Work From Home and Love It

Can Moms Earn From Home?

2009-10-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

Here's my video:

Tip of the Week: Make the Decision

2009-10-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

What is one of the biggest differences between those who succeed and those who fail? The difference is those who have made a decision to succeed are much more committed to actually following through. Oftentimes, I talk to people who have big dreams and goals. But if they don't make a decision to stick with it, even when the going gets tough, then they often give up before they even have a chance to taste success. However, those who make that decision to persevere, no matter what, end up seeing the results of their hard work.

So what does "making the decision" actually mean? How can you put it into action? First, you need to really determine what your goals are, and WHY you are doing this business. What will it mean to you to reach your goals? How will it change your life? What if you DON'T reach your goals - how will that affect your family or your life? First think about these things, then WRITE them down. Then, decide if you are truly willing to commit to your goals, and if so, decide that you will do so no matter what. Lastly, write down your commitment and read it every day. You must keep this decision in front of you. Otherwise, emotions, other people, or circumstances may cause you to forget about that decision.

So, don't wait: Make your decision today and stick to it - NO MATTER WHAT!

Tip of the Week: Focus on Others

2009-10-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

My tip for this week in building your business is to focus on the needs of others! So many times in home-based businesses, consultants & distributors are focused on their own goals and incentives, that they forget to focus on their customers or potential customers. While we all know we should focus on others, actually doing it can be difficult. It requires you to forget about your own goals, in a sense, and instead focus on the other person and how you can help them. However, most of the time when you do this, you end up reaching your own goals as well!

So, if you are feeling stuck, or your sales have not been what you want, or you aren't finding the partners you want for your business, perhaps you need to start looking at where your focus is. Are you getting up each day asking yourself, "What am I going to accomplish today?" or are you asking "Who can I help today?" While the first question is definitely worthwhile, the second question is actually the one that will take you places!

You see, in the long run, you must have people that know you, trust you, and like you in order to stay in business. And you can only do this by focusing on others and helping them with their needs and goals!

Value

2009-07-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about value. What does it mean, exactly? Value certainly means different things to different people, but I think that we can all agree that shoppers are looking for value. If you have a home based business, it's important that you understand this concept and offer value to your customers. Essentially, value is what sets you apart from your competitors.

First of all, value does not necessarily imply "low price," although many people may think this at first. Just because someone offers the lowest price does not mean that they offer the best value. Let's do a comparison here. If you wanted to buy a tent for camping during the summer, you could go to several different places to shop. You could go to Wal-Mart or K-Mart, and buy a tent for $40 or 50. You could visit LLBean and buy a tent for $150 or 200. Now someone might say that K-Mart had the best value, but when you consider that the tent you bought there might not be waterproof and might be broken by next summer, while the tent from LLBean has a lifetime guarantee and keeps you dry at night, most would agree that LLBean offered the better overall value. So when considering what you are offering your customers, don't worry if you don't have the lowest price around. What you should be concerned with is whether your price is fair and reasonable for the product or service you are offering. For example, if your price is $10 higher than the competition, but there is absolutely nothing to set that product apart, then yes, customers are going to go with the competition!

Secondly, value means customer service. When customers shop with you or your company, are they having a great shopping experience? Is it easy and convenient? If they have a problem, it is easily resolved? How do you treat your customers? Again, this is about setting yourself apart from the competition. If you don't do anything different or above and beyond your competitors, customers may not have a reason to keep coming back to you. One thing I do for my customers is send them a thank-you card when they join. It's a small gesture and doesn't cost me much at all, but it sets me apart from other places they might shop. It's lets them know that they are valued! So find ways to show your customers that you appreciate them, and do it today!

Thirdly, value means that the product or service is important to the customer and that it works! What is it about your products or services that make them different or better than others? Do the products do what they claim? Or does your company make claims without having proof to back them up? Customers will only shop for so long before they start to realize that there is not a difference. So consider what you are promoting to your customers and determine whether there is something unique or different - something that your customers will need and want.

As the economy is currently in a slump, it is more important than ever to offer value. If not, you'll be out of business before you know it. I'd love to hear your thoughts on other things that provide value to customers, or what you are doing to bring value in your business!

Ground Floor Opportunities

2009-06-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking lately about "Ground Floor Opportunities." I hear about these often, being that I am in the home business industry myself. I attend a women's networking meeting on a regular basis, visit online forums, and talk with others who have their own home business frequently. I often hear or read people referring to getting started with a "ground floor opportunity" in a positive light. In fact, one colleague's signature line in her email states: "Ask me TODAY about exciting new parties, new products and a GROUND FLOOR business opportunity!"

If you are someone who is searching for a home based business or just a way to earn some extra income, this idea of a "ground floor" business may appeal to you. "Ground floor" implies many things. Here are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head:

If you get in early, or at the start of the business, you will make more money than someone who joins later on.
If you get in early, you will have more of the potential market share.
If you get in early, you may have more direct contact with the company's corporate office.

While some people may look at these things as a positive thing, I actually feel that going with a newer company or one that is advertising a "ground floor" opportunity is not necessarily a good idea. I feel that a good company will have the same potential for income or for customers 10 years from now that it does right now. And you should have the same amount of potential support from the company whether you join earlier on or after the company is well-established.

Now I want to clarify - I am not saying that all "ground floor opportunities" are BAD. I am just saying that someone should not use this as their main reason for choosing a business. Unfortunately, I think some people jump on every new business that comes down the pike, hoping that the next one will be "the one." But all too often, those business that started as "ground floor" end up going under before you can blink. So I recommend considering companies that are well-established and have a solid track record of success, especially in this economic climate. This is not the best time to take a risk on a company that may or may not be here a year from now.

So if you are looking at your options and have been considering joining a "ground floor opportunity" or a business that is less than 5 years old, I strongly urge you to think twice and do your research!

Consistency & Persistence

2009-04-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Consistency and persistence are two of the most important character traits for anyone who wants to work from home. In any legitimate business, there must be time and effort invested before you see a return on your investment. To see a significant income, you will need to be consistent and persistent. What does this mean?

Consistency means that you work day after day without taking huge breaks. For example, working every day for 1 hour is more effective than working one day for 5 hours and then taking 4 days off, then working another 2 hours, and taking 3 days off. Even though you may have worked about the same amount of hours, you will probably see more results be doing something EVERY DAY, rather than working in big chunks and then taking a lot of time off. On my team, I encourage people who are working very part-time to at least do one thing every day - whether that is making a new contact, setting an appointment, or doing a customer follow-up. At least it kept them "in the game." People who take several days or weeks off have a MUCH harder time getting back into the saddle to work their business.

Persistence sounds similar to consistency, but it is a bit different. Being persistent means that you don't give up easily. It means that even when you hear "no" or have a bad day, you continue to put forth effort. Persistence means that you are not quickly discouraged and that you don't give up easily. In any home business, there will be days when you feel like giving up. You may feel like you aren't reaching your goals quickly enough or that you don't have the income you want. Now, a key point here is that if you are 100% sure that this is the RIGHT business for you, then I encourage you to be persistent and not give up! However, perhaps you have questions about whether this business is for you or perhaps the company is tanking, etc - then you may want to consider looking at other options if you are serious about ensuring your financial future. Personally I have been there, and I am very glad I made a switch. Even if I had persisted in the other business, I would still not have made the income I wanted since the compensation plan was not set up for success.

In closing, I encourage you to consider this question: If you were to interview yourself based on your current activities in your business, would you hire yourself? If you are being consistent and persistent, the answer will probably be yes! If not, it might be no. What can you do? Change your activities today and make sure they are in line with your goals. No matter what, do something every day in your business and keep working towards your goals despite the obstacles.

Looking for Leaders, Moms, Professionals who Want to Earn from Home

2009-04-06T13:18:00.000-07:00

I am looking for some serious, motivated individuals to invest my time in and train to lead in my business. I work from home WITHOUT having to sell any products, go door-to-door, or purchase inventory.

When you get started this month, you can earn $1500+ over the next 3 months! That's a minimum paycheck of $500 for the next 3 months - it can be much more than that.

So, what would an extra $500 a month for the next 3 months mean to you? If you are someone who is hardworking, willing to be coachable, and have a strong reason why you need that extra money, then give me a call TODAY. If there's ever been a time to start your business, it is now. Our partner company grew by another $28 million in 2008, while the DSA reported a decrease in sales by 5-6% across the board. That means that this company is one of the ONLY growing home businesses out there!

When I got started with this business, I was skeptical because I had tried another business for 3 years and didn't get the income I wanted. I was also unsure whether this would really work. But now after over 2 years of experience with this company, I couldn't be MORE thankful that I gave it a try. It has allowed me to be at home the majoirty of the time with my baby girl. It means that we have not had to rely on credit cards or worry about losing our home. It means that we are headed to complete financial freedom in the future!

Serious inquires only Call Esther 207-249-9013 or request more info on my site. Note: requests for info via email only cannot be met as this business cannot be described or explained via email. Please provide an accurate phone number if you wish to explore this option. I am the only one who will be able to access your information - it will not be sold or used for spam.

A Key to Improving Your Speaking Skills

2009-03-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

In working from home, most of us deal with people over the phone or in person on a regular basis. If you work exclusively on the internet, this may not apply to you, although I am sure you still interact with others in various aspects of your life. I have been learning about ways to improve my interactions with others, as you have noticed in my previous posts. But one area that I hadn't considered is how to improve my speaking skills.

I have definitely come a long way in my speaking ability - from my first scary experience as a graduating 8th grader giving a speech to a large crowd (over 500 people) [my knees were literally knocking together] to now, when I have no problem giving a 45 minute presentation to a large group or one-on-one . However, there is always room for improvement, and I've been trying out a new technique to help improve my skills.

The technique that I am trying and highly recommend to you is recording yourself. I heard this idea on a training call a few weeks ago, and then it was solidified in my mind while reading Jeffrey Gitomer's Little Green Book of Getting Your Way. Gitomer says, "Recording your presentation will reveal every blemish, every error, and every weakness. It will give you a report card on your effectiveness." I have to completely agree! In the few times I have been trying this out, I have been amazed - no, appalled - at how I sound! No, it's not horrible, but I never realized how many times I say "um" while leaving a voicemail. So I have begun to focus on not saying "um" or "ah" but rather getting right to the point. I plan to also record some of my presentations so that I can hear how I sound and improve upon those as well.

So if you work with people in any capacity, I highly encourage you to begin recording yourself. Perhaps you don't do presentations or long talks, but even if you leave voicemails or do a "30-second commercial", you can benefit from recording yourself to see how you sound. Then you can improve on what you are saying and how you are saying it!

Show Sincere Appreciation

2009-03-13T13:09:00.000-07:00

What is one of the main reasons people quit a job? Lack of appreciation. It's not lack of money or benefits, it's lack of appreciation. This can also translate over into marriage, teams, churches, etc. If people do not feel appreciated and valued, they are not likely to stick around.

In Dale Carnegie's book "How to Win Friends and Influence People", he says that the "big secret of dealing with people" is to give them honest and sincere appreciation. I completely agree that this is super-important, especially in a home based business. When you pick up a phone to call someone, they have to feel that they are more important than you. If they think you are just calling about your needs, then they will either blow you off or not respond. They need to know that you appreciate them and value them.

As a leader of my organization, I realize that I have often failed in this area. As I mentioned in my last post, I often jump to being critical and thinking of what the person needs to do differently, rather than just appreciating what they are doing right. I believe that if we can give appreciation more often to our team members, they will feel more valued and be more interested in sticking with their business. Again, many people choose a home business (or a job) not just based on the financial part, but on whether they will be valued and appreciated on a regular basis.

What are some ways that you can show appreciation?

A phone call. Simply picking up the phone to say, "I'm glad you are a part of my team" can really mean a lot to someone.
Recognizing them in front of someone else. Perhaps on a team call or at a meeting, you can mention something special about another person. Don't just say, "I appreciate you" - say why you appreciate them or mention a reason you are proud of them. Verbal praise in front of others can go a long way!
A thank you note or card. Send a little thank you card to let the person know you are thinking of them. Written notes through the mail are much more meaningful than emails or text messages.
A small gift. I don't recommend going out and spending a lot of money on all of your team members. However, perhaps you know someone who has been making an extra effort despite tough circumstances, or someone who has been a great leader on your team. Even an $5.00 gift card to a local coffee shop says a lot to them.

In closing, I'd like to challenge each of us to take time to show appreciation to someone today. As Carnegie says, "In our interpersonal relations, we should never forget that all our associates are human beings and hunger for appreciation."

Don't Criticize

2009-03-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Currently I am reading Dale Carengie's "How to Win Friends & Influence People." I decided to blog about the things I am learning from reading this book. I hope to apply these principles not only in my business, but also in the rest of my life. I am learning more and more that people will follow people that they like, people that make them feel special. So often we are trying to find people to work with, but perhaps we should be leading by example and allowing others to find us. I believe that the first principle in this book, "Don't criticize, condemn, or complain", will help us do just that.

This principle is one of extreme importance, I believe. I know for myself, it is so easy to fall into complaining and criticizing. Especially being a perfectionist, I hold high expectations for myself AND for others. So if they do not meet my expectations, I may end up criticizing them - if not out loud to them, then at least in my head. Unfortunately, even thinking these negative thoughts will affect the way that I interact with them work with them.

There are a few quotes from this chapter that really stuck out to me. I think Carnegie says it perfectly here: "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving." (p. 13) The key here is to recognize that nothing is accomplished by criticizing. It just makes people feel bad, and it rarely promotes any kind of change. This is the solution Carnegie offers: "Instead of condemning people, let's try to understand them. Let's try to figure out why they do what they do. That's a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and it breeds sympathy, tolerance, and kindness."

So as we interact with others in our business life and our personal life, let's keep in mind that criticizing, condemning, or complaining will not help but only harm. Instead, let us seek to love, lift, and serve others.

My Story

2009-03-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

What is Wellness?

2009-03-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about wellness. This is probably since I promote products that are wellness related, so this topic is often discussed on my team and in trainings. But I haven't really thought about it, and whether I am pursuing it, lately.

I believe wellness can mean different things to different people. To me, wellness means that I have a healthy balance in my life. It means not just physical health, but also emotional health, having a clean & safe environment, being financially sound, as well as having spiritual health. I believe that often we focus on just one area of wellness instead of looking at the whole picture. And lately, I have come to realize even more just how interconnected these areas of wellness are.

After giving birth to my first daughter, I found myself very physically exhausted. Add to that the sleep deprivation after giving birth, and I struggled just to get through the days. Now, four months later, I am feeling much better physically, but still deal with being tired quite a bit. That, of course, affects my emotional health. I notice that when I am tired, I end up being more impatient and frustrated about little things. And I often neglect my spiritual health when I am tired, because I am just trying to get through the day. If I am not feeling emotionally or spiritually healthy, then it's easy to put off doing business, which in turn affects my financial wellness. I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. These areas of wellness are all related to one another, and you must be sure address all areas if you want to be healthy and successful.

So as I have been thinking about these things, I have also resolved to be sure and take care of myself. If it means taking a nap so that I'm not dragging through the day, then I will do it. If it means having my quiet time instead of doing something "fun', I will do it. If it means cleaning my home so that we have a peaceful & clean environment to live in, I will do it. If it means picking up the phone and making phone calls when I'd rather just watch TV, I will do it. I will continue to pursue these areas of wellness for the sake of my daughter and family!

Working with a Mentor

2009-02-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

To be successful while working from home, it is helpful to work with a mentor (or two). Mentors can guide you, teach you, and challenge you. A mentor is not a boss - they don't tell you what to do. Instead, they help you determine what you need to do and how to get it done. And they gently confront you when you haven't followed through on your goals.

So where do you find a mentor to work with? Often it's someone within your business already - someone who has more experience or knowledge about your particular industry. Or it might be someone you've known in the past - a professor or colleague. Jeffrey Gitomer, in his Little Red Book of Sales Answers, suggests that you make a list of potential mentors, and find a way to build a relationship with them. Obviously, when choosing a mentor, you want to choose someone who is more successful than you are! That way, you can learn from their success. Jeffrey also suggests that you don't ask someone to be your mentor - they just become a mentor over time.

This is what has happened with me: One of my mentors is someone I have known since high school. She was my cheerleading coach, and I learned to respect her then. She pushed us to work hard - not just in cheering, but in academics, in relationships, in life in general. We lost touch when I went to college, but once I was back home & married, I ended up at her home for a scrapbooking party. Long story short, I began to build a business as part of her team with that company. She taught me so much along the way, but never pushed me more than I wanted to be pushed. Now, we work together in a different business, and I continue to learn from her to this day. I never asked her to become my mentor - it just sort of happened, and I am so thankful for her and all that I have learned. Now I've also found other mentors along the way, and have been inspired and challenged by them as well.

So, have you found a mentor? Have you been looking? For more tips on working with a mentor, visit www.gitomer.com, register, and then enter "Mentor Value" in the RedBit box.

Don't Let Others Steal Your Dreams

2009-02-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

There are many obstacles to succeeding in a home business: time management, balancing family & business, developing skills, handling rejection, etc. But one obstacle - dream stealers - is a subtle, sneaky obstacle that you must be prepared for. Dream stealers are people or circumstances that make you believe that you can't succeed. Usually this is not purposeful - it might just be a slight comment, like "Oh, you're in one of those businesses." Often times it comes from the people you love the most - family & friends. They may be concerned for you and don't want you to get hurt, but in the process they slowly chip away at your confidence in your ability to succeed. Or sometimes it might be a circumstance, like your family getting sick or your baby screaming all evening. So how do you protect yourself against these dream stealers - these things that make you believe it isn't possible to succeed?

First, I believe you have to know that the business you are in is the right business for you & has a real potential for success. You need to know that the business has a track record of success and that average people like you are earning the income you desire. Be sure that this is not just hype - make sure that you can see the average earnings & proof of income. Also, you should know how much time you need to invest in order to see the income you want.
Second, you should team up with your support team and be sure to ask them for help. It's important that you go to positive people for guidance in your business. Don't go to the people who are negative or don't believe in you or the business.
Thirdly, you must invest in yourself. You must know that you can succeed and believe in yourself. If you feel you are at a deficit in certain areas of your business, be sure to find ways to improve. Reading books, finding resources online, taking a course at a local college can all improve your areas of weakness. If YOU believe that you can succeed, no one can take that away from you!!!

Finally, keep in mind that sharing your dreams with others is very special. Be sure to share your dreams only with those who you feel will support you. When you do this, you can let them know that you haven't shared this with many people, and it will also make the other person feel imporant. And always remember, if you happen to encounter a dream stealer, keep yourself protected and don't let them steal YOUR DREAMS!

Making the Decision or Making Excuses?

2009-02-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

What is the difference between those people on my team who are successful and those who are not? The difference is that the ones who are successful have made a decision to work their business NO MATTER WHAT. They have a "no excuses" attitude and it pays off. Sure, they have challenges and set backs just like everyone else. But they do not let that stop them from pursuing their dreams and goals. However, the others are so wishy-washy that they never can get past the "getting started" phase. I often hear, "I am going to do this" or "This is going to be my goal" - but then I don't hear from that person for 3 or 4 weeks. And then we have the same conversation, and they say the same things. Once again, it's not followed by action. The next time I talk to them, the conversation is full of excuses about why they haven't done what we talked about previously.

You see, when someone makes a decision, they act on it - day in and day out. Some of these folks are so busy but yet they still take the time to make a few phone calls, follow up with customers, or make a few new contacts every day. The ones who have not made a decision do the opposite... they make excuses. And you want to know what the other difference is between these people? The ones who make the decision also make the money!

What's Important to Buyers in a Recession?

2009-01-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Since we are in a recession currently, it's essential to learn what is important to buyers during this time. Many people think that price is the only thing that concerns buyers, but that is not necessarily true. I believe that the most important thing to buyers during tough economic times is VALUE. Why Value? Because people want the best product for their dollar. When you are pinching pennies, don't you want to get the most bang for your buck? So what constitutes value?

A product that works and is reasonably priced. If a product is cheap but doesn't work, then it's basically a waste of money. But, if a product works really well and isn't overpriced, then it has VALUE.
A product that has scientific proof that it is effective. In this day and age of juices, vitamins, pills, and lotions that are supposed to heal and solve health problems, etc, it is hard to weed through all the claims and find the legitimate ones. That's where the science comes in. Customers want to know WHY & HOW something works - not just some testimonial about it. The science behind the product gives it VALUE.
A company that offers good customer service & guarantees. While I know that I can go to Wal-Mart and get a similar product that is offered at LLBean, I often go to LLBean because I know about their great customer service and their guarantee. Sure you might pay less up front at Wal-Mart, but if there's a problem with the product breaking down 5 years from now, you're more likely to get great service from LLBean. People VALUE being treated well and knowing that they can get their money back if they are unsatisfied.
Loyatly rewards. Customers have a choice where to shop - if they shop with you on a regular basis, reward them! They will probably shop with you for the above mentioned reasons, not because of the rewards. But the rewards will be an added bonus and will remind them of the VALUE of shopping with you. And if you have customers coming back to you over & over, you're in business.

When you are working from home, it's even more important to offer value to your customers. And if you are considering starting a business, keep this in mind. Ask yourself if the company has products that work and are reasonably priced? Does the company offer scientific proof to back up their claims? What about guarantees & customer service? Finally, are there loyalty rewards that either you or the company will offer? Be sure to offer VALUE to your customers, especially in these difficult economic times.

Moms Working From Home

2009-01-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Now that I am a mom, I am meeting even more moms who either want to work from home or are already doing so. The balance of caring for children and having a full-time job is really challenging for most moms. I can't imagine having to work full-time PLUS come home and care for my newborn. I am exhausted enough as it is, and I only work 10 hours a week outside of my home. So I completely understand and relate to the desire (and NEED, for most moms) to earn some extra income while also staying at home with the little ones. Some moms opt for having a home based business. But choosing the right one can be a challenge, especially when you've already got tons of other responsibilities to worry about.

So here are some tips for busy moms:
-Find out if the business will require you do to parties/shows (i.e. leave the house) and consider whether or not you want to do this.
-Find out about the products. This seems obvious, but I'm referring to a little more detail. Determine whether the products are something that the average person would buy. For example, jewelry is something that some people might buy, but not everyone. On the other hand, bath & body products or cleaning products are things that almost everyone has to buy.
-What is the price point? Now note that price is NOT the most important thing in someone's buying decision. However, VALUE is! So be sure that the products provide value (i.e. the price is reasonable and the products are exceptional). If the price is TOO high, most people won't purchase. But if the products are not unique, people won't buy even if the price is reasonable.
-How does the compensation work? Will you have to track your sales and take commissions, etc? Or will the company generate a check to you? Will you earn residual income or will you need to find new customers for income next month?
-What is the growth record of the company? And how does the company do in a recession? This is especially important right now since we are in a recession currently. A lot of companies, such as juice companies that sell an expensive product that most people aren't already buying, are struggling right now. Find out if the company you're considering is doing well or struggling (and if they won't tell you, that's a sign to stay away).

If you have other tips for moms considering working from home, be sure to leave them in the comments!

Sales Book Review

2009-01-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's Goals is to take the time to read one book a month that will help me in my business. This can be a personal development book or a book specific to business - but the goal is to help me improve in the areas that I lack in and become a more effective business person. So the first book I am reading is Jeffrey Gitomer's "Little Red Book of Sales Answers." I received this book from my mom for Christmas, and I just started reading it the other day. I am already engrossed in the book and I am learning a lot! Here are some of the things I am enjoying:

The book is set up in 6 different sections that are easy to follow.
In each section, there are several questions that sales people ask, and then he provides the answer. These are not your typical pat answers - they are answers that you can actually use and apply.
There is a wealth of info in this book. Even if you are not in sales, you could still learn a lot about personal relationships and interactions in this book.
This is the kind of book you want to have handy, and you can read one or two answers a day just to stay sharp!

So if you have a home business and are looking to expand your skills, I highly recommend this book!

Choosing a Home Business

2008-12-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

Many people today are looking for a home business - a way to generate extra income because of the declining economy. It's definitely a smart choice to develop a second steam of income, just in case anything happens to your primary source. The problem is, there are SO MANY options out there - how do you find the right business?

I can speak from experience here since I have had a home business for the past 6 years. Although I never thought of myself as a business person, I kind of "fell into" a business opportunity. You see, I went to a party and found myself loving the products. I wanted to buy it all, but couldn't afford to. So, like many others, I became a consultant so that I could get the discount. Later I decided to actually build it as a business so that I could earn enough money to stay home, at least part time. I worked hard and advanced my business, but soon after that I lost my status and was not earning what I had hoped. I began to doubt whether I could succeed and definitely knew that staying home was not an option.

So when I was presented with another business opportunity, I was determined to be more thoughtful and deliberate about whether to even get involved. I was skeptical and thought it was probably a scam - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, right? Well, I listened to the full information, researched it a bit, and determined that I wanted to at least give it a try. 2 years later, I am so glad that I did. I am now earning a consistent, reliable income which allows me to work part time instead of full-time. I have an excellent support team and am part of an amazing, debt-free company that continues to grow in the midst of this economy. So what are some of the keys to choosing (or finding) the right business for you?

Get the facts. It's important to take a listen to the full information of whatever company you are considering teaming up with. And it shouldn't be just a 5 minute description - you will need to hear about the company's products, track record of success, business plan, compensation, etc. And be sure to ask questions! Ask to see the company's growth chart and average income earnings, if those aren't provided in the overview.
Determine what kind of business you want. Do you want to do a party plan business where you need to go to other's houses and do parties, carry inventory, etc? Or do you want to be able to work entirely from home, using the phone and internet? Find out what the method of marketing is and find out if there is flexibility as well.
Find out what kind of target audience you have. If you are selling jewelry or makeup, you will be cutting out about half of the population. If you are selling tools, you may be cutting out the other half. Will you be marketing products that everyone needs and uses, or just a certain group of people? If it's a certain group of people, how well do those products sell during difficult economic times? These are all things you will want to consider.
Figure out how much income you want, and find out how you can achieve that with the companies you are considering. How long does it typically take someone to get to that income level? How much of your business is tax-deductible? Do you have to re-invest your earnings into product, training, or overhead? Or is your profit pure profit?

Although this is not an extensive list of questions, it should get you headed in the right direction. I am so thankful that I have found the right business for myself, and I hope you do too!

Positive Attitude & Finding Who To Work With

2008-12-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

I've come to a decision: I only want to work with positive people. When working in a business from home, you get to choose who to work with. But for some reason, many of us choose anyone who will join us, rather than focusing on finding people who we WANT to work with. And from now on, I am choosing to work with positive people. When prospecting for people in the community, online, or wherever, I recommend focusing on those who have a positive personality, who attract other people, and who are hard working. These are all attributes that are essential to being successful in a home business. Here's why I think they are helpful:

1. Positive Personality/Outlook: There will always be bad days and we can't always be on top of the world. However, someone who can look on the bright side and get over the inevitable obstacles will be able to succeed. It's also important to have a positive attitude as a leader in your business. Your team will follow your lead, so if you are focusing on the negative things or whining and complaining, this will trickle down to your team.
2. Attract Other People: This really goes hand-in-hand with the first point. Positive people naturally attract others. But there are other qualities that attract other people, such as being someone who is honest and full of integrity. Someone who can attract other people will be able to get his or her business started quickly because they already have a group of people who trust them and will follow them.
3. Hard Working: I don't know any home business that is "easy." Some are simple, but none are easy. Therefore being someone who is hard working is absolutely essential to your success. I have teamed up with several people in my business, however, only those who have been persistent and consistent have been successful. I find that some people quit as soon as things get a little challenging, despite the fact that they really need the money. This is the hardest thing for me to understand - if you are in dire circumstances, and have a very doable and clear way to get out of those circumstances by working hard, then why would you not do it?!? So far, the best answer I have come up with is that some people are just comfortable where they are and are not willing to sacrifice to change their circumstances.

So, as you build your home business (or consider who to team up), be sure to look for people with these 3 qualities. You will be much happier and more successful. Don't let yourself get into the trap of teaming up with someone who does not have these qualities just because you are desperate to advance your business.

Getting Back to Work

2008-12-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

After a month off from my business, I have been getting back to work in December. Balancing life with a newborn and having a home business is a new venture for me! I am certainly learning the value of sleep! Sometimes I have to choose between sleeping, showering, eating, cleaning, or working my business. And honestly it just depends on the day as to which one I choose. I have been learning to take 20 minutes to make phone calls when I know Kirsten is sleeping (and will stay asleep). I've also been learning how to do a presentation phone call while nursing her, changing her, or carrying her around to keep her happy. This is all a new adventure that is fun and challenging at the same time!

I am so thankful for all that God has given me. But this year, I am especially thankful for my beautiful daughter who has brought us so much joy and love. I am also thankful for the fact that my business is so flexible and allows me to truly work from home. I'm also thankful that I'll still be getting my paycheck in December even though I took the entire month of November off! Talk about a blessing during these difficult economic times! Residual income is a wonderful thing, and I am glad that I had the sense to say "yes" when my friend shared this incredible business with me.

Now, I'm off to take care of my baby girl who's waking up, do some holiday baking, and maybe, just maybe, make some phone calls too!

Blogging Break

2008-11-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack in blogging recently!! I have a new addition to my home: my beautiful daughter, Kirsten Jael!
She was born on October 29th at 2:28am, and she is absolutely wonderful. Due to this recent addition, I have taken a bit of a vacation from my business. Therefore my blogging has been non-existent. I just wanted to update any of you who read my blog so that you know what's going on. The thing that is so great about my business is that even as I was headed to the hospital, many on my team were working hard and finished out October incredibly strong! I have a great support team who have been helping my team immensely while I've been focusing on my new baby. Soon I'll be getting back to work, but I am so thankful for this business and this team that I work with. I am thankful that I have residual income with this company and it allows me to know I'll be getting a paycheck even though I haven't been working these couple weeks.

Reaching Your Financial Wellness Goals

2008-10-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

The economic climate right now is not good, and most everyone in their right mind would agree with that. Many people are worried about losing their job or their home, if they haven't already lost one or both! In these difficult times, more and more people are wanting to find a way to improve their financial wellness.

I have noticed this recently in my business. I have had more people wanting to team up and build an income because of this economic climate. One of my team members recently sent out an email to a group of other moms who homeschool like she does. Within 2 days, she received over 10 responses back from moms who were interested! In the past, a similar email would've probably gotten less than half that response. It is true that people need a source of reliable, residual income.

With a baby on the way in about 1 month, many people would be having a near meltdown about taking maternity leave and worrying about how to survive without a paycheck for that time. (In fact I've met many moms who are feeling that way right now). However, thanks to the fact that I have this business and have already developed my residual income, I am not worried at all. I am so thankful that God brought this to me when He did, because now I know that we will have income coming in from my business even while I am on maternity leave.

Perhaps you are in a similar situation as many others out there right now. Perhaps you are looking for a way to generate an extra $300-500 a month just to get by or to pay for heating this winter. NOW is the time to consider a home business that can help you reach your financial wellness goals by working about 5-15 hours a week.

I love my home business!

2008-09-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

I just have to say that I love my home business! I am so thankful that God brought this company into my life and has given me such a fabulous support team. I am also thankful for the people that I meet on a regular basis who also are looking for a way to earn extra income - I love helping them get started and reach their goals as well! It benefits them and myself, so it is a win-win! I also love the fact that I am having a baby in approximately 7 weeks, and I know that when she arrives, I will not have to worry about finances because my paycheck will continue to come in (from my business) even while I am on maternity leave from my part-time job! It is truly a blessing to not feel tons of pressure and worry during such an exciting time!

Making the Decision to Work

2008-09-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

I recently went to my business convention, and I had an excellent time. Despite being 7 months pregnant and getting less sleep than is necessary, I loved the convention and learned so much. I felt as though my brain just could not take in all the information! However, I did learn a few things that I really want to apply to my business here at home.

First of all, I learned how important it is to make the decision to work. When you own a home based business, you don't have a boss and you don't have anyone telling you what to do. With my business, thankfully, I do have a great support team and people who will hold me accountable. However, it is still up to me to actually get to work! So the decision to work - I mean really work - your business is an important one. I see so many people getting started "hoping" to build a business. Well, those folks rarely go anywhere, because they never really made a commitment to do it no matter what. For me, something I came home with after convention was a newfound commitment and a decision to reach my goal no matter what. I don't care what comes in the way or what people might try to tell me. I will work this business no matter what, and I will succeed.

Secondly, I learned the importance of teaming up with others. Without helping others, I will go nowhere in this business. That is one of the reasons I love my company - because we MUST help others achieve their goals in order to achieve our own. I learned that if I want to really help someone get started, then I need to work with them on a daily basis and be there to support them. Without that daily support, they may get discouraged or allow others to destroy their dreams. I want to be there for my team in the good and the bad times.

Finally, I learned the importance of keeping a positive attitude and mind-frame. Today on the radio I heard a famous talk-show host talking about something - it had nothing to do with business, but it totally applies! He was saying, "Don't hang around people who whine and complain all the time. If you do, you will surely get dragged down into that mindset." This is so true! As they say, "Misery loves company." It's easy to get discouraged when someone brushes you off, or when you get a "no", or when you don't reach a goal you had. However, if you keep a positive mindset, you are much more likely to achieve your goals than if you let things get you down and begin whining and complaining. I am still working on this area, and even tonight I had to remind myself not to let something get me down. As one of our speakers at convention said, "Count your blessings every day rather than counting your obstacles."

Moms Working From Home

2008-08-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

A lot of moms want to work from home and be able to add to their family's income. The challenge is in deciding what to do. You can choose a work at home job or a work at home business. A few years ago, I chose a business with a direct sales/party plan company. I worked hard with that company for 4 years. I advanced and earned recognition. However, I didn't have a consistent paycheck. At the time I did not have any children, but part of the reason for my business was to be able to stay home once we decided to have kids. I began considering whether that business was really going to allow me to reach my goal.

Then a friend of mine called me about a different business which did not involve inventory or selling products. It was a customer referral business and the company would pay me simply for referring others to the products. I was quite skeptical because of my personality and my previous experiences. However, I was open enough to listen to the info and decide for myself. Once I saw the product line, I knew I'd at least want to be a customer.

I have found this experience to be quite a bit different from my previous business. I have found that I have been much more able to reach my goals than I was before. I am now working part-time and am expecting my first baby in a couple months. Yay! It is so refreshing and exciting to be part of a company that helps me reach me goals, and I am also able to help others reach their goals. Our company has sent out checks month after month to thousands of moms who are adding to their family's income by doing this business. Why not you??

Home Businesses in a Declining Economy

2008-08-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

What is going on in the economy today? Most of us are familiar with these stats:

Oil prices are up 30% - not good, especially for those of us living in the Northeast.
Food prices are up 8% in the last 3 months.
In July, the FDIC seized control of Indy-Mac Bank - the second largest bank failure in US history.
Construction of single family homes is down.
Jobless claims are up.

Clearly, the economy is having trouble, and that is affecting a lot of people. Most people that you talk to today are struggling in one way or another -whether it is because of gas prices, not being able to make mortgage payments, or job insecurity.

In light of all of these issues, many home based businesses are suffering. In 2007, the DSA reported that the overall industry had a decline in total sales. The president and CEO of our company, in a meeting with other presidents that are part of the DSA, found that he encountered no other companies who had grown in 2007. However, our business did grow in 2007! And in 2008, our sales are up above last year's sales. We have had 17% more advancements this year than we had last year at this time. Plus, our customers are ordering more on average than last year.

So, why, in light of the declining economy, with most other home businesses struggling as well, is our company continuing to grow? We have grown steadily over the past several years, and our 20+ year history of growth is astounding in the home business industry. Our continued growth can be connected to the value of our products. Companies that are promoting products that the average person can't afford are not doing well because people are cutting their budgets. However, because our products are affordable and are the kinds of products people use on a regular basis, we continue to grow and expand in spite of the declining economy. I am thankful to finally be a part of a company that offers people the chance to get ahead in these hard times, as well as get safer, healthier products for their homes.

Business Tips for Success

2008-08-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

I'm going to share some notes that I took last night on a training call with one of the top leaders in my business. I really enjoyed the call, and since she is earning over $100,000 per month with our company, I figured that it's a good idea to follow her advice:

It's Up to YOU! You have to make a decision to be successful with your business. Your success is up to you. You can't blame others if you don't succeed.
Have to be willing to sacrifice. There are things that you will need to sacrifice in the short-term in order to have a long-term gain. This might be things like your favorite TV show, going out with friends, or other activities you'd like to do. In the end, it will be worth it!
Find a mentor and have them hold you accountable.
Set attainable goals. You should have short-term and long-term goals and have a "whatever it takes" attitude.
Know who to work with and know when to walk away. Many business builders try to work with the people who are not really serious - and they get frustrated. Go by what people do, not what they say. Work with those who are coachable.
Stay in touch with your new builders and help them get the biggest first check possible. Once someone sees that this can work, they will continue to stick with it.
Keep your attitude positive. If you are negative, you will bring down others around you and you will not attract success.
Remember that in our business, no one can get hurt. Unlike many other companies out there, there is truly no way for someone to lose money or get hurt.

I love that last part! There is truly no way for someone to get hurt in our business. I recently connected with someone online who is in another company right now. She shared that she is not getting much support and she is being told that they aren't going to "hold her hand". Not to mention that she had to invest over $1,000 to get started! Wow, that is a set up for people to get hurt. After researching more about the company, I have read many similar stories, including people that have been encouraged to spend tens of thousands of dollars on the business - but yet they aren't earning any money! One thing I love about my company is our focus on helping others to get OUT of debt, not into more debt.

I hope these tips were helpful. Feel free to add a comment with your tips as well.

Developing Your Business Online

2008-08-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to develop your home-based business, and one of them is to develop your online presence. Blogging is obviously one way to do this, and I apologize for my serious lack of posts in the past month. I have been busy, but that is no excuse. Another way, aside from blogging, is to develop relationships with others through online message boards and groups. I have found this to be quite helpful over the recent months. I have met some wonderful women who have chosen to team up with me and start their own business. It's been rewarding for them as well as for myself. And helping others is part of my own personal passion, as well as the mission statement of my company.

As I continue to build my business, I am constantly learning and figuring out what works and what doesn't work. I have noticed that some people try to just start advertising their business before they have developed any kind of rapport or relationship with others. I think that one of the keys to building online is still to be focused on others and to develop a relationship with them. That way they know that you truly care about them, and you are not there just to try and recruit them.

The fact is, there are people everywhere who are looking for extra income right now. With the economy the way it is, even an extra $300-500 a month can make a huge difference for families. I am so excited to be a part of a company that allows me to help others earn this, even within their first month if they choose. This month, we can even help people DOUBLE their paychecks, which is pretty amazing.

Feel free to leave any tips you have about building a business online, or any comments about anything else here.

Time Management & Goals

2008-07-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Tonight our team had a conference call that focused on time management. This is one of my favorite topics, since I am all about scheduling your time. Here are some of the questions to ask yourself when working a home business:

What are my goals for this month?
What is my WHY?
Am I truly putting in the time and effort to reach my goals?

We had a challenge to actually track our "work" time - the time that we are actually spending on our businesses - and then look back at our goals and see if the time corresponds to being able to reach our goals. I know for me, there are definitely weeks where I think I'm working x number of hours, but if I actually tracked it, it would be a lot less.

When someone can master the concept of time management, I think they can be really successful. There are people on my team who have 6 children, who homeschool, who work full-time, who are single - I could go on and on - but they still find a way to make this business work! Why? Because they are determined to make a difference for their family's financial well-being, and they have learned how to manage their time so that they can be with their family but still have a successful business. With a baby on the way, I hope to be able to do the same thing!

Interview

2008-06-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I had an "interview" with my company! The other day my company called me and asked me if I would be willing to do an interview about my business. Being that things have been rather slow lately, I was rather surprised. But, of course, I agreed to it. So this morning I got to answer some questions about how I got started, what a difference it has made, etc. When I get the proof, I will probably post it here for everyone to read. I have truly enjoyed my experience with my business and enjoy helping others reach their goals.

End of the Month

2008-05-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

The end of the month is always a busy time for me with my business. It's the time to make sure that everyone has submitted paperwork and wrap up loose ends. I love the end of the month, because it also is usually a time that my team is motivated to try and reach their goals before the month ends. Then, at the beginning of the new month, there is always a new promotion to find out about, which is very exciting.

The end of the month is also a time to evaluate and assess what I've done this month and see what I can do better next month. This month I have worked more than the previous two months, because I have finally been feeling better than I was in March and April. So I have accomplished more, but today I am still working on finishing up my month strong.

What I always tell my team is that you may not always reach your goals, but as long as you are working consistently, that work WILL pay off. You will see results, it just might not be until a month or two later. So I am hopeful that the work I have done this month will continue to pay off over the next several months. Speaking of which, it's time to get off the computer and get back to work!

Low Start Up Costs

2008-05-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

One thing that I recommend when I am talking with people about starting a home based business is to find one with a low start up cost. Why? Because so many people get burned by spending hundreds to thousands of dollars on a business, and then end up with inventory sitting around that they never sell. Or worse, they find out it was a scam and have no way to recoup their money.

With my business, the most anyone can ever spend is $29 plus the cost of their products, which can range from $50-$299 to start. And that is fully refundable within the first 60 days. The best part about this is, the products that you get are all for personal use - not to try and sell at parties, etc. So you're getting something that you know you will use.

Right now, we are having a half-price enrollment special which means that the $29 is only $14.50. And, you can earn a guaranteed paycheck of $500 this month. That's a pretty good return on your investment, wouldn't you say?

Regardless of what business you choose to do, I definitely recommend a low start-up cost for everyone. You will avoid losing money and have the opportunity to start earning a profit right away.

The Anonymity of the Internet

2008-05-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

As I do some of my business on the internet through message boards, etc, I am increasingly becoming aware of an issue that affects many of us. It is the idea that just because you are posting on a message board, blog, or elsewhere, you can end up saying things that you never would in person. I am finding this to be quite disturbing, as I read some of the comments that people leave about others. My question whenever I post is this - "If I were face-to-face with this person, would I say this?" Unfortunately, I think a lot of other people do not filter their statements this way. Or, perhaps, there are more rude people in the world than I originally estimated. I'm thinking, though, that it is because we have a feeling of anonymity when we post online that we do not have in real life.

As I consider working from home and attempting to build a business online, I recognize that maintaining a positive outlook - whether online or face-to-face - is essential. If you are looking to build your business, build relationships, or just maintain friendships, it is important to keep your online posts positive and encouraging rather than degrading or critical of others.

Handling Rejection

2008-04-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

Part of any home business is knowing how to handle rejection. Oftentimes, we as business people take rejection personally. Instead, we need to recognize that rejection usually means that it is not the right time for the potential customer. Of course, our attitude, demeanor, and appearance can attract or repel people. But ultimately, rejection is simply a way of someone saying "it's not the right time."

So many people in my business have joined our company after literally years of being approached and then saying no, over and over. Ultimately, they saw the benefits of our company and that it truly is different. So when I talk to people and they say no, I have to remember that they may end up saying yes at a different time.

In addition, sometimes people continue to chase someone down after they say "no." Instead, it's important for us to recognize that we will continue to build our business regardless of that particular person. Therefore, we can have a more laid-back approach and realize that it is not the end of the world if this person says no or stands us up for an appointment. That's the importance of having a strong contact list and strong posture as well.

This is something that takes time and a willingness to learn from others. I am still learning, and I hope to continue to learn in the future. I also hope to inspire others and teach them how to handle rejection appropriately.

Upcoming Convention

2008-04-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

I was already excited to go to Salt Lake City in August for the convention for my company. But when I got my little flyer in my paycheck last month announcing who the speaker is going to be, I was even more excited. Glenn Beck, host of the Glenn Beck program on the radio and host of CNN's Headline New, will be speaking at this year's convention. Being that my husband and I both listen to his radio program, I am already familiar with his comical, often sarcastic style. And I'm looking forward to seeing him in person!

Last year at our convention we heard from Chris Gardner, author of The Pursuit of Happyness. It's amazing the type of speakers that our company brings for us to learn from and be inspired by. We have some great leaders within the company, as well, who will be sharing their training and wisdom. Although it's a few months away, I am definitely looking forward to my trip out west!

Consistency

2008-03-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a while I've posted, and for that I apologize, for anyone who may actually visit here! March has been a crazy month, but that's no excuse. I would say the one lesson I have learned this month is something that I already knew, but it's good to be reminded. I have realized once again the importance of consistency in a home-based business. I tell my team all the time - consistency is key! And when you are consistent, you will see results. Of course, I need to take my own advice as well. I found that March was a month where I didn't work consistently, and therefore my results have been very slow. The end of the month is picking up a bit for my team, so that is important, but I need to also improve on my own personal activities.

So now that we are at the end of March, my goal for April is to be consistent again! I know that it is possible, and I know that with consistency in anything, you end up with better results. And I have seen so many people in my business who have recently seen amazing results when they have worked consistently. So I am determined, and I am looking forward to helping more people reach their goals over the next month.

Free Advertising

2008-02-22T19:23:00.000-08:00

Many people who are working from home want to find ways to advertise for free. While I am certainly not an expert on this, I am learning new things every day. One thing that I have found to be working has been developing relationships with people online. One of my priorities in my business is to be people-focused. While the income is nice, my main goal is to help others. And I feel that in order to do this, you really have to develop relationships with others before you are able to help them.

There are a lot of ways to develop these relationships. Perhaps through online forums, message boards, and emails. There is also blogging, of course, and using facebook and myspace. These are all ways to develop relationships while also sharing with people what you do. Since my business is entirely referral based, I always appreciate when someone refers a friend to my website.

As much as people are wanting the convenience of online shopping and online business, they also appreciate personal customer service and real people being there to answer questions. There is something to be said for being technologically saavy while also developing personal relationships with others.

If anyone has additional tips, feel free to post them in the comments section!

Positive vs. Negative Thinking

2008-02-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

I have just been visiting some online websites and message boards, and I just have to get this out. I want to be someone who is positive and who attracts positive people. It is interesting to me when I read these posts online and see how many people live their lives in negativity. How do they do it? I need to talk to some positive people to rid myself of those negative vibes!!!

Earning Money in Heart Health Month!

2008-02-04T18:26:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that February is Heart Health Month. Just in the past few weeks, I have talked to so many people that either have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or some kind of heart issues. Unfortunately, heart health is a major concern for many Americans. It's not something to take lightly!

I am excited to be able to offer others the chance to get products that can truly make a difference when it comes to heart health. I use some of these products on a daily basis as a preventative - so that I can help reduce my risk of encountering those heart issues listed above. Of course, eating right and exercise is important as well, but sometimes you do end up needing some extra supplements. Many people go with prescription meds, but wouldn't you rather use something safer and more natural?

This month, Heart Health Month, you can share these kinds of products (and a lot more) with others AND earn an extra $1500 for the next 3 months. How? Just contact me and I'll tell you how.

Advertising

2008-02-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

With the Superbowl just around the corner, we are hearing more and more about how much is spent on advertising. It is quite amazing when you look at the numbers. Millions and millions are spent to get those products on TV and getting us to buy them. The interesting thing is, though, that most people rely more on word of mouth than advertising when making their purchasing decisions.

Think about it: You're wanting to buy a computer. What do you do? Usually we ask our friends what they have, where they've gotten a good deal, and where gives good customer service. Or you want to go out to eat. You have seen or heard an ad for a new resturaunt - but first you ask friends if they've been there, right? You don't want to go and waste money if it's not a good place to eat.

That's why I am happy to be working with a company that does not spend money on advertising. Most home-based businesses don't advertise, but more and more are - I know I've seen ads for Mary Kay, Avon, and Tupperware. So you know that some of the money of your purchases with any company that advertises goes to pay for those ads. So my company does not use any money towards advertising. Instead, I get to use word of mouth to share the products with others. It's a simple concept, really, and it's been working for us for over 20 years.

So the next time you go shopping, keep in mind that some of that money is going to pay for the advertising and distribution of those products. If you'd rather not pay for that, talk to me!

Marriage and Working From Home

2008-01-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

I have worked from home for the past 5 years. This month, actually, is my 5 year anniversary of working from home. I have been married that whole time. In fact, I started my first business about 6 months after I got married. My husband had a hobby, and I didn't really have one. So I started that business as a hobby, and eventually worked harder to earn money. Now, I am doing a business that I am actually earning money with, and I love it. But one thing remains - my marriage comes first.

There are a few things I've learned over the past 5 years about how to make working from home work for you if you are married and/or have children:

Schedule your time! Plan out exactly when you are going to work, and let your family know. If you plan to work evenings, make sure your husband is aware and supportive. For me, I try to work during the times that my husband has something else going on. Of course, that is not always the case, but he knows I'm earning money, so he's usually fine with it.
Keep your business and personal life separate. By doing the first thing, scheduling your time, you will be able to focus on your business during business time and your family during family time. That is such a common problem with people working from home - they try to combine it with their family life, and everyone's unhappy. The key is to find time that you can truly focus on your business, and then the other times - RELAX and spend time with your fam.
Take time for yourself and your marriage. This is similar to the previous point, but I mean dedicated, separate time. Perhaps it's a date night or a family day. Perhaps it's a bubble bath or a movie night. Recently, my husband and I went away for marriage retreat. This is something we do every year. It's a way to just focus on our marriage and each other. It is so much fun, and during that time, I didn't do any business. It was purely a fun weekend away.

If you're looking for some great marriage advice, I recommend checking out Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage. Last year at our marriage retreat, we watched these videos and they are great!

Finding a Business That Is Right For You

2008-01-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

In the new year, with many people trying to recover from credit card debt and facing potential job losses, more and more people are looking for additional income options. For some, that may mean finding a second job or trying to get a raise. For others, this may entail finding a way to work from home a few hours a week. Many people are choosing the second option due to the flexibility and choices that it brings with it.

While choices in the home-based business industry can be a positive thing, they can also be quite overwhelming. There’s skincare, purses, jewelry, scrapbooking, kitchen products, candles, and more. Then there’s the terminology: party-plan, direct sales, multi-level marketing, network marketing, online business, blogs, etc. How does one decide what is right for them?

One way to start is by answering a few questions to narrow down your choices. By answering these questions, you can help determine what you are looking for as well as what a company might offer. Some examples of these questions would be:

What are you passionate about?
What products does the company offer?
What is the market in your area for these products?
Are the products affordable for the average person?
What is the start-up cost and is that refundable?
How long has the company been in business?
What are the average earnings of people in the company and how many hours a week is required to reach that income level?
How do you market the products - parties/shows, online, face-to-face, over the phone?
Does the business result in residual income?

In addition to asking yourself these questions, there are some excellent resources available online. Obviously, when researching online, one must keep in mind that there is a lot of information out there, and not all of it is accurate. Be sure to thoroughly research your topic, and remember that personal experience is the only way to know if something will work for you or not. That being said, here are some online resources that one might find particularly helpful:
http://www.wahm.com/ - The online magazine for work at home moms. Here you can browse through message boards such as "Business Advice and Topics" or "WAHMs in Party Plans".
http://www.dsa.org/ - The Direct Selling Organization’s official website. You can search the Member Directory according to company name, products/services offered, or type of compensation plan.
http://www.bbb.org/ - The Better Business Bureau’s website allows you to search based on company name and/or type of business. You can view the company’s status with the BBB and how the company has resolved complaints against them.

Finally, one of the best ways to make a decision about working from home is hearing first-hand experiences of others. You can ask friends and family who they know who has a home business and is successful, talk to members of Tuesday Forum, as well as read online blogs of people who work from home.

Once you find the right business for you, it is important to treat it like a business. You’ll need to give yourself at least 3-6 months to begin generating some income. However, don’t allow someone to convince you that it should take 3-6 years to generate income. While it will take some time, if you are working consistently, a good business will result in income in a reasonable amount of time. For me, I have found the right business, and I feel that it is a business anyone can do!

My Future Car

2008-01-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of my future car:

A Toyota Highlander - my goal is to have one by this summer! And have my company paying for it!

Tips for Successful Presentations

2008-01-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

What are people looking for in a presentation? Everyone is looking for different things. When you work from home, it's important to learn, however, to determine what someone is looking for. That way you can help meet their needs with what your business has to offer. I find that the best way to determine what someone is looking for is to ask questions. You can't assume that just because they are in front of you, that they actually are interested in what you have to offer. So, what I usually do before I share my information is ask the potential customer a few questions. This allows me to cater to their needs while still sharing all that my company has to offer.

This skill of asking questions does not always come naturally to everyone. We usually want to talk a lot, especially when we are excited about what we are sharing. However, I find that the people who are most successful in working from home are those who learn to ask questions first. After asking questions, it's important to LISTEN! If you ask questions but then jump to telling without truly listening, you still will not find success.

So, my tips today would be to ask questions, listen and customize what you are offering without compromising. This, in conjunction with the right business, will lead to success.

New Year's Resolutions vs. Goals

2007-12-31T17:11:00.000-08:00

Have you considered your goals for 2008? At this time of year, we are bombarded with thoughts about what our resolutions are. I have never been really great about making resolutions or keeping them. This year, I am focusing more on goals rather than resolutions. I want to have goals that are achievable yet still stretch me. Goals that will be written down and that I will see every day. Goals related to my business life as well as my personal life. Goals that will motivate me to stay focused and keep going even if I don't have success at every turn.

So, what are my goals, you may ask? Well, I have determined some of them already. First, I want to become more financially stable and free. Specifically that means paying off my car loan and being able to support my family. Second, I want to help others improve their lives. Specifically, that means helping at least 6 people reach their goals in this business. Third, I want to become a leader in my business and be able to have a vehicle paid for my company (by June)!

I need to focus on my personal goals next, but those will probably be posted on my personal blog. Feel free to check it out.

Working Through the Holidays

2007-12-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

We are now two days away from Christmas. December can be a great month for those of us who work from home, as long as you keep the right attitude. I am helping a few people this month who really want to develop a business. I know it is possible, because it was last December that I advanced to the first level of leadership in my business (after about 1 month of working). It's also the month in which 1/2 of the top leaders in my company enrolled.

December is a time of year when everyone starts to think about the past year and whether they've accomplished what they wanted to. It's a time when people consider what they want out of the next year, and whether they are happy with where they are in life. Many people now are truly looking for a way to reach financial freedom and time freedom. Many people are also thinking about losing weight and improving their wellness.

That's where my team comes in! We are working to help others improve their wellness - whether it's physical, financial, personal, or environmental. We are working to develop businesses to last a lifetime. That's why I choose not to take a huge break during the month of December. Sure, I'm taking a few days off to celebrate Christmas with my family. But I also plan to get back to work on Wednesday and work through the end of the month. I've already acheived part of my goal for the month, but I still need to finish helping others as well. After all, isn't it better to give than to receive?

Starting a Business with Minimal Investment

2007-12-13T17:11:00.000-08:00

Most of the time when we start a business, you have to make some kind of investment. To start a traditional business that can be tens of thousands of dollars. To start a home-based business, often it can still costs thousands to start. Most people, though, looking for a home-based business, do not have a huge amount of money to put towards start-up costs.

I am thankful to work with a company has a low start up cost. Our belief is that anyone can do this business, and anyone can earn an income. You shouldn't have to shell out thousand of dollars to start. In fact, it usually costs less than $30 to get started, plus whatever products you choose. Right now, my company is offering the chance to get started for $1! It is crazy, but true.

Whether you are looking for a business or already have one, I encourage you to think about the start-up cost. Is is something that just about anyone could do? Is it something you feel comfortable asking others to do? Do you have to buy tons of business material or is it product you'll actually use for yourself?

If a company is going to last, it needs to have a business plan that is duplicatable and makes sense. Many companies start, last for 2-5 years, and then nosedive because they didn't have a solid financial plan. I am glad to be a part of a 20+ year old company that has minimal start-up costs and the most generous compensation plan in the industry.

Failure vs. Success

2007-12-09T17:04:00.000-08:00

What is failure? Why do some people fail and some succeed? I think the answer to these questions can really help those of us who work from home.

Here is one definition of failure: "There is no failure except in no longer trying" (Zig Ziglar). I would agree with that. Failure is when you stop trying. It's when you give up. I don't see failure as not meeting your goals - I see it as giving up on your goals.

When I started my business last year, I had a goal to reach a certain leadership level within one year. Now, that year has passed, and I didn't reach that goal. However, I don't think I failed. I missed my time frame for my goal, but I am still going to work towards it. I am not going to give up on that goal - I'm just going to adjust my activities and my time frame that I have to get there.

To sum up, I like this quote from one of my company's leaders about failure: "The difference between average people and acheiving people is their perception of and response to failure." What kind of person do you want to be? I want to be an achieving person!! That means I'm not giving up - No matter what!

Earn Extra Money This Month

2007-12-03T17:21:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about the promotion that my company is offering this month! If you are interested in knowing how you could earn an additional $10,500 in 2008 (in addition to all the regular income you'll receive from the business), you should definitely go to my website and click on "Request More Info". I'd like to share with you how you can do this because it is an incredible opportunity!!

I realize December is a busy month, but it is also a great chance for people to start thinking about being healthy and simplifying their life. I am so glad I made the choice last November to do this. It has changed my life for the better in so many ways! Now, I want to share the opportunity with others so that it can change their lives as well.

What do You Want?

2007-11-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

What is it that you want? What are you looking for? Many of us are searching for something more. Perhaps financial stability, perhaps meaningful work, maybe a healthier life. There are many things that motivate those of us working from home. While I don't believe that money or health actually give people joy, I do believe that having those things can help your life to be more stable and less stressful. As a Christian, I believe true peace comes from knowing Christ. But I am thankful for all the other things God has allowed me to do and have in life. Thankfully, I am on the way to financial freedom and I now have a healthier lifestyle than just a year ago. Plus, I have more time to spend with my family and friends.

If you are looking for financial freedom, a healthier lifestyle, or time with your family, check this out. I promise you'll find some interesting information.

Residual Income

2007-11-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

If you are someone who has ever done a home-based business, you probably understand the importance of residual income. However, in order to experience residual income, you have to have a product line that is not only high quality, but also something people need. Unfortunately, a lot of businesses out there have products that are high quality, but they are not a necessity. They are luxury items or hobby items, but not something that people will buy when times are tough.

Thankfully, after 5 years in this industry, I am part of a business which has both high quality and high demand. I love sharing these products with others because I know that they are something everyone can benefit from. And, as a result, there is residual income. In fact, my company has the highest reorder rate in the industry.

If you would like to know how you can be a part of this great business, click here for more info. Then just click "Request More Info". I look forward to talking with you!

Thankful

2007-11-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Today is Thanksgiving, and I just want to take a moment to mention what I am thankful for in regards to my business:

My support team - Sheila, Irma, and Kindel - I am so thankful for them! They helped me get started from day one, and I definitely could not have gotten to where I am now without the. I have learned a lot, and I am thankful that they have been so supportive and helpful!
My business builders - I am thankful for people like my mom, my friend Barb, and others who have chosen to work this business alongside of me. It has been so much fun to see them benefit physically and financially. I am so glad to have each and every one of them in my team!
My customers - The thing I love most about this business is that it is about people. It's about improving others' lives, and I am so glad for all the customers who have joined with me in using safer, healthier products for their home. It makes so much sense, and I am glad that they are part of my organization.
Most of all I thank God for bringing this business into my life at the right time. I am now working towards financial freedom thanks to this opportunity, and I am helping others do the same.

Thanksgiving Day is almost over, but I do hope that we all take time each day to be thankful for the things we have. I am so blessed!

My Why

2007-11-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

One thing this is essential for a successful business is a strong why. The reason you do your business is the one thing that will motivate you when you are discouraged or things aren't going the way you want them to. The following is my WHY:

To improve the health of my family and the health of others
To pay for our home remodeling
To pay off debt - mostly school loans and our home mortgage
To be able to work part-time and get done working when we have children
To give more to missions and other causes
To allow my husband and I to have the life we want and become financially free

That is a strong enough why for me to keep going, even if I don't have the exact results I want every month.

The other thing you need to have success is a good company to work with. If the business plan is not solid, if the company is not one of integrity, if you don't have a strong support team, you may not be able to reach your goals. Thankfully, my team is one that has all of those things and more!

People in Need this Holiday Season

2007-11-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

Last night I was watching the news, and they were talking about more people being in need during this holiday season. Many more people are going to food pantries and soup kitchens, because they don't have enough money to get the food they need. Part of this is due to the rising cost of fuel, and here in Maine, it's expensive to heat your home during the winter. Many people have to choose between heat and food.

As I was listening, many thoughts came to mind. One is that I am so thankful I am not in that situation. Secondly, I think there are things that we can all do to help prevent those situations in our lives, as well as help others who are in those situations:

Live within your means. Going along with my previous post about money, it's important to not use credit and instead use cash. Only buy the things you can afford. For example, my husband and I have had our home for about 4 years now. We have had a project we've wanted to do since we bought the house, but we didn't have the money to do it. We could've used credit or even gotten a home equity loan, but we chose to wait until we had the cash. Now, with my business, we've been able to pay for the projects without going into debt.
Help others. This may mean sacrificing time instead of money. Most people like to give money during the holidays, which is great. But again, if you are strapped for cash, why not donate 2 or 3 hours at a local food pantry or soup kitchen? You might meet some great people as well as serve your community. In fact, this is something we can do all year round. While I was in college, I spent almost every Saturday morning in Boston handing out food and clothing to people who were homeless. More importantly, though, we were listening to their stories and developing relationships.
Get rid of stuff. If you have too much stuff (most of us do), get rid of some of it! Go through your closet and get rid of clothes you never wear. It is freeing and helps others. Donate it somewhere where you know people who need it will get it.
Take advantage of opportunities. Last year at this time, I would not have guess that I would've earned over $10,000 with a home-based business within a year. See, my other business at the time was not very productive. In fact, I was just barely breaking even. When my friend called me about a new company, I was skeptical at best. I am so THANKFUL that she called and shared the opportunity with me. Now, I have safer products in my home AND a business that is working.

So, what will you do this week? Will you choose to live within your means? Will you help others by donating time or money? Will you get rid of some stuff? Will you take advantage of opportunities that can improve your life and others as well?

Calling Stay at Home Moms & Party Plan Pros!

2007-11-15T18:49:00.000-08:00

Are you a stay at home mom? Do you have young children, want to stay at home with them, but also want to help earn money to support your family? Or perhaps you are a party plan pro - maybe you've tried more than one business to earn the money you need. Maybe you've tried other ways to earn money - working online or doing art or cleaning houses. Perhaps you've tried everything, but never really gotten ahead.

I was there. I worked really hard for several years, along side working a full-time day job, to try and get to the point where I could end up staying home should I decide to have children. I had a great support team, good customers, and I enjoyed it! But, after 4 and 1/2 years, I was left with a bunch of inventory and no residual income. I wasn't any closer to being able to stay home than when I started!

I'm now working part-time and doing my business part-time. And I know when I do have children - even if that's within a year - I'll be able to stay home full time if I want. I'm enjoying a different business where I can help others do the very same thing. I love helping people who are serious about earning an income from home. If that is you, let me know. We can work together to help you create financial freedome for you and your family! I like to work with people who are honest, care about physical and financial wellness, and truly have a desire to help themselves and others. Contact me today!

Advancement!

2007-11-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

I got the call! I found out today that I advanced. I am so excited!!! I have been working really hard, and last month I really pushed myself, and it paid off. I have advanced to the next level of my business, and I am looking forward to the next step. My real goal is to reach the level where I will get a car bonus. That is only 2 more advancements away!

Once again I am in awe of how blessed I am. I truly believe that God brought this business to me at the right time in my life. And I have been so blessed by the business, the products, and most of all my team! I have so enjoyed the friendship and support I've received from my team, and it's been wonderful to help other people as well.

One thing I love about this business is that it is about helping other people reach their goals. And by doing that, I have begun reaching mine.

Money, Money, Money!

2007-11-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Money is something that some people like to talk about, and others don't. I used to be one of the ones who didn't like to talk about it. I grew up in a family that had to pinch every penny to get by. We lived in apartments most of our lives, until I was about 12 and then my parents bought a trailer. It was only a trailer, but we were so excited! We finally had a place of our own. When I was in college, my mom finally had a house built. But I never remember money being the topic of conversation growing up. It was almost like money was bad or wrong to talk about.

During college I went through a phase of really pondering the issues of wealth and poverty. I started to become somewhat critcal of anyone who had money, because I had seen so many people living in such poverty in developing countries. I started to think that living in poverty somehow related to spirituality. And, yes, I do still believe that people who live simply tend to have more of an appreciation for their faith. I'm not sure, however, that it's the actual money or lack thereof that relates to spirituality, but rather the attitude one holds towards money.

Now, I recognize that what we do with the money God gives us is a way to be a good steward. I just got the book, "The Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. One of the leaders in my business mentioned this on a training call, and he said that our company provided the top performers with this book. You see, one of the principles that my company promotes is financial freedom. I now know that becoming financially free is a possibility - one that I never imagined before. I know that because of the success I have already had, and the success of many others on my team.

So I am looking forward to reading "The Total Money Makeover", because I know that it's not just about earning money, but it's about what to do with it. I can't wait until we have paid off my student loans, our car loan, and our mortgage! It will be a great day. The best part of that is, I know that the more financially free we are, the more we can give to others and the causes we believe in. And that's what it's all about... being able to help others improve their lives!

Working From Home

2007-11-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

What do I like about working from home?

I set my own schedule
No boss telling me what to do or when to do it
I can work in my pajamas (bonus!)
I have my cat sitting next to me and my dogs downstairs
I can take a break and eat a snack
I get to connect with others over the phone and internet

What do I like about working from home and actually earning money with my business?

I can pay for house projects that we didn't have the money for before
I don't have to carry inventory, make deliveries, or hand people's money
I have healthier products in my home that actually cost less than what I was buying before
I quit my full-time job and switched to part-time after working this business for just 8 months
I am paying down my student loans
I can actually see the possibility of being debt-free in our future!

Yes, I think that sums up why I love working from home!

Party Plans

2007-11-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

Have you ever done a party-plan business? Have you been part of a fun team that recognizes your success? I have. I'm sure many of you have as well. It's a growing trend for people to become consultants because they love the product - whether its makeup, scrapbooks, stamping, purses, jewelry, or kitchen supplies. How many times have you been invited to one of those parties? Too many to count, right?

Party-plan companies have a lot to offer folks. They offer discounts on the product - usually the reason people sign, the opportunity to share the products with others, the chance to earn an "income", social contact, and the chance to be part of a team. All of those things are good. However, there are also some downsides to party-plans:

Large investment
Inventory
Giveaways - many times you end up giving away product in order to get people to book parties
Dealing with people's money
Paperwork
Sorting orders and making deliveries
Product returns
Running specials for downline
Booking new shows in order to get more sales
Every month your income starts at $0 and your income is based on your work that month (no residual income)

Although I loved being a part of a party-plan and never imagined doing anything else, I began to look at the numbers. I noticed that even if I did 4 shows a month (or one a week), and got average sales, my income would be about $420. That's before expenses and paying for extras, such as catalogs and recruiting tools. And, ususally I ended up putting half of that into inventory, because "what you show is what you sell".

Now, I am so happy to actually be in a company that rewards you not only emotionally (i.e. recognition, team support), but also financially. I now know that even if I have a slow month, my residual income will still be there. Plus, I get to see other people having the same success! I'm looking for others who have party-plan experience to join my team and start getting paid what they are worth. If that is you, please send me an email: littlefield@wedeliverwellness.com. I look forward to talking to you soon!

A little more about me

2007-10-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

I've shared a bit about me, but I thought I'd add a photo here and a little more info. This is my hubby and on the coast in Magnolia, Mass. I LOVE the ocean and am truly a "Mainer", but I am always at awe of God's creation no matter what state or country I'm in.

As for a little bit more about me - I graduated from Gordon College 5 years ago with a BA in Social Work. Since then I've worked here in Maine as a social worker - imagine that! My husband used to be in construction, then he joined me in social work for a couple years until he was offered the job at our church as full time youth pastor. We both love working with teens and so it is the perfect match for us. A little while after we were married, I decided I needed a hobby, so I took up scrapbooking. Soon I found that it was a bit expensive, so I became a consultant in order to get the discount on the products. Then I realized it would be good to actually earn money with it, and I worked hard to do so. After a while I promoted but then lost my title just as quickly. I found that there was no residual income, so every month I had to start at $0 and work up. Then last November my friend called and introduced me to a fabulous company. In a very short period of time (1 month), I promoted in that company and now I'm earning a significant income. Enough to work just part-time instead of full time, which allows me to do more of what I enjoy - spending time with my hubby and helping our youth group.

That's all for now... more to come.

Goal Setting

2007-10-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

Here's some tips I learned on a training call the other night...

Steps to achieving what you want:

1. Set goals - Set your goals in each of the following areas: physical, emotional, spiritual, financial family, intellectual, professional, material, fun. Goals must be specific and measurable. Decide what you are willing to give up and what you are not willing to give up. Determine how much time you have to put into each goal.

2. Adopt new beliefs - Whatever your goals are, you must believe that you can actually accomplish them. You may need to change some beliefs about yourself and/or other areas of your life.

3. Trust your gut - You have to trust yourself and know that you are able to accomplish your goals.

4. Get to action - Put an action plan to work. You have to actually start working towards what you want. Write it down!

Identify what you want and go after it! Create the best possible life that you want. With my business, I know that is possible.

One Month Ends, A New One Begins

2007-10-01T13:27:00.001-07:00

Well yesterday was the end of September. I had a busy month and a productive one. I am looking forward to finding out if I promoted this month, as that was my goal. Many people in my group did a great job and promoted, and I'm so excited for them! That is what is so great about this - my success is directly linked to me helping others succeed.

On top of that, today I found out the promotion for this month, and it is so great! I can't wait to help everyone earn the great prizes and share this with others. I've already got a couple people who have said they are getting started in October, so I am hoping to help them this month as well.

Welcome!

2007-09-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hello! This blog will be about my business. I am looking to share with anyone who would like to know more about how to work from home and love it! I started working from home about 5 years ago in a party plan business. I joined because I loved the products and wanted to get them at cost. Later, I started to work really hard and try to earn an income. I really wanted to be able to work part-time instead of full-time with my regular job. However, despite all the hard work, I really didn't see a lot of results. I did promote in the company and received a check for a little over $800, but this didn't continue. Within the following few months, the people I recruited ended up dropping out and I lost my status. I continued with the business because I still loved the products and did want to help others.

Then I was introduced to a different company about 10 months ago. I wasn't sure about doing something new, but I gave it a try. Some of the reasons I tried were because it did not involve having inventory, much of it could be done over the phone from home, and it resulted in residual income. I have totally enjoyed this business so far AND I've actually made a paycheck every month since I started. In addition, I have still been able to help other people - and this time other people are actually earning money too!

I plan to post periodically about what is going on in my business. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions, or click here for more info about my business!