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In my experience, work-at-home moms typically share tips and tricks to help others succeed. We are in this together!
There is no perfect formula or guarantee of a massive income while you do nothing (and anything that promises that is likely a scam!). Still, those who have succeeded or know others who have succeeded have some excellent ideas. Networking and sharing are success tips number one.
1. Social networking
Join groups with similar interests. There are online communities dedicated to supporting the work-at-home mom (WAHM). Some 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 supportive community can help when you have questions. You can also share your tips and successful “moments.” There are also a plethora of offline meet-up groups that cater to entrepreneurial-minded women as well. Check Facebook for a local group or ask other businesswomen. If you are not finding a group in your area, create one!
2. The latest technology
Don’t fear Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook ads. Success is more likely to come your way if you are connected and available. If you are apprehensive about stepping into unfamiliar waters with Facebook ads, starting a blog, or even trying Twitter for the first time, tap into other WAHMS you know. Chances are they will be willing to show you the basics and possibly even barter for some of YOUR skills!
3. Love what you do
It’s hard to be successful doing something you dislike. You might be able to “fake it” for a while, but it will catch up to you eventually. You will likely lose motivation if you aren’t passionate about your work. If you don’t like the product you’re selling, the information you are writing about, or the client work you are doing, work can seem like drudgery. Your passions and interests may not be conducive to a WAHM business. Still, if you are honest with yourself, you can probably find something that interests you and would make a fulfilling business venture.
4. Be decisive
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 business or even whether you want to work from home, decide before venturing into business. You can research and ask before deciding, but doing things halfway (such as starting a website without knowing how to promote or update it) can be a mistake.
5. Keep it personal
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. Being courteous and taking the time to answer people’s concerns increases your chance of success. Tools like Skype and Google Talk allow you to chat with people face-to-face even when you are oceans apart. Go the extra mile and stay connected with your customers and clients. Not only will it help you benefit in business, but it will also lend to having more pride in what you do.
More Resources to Help You Along Your Side Hustle Journey
MOM BOSSING
MOM BOSSING: The Freedom to Create the Business You Love is a book filled with personal stories, resources, support, wisdom, and encouragement from a solopreneur who has worked as a mom boss. This step-by-step guide shares the truth, fears, tears, and cheers of being a mom who is building a business empire on her own terms. If you are looking for a new career for the “second half of life,” venturing into direct sales, rocking a home business, or dreaming of leaving a dead-end job, this book provides the building blocks needed to move forward with a healthy dose of humor authenticity. In many ways, this book could also sport the tagline of Building a LIFE on Your Own Terms.
I was lucky to have Becky Flansburg join us at Multicultural Children’s Book Day when we first began our nonprofit. She was the “head elf, ” meaning she did everything from project management to helping us get sponsorships. In the early years, we couldn’t keep her busy for more than a few months a year; even that was very part-time. Becky’s contribution to the team helped us grow our nonprofit, and, in turn, we could keep her busier. Now, as a “mom boss,” Becky shares her journey and wisdom for moms who want to try solopreneurship. It’s particularly helpful for anyone who wants to become a VA (Virtual Assistant).~author and mompreneur, Mia Wenjen
Also available on IndieBound.com.
FREElance FREEdom: Creating the Work-From-Home Life You Crave
Have you ever dreamed of working from home on your own terms instead of being confined to a corporate cubicle or windowless office? Have you ever dreamed of earning a steady and honest income while having plenty of time for friends and family?
Lucky for you, it is all very possible. I have successfully lived it for over 12 years, and I can’t imagine supporting my family (and following my dreams!) any other way.
This robust 90-page e-book and resource guide contains a treasure trove of excellent information about working from home (on your own terms), all rolled into a handy read-at-your-own-pace guidebook.
Whether you want to pursue a career as a freelance writer, virtual assistant, graphic designer (and more) this Resource Guide will provide the insight, tools, guides, advice, and strategies applicable to any freelance business. If you want the basics of getting started without support and coaching, this eBook is for you.
For anyone looking to start their freelance career or up their game, this book is the perfect place to start. This book is packed with actionable items and details about handling unruly clients, well-meaning visitors, and kids while working from home – it has it all! Highly recommended!~author and mompreneur Carissa Andrews
For those contemplating the freelance lifestyle but needing a guidebook with baby steps, this is your manifesto! Becky Flansburg shares her tips for balancing a freelance career with a family, including the nuts and bolts, such as the online tools she uses for networking and running her business. Becky is a gentle and realistic cheerleader for anyone who wants to work at home as a solopreneur.~Mia Wenjen
FREElance FREEdom is Available on Kindle
Also available on IndieBound.com.
Available in Paperback on Amazon: mybook.to/FREElanceFREEdompprbk
The Dose of Reality says
Great tips!! I think the social networking is *so* important. It can feel very isolating when you WAH. Fantastic! –Lisa
Rebecca Flansburg says
You are SO right, Lisa. I catch myself isolating myself on occasion and that’s just something you do NOT want to do. Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂