Business or Hobby: You Are What You Think

Each day thousands of new home businesses are born.  More and more entrepreneurs worldwide are realizing the benefits of working out of their homes.  Many start out as a part time business; with the intent that they will resign from their full time job outside the home once the income level is matched. 

Interestingly, many entrepreneurs who start a business don’t run their business like a business which sometimes may cause frustration over a period of time. 

The examples below will further illustrate this.   

Jane works full time in an office outside of her home.  She just signed up with a direct sales company as a consultant for a cosmetic company. Jane told a few of her friends about her new business venture; yet many around her do not even know that she is selling the product.  She uses language such as “I sell XYZ makeup” or “I’m a rep for 123 Company.”  In this example Jane does not look at herself as a business woman.  Rather, she dabbles in it.  She is a hobbyist. 

Conversely, Sue is a family manager (she’s a stay at home mom to her three children).  She decided to start a home business.  After much research, she decided that she really liked the product line and support of a cosmetic company. 

Sue had the mindset that she would be successful.  She told all her friends and family about her new business.  She had professional business cards made and gave them to everyone she met who came within three feet of her (including at the grocery store and at her children’s school).   

She “felt the fear and did it anyway”.  She wasn’t comfortable getting on the phone and telling people about her new business - but she believed in the product so much, she did it anyway.  Sue remembered a great book she recently read.  She couldn’t flip through the pages fast enough; she told everyone about that book and how it would impact their life. 

Then Sue reminded herself how easy it was to tell everyone about that book; and never felt like she was imposing.  She chose to feel the exact same way about offering the cosmetics to people around her. 

Jane’s husband was disappointed in all the money his wife was spending on makeup.  They were now the proud owners of a closet full of cosmetics.  Sue’s husband was pleasantly shocked at the increase in their checking account.  His wife was an excellent business owner. She was earning all sorts of money for the family. 

Both women had the exact same opportunity.  The only difference was their attitude.  One “sold makeup” (and not very well I might add); and the other had a booming cosmetic business. 

In my article, Direct Sales Tips, one of the tips that I mention is: 

“You must honestly believe and feel that what you are selling is a worthwhile and honest value in order to be a success in selling. When you have the conviction that you are selling a worthwhile product, you will sell with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious. When the prospect becomes enthusiastic, he buys.” 

Become enthusiastic about your chosen business or simply ask yourself: 

Which are you?  Do you try to sell stuff? Or are you a business owner?  As the 17th century, the French philosopher René Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” 

© 2007-2008 Regina Baker & Company

More is Not Always Merrier

First we had the dot come era.  Now we seem to be in the direct sales era.  More and more direct sales start-up companies are coming onto the scene; presenting more opportunities to work at home.  One recent trend is to start multiple direct sales businesses.  More is not always merrier.  Let’s examine this concept further. 

Consideration:  Some WAHMs would suggest that becoming a representative or consultant for multiple companies give their customers a much wider variety of offerings.  Instead of having one website or one company catalog with twenty –five to two hundred various products per company, they prefer having a sum total of one thousand plus items to sell. 

Potential Problem:  Have you ever been to a restaurant that has an extensive menu? Perhaps you’ve had to dismiss the server more than one time because you had a difficult time making a decision.  Whereas if you went to a restaurant that has a quality menu with only thirty different items from which to select, you likely had much fewer challenges deciding what to order. 

Consideration:  Some decide to become a consultant for XYZ Company.  Only after a period of time, sales are not what they imagined them to be.  So then they decide to add another company to see if that works any better.  But then they hear of new companies who are offering very low enrollment fees or many with free sign-ups.  Surely they cannot afford to pass up those new opportunities and decide to add more businesses to their menu. 

Potential Problem:  Credibility. Owning multiple businesses can back fire on you.  You may think you are offering customers more to choose; however you may be sending out a signal that says: “I couldn’t make XYZ work well enough as a stand alone” or “I could not stay devoted or focused enough to stick with just XYZ company” or worse yet, “Please don’t view me as passionate about my product or as an expert, because I don’t really know what I want to sell… so I decided to try to be my own Super Walmart”.  

Consideration:  Some see free or low cost start-ups and think “I’ve got nothing to lose; it’s not costing me anything.”   

Potential Problem:  There is no free lunch.  We all know that.  Even a company with a free start up will end up costing you something.  Consider such expenses as:  Shipping charges on “free” Vista Print marketing collateral, inventory, vehicle signage, booth space for the next crafts show, catalogs, packaging material, business supplies, etc.  Those investments are all well and good if there is a return on the investment. However, each time a new business is added and it potentially weakens the business owner’s credibility, odds are decreased that she will be able to stay in the black with all these extra add-ons.   Additionally, don’t forget to value your time.  Time spent developing a new business could have been spent growing an existing business.   

Footnote:  There are some very successful business owners who represent more than one company.  It can be done.  Some choose to represent complimenting companies while others choose entirely different target markets.  The point here is not to discourage anyone to broadening their horizons – but rather just be cautious not to become a “business collector” or in come cases … a “start-up addict!”

© 2007-2008 Regina Baker & Company

Review Three Steps Back and Think Three Steps Ahead

The chances are good if you are a typical work at home mom that you have been moving through the days, weeks and months of your business life looking something like a pinball.  You planned your launch but ever since then you’ve been bouncing off barriers and spinning through open doors, hoping like crazy that you won’t end up losing your ball. 

Today is a very good day to conduct a review of your business.  Are you game? 

Review #1 – Where have you been spending your time? 
Where are you networking?  Do you have specific goals for your networking time?  What are they?  Here’s an example of possible networking goals: 

  • I want to get 100 people to come explore my business opportunity this month.
  • I want to recruit 20 new affiliates this week.
  • I want to secure one really useful joint venture partner before the end of the summer.
  • I want to earn 10 new one way links to my site from new friends I’ll make this week.

If you have goals like these, you can determine at the end of the week or month or season whether you achieved them or not.

If you don’t set goals, it’s easy to pour a lot of your valuable time into networking without any clear way to measure your success.  When you do start setting goals, you find that you get smarter about where you network and who you network with. 

Review #2 – What have you created? 

There’s a valuable saying that goes like this: “It’s not what you’re doing; it’s what you get done.”  This needs to be printed out and taped on the wall next to your workspace as a constant reminder that busywork doesn’t equal work and pursuing activity isn’t the same as taking action. 

What have you accomplished in the last three months?  Does your profit divided by hours invested equal the wage you want to earn?  If the answer is no, it’s time to plan some changes.   

Review #3 – What contributes to my income? 

Sit down and make a list of the activities that you have identified as a money maker.  Now make a list of the activities that do not directly generate profits.  Some support tasks have very little to do with making money but are absolutely necessary.  Truthfully though, there are some activities that you have engaged in that aren’t making you money and aren’t necessary at all. 

Now that you’ve reviewed the last quarter, you’re ready to create a plan for the next three months.  Work smarter than ever and you’ll see better profits with less effort. 

© 2007-2008 Regina Baker & Company

Direct Sales Tips

As a direct salesperson, you serve a vital function in our society. You create a market for products. To be a good salesperson you must take pride in your profession, be it part-time or full-time.

Below are eight sales tips to help you along in selling your products.

  1. You must honestly believe and feel that what you are selling is a worthwhile and honest value in order to be a success in selling. When you have the conviction that you are selling a worthwhile product, you will sell with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious. When the prospect becomes enthusiastic, he buys.
  2. Don’t be impatient. Too many inexperienced salespeople call on one or two prospects and quit if they don’t get immediate results. It takes time for people to gain confidence in you and your products. Many people will buy at once, but a big proportion will wait to think things over.

    Most of your business will eventually be repeat orders from customers. Almost all business depends on repeats. A retail establishment will lose money for quite a period until they build up a flow of repeat customers. Any worthwhile endeavor requires effort. The amount of money you will make will be directly proportional to the effort you put forth.

    Some people believe there is an innate trait that makes some people good at sales and others failures. Several marketing authors have dispelled this fallacy. You can and will make money selling your products if you put forth an effort.

  3. Be yourself. Many people visualize a successful salesperson as a hail and hearty person with an outgoing personality. If they are not the image of what they expect is a success, they try to imitate. I recently read…, “One of our most successful salespeople is a man who ‘never sold a thing in his life’ before he joined us. He turned to selling in desperation, when he lost his job and needed an income to support his family. He didn’t like to dress in a jacket or tie so he called on his prospects in his everyday “house” clothes. He was terrified at selling and the first two calls took more courage than he thought he had. He sold both prospects! When you are not yourself, you’ll appear phony.” Just act your natural self, and you will do well.
  4. Don’t try to sell by force. If you do pressure a person into buying something they don’t want, you haven’t developed a customer.
  5. Don’t plead. “Please try my product because I need the money badly.” Maybe you’ll get a sympathy sale, but again, you haven’t developed a customer.
  6. Emphasize value, need and satisfaction, and your prospect will buy if you can explain to him that your product is a good value, it serves a need, and that he or she will derive pleasure or satisfaction from the sale. Of course, you must know your product before you can convince others that it is worthwhile buying.
  7. Ask for the sale. Closing the sale is the critical part of any sales approach. You must not be afraid to ask for the order. The close naturally depends upon the proper overall presentation. If you have shown the prospect that your product has value, need, or potential enjoyment, you’re ready to ask for an order.
    Test closes are made by asking, “Which do you prefer the peach or the aqua color? I can deliver your order overnight, or would Saturday be preferable?”
  8. Set goals for yourself. When you’re in sales you must be self motivated. You won’t have any boss or foreman telling you what to do and when. It becomes too easy to find excuses for not making calls unless you establish goals for yourself. Keep accurate records of all sales by the week and by the month.

© 2000-2008 Regina Baker & Company

The REAL Truth of Being in Business

The only way to prosper in your business is to first pray and second, work hard! I have found that by spending countless hours researching for the best articles, web sites and effective networking in cyberspace, it is not until through and by praying and asking for direct guidance is then will you see the results of success.

If someone is telling you it’s easy, don’t listen! It’s take patience and focus to achieve your goals. Determination and perseverance are also added keys to success. Sharing your new found resources is by all means an added PLUS for success. When you share you will receive! [There is truly a blessing in giving].

In this article you will receive various links to web sites which offer valuable information to build your business. Important! - Don’t skim through this article with the intentions of coming back because you won’t. Set aside time to view each web site and choose the areas that are beneficial to your business. Put the tips into action!

Do you find yourself becoming frustrated in building your business? Frustration normally “sets in” when you become “lazy” about your business. If you’re truly serious and determined about building a successful business, you’ll organize the time to spend reading what’s pertinent regarding this. To be quite frank, you won’t make in business if you don’t read!  Reading expands your knowledge.

Here are a few suggestions offering to help you achieve success:

TIP:  Never, ever make another web site your “home page.” If you have a web site, make your own web site your home page. Add the other web sites to your list of “Favorites” to review at your leisure.

Try very hard to steer away from “click” groups. Click groups gossip and can eventually ruin your reputation on the Internet.

Stay focused on why YOU are in business and what YOU want to gain from it. Remain business minded by [again] sincerely sharing resources and getting your business name noticed and remembered!

Whether we like it, or believe or not, there is a higher power who determines our growth process, all of which, is given by grace and mercy, these two things are not earned, they are simply given based on action.

Remember… “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 NIV 

© 2004-2008 Regina Baker & Company

Pray Your Business Into Existence

To begin in business means to first prepare with God’s blessing. When you know, what you know spiritually, “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:6

Begin your journey with prayer. “The effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

To understand the will of God, means to know that all things that are good in His eyesight are of His will. When I first started my business, I didn’t put God first. I didn’t pray and ask His blessings over my business. The confusion, doubt and non-focus ultimately led to failure. Oh I prayed but not about business. Don’t ever forget this, every good thing, every gift and every plan comes from God. “If He brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it.” God began to give me the desire to pray not only for my family and others but for my business as well. In doing so He gave me revelation knowledge and wisdom to understand the path I was about to embark on.

One very important piece of wisdom I learned is that prosperity comes from the obedience and consistency of our faith. “Faith comes by hearing and by hearing the word of God.” Creating a relationship with God and reading the word of God will give you exactly what you need to manifest your dream. Another wisdom tip is, as Christians we are required to be “Christ-like.” It is a prerequisite to obtaining prosperity whether it be spiritually, financially or business minded individuals.

Also, to give of yourself is a powerful path to achieving your desires. A very good friend once told us, “If you see a need, meet it.” It’s really simple to give and it does not always mean that you must give financially. There are several ways to give, for example, share your positive knowledge with others who are struggling with certain issues. Perhaps you are knowledgeable of business resources, marketing, designing web sites, creating graphics, programming, telemarketing, writing articles, etc., whatever it is, share with others who are less fortunate.

Now, ask yourself this question, “What is your inspiration to start your own business?”

My answer:  My inspiration comes from God, the Holy Spirit. I’ve learned that God’s plan for us will be fulfilled when we recognize that our talents, gifts and any inspiration comes from Him and that only what we do for Christ will last.

Pray about your desire to be in business. Listen to your spirit for the answers and don’t give up! Failure is something that is chosen - not given. Persistence is just one of the keys to success, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

“Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed.” Proverbs 16:22

© 2003-2008 Regina Baker & Company

Learning How To Let Go and Let God

The bible teaches us to “cast all your cares upon me”…. 

Realistically, how many of us actually do this “without” trying to fix the situation ourselves?  I would estimate a very low percentage.   Learning to “let go” and “let God” is not as easy as it sounds, however, the bible reassures us to …”Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Ps 55:22 and “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

For example let’s consider Job’s trials.  Job said:  “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job 13:15 KJV 

The taunting, “Worry Syndrome” 

I pose the question, if you’re in constant turmoil and worrying, why do you pray?  Is it just something you do because it’s tradition?  Or, do you truly seek God for peace and understanding?  Forming a “real” relationship with God provides a sense of security, revelation knowledge and mostly, “a peace that surpasseth all understanding.” 

The bible says to delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart (Ps 37:4) What we should understand mostly from this passage is the fact that there is a process of learning just how to “delight yourself in God.”  Are you willing to go through the process?  If so, here are a few suggestions to get you started on your blessed journey: 
Pray and sincerely ask the Holy Spirit to order your footsteps as you prepare to read God’s words.

  1. Clear your mind of all self-thoughts of how you “think” it should be. (As Paul stated to the Corinthians in 1 Corin 14:36; “Do you think that the knowledge of God’s word begins and ends with you Corinthians? Well, you are mistaken!”)
  2. Be prepared to push your way through negative temptations of things like, “I don’t understand what I’m reading” or “this doesn’t make any sense” or “I don’t have time to read” or “every time I try to read the bible, I get sleepy” (well, perhaps you do but, understand that the enemy doesn’t want you to read it, speak boldly and declare the good works of the Lord that you have already conquered the enemy and you’re on your way to a victorious life in Jesus Christ!) and continue to read. (Ref: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matt 26:41)
  3. Make it a point to read at least 3 scriptures per day. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to place these readings in your spirit so that when it’s time for you to use them, He will bring them back to remembrance.
  4. Don’t “try” so hard. God knows your heart. A sincere heart towards Him will produce results.
  5. STOP stressing. When you find yourself going to a place of stress, having tantrums or rebellious actions – STOP and ask yourself, “what do I look like to God right now?” Did you know that God knows what are needs are long before we do? Let go and let Him do what He promises all throughout His message.  

    BUT, if you feel you must continue through a tantrum, afterwards, repent (ask for forgiveness), shake the dust and renew your mind to the will of God. Note: “Discouragement, depression, and self-pity are the result of problems and adversity for some. For others, problems are a challenge and help bring about faith, trust and victory.” 1

  6. Be willing to go through your storm! Pick up your cross and humbly carry it to its destination! God is able to use us for His glory when we’re willing to pursue the purpose He intended for us long ago.
  7. Place yourself in environments and with people that are positive and encouraging.
  8. Instead of the “me, oh my” syndrome, with a sincere heart, pray for others.
  9. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to your own understanding.”

Did you know that doubt and faith couldn’t exist in the same body?  For example, have you ever found yourself in a conversation saying, “I know I should be stronger than this, oh yes I have faith BUT, I’m human too, and sometimes it just gets too hard.”? The mind can sometimes be our worst weapon against self; however, the fact that we can dismiss negativity by adding positives allows us to be over comers! It is unwise (and impossible) to seek the Lord through “worldly” eyes. God is a spirit and the bible informs that we must seek Him in spirit and in truth.

Larry Burkett once said, “as Christians we are admonished to be over comers, all you need to do is ask the Lord to help you.” Scripture reference: 1 John 5:5; “Who is the one that overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

What a message of reassurance, Amen?

The bible is filled with such reassurance that all we have to do is trust God, know the word for yourself and to “let go and let God” do what He purposed for your life long ago.

© 2005-2008 Regina Baker & Company

Few Are Chosen

Why do we, “Christians” request prayer for our families, businesses, health and a host of other things when we’ve already made up in our minds how we are going to “feel” or make up our minds to justify how we feel about something? Tell me, how do we walk around and proclaim Christianity but don’t seek or practice what Jesus did to make things just a little bit better?

What I mean is, how can we say we pray, read the Bible, go to Church, attend Bible Study and volunteer in Church activities and still there’s never any progress within us? No one is perfect — yes, even Christians! There is only one perfection and He’s not here.

Becoming a Christian is ever becoming.  We never “arrive.” However, with reading the word of God, meditating day and night, seeking wisdom and knowledge and knowing the conviction of the Holy Spirit, it is only then that we receive revelation knowledge.

Walk the walk and talk the talk. Be the example that Christ has given us to follow. The bible says, many are called but only few are chosen, I believe the chosen are the ones who deny themselves and put lost souls, hurting people, the elderly and sick in their daily prayers. Even when they are going through a challenge they put others first and share the profound word of God. They, are the examples of what it means to be Christian like.

The chosen are visionaries. They seek God’s will and infinite wisdom even through persecution.

“Whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the loe of God abide in him?… Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” 1 John 3:17-18

I see over and over through emails and Christian discussion groups how people send emails crying out for help from other Christians. I’ve seen how some of the replies have been warm and encouraging while others have been condemnation and assumptions. When people are seeking help, they are seeking the comforting truth of God’s word - not man made perceptions of people. We should learn to show compassion and love - just the same that Jesus would do.

We should learn to give in Love and not judgment. We, Christians, should seek the truth of what Christianity means and what are roles are as Christians!

“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Phil 2:4

© 2004-2008 Regina Baker & Company

FOCUS

It takes too much time and energy to develop a web site, promote it off-line as well as on-line, take care of the children and hubby, attend parent meetings, social gatherings, cook dinner, the laundry … yeeks! …. where did the time go? You ask yourself, “can my business be successful with all of the other responsibilities.”? Is it worth the hassle? 

Only YOU can honestly answer those questions.  However, if the answer is yes, I have provided some tips and business strategies to help you succeed.

  1. FOCUS on your desire to achieve
  2. Purchase a planner and stick to it. Take it with you every where you go! 
  3. Hire a Business Coach to help you with your plan. 
  4. Visit the Small Business Resource Center closest to you or on-line
  5. Organize your day by schedule.
  6. Set aside time when you don’t answer the phone, watch T.V. and visit with friends.
  7. LISTEN to your inner spirit and write down ideas and or solutions to existing problems.
  8. Dedicate your timely wisely to each task.
  9. Remember why you chose your business. 
  10. NEVER, ever give up on your dream.

Everybody loves a challenge. Challenge yourself to complete goals and reward yourself upon completion. Who ever said it would be easy building a business along with running a smooth family life?

Sheer determination and Focus are just a couple of keys to becoming successful. It’s all within YOU. When you love what you do, you will do it with enthusiasm and with the desire to complete your goal. Failure comes mostly from not doing what is required of one’s self. It really has nothing to do with people - people don’t cause us to fail — success has to do with one’s desires.

Here are a few web sites to keep you on track.

Note:  Remember, take the time (schedule this in your planner) to thoroughly visit each web site and apply only the areas that are pertinent to what you need to grow your business.

CWAHM.com
“This web site offers informative information for Christian Women who want to work from home.
CWAHM.com

IdeaMarketers.com
1,000’s of articles to help you achieve your goals!
Idea Marketers.com

Digital-Women.com
 ”A place to gather resources, free business tips, free sales tips, free marketing tips, home business ideas, and a place to network with other business women and women owned businesses. We try to provide everything you need to be a successful woman entrepreneur. Come in and make yourself right at home!”
Digital-Women.com

Home-Based Working Moms
 ”A national association of parents who work at home and those who would like to. HBWM provides its members with support, networking, information, a monthly (print) newsletter, email discussion list, panel of experts, member’s showcase on the web, publicity opportunities, online membership directory.”
HBWM.com

Doing what you love only really only requires a small sacrifice compared to doing nothing. Where do you want to be spiritually, financially, fulfilled and successful within the next two to three years? 

See you at the top!

© 2004-2008 Regina Baker & Company

ATTITUDE … it’s the 411 to Success!

One of my favorite things to do is… networking. I have been blessed to be a Mentor to many by providing the “real truth” about prospering in life and business. But here’s the funny thing, most people are shocked when I tell them it all begins with attitude.

Here’s what most people do when starting a business for the first time:

  • check out the SBA (Small Business Administration) and,
  • then comes the infamous Business Plan

Don’t misunderstand me, those are very important steps to starting a business however, if the attitude has not been checked first, there is a good chance that when things just aren’t quite going the way you planned, thoughts of negativity begin to seep their way in and then the inevitable happens - you lose focus.

There is a process to everything under the sun! How we choose to deal with obstacles will determine how we come out on the end.

Your first lesson:

  • Focus attention to your attitude and the decisions you make every day.
  • Be certain the each (negative) decision you make hinders the growth of your business everyday!
  • Be certain that each (positive) decision you make is imperative to your success.

“You can’t always control circumstances. But you can control your own thoughts.” - Charles Popplestone

Always begin your day on a positive note. Acknowledge God in all He has done for you. Begin with a smile. Think positive thoughts and read scripture and affirmations, this will surely bless your day.

If you are prone to asking opinions of people regarding business decisions, who are those people? Don’t forget, this is YOUR dream. Only you and God will be able to manifest the fullness of the dream because the passion lies within YOU not others. It is always good to pass things by others, however, never allow someone else’s negativity to become your reality. Seek constructive criticism then weigh the pro’s and con’s. Pray for discernment, seek wisdom and knowledge — they’re waiting for YOU!

Remember this: “If it is to be, it’s up to ME.”

© 2005-2008 Regina Baker & Company

A Stranger’s Voice

If God said it, then I BELIEVE it!

Have you ever wondered why when you talk to another Christian, their conversations are sometimes more negative than a non-believer?

I know when I call on a friend for encouragement, that’s exactly what I want encouragement, direction and scripture to help me overcome my current dilemma. Don’t you? I mean who wants to call someone when they’re down and receive even more depressing news?

Like, “wow, that’s horrible,” or “Girl, you can’t do that!”  I’ve seen so many times where People give praise reports on health, family, finances and business and someone will reply with negativity about the “what if’s” and “the world just isn’t like that,” comments.

God is bigger than the world!

He declares that “greater is He that is within you, than he that is in the world.”

I’m not so holier than thou to think that some things aren’t suppose to be.  BUT, if a person tells me that God blessed them, then who am I to say otherwise?

Our attitude is the largest contributor to what we say and do. Our thoughts determine our actions and believe it or not, people want to be associated with positive, encouraging and integrity based individuals.

Christian means to be “Christ like.” Christ didn’t have a bad attitude, He didn’t speak negative words into the lives of those He was in contact with. He was a Motivator, a peace maker and a teacher.

Psalms 125:1 reads: “Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.”

Therefore remember, the next time you’re talking to a fellow Christian, make sure you speak the words of encouragement they long for! Make sure you’re the confirmation they receive after praying and reading the bible.

For those of you who seek wisdom, understanding, faith, encouragement and belief… consider the voice you listen to, because a stranger’s voice is any voice that disagrees with Jesus’ voice in your life.

Biblical Reference: John 10:4

© 2005-2008 Regina Baker & Company

Uninterrupted Time

“What I wouldn’t give for a day of uninterrupted time to focus on my business!”

“Scratch that – make it an afternoon. Two or three hours. For that I’d give up my next birthday cake.”

These are the exact comments heard recently from moms who are working to build a business from home while still taking care of the kids, the house, the pets, friends, family and their marriage. Finding uninterrupted time for anything can be a big challenge. Add a work at home business into the mix and you’re asking for the impossible.

Not true! It is entirely possible to find time to focus on your business without interruption. It will require some creativity on your part and certainly some sacrifice, but don’t worry – you can still enjoy next year’s birthday cake.

Start with the basics. Getting up a couple of hours before the kids will certainly net you some quiet time. You may have to break a sleeping in habit but it will be worth it in the long run. Unless you’re single, don’t choose the staying up late option as that will cut into your time with hubby.

Negotiate with your spouse for a certain amount of ‘business time’ each week to take place when he is home. Don’t overdo it – leave space for ‘couple time’ and ‘family time’. Perhaps he’ll agree to prepare dinner twice a week to give you an extra hour in the home office on those days. If he would take on the weekly grocery shopping and take the kid with him – you’d grab an extra two hours that way as well.

Sometimes the issue isn’t so much that you can’t work uninterrupted, it’s a matter of being distracted by the hubbub of family life going on around you. If you can’t work in a separate area you can still create a sense of isolation. First, put up a sign on your desk that says ‘Mommy is Working Now – Do Not Disturb’. Second, put on headphones and turn on music that suits your mood and project. Crank up the volume until it drowns out the house around you.

Set a timer for a specific period of time and let the family know that you’re going into your ‘zone’ for 30 minutes, an hour, two hours – whatever will work – and that you’ll poke your head up when the timer goes off to see if anybody needs anything. Then you can set it again as needed.

If none of this works – you may need to grab your laptop (if you have one) and head to the library, park or coffee shop.

When you truly focus during the hours that you do work, you’ll notice that you don’t need nearly so many hours as you might have thought. So rather than trying to steal a minute here and there – find those laser targeted hours and give it your all, then get back to enjoying your family.

I highly recommend “The Power of a Focused Business” as a how to resource for learning the power of focused.  For additional details, visit: www.aFocusedBusiness.com

© 2007-2008 Regina Baker & Company

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