This is one of my favorite times of the year. As 2007 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the good things that happened. What goals were met? What goals were not met and why?
Make a plan for 2008. Write down goals and attach your "why" to each of them. This helps me stay focused with a more defined path.
I'm not much on resolutions, but I write down goals for the following areas - family, business, fitness, financial, and spiritual. I look forward to 2008 with a great deal of excitement and know that the best is yet to come!
Network Marketing is an amazing opportunity when done right. As a part of this industry, self development and growth is important. I recently joined the Renegade Network Marketer to do just that. For the next year, I will be heavily involved in growing, learning and developing myself and my business.
I will share the progress along the way.
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Ask Powerful Questions and LISTEN
Ask powerful questions and LISTEN!
As a network marketing veteran, I always apply the God gave us two ears and one mouth rule – ask questions and then listen. Listen to the answers.
It doesn’t matter if you are working with a potential customer, speaking with a prospect or working with a member of your team, powerful questions is a habit you want to engage in habitually.
The more you know about people, the more effective you will be in bringing value to them. Ask questions so you can get to know that person, really know them. Engaging in conversation and showing someone you care begins the process of relationship building through network marketing.
Each time you engage conversation with someone, be sure you know what it is you want to discover. Set a goal with each encounter. When you leave, know that you gave it your best and brought value to the situation.
When bring value to someone, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. Build your network marketing business with honesty and integrity and without the hype, and you will stand above other network marketers.
People will come to you, see the value of watching and learning from you and duplicating your efforts. Asking questions and more importantly listening to the answers will lead you in the right direction.
The bottom line is if you ask the powerful questions and listen to the answers, you will turn those prospects into customers, business partners and team members!
As a network marketing veteran, I always apply the God gave us two ears and one mouth rule – ask questions and then listen. Listen to the answers.
It doesn’t matter if you are working with a potential customer, speaking with a prospect or working with a member of your team, powerful questions is a habit you want to engage in habitually.
The more you know about people, the more effective you will be in bringing value to them. Ask questions so you can get to know that person, really know them. Engaging in conversation and showing someone you care begins the process of relationship building through network marketing.
Each time you engage conversation with someone, be sure you know what it is you want to discover. Set a goal with each encounter. When you leave, know that you gave it your best and brought value to the situation.
When bring value to someone, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. Build your network marketing business with honesty and integrity and without the hype, and you will stand above other network marketers.
People will come to you, see the value of watching and learning from you and duplicating your efforts. Asking questions and more importantly listening to the answers will lead you in the right direction.
The bottom line is if you ask the powerful questions and listen to the answers, you will turn those prospects into customers, business partners and team members!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Effective advertising on a low cost budget
Effective advertising on a low cost budget.
Many people begin their network marketing career with a low cost budget. So, what type of publicity can you get when funds are low and you need to keep your costs in check? The following are some ideas that you can incorporate, whether you are just beginning your network marketing business or if you are a veteran network marketer.
Submit “Letters to the Editor”. There are newspapers, magazines, online ezines and websites that accept and publish “Letters to the Editor.” In addition, webmasters are generally looking for solid testimonials that they can use on their website. Take the time to read a few publications or visit a few websites and notify the publisher of your thoughts. You could find your comments being published in all sorts of locations.
Write press releases. I have received some great exposure from these. Submit your press releases to your local and surrounding newspapers and let people know about the latest news in your network marketing business.
Check out http://www.prweb.com/. There are great tips on how to write a good PR as well as post it on their site for free.
Submit articles. There are many ezines and websites to submit your articles to. The key to writing a successful article is content. Make sure it is informative and adds value to the reader. Resource and tip oriented articles do well. Submit your articles to publishers and webmasters that you know....PLUS to article directories where publishers and webmasters go for content. Remember, just one ezine could reach thousands of potential prospects.
Blogs. Another great place to have your articles published is blogs. Search engines spider blogs more frequently than regular sites. The more your article is picked up around the net the more incoming links will show up to your sites with the SEs. This does wonders for your PR (page rank) and ultimately traffic to your website, which is what network marketing, is all about.
Join a civic group or volunteer at a local charity function. Creating an identity with your community can be very valuable. How about your team volunteering? Have signs, t-shirts, something that says who you are. Be sure to network, create visibility and have fun while you network.
Post to free classified ad websites. There are many of these, but the key is
Consistency.
Safelists is another avenue. Be consistent in your posting. Join 5-10 safelists
and post consistently and see what happens.
Conduct low or no cost seminars. If you share information that can bring value to others, you can then share your products and service at the conclusion of your workshop, seminar or open house. Creating relationships and bringing valuable information can get the relationship building process started.
Get involved with discussion groups and forums. Bring value and content once again to your readers. These are not meant to be blasted with ads. Find your niche and your interests and then become a “go to” person.
10. Use three lines. The most effective method of creating publicity starts with
Three lines
Your Name
Your Business Name
Your Domain Name
Use these three lines with every message, email, letter that you send out.
During your network marketing career, you never know where your next prospect might come from, so take the time to try some of these avenues. You might just find more and more traffic coming from places you never thought about.
Many people begin their network marketing career with a low cost budget. So, what type of publicity can you get when funds are low and you need to keep your costs in check? The following are some ideas that you can incorporate, whether you are just beginning your network marketing business or if you are a veteran network marketer.
Submit “Letters to the Editor”. There are newspapers, magazines, online ezines and websites that accept and publish “Letters to the Editor.” In addition, webmasters are generally looking for solid testimonials that they can use on their website. Take the time to read a few publications or visit a few websites and notify the publisher of your thoughts. You could find your comments being published in all sorts of locations.
Write press releases. I have received some great exposure from these. Submit your press releases to your local and surrounding newspapers and let people know about the latest news in your network marketing business.
Check out http://www.prweb.com/. There are great tips on how to write a good PR as well as post it on their site for free.
Submit articles. There are many ezines and websites to submit your articles to. The key to writing a successful article is content. Make sure it is informative and adds value to the reader. Resource and tip oriented articles do well. Submit your articles to publishers and webmasters that you know....PLUS to article directories where publishers and webmasters go for content. Remember, just one ezine could reach thousands of potential prospects.
Blogs. Another great place to have your articles published is blogs. Search engines spider blogs more frequently than regular sites. The more your article is picked up around the net the more incoming links will show up to your sites with the SEs. This does wonders for your PR (page rank) and ultimately traffic to your website, which is what network marketing, is all about.
Join a civic group or volunteer at a local charity function. Creating an identity with your community can be very valuable. How about your team volunteering? Have signs, t-shirts, something that says who you are. Be sure to network, create visibility and have fun while you network.
Post to free classified ad websites. There are many of these, but the key is
Consistency.
Safelists is another avenue. Be consistent in your posting. Join 5-10 safelists
and post consistently and see what happens.
Conduct low or no cost seminars. If you share information that can bring value to others, you can then share your products and service at the conclusion of your workshop, seminar or open house. Creating relationships and bringing valuable information can get the relationship building process started.
Get involved with discussion groups and forums. Bring value and content once again to your readers. These are not meant to be blasted with ads. Find your niche and your interests and then become a “go to” person.
10. Use three lines. The most effective method of creating publicity starts with
Three lines
Your Name
Your Business Name
Your Domain Name
Use these three lines with every message, email, letter that you send out.
During your network marketing career, you never know where your next prospect might come from, so take the time to try some of these avenues. You might just find more and more traffic coming from places you never thought about.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Ten steps to building a successful MLM business
The Internet is definitely the wave of the future. Dot-com fever is every where, and it seems that there is no cure. Fortunes are being made online and you want to stake your claim.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you develop and build your business –
1. Focus on the knowledge that you already have. Every web site, newsletter and online venture needs to have a Unique Selling Proposition or USP. This is something that sets you apart from the rest. Everyone has knowledge between their ears that is different and unique. Use it. Be willing to go the extra mile to make your product stand out. To further develop this, find other web sites and newsletters that are similar to yours. Study these and brainstorm about what appeals to you, and what you can do that is different.
Make sure your site is not another copy-cat web site. Nothing is worse than seeing the same information over and over again on many web sites. If you are offering Affiliate Programs, that’s great. But, develop your own sales letter and testimonials. Don’t just slap up a banner and hope it will make you millions.
Avoid constantly comparing yourself to others. Everyone comes to the table with different experiences, education, ideas, etc. If you are just getting started, you must realize that it will take time and many fine-tunings before you get your site, newsletter and product line just the way you want it. This is just part of the process.
View everything you do through the eyes of your potential customer. Make it about THEM, and not about you. Use the word "you" at least three times more than you use the word "I". Believe it or not, people don’t really care about you and what you have done. Turn your knowledge and experience into information that relates to them.
Tell people who you are, provide them with contact information and don’t be anonymous. Your picture should be on your web site, as well as where you are located, a phone number and valid email address. You don’t need to list your home address, but give them an idea of where you live. There is nothing worse than a web site promising you overnight riches with no contact information. I don’t know about you, but to me, this screams "SCAM" very loudly.
Automate your business as much as possible from the very beginning. Use autoresponders to provide highly requested information about your product or service. Autoresponders are also a great way to follow up and stay current with people that have expressed an interest in your offer. Most people do not buy on the first visit. Studies show that it takes 7 to 9 exposures before most people buy. If you give up too early, you’ll miss the pot of gold at the end of the web!
Use common business etiquette and manners. Avoid the use of slang. Remember, the World Wide Web is just that – world wide. You will never alienate an audience by using a professional tone, but you might if you get too casual. Other than blatant spam, answer emails, even if it is a brief acknowledgment. You never know when you will interact with someone again, so treat each person as your most valued customer. They might be!
Ask questions of others! Successful people love to offer help and advice. There are bulletin boards all over the Internet where you can post messages looking for help on a particular topic whether it’s how to design something into your site, where to get a merchant account or something else. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. I learned through my first business project that people are successful for a reason. One reason is that they didn’t try to re-invent the wheel. If I can’t find the answer on my own, I’m the first one to post a message or send an email to someone that I think might have the answer. Try it! The responses and offers of help I have received from Internet millionaires are amazing.
Online marketing is great, but don’t forget to market your business offline as well. Every time you give someone cash, write a check or give your credit card, include a business card with it. Tell people about your online business and ask them to spread the word. Word of mouth advertising is better than any other form. Press releases, offline classifieds and traditional methods of advertising are important to your online business.
Build relationships and use networking skills online. Visit bulletin boards and newsgroups and offer real help and assistance. Don’t spam these places, but use a signature line promoting your business, if it is acceptable. If you are legitimate, people will remember you and it could be worth gold to you in the future.
I hope these tips will help you. The most important thing is to just get started. Don’t wait until you feel everything is perfect. It won’t be. It never is. You will probably make thousands of changes. Everyone does! When you are changing, you are growing and your business will, too!
Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you develop and build your business –
1. Focus on the knowledge that you already have. Every web site, newsletter and online venture needs to have a Unique Selling Proposition or USP. This is something that sets you apart from the rest. Everyone has knowledge between their ears that is different and unique. Use it. Be willing to go the extra mile to make your product stand out. To further develop this, find other web sites and newsletters that are similar to yours. Study these and brainstorm about what appeals to you, and what you can do that is different.
Make sure your site is not another copy-cat web site. Nothing is worse than seeing the same information over and over again on many web sites. If you are offering Affiliate Programs, that’s great. But, develop your own sales letter and testimonials. Don’t just slap up a banner and hope it will make you millions.
Avoid constantly comparing yourself to others. Everyone comes to the table with different experiences, education, ideas, etc. If you are just getting started, you must realize that it will take time and many fine-tunings before you get your site, newsletter and product line just the way you want it. This is just part of the process.
View everything you do through the eyes of your potential customer. Make it about THEM, and not about you. Use the word "you" at least three times more than you use the word "I". Believe it or not, people don’t really care about you and what you have done. Turn your knowledge and experience into information that relates to them.
Tell people who you are, provide them with contact information and don’t be anonymous. Your picture should be on your web site, as well as where you are located, a phone number and valid email address. You don’t need to list your home address, but give them an idea of where you live. There is nothing worse than a web site promising you overnight riches with no contact information. I don’t know about you, but to me, this screams "SCAM" very loudly.
Automate your business as much as possible from the very beginning. Use autoresponders to provide highly requested information about your product or service. Autoresponders are also a great way to follow up and stay current with people that have expressed an interest in your offer. Most people do not buy on the first visit. Studies show that it takes 7 to 9 exposures before most people buy. If you give up too early, you’ll miss the pot of gold at the end of the web!
Use common business etiquette and manners. Avoid the use of slang. Remember, the World Wide Web is just that – world wide. You will never alienate an audience by using a professional tone, but you might if you get too casual. Other than blatant spam, answer emails, even if it is a brief acknowledgment. You never know when you will interact with someone again, so treat each person as your most valued customer. They might be!
Ask questions of others! Successful people love to offer help and advice. There are bulletin boards all over the Internet where you can post messages looking for help on a particular topic whether it’s how to design something into your site, where to get a merchant account or something else. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. I learned through my first business project that people are successful for a reason. One reason is that they didn’t try to re-invent the wheel. If I can’t find the answer on my own, I’m the first one to post a message or send an email to someone that I think might have the answer. Try it! The responses and offers of help I have received from Internet millionaires are amazing.
Online marketing is great, but don’t forget to market your business offline as well. Every time you give someone cash, write a check or give your credit card, include a business card with it. Tell people about your online business and ask them to spread the word. Word of mouth advertising is better than any other form. Press releases, offline classifieds and traditional methods of advertising are important to your online business.
Build relationships and use networking skills online. Visit bulletin boards and newsgroups and offer real help and assistance. Don’t spam these places, but use a signature line promoting your business, if it is acceptable. If you are legitimate, people will remember you and it could be worth gold to you in the future.
I hope these tips will help you. The most important thing is to just get started. Don’t wait until you feel everything is perfect. It won’t be. It never is. You will probably make thousands of changes. Everyone does! When you are changing, you are growing and your business will, too!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Recruting Tips
In Network Marketing, the “on the beach” money is made by recruiting and coaching others to duplicate your efforts.
You can find people who are interested everywhere.
Learn how to develop business partners from –
Your warm market
Out and About
Networking and local events
Referrals
Advertising
Home Parties
Shows, Booths and Expos
Online
Develop Your Story and Hot Button
The first step in effective sponsoring starts with developing your story and then leading with it when you get into conversation with others. Remember, stories sell, and facts and figures just tell.
Timing is everything.
Even if you think a person would be perfect for your business, if the timing isn’t right, it won’t be a fit.
That doesn’t mean it won’t be a fit in the future. If you handle the situation correctly, it could be the right time in the future.
Separate yourself from the outcome
This isn’t about you. It is about the person you are talking with.
Ask questions and LISTEN. These are a sample of questions to ask.
What are you looking for specifically?
What other businesses have you looked at?
Have you ever owned your own business or worked from home before?
How much time will you devote to your business?
How much of a financial investment are you willing to make?
What are you expectations in me as a partner?
What attracted you to my company or to me?
Create Curiosity
Drop bits and pieces of information. If your prospect is truly interested, he or she will ask questions about the details. Remember, that little is more.
Build trust
Be real! If you are passionate about what you do, your prospects will hear that. Be sincere and be honest. If you build your team with honesty, integrity and offer valuable information, you can change your business and YOUR LIFE!
You can find people who are interested everywhere.
Learn how to develop business partners from –
Your warm market
Out and About
Networking and local events
Referrals
Advertising
Home Parties
Shows, Booths and Expos
Online
Develop Your Story and Hot Button
The first step in effective sponsoring starts with developing your story and then leading with it when you get into conversation with others. Remember, stories sell, and facts and figures just tell.
Timing is everything.
Even if you think a person would be perfect for your business, if the timing isn’t right, it won’t be a fit.
That doesn’t mean it won’t be a fit in the future. If you handle the situation correctly, it could be the right time in the future.
Separate yourself from the outcome
This isn’t about you. It is about the person you are talking with.
Ask questions and LISTEN. These are a sample of questions to ask.
What are you looking for specifically?
What other businesses have you looked at?
Have you ever owned your own business or worked from home before?
How much time will you devote to your business?
How much of a financial investment are you willing to make?
What are you expectations in me as a partner?
What attracted you to my company or to me?
Create Curiosity
Drop bits and pieces of information. If your prospect is truly interested, he or she will ask questions about the details. Remember, that little is more.
Build trust
Be real! If you are passionate about what you do, your prospects will hear that. Be sincere and be honest. If you build your team with honesty, integrity and offer valuable information, you can change your business and YOUR LIFE!
Monday, October 22, 2007
I started my Network Marketing jouney a few years. ago. I was at a crossroads. I was looking for FREEDOM. Time freedom, financial freedom and most of all the freedom to be the best I could be and help others do the same.
I always thought I didn't have a choice. Working in Corporate America was my destiny. Three children later, a family, and a career that left me little spare time, I knew life was passing me by and I wanted so much more. But how could I do leave Corporate America. After all, my family relies on my income.
After several weeks of research, all the information I came across kept leading me back to a MLM Business and Network Marketing. MLM and Network Marketing could give me everything I had been looking for - Enough income to fire Corporate America and most of all FREEDOM. I needed more than a "hobby"income. So, I researched some companies, found one and went to work. After a year and a half of being completely committed, it was time to reevaluate. I had been moderately successful, but wasn't close to firing Corporate America. I had made sacrifices......why had I not accomplished what I needed to?
I needed to learn to work smarter, not necessarily harder. I was already devoting any "spare time" (if you can call it that) to my network marketing business. I worked 40+hours a week and spend every moment that I could recruiting, making phone calls and working non stop.
The first year and half were valuable experiences which helped me learn how to choose the right company, find the right team, build a successful home business, and to teach others to do the same through network marketing.
I finally found a network marketing business that is fun, rewarding, and flexible. It is providing ongoing personal growth, education, and personal development. It also is giving me the chance to help others and achieve their dreams by establishing their own home business.
I discovered an incredible product that brings joy into the lives of others and a simple business plan that provides an on-going residual income paying us over and over for the work that we did one time. And I'm able to take this home business to the Internet, something I had not done before. Developing online marketing approach has been the best thing I have ever done. As a mom of three, a wife and an employee of Corporate America, I needed to find something to work for me 24/7. Time constraints were my biggest issue. NOW, I'm working smarter, not harder.
With a background of Network Marketing, I was intrigued to learn more about the power of Internet Marketing. Let's get right to the point here! You are looking for a home based, Internet business and you want to be successful. I am looking for partners who are serious and committed. Does that describe you? If so, I'm going to suggest that you take some time and evaluate my Network Marketing business system.
Do you want to own your own life and have total time and financial freedom? Then, you must educate yourself on the power of our business system. I will personally educate you on how to combine the two most powerful trends in the 21st century, Network Marketing and Internet Marketing. It's about creating a win-win situation for each of my partners. It's about enriching someones life through the business first and then about developing a long -lasting relationship next.
Maybe you are like me.....wanting to fire Corporate America. Are you looking for time freedom, financial freedom, great relationships, the opportunity to help others. Well, if you have answered yes to any of these, you will quickly discover, you can't have one without the other.
Stick around as I close in on Firing Corporate America! It will be a HUGE celebration!
Believe Success!
Lisa Willard
So, you have entered the Work at home network marketing journey. How do you say balanced?
The following are some tips to help you do just that!
Staying balanced during the JOURNEY!
It’s a pretty well known fact: Moms are pulled in many directions and their to-do list almost never gets completely crossed off. There’s the kids, the husband, the house, the chores, the errands, the laundry, the meals, the appointments, the kid’s activities, the birthday parties and for me the full time job and my WAH journey. It’s an intensive job that requires some great time management and organization to ensure that everything gets done (or almost everything), and there’s still enough time to spend relaxing and enjoying your family.Here are some tips to you find some balance:
· Use a calendar to stay organized. Keep track of home, school and your work at home activities and appointments on your calendar. It may work best to use a desk calendar that you can take with you as well as set calendar reminders in a program such as Outlook to remind you of certain repeating activities, practices, birthdays, bills to pay, etc.
· Be a team. Ask for help when needed and offer help where needed. Perhaps one week you can be in charge of homework or baths and the next week your spouse can. Come up with mutually beneficial plans to help your family function and have lots of time for family fun!· Let go of guilt and know that you cannot possibly do everything. Whether you need to hire a housekeeper, order take out or say no to a volunteer request, know that you are doing what’s best for you and your family but not overextending yourself and putting unnecessary burdens and expectations on yourself.
Schedule time for your WAH career. Mark off those times that are non-negotiable. If you work full time, that might be 8-5 M-F, church time, work out time, family time. Once those are wrote down, you can set your business hours. Then stick to them! Set realistic goals. Remember that baby steps count. Put together a dream board for your family. Involve your children as much as possible. Give them little tasks to complete. Let me them know if you reach your goal, it will mean xyz for them. Pay them for helping with your business. My children are ages 2, 4, and 10. Each contributes in their own way. Remind yourself to check in occasionally on where you are spending your time…. and where you are not.
· Schedule a weekly date with your spouse as well as individual time with your kids. Also make time for yourself. Do not let one area of your life dominate the rest.
.· Use your evening time wisely. If you are working full time, this may be the time to dedicate a portion to your new MLM endeavor.
· Be a smart shopper and meal planner. Buy cookbooks with quick, healthy meals or meals that you can double and freeze for another night. No need to do it all every night.
· Know that you can always adjust and change your options. If the choices that were right for you last year are not as good this year, reconsider and re-evaluate all of your options. Talk it over with your spouse and close friends. Then decide what is best for you and your family today. Take life by the horns!
· Stay flexible. Just as your children grow and your marriage matures, your individual, career, family and marriage needs will also grow, change and develop. Stay open to changes and realize that growing with each of these areas will be fresh, exciting, challenging and probably at times, frustrating and tiring.
· Do what’s best for you and your family. Don’t allow others to dictate what the best option is for you and your family.
With these tips and your own tried-and-true ones, you will find that being a balanced mom is not fiction. It truly can be fact. It just takes planning, delegating, flexibility, a positive attitude and some great organization. As a mom seeking to Fire Corporate America, I can proudly say and I’m sure you would agree: There’s no better or more rewarding job in the world!
I always thought I didn't have a choice. Working in Corporate America was my destiny. Three children later, a family, and a career that left me little spare time, I knew life was passing me by and I wanted so much more. But how could I do leave Corporate America. After all, my family relies on my income.
After several weeks of research, all the information I came across kept leading me back to a MLM Business and Network Marketing. MLM and Network Marketing could give me everything I had been looking for - Enough income to fire Corporate America and most of all FREEDOM. I needed more than a "hobby"income. So, I researched some companies, found one and went to work. After a year and a half of being completely committed, it was time to reevaluate. I had been moderately successful, but wasn't close to firing Corporate America. I had made sacrifices......why had I not accomplished what I needed to?
I needed to learn to work smarter, not necessarily harder. I was already devoting any "spare time" (if you can call it that) to my network marketing business. I worked 40+hours a week and spend every moment that I could recruiting, making phone calls and working non stop.
The first year and half were valuable experiences which helped me learn how to choose the right company, find the right team, build a successful home business, and to teach others to do the same through network marketing.
I finally found a network marketing business that is fun, rewarding, and flexible. It is providing ongoing personal growth, education, and personal development. It also is giving me the chance to help others and achieve their dreams by establishing their own home business.
I discovered an incredible product that brings joy into the lives of others and a simple business plan that provides an on-going residual income paying us over and over for the work that we did one time. And I'm able to take this home business to the Internet, something I had not done before. Developing online marketing approach has been the best thing I have ever done. As a mom of three, a wife and an employee of Corporate America, I needed to find something to work for me 24/7. Time constraints were my biggest issue. NOW, I'm working smarter, not harder.
With a background of Network Marketing, I was intrigued to learn more about the power of Internet Marketing. Let's get right to the point here! You are looking for a home based, Internet business and you want to be successful. I am looking for partners who are serious and committed. Does that describe you? If so, I'm going to suggest that you take some time and evaluate my Network Marketing business system.
Do you want to own your own life and have total time and financial freedom? Then, you must educate yourself on the power of our business system. I will personally educate you on how to combine the two most powerful trends in the 21st century, Network Marketing and Internet Marketing. It's about creating a win-win situation for each of my partners. It's about enriching someones life through the business first and then about developing a long -lasting relationship next.
Maybe you are like me.....wanting to fire Corporate America. Are you looking for time freedom, financial freedom, great relationships, the opportunity to help others. Well, if you have answered yes to any of these, you will quickly discover, you can't have one without the other.
Stick around as I close in on Firing Corporate America! It will be a HUGE celebration!
Believe Success!
Lisa Willard
So, you have entered the Work at home network marketing journey. How do you say balanced?
The following are some tips to help you do just that!
Staying balanced during the JOURNEY!
It’s a pretty well known fact: Moms are pulled in many directions and their to-do list almost never gets completely crossed off. There’s the kids, the husband, the house, the chores, the errands, the laundry, the meals, the appointments, the kid’s activities, the birthday parties and for me the full time job and my WAH journey. It’s an intensive job that requires some great time management and organization to ensure that everything gets done (or almost everything), and there’s still enough time to spend relaxing and enjoying your family.Here are some tips to you find some balance:
· Use a calendar to stay organized. Keep track of home, school and your work at home activities and appointments on your calendar. It may work best to use a desk calendar that you can take with you as well as set calendar reminders in a program such as Outlook to remind you of certain repeating activities, practices, birthdays, bills to pay, etc.
· Be a team. Ask for help when needed and offer help where needed. Perhaps one week you can be in charge of homework or baths and the next week your spouse can. Come up with mutually beneficial plans to help your family function and have lots of time for family fun!· Let go of guilt and know that you cannot possibly do everything. Whether you need to hire a housekeeper, order take out or say no to a volunteer request, know that you are doing what’s best for you and your family but not overextending yourself and putting unnecessary burdens and expectations on yourself.
Schedule time for your WAH career. Mark off those times that are non-negotiable. If you work full time, that might be 8-5 M-F, church time, work out time, family time. Once those are wrote down, you can set your business hours. Then stick to them! Set realistic goals. Remember that baby steps count. Put together a dream board for your family. Involve your children as much as possible. Give them little tasks to complete. Let me them know if you reach your goal, it will mean xyz for them. Pay them for helping with your business. My children are ages 2, 4, and 10. Each contributes in their own way. Remind yourself to check in occasionally on where you are spending your time…. and where you are not.
· Schedule a weekly date with your spouse as well as individual time with your kids. Also make time for yourself. Do not let one area of your life dominate the rest.
.· Use your evening time wisely. If you are working full time, this may be the time to dedicate a portion to your new MLM endeavor.
· Be a smart shopper and meal planner. Buy cookbooks with quick, healthy meals or meals that you can double and freeze for another night. No need to do it all every night.
· Know that you can always adjust and change your options. If the choices that were right for you last year are not as good this year, reconsider and re-evaluate all of your options. Talk it over with your spouse and close friends. Then decide what is best for you and your family today. Take life by the horns!
· Stay flexible. Just as your children grow and your marriage matures, your individual, career, family and marriage needs will also grow, change and develop. Stay open to changes and realize that growing with each of these areas will be fresh, exciting, challenging and probably at times, frustrating and tiring.
· Do what’s best for you and your family. Don’t allow others to dictate what the best option is for you and your family.
With these tips and your own tried-and-true ones, you will find that being a balanced mom is not fiction. It truly can be fact. It just takes planning, delegating, flexibility, a positive attitude and some great organization. As a mom seeking to Fire Corporate America, I can proudly say and I’m sure you would agree: There’s no better or more rewarding job in the world!
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