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I really do enjoy it when fellow moms/women ask for tips or thoughts on what it’s like to be working from home. The Internet is filled with tips for work-at-home-moms, but I wanted to share my perspective. Any info I can pass on is all good. I like to help folks because it’s the right thing to do, PERIOD.
I am lovin, and living (and rockin) the WAHM life.
Work-at-home moms like to share tips and tricks for helping each other succeed. There is no perfect formula or guarantee of a huge income while you do nothing (and anything that promises that is likely a scam!), but those who have succeeded or know others who have succeeded have some good ideas. In fact, it is this networking and sharing that is success tip number one.
Social Networking
Join groups with similar interests. There are entire online communities dedicated to supporting the work-at-home mom (WAHM). Some of these online communities are free to join, while others require a fee. As noted above, moms who work at home usually enjoy sharing success tips, and having a support community can really help when you have questions. You can also share your own tips and successful “moments.” Check out VANetworking for forums, information and classes.
Another word on social networking – sites like Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter are becoming increasingly popular among small home businesses folks.
The Latest Technology Doesn’t Bite:
Don’t be afraid of things like Twitter and online advertising. Success is more likely to come your way if you are connected and available. You might consider a mobile device so you can update people as to the latest information on your business, and so you can respond to clients and prospective clients right away.
Love what you do
This is big deal. Think of it this way, when you are working from home…you are around YOU all the time. It’s hard to be successful doing something you dislike. You are likely to lose motivation if you don’t like the product you’re selling, the information you are writing about, and so forth. Your passions and interests may not be conducive to a WAHM business, but if you are really honest with yourself, you can probably find something that interests you that would make a fulfilling business venture.
Be Decisive-Quit Yer Darn Wafflin!
One of the pitfalls that can happen with WAHMs is distraction. Another pitfall is uncertainty. If you aren’t sure that you want to do this particular business or even whether or not you want to work from home, then decide before venturing into business. You can research and ask before deciding, but it can be a mistake to do things halfway (such as starting a website but having no idea how to promote or update it). Bottom line-have a plan. Don’t create your VA biz “half-a$$ed.”
Keep It Personal-Be Authentic
One of the things that business customers sometimes complain about is that they can’t seem to talk to a “live human” in customer service. If you are courteous and take the time to answer people’s concerns, it ups your chance for success. It’s a firm belief of mine that 50% of the battle to keeping clients is simple SHOWING UP.
So what do you think? What questions do you have about becoming a VA?
I have been blogging for a little over a year and have (within the last few months) made a concerted effort to turn my love of writing into a real-life WAHM career. It’s turning out to be much harder than I expected. So much rejection! I will not give up, however.
Do appreciate this post!
Keep plugging away Martha! There’s a really awesome blog group on Facebook called the Bloggy Girls Club. I have learned so much from those ladies (and I’ve been blogging for 6 years!)