With recent economic conditions, many people have turned to the idea of becoming their own boss. They start their own business. Depending on the type of business they want to start depends on the amount of funds they need to get started. Some businesses can have a low start-up cost while more traditional businesses or unique invention idea you have can cost quite a bit more. Ideas and resources such as crowd sourcing have become increasingly more popular. But crowd sourcing for some businesses may not make sense. Large start ups often require angel investors. These are investors who are looking to put some money behind brilliant business ideas and partner up to help you achieve your goals. This network is bringing together entrepreneurs and private investors in a mutually beneficial way.

Its an interesting concept for anyone with a great idea and wants to experience a real life Shark Tank success story. Find investors. Become your own boss. For most people this could be just what their business needs to reach the next level. For those without the next big idea or a big business idea that needs investment, this angel network may be a great resource to file away when you are struck with a moment of brilliance.

For me, no moment of brilliance (yet), My Mom Career At Home is the affordable business concept I am focused on right now with helping others do the same.

For those moms in business, have you used an investors network to take your business to the next level?

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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Everyone is fully aware of the state of our job market. Bleak at best, right? Everyone is also aware of the increasing influence social media has on our lives and society. Most work at home moms have mastered the search for the next freelance marketplace for some extra cash along side their business. Everyone can benefit from a little extra cash in their pockets, and the freelance sites can be a great place to find it.

Well, for all the job seekers, hiring managers, or business owners looking to share their product, there is a new freelance marketplace that combines the best of social media with your search for your next paying gig. SideSkills is an interactive freelance marketplace for employers and employees, offering full-time jobs, part-time jobs, and freelance projects. Users can post their resumes and employers can easily search for their next enthusiastic employee. SideSkills is the first online community where work and social life combine. Network and connect with friends and colleagues, and expand your potential employment base. Create a profile and get hired —yes, it’s really that simple. No more spam, no more searching job boards. Employers benefit by managing milestones and payments. Payments to employees are made through SideSkills secure payment system.

If you are in the market for a new gig and need a new resource, check out SideSkills. You never know what you could find!

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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Okay, so last week’s challenge at Women Living Well is something I have gotten really lax on with my life. As you can see with Week 2′s Challenge post (from last week), I am in severe need of better time management. But this past week, I spent my time clearing my calendar and my to do list of all the things that were taking me away from what is important to me. So, I spent my week clearing my list so I can better manage my time without distractions. Time management is crucial for moms. We are all busy. Throw in a business, the kids, activities, and a blog…we never stop running. Personally, I love being busy. But, I really need to focus on getting myself back on schedule and in a routine with the duties that need to take priority for me, my family, and my relationships.

Here is Week 2 of the Challenge:

1.  Sit down and look at your calendar.  Think about your priorities.
2.  Pray and ask God to give you wisdom as to what you should be doing with your time.

3.  Write out a list of what you need to get done this week – don’t forget to write in time with God!  (you can use the free printable below as a guide  !)

4.  Every morning this week, look over your to-do list.  Pray and ask God for wisdom.  Add, take away or move things on your list accordingly.
5. Continue this discipline next week and the week after.  Soon you will find order and rhythm to your days and weeks.

I love this and plan on implementing these tips and some of the great resources Courtney provides in my daily routine. I am a list maker and color code everything, so I will continue with my newly condensed and more focused list to better manage my time.

What tips and tricks do you use to manage your time better?

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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Tax time seems to put everyone in that frame of mind to get their finances in order. Whether personal finances or business finances, you should have a system. Now, as much as I am organized and a planner in EVERY other aspect of my life, when it comes to finances it all goes out the window. Seriously, my patience and attention to detail falls flat when I have to deal with our budgets…both business and personal. While my husband does a great job keeping up with most of our business expenses, I know we (he) are always looking for a way to simplify and consolidate our record keeping and tracking of income versus expenses.

As with anything, balancing your business finances requires a system. Here are a couple of tips for balancing your business finances:

1. Define your budget. It is hard to know if you are balancing your finances if you don’t have a budget. This set is kinda like setting your financial goals for your business. How much income do you want to make? What do you need to do to make that much income? What expenses are going to be incurred to help you reach that goal? And how are you going to allocate the income for your business so you can cover your costs + add to your family’s finances? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself.

2. Categorize expected income & expenses. The most common expenses for most home businesses will be supplies, advertising, and inventory. These are the cost of doing business. If you sell products, you may have shipping and sales tax to include in those expenses. Sales tax is recommended to be paid quarterly if you are doing direct sales (easier to track and pay…but that is for another post). Beyond expenses you will want categories for your income. If you only have online sales income, that keeps it pretty simple. But perhaps you are helping others do what you do, then you may have income from residuals of those in your team. Perhaps you have different types of sales income you want to track, such as online sales, party sales by host, catalog sales, etc. Every business’s categories will be slightly different. For me I find it best to be detailed in my categories so I can see what is working for me and what is not.

3. Find an online business bookkeeping system. I recently came across Outright online business bookkeeping site. It is free and based online which means I can access it from anywhere. A system like this is going to help you implement your budget and categorize your expected income & expenses all in one place. Plus, it will keep track of all your necessary bookkeeping information in one place. Outright is easy to use and the perfect tool for small business owners. Whether you sell products or services there are tracking tools to help you balance your books. Plus it is a great resource if you own an Etsy shop or sell goods on Ebay or Amazon.

With the tax deadline come and gone for last year, there is still plenty of time to get on top of this year’s finances for your business. Take a little time to get yourself organized and a plan of action. Then find that right system like Outright business bookkeeping. You will be glad you did!

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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This post was brought to you by Outright.com.

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So, earlier this week I told you I was participating in Courtney Joseph’s 5 Week Challenge over at WomenLivingWell.org. We are wrapping up the first week, and I thought it’d be good to share just 5 of the ways I have challenged myself to move more. They aren’t revolutionary. They aren’t difficult. They most certainly aren’t the ONLY ways to get more movement and exercise in your life. But with my schedule and plate full of commitments, there were days I couldn’t get a 15-20 minute walk. So, some days I have had to do a little bit throughout the day.

So for all the busy momma’s out there who can’t seem to find the time for 15-20 minutes of solid cario-building exercise. Consider these 5 ways to make sure you are moving more…

1. Take the stairs. Elevators & escalators have made us complacent using stairs. But even if you are only going to the 2nd floor, that extra movement in getting yourself up there is good for your body. If you’ve got little ones, pick them up for extra resistance.

2. Park at the back. Oh the dread of finding the perfect parking spot! We’ve all done it – circle the lot until you can find the closest spot. Well, I have discovered I not only get more movement by parking at the back, but there is no waiting if you just head to the back of the lot. It can save you some time of circling & waiting. So, head to the back. Find a wide open spot. And truck yourself a few extra steps to get where you need to go. It won’t kill you…I promise.

3. Use your lunch break. Whether you are working at home or in an office, you get a lunch break. So cut that eating time in half and take a quick lap around the neighborhood or your office building. Even if you only allot 30 minutes for lunch, half of that time is 15 minutes! Done! Goal accomplished for the day. This is probably the hardest for me. Lunch time is MY time and I notoriously schedule other errands or appointments in on this time. Not any more…

4. Forfeit the park bench and take a stroll. If you enjoy the spring weather with your kids at the park, don’t get stuck on the bench. Take them on a walk. If you’ve got little ones, the walking and pushing is good for all your muscles and they enjoy the scenery. And my oldest, we turn a simple walk into a nature walk looking for specific bugs, plants, or animals as we walk. It keeps her interest and I get to keep moving.

5. Cleaning Dance Party. Okay, so cleaning is no fun for most of us. But if your turn on some upbeat tunes, get the kids involved, you now have your very own cleaning dance party that is fun for everyone. Sure it may take you shakin’ it a little longer, but don’t underestimate the benefits of a little booty shaking while you are doing the dishes or folding the laundry. Even my 1 year old loves to throw his hands up while the music is on and shake it. Entertainment, chores, and exercise all in one!

What ways are you challenging yourself to move more in your life?

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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“Capital isn’t so important in business. Experience isn’t so important. You can get both these things. What is important is ideas. If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need, and there isn’t any limit to what you can do with your business and your life.”~ Harvey Firestone

Being in business often requires new ideas and innovations. Whether its new product development or your marketing strategy, thinking outside of the box can be a critical element for most entrepreneurs. If you are creating ideas, then you are creating business. It is probably one of my favorite things about being an entrepreneur, being married to an entrepreneur, and working with several of our entrepreneurial friends. These ideas don’t come sitting alone in your office. For me, effective collaboration, motivation, and sharing are all important elements of being able to create awesome ideas to take business to the next level. Another reason in my own business I love working with a team for motivation, support, and to find new ideas to take my business to the next level.

The idea of creating ideas was in fact the basis for a whole new franchising concept called RunMyOwnThink.com. RunMyOwnThink.com is an exciting opportunity for budding innovation consultants to run their own business. They are looking for 5 lucky applicants to become specialist creative trainers in the space of innovation management. With a skills review, in-depth application and initial investment you can become a licensee of Run My Own Think.com. The think team then give you training, a presence on the web, allow you to use their brand, help you to get new business and loads of support. The result is earning considerable amounts and working with power brands.

In my experience, working with others creating ideas seems to bring out the best for everyone involved. Do you have a creative process that works for your business? What is it?

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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Keep in mind there are many types of businesses out there for people looking to create their own path in life. RunMyOwnThink.com is just one option. Consider all your options to find the best fit for you, your family, and your goals.

This post was brought to you by RunMyOwnThink.com

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Okay, so currently one of my favorite blogs to read is Courtney Joseph’s Women Living Well. It provides a great inspiration of motherhood and spirtuality. While I typically am a silent follower of most of my favorite blogs and I don’t comment much, I find myself needing this 5 week Challenge Courtney laid out on Monday. I’m a little late even getting to Week 1′s challenge posted, but I guess better late than never.

Week 1 Challenge:

Name 1 healthy habit that you would like to work on establishing in your life over the next 5 weeks.  It could be cutting back on junk food, fast food, or soda pop.  It could be to exercise more, drink more water, or get more sleep.  Name it in the comments section…often times we are more apt to follow through on committments when we have told someone else!

 
With swimsuit season around the corner and my New Year’s resolution long gone from 4 months ago, I definitely need to refresh my healthy habits. So for this 5 week challenge, I am going to focus on moving more and getting the blood flowing. By moving I hope to be able to add 15-20 minutes of exercise to my daily routine instead of getting sucked into the computer or the household chores. As moms our job is never done, but this is going to some well needed time for me — even if for a little quiet time while I work on my cardio. Tonight it was a family walk through the woods with the dogs after dinner. Keeping pace with my 4 year old is enough to get anyone heart rate up.

Are you up for the Challenge? What healthy habit are you doing to focus on? Read more about the challenge here.

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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Content by Mac Kline

It is quite wonderful how inspiration can creep up out of anywhere? I had procrastinated long enough on cleaning out the closets in our home and purging all the items we just did not need. I had great clothes and accessories I found obligated to find charitable donation facilities for. After my third cardboard box of items I realized I was certainly on a roll and I had the thought: How else could I make a positive change in our home? I started by looking to the living room we had a fancy flat screen hanging over the mantle but no television service was quite the loss according to my friends. I grew up with not one T.V. in the house and was quite curious about it so I logged ontohttp://www.ExpertSatellite.com/. I was so shocked at how affordable it was. I went ahead and made the purchase of a package fit for me. I lightened up our living room with motion picture.

Brought to you by your friends at ExpertSatellite.com.

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“The pessimist borrows trouble; the optimist lends encouragement.” - William Arthur Ward

Have you ever been encouraged to do something you would not normally have done? You know, that time you decided to step outside your comfort zone. You knew you wanted to do, but you just needed that little extra encouragement. How did it turn out? Did you have someone by your side cheering you on? Or were the people on the side lines doubting your abilities?

The people around us can really make or break our spirits when it comes to living the life we dream of for ourselves. Whether it is running a home business, starting a new job, or making any big life changing move, it is so important to find the people in your life that are going to cheer you on. Kinda like your own personal cheerleader. You want people around you who are going to keep you motivated and encouraged to reach your goals. Those people who are willing to put on that uniform for team YOU. You want to start a home business, then go out and do it, and find the people that are going to cheer you on and celebrate your success. Don’t let others take away the dream you have of living the life you deserve. Get rid of the people who doubt you. Don’t let them mess up your head.

This is probably one of my favorite things about the team I work with from home. Even when I am not the one being cheered, I love encouraging others on their track to reaching their goals. There is something to be said about having people around you that jump up and down screaming your name when you are reaching your goals, but it feels just as good to be that person for someone else. I often find it more rewarding to lend encouragement to others, put on their team uniform, and help them reach their goals. It is one of our critical activities and our team is always doing an amazing job of encouraging each other along the journey.

Do you need encouragement to reach your goals? Or are you the one encouraging others? Share your stories. Let us encourage each other. 

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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“Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”  ~Scott Adams

How do you find new customers? For most of you reading this, you work from home, have a business or are looking for ways to do so. Have you maxed out your circle of influence? This is the circle of people you know personally, casually, or maybe know of (they don’t necessarily know you, type of thing). These are the people that you realistically can reach out to, share your product or sell your secret magic potion to cultivate a new customer. If you don’t know who is in your circle of influence, stop reading right now and go make yourself a list of anyone you know who would benefit from what your business has to offer.

How long is your list? Will it sustain your lifestyle with what you are selling? Have you set up your circle of influence to have a ripple effect on your business? By that, I mean, will the people in your circle be an advocate for your brand? Maybe yes. Maybe no. Either way, you always need to step out and expand that influence. Your friends and family can only hear about your secret magic potion so many times before they fully stocked up and have supported your dreams as much as they can. You need new customers. You need to get out and find people needing what you are offering. You need to keep finding new people who will continue to support you. The more people know you the further your brand or product’s influence will ripple.

So start by saying “Hi!” to someone new each day. While you are out and about, take a moment to engage with one person a day. It really is as simple as saying “Hi!” and asking about them. Now, I’m not saying walk up to a random person and explode all over them about your secret magic potion that you just know they will love. Slow your roll and get to know them. Ask how they are doing or even how they are enjoying the weather. You never know who you may come across that would be your next business partner or super loyal customer. Or maybe they know someone who would benefit from what you offer. Ripple.

Does talking to random people freak you out a little? It does me too, from time to time. Rest assured there can be other ways to meet people, but you will have to step out of that comfort zone and talk to people if you are going to expand your circle of influence. Another way to meet people is to join a local group that shares your interests or hobby. Don’t have a hobby? Find one. Take a class. Be active. Show up and participate. Put yourself out there. I was once told, “Its not who you know, but who knows you.” Being involved in your groups allows people to know you. Allows your influence to ripple.

There are tons of groups, organizations, or meet ups you can join to connect with people who share your same interests. Once you have established common ground opportunities will open up for you to share your secret magic potion. Here are just a few to get you started.

• Your local Chamber of Commerce. This is a great way to get involved with your community, increase brand awareness, and start meeting other local business owners who will benefit from your secret magic potion. There is typically a fee to be associated with your local chamber. You can be as involved as you want. I would recommend if you are going to join, get involved, and attend the meetings otherwise there is not much point.

•  www.MeetUp.com. You can search by topic or interest and your location. Most groups will allow you to attend 1 or 2 meet-ups before committing to the group. While most groups want to encourage activity you may have to commit to a certain number of meet-ups in a month. But, hey, there is nothing wrong with an active social calendar especially if you like the people and the common interest.

• Facebook. Yep, we can’t seem to escape it. More and more local groups are using the convenience and popularity of Facebook to create groups or pages for local entrepreneurs or local interests groups to connect calendars, communicate events, and share relevant information. At the very least you can see who in your community has groups where you may fit. And ideally you are making the connection online first then finding ways to connect offline and further expand in your community.

For more great ideas, visit Business Among Moms and join their Mompreneur’s 30 Day Challenge.

Just because you work at home doesn’t mean you should be stuck at home. Even if your business functions primarily online, get out in the world. Meet new people. Share what you have to offer. You will find how accepting people are to hear what you have to say. Don’t be scared. And remember, a ripple starts will a simple pebble. Expanding your circle all starts with building that relationship with new people.

Until next time,

My Mom Career At Home 
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