Specialist. Yes. That's me.
I'm in bed with the thought that some rest and tomorrow I'll be just dandy!
Today, while browsing IMDb, where I love to submit clever movie quotes (not the boring ones published for publishing sake), I changed my profile, then jammed to MilSpouse and did the same. I realize, what I am now is a Make Your Temporary House a Home Specialist. Yes. That's me.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Home Party Business: YES!
Well, friends, live and learn! It WAS worth it (see previous post). I ordered supplies I wanted (as opposed to needed, though I will soon) and it was really easy. My BROWSER was not working; after changing it everything worked great. Not only that, but I found out I reentered all the items, but they were actually in a place I could have clicked on, ironically (snicker, snicker) called ORDERS.
Today is my first At Home America party, it's my Grand Opening. I'll come back and let you know what's going on throughout the day and how I'm feeling.
Anyone who knows me: yep, I'm ready to write like crazy. Why? Because today is not a writing day. :-)
Today is my first At Home America party, it's my Grand Opening. I'll come back and let you know what's going on throughout the day and how I'm feeling.
Anyone who knows me: yep, I'm ready to write like crazy. Why? Because today is not a writing day. :-)
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