There are some days when it feels impossible to get motivated. Without it:

• Responsibilities and tasks pile up.
• Life becomes overwhelming.
• Motivation is even harder to find.

However, with a few simple strategies you can motivate yourself every day.

• What are you motivated by?
  • A sense of accomplishment?
  • Praise?
  • Money?
  • It’s even possible that you’re motivated by something else. What motivates you?

Understanding what you’re motivated by will help. When you’re feeling unmotivated you can tap into that desire and get the kick start you need.

For example, if you’re motivated by money you might kick-start your day by doing something that earns a profit. Or you might look at the task you’re facing differently if you realize that it generates income.

• Create a morning routine. Routines help set the mood for the day. If your morning routine doesn’t support you to be motivated, it needs to be changed. A morning routine that supports motivation and energy might include:

• Exercise – Walking or stretching. You don’t have to run a 5k.
• Meditation – Five to ten minutes is all you need.
• A healthy breakfast – Healthy carbs, whole grains and lean protein. Skip the refined sugars, flours and saturated fats.

• Start each work day doing something you enjoy and are inspired by. What do you enjoy doing? What part of your business do you feel passionate about?
  • Start your day focusing on those tasks and responsibilities. If you start your day doing something you dislike it’s really difficult to feel motivated.
  • Conversely, if you start each day doing what you love, the rest of the day is much easier to manage. And it’s much easier to get out of bed feeling upbeat and motivated.
• Take time away. Owning your own business can be a round-the-clock job. You go to bed thinking about your business. You wake up thinking about it. This kind of non-stop attention can be draining. It’s easy to lose motivation. Take time away from your business every day. Create working hours and stick to them. Take time during your day to get some fresh air and exercise too.

• Take time off for vacations. Enjoy time with friends and family. And take time for yourself. When you are able to separate from your work-related responsibilities it’s much easier to come back to them with energy and a smile. (Can’t wait to leave on my vacation next week – whoo hoo!)

• Get help. You don’t have to do everything. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. There are some tasks that are best handled by others. It saves you time, energy and money. Additionally, you’re able to focus on the tasks you enjoy and the tasks that bring in money. Consider outsourcing or hiring employees to manage some tasks. For example, administrative tasks are often easy and inexpensive to outsource. And having the help has been a great relief for me. I love my team!

 

Finally, consider finding a few motivation triggers. For example:

• Is there a song that helps you feel energetic?
• Does working in a different environment help motivate you?
• Is there an affirmation or happy thought that makes you smile and feel motivated?

These are simple strategies but they work. You can wake every morning feeling motivated and raring to go.

 

 

 

photo credit: program angels

 

If you have ever wondered what working can home really encompasses, this is a seminar you don’t want to miss. This Thursday you have a chance to quiz successful WAHMs on their experiences, techniques and get practical advice.

This will not be a hyped-filled, fairytale version of what it takes to be a WAHM. Sitesell, the host, was one of my early resources to help me get a handle on what it takes to start generating an income using the internet and your own website.

This session will last one hour and you will have a chance to ask questions and get answers to your most important questions.  And if you like giveaways, you’ll be happy to know that all of those that attend have a chance at (and I quote) “4 fantastic prizes!” (unquote).

Sitesell creates and teaches great tools for newbies for the web. Using their videos and ebooks, I learned about the ever mysterious Google, what the heck key words are, what’s a tag (and why I should care) and all that other techy stuff in an easy to digest format. My first “real” website created using their Site Build It! program.

Remember, whether YOU are a WAHM or not, YOU can attend the Q&A too!  It starts on Thursday at 10 AM (EST).  I strongly suggest that you don’t miss it. You can find out more details by clicking Q&A session.

By the way, if you want to get a little preview of the type of information that might be discussed, you can download a copy of their WAHM training manual.

If you’re passionate about homeschooling and want to create a business helping others who are homeschooling their children, creating a homeschool resource website may be a great way to do that. You’ll be able to help people all over the world, while making money from your own home. Here’s how to do it.

Find Out the Top Questions Homeschoolers Have

What are some of the most pressing concerns other homeschoolers have? What are the problems they often run into?

Your resource website should spend some time answering these questions. Even if you can’t answer completely, give them valuable tips and ideas on how to resolve some of these issues.

For example, someone who’s just starting to homeschool their kids is going to have a lot of questions about their kid’s social life. How are they going to make friends? Will others think they’re strange for being homeschooled? How can I make sure my child grows up well socially?

Spend some time answering and addressing issues like these.

Help Connect Other Mothers and Fathers

Mothers and fathers who are homeschooling while sharing notes with other parents invariably have an easier time. At the very least they know they’re not alone. Often times children can be homeschooled together in groups as well.

If your resource website can help connect mothers and fathers, that would be a huge benefit. You can do this by creating a membership forum, or a database of mothers and fathers and their location.

You can even do it manually. Just ask mothers and fathers to email you their location, enter it into a spreadsheet and connect mothers and fathers by hand.

Making Money from Your Homeschool Resource Business

Once your website becomes more and more well known as a valuable resource to mothers and fathers, more people will come to your website. Once people are coming regularly, how can you actually turn this into a business that makes money?

First of all, you can look at advertising. There are many products that specifically target mothers and fathers. For example, online bookshops or school supply websites. You can also place AdSense ads on your website to immediately start making some money.

You can also start an affiliate program. Sign up for Amazon.com’s affiliate program and start selling books and other homeschooling resources. You’ll receive about 10% of the selling price of everything that you sell.

Finally, you can create your own “products” to sell. You could do a consulting call for $100 an hour for parents when they’re really having trouble. Alternatively, you could write your own informational product and sell that online. The list goes on and on.

The bottom line is this: Create a resource that others will really love and use. Then and only then, start earning some money using some of the methods described above.

 

 

photo credit: Technomancy

I got so tied up in Mary’s words of wisdom that I forgot to post the jobs! Here they go:

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT JOBS & PROJECTS

LOGIN TO APPLY: http://virtualassistantjobs.com/login.php

Legal Transcriptionists
To be considered for a transcriber position, you must have the
following: High-speed internet connection. Any software capable of
accessing FTP.
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=443

General Transcriptionists
Virtual Assistants/independent contractors needed to provide
transcription services for clients. Areas of transcription specialties
include Medical, Legal, and General/Business.
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=442

Over The Phone Interpreters
Excellent opportunities for Telephone Interpreters. Must have native, or
near native proficiency in English and a non-English language, good
customer service skills, and good memory retention.
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=441

Virtual Researchers and Clerical Assistants
We manage and monitor THOUSANDS of Facebook and Twitter and other social
media accounts for our clients. We are currently searching for virtual
assistants who can handle a variety of internet, email, and social media
activities on our behalf.
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=440

Internet Savvy Virtual Assistants
We are looking for energetic and net savvy virtual assistants with
excellent communication skills. Needed ASAP! For Various Internet,
Detail Research, Social Media, forum and message board moderation, data
entry and general work–
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=439

Social Media Research and Data Entry
We are looking for 5 virtual assistants familiar with social networking
and data entry. You will be doing some research as well. This is a long
term job.
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=438

Marketing and Research Virtual Assistants
We’re looking for a VA who has a passion to learn. Must have excellent
references and be available to work Monday through Friday during Eastern
Standard Time. Applicants from overseas are invited to apply.
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=437

Customer Record Updaters
Responsibilities: Working any and all projects in the department,
Provide high level of data entry, process orders for our new and
existing customers accurately and timely, Update customers accounts and
online records, change addresses.
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=362

Virtual Administrative Assistants
Provides administrative support to department management and staff
Schedules management appointments and meetings, and arranges travel and
conferences. Compiles information and prepares a variety of drafts…
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/job_view.php?id_code=361

MORE VIRTUAL JOBS

Transcribers / Typing
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=366

Educational Seminar Reps
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=365

Virtual Recruiters
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=364

Reservations Representatives
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=363

Critique Websites
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=360

Typing Transcribers
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=359

Web Search Evaluators
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=358

Telecommuting Appointment Setters
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=357

PPC Consultant
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=356

Travel Counselors
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=355

Team Leaders and Managers
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=354

Project Managers
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=353

Homebased Associates
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=352

Virtual Local Account Reps
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=351

Seasonal Tax Advisors
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=350

Domestic Reservations Agents
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=349

Virtual Customer Service Reps
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=347

Customer Care Reps
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=346

Virtual Customer Service Reps
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=345

Virtual Administrative Assistants
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/network/job_view.php?id_code=344

How To Apply

You must be a registered user.
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/register.php

Already a member?
http://virtualassistantjobs.com/login.php

Whenever I tell people what I do for a living I always hear, “How did you do that?”  It’s not magical, it’s just a whole lot of darn work. When I learned that I was pregnant I decided then and there that I would be home for my children.

I looked around, took on jobs, not because they were fun or exciting, but because it would give me experience so that when I found what I really wanted to do I’d have the experience behind me to demand attention.  

In today’s issue of the VOT Connection (I believe that they are loosely affiliated with Sohojobs another great place to find virtual jobs) their opening article really hit home for me because I remember the struggle to get to where I am comfortably working in a field I enjoy with people I’d hang out with even if we didn’t work together anymore.

I hope you’ll take their words to heart as you prepare (or continue) your journey to work from home. Whether you are working from home either as an solopreneur, telecommuter or virtual assistant you need to be prepared to do some hard work. Here’s the article:

A Word About Getting Hired.

Not everyone will land a job or project right away. It takes time. More importantly, it takes experience, education and a fantastic resume profile. So, I thought this would be a good time to provide you with a basic rundown of what you need to do to get noticed.

1. You must have a detailed, accomplishment based, professional resume profile. There are more than 500,000 virtual assistant resumes in our database! You cannot expect to land a gig with a short but sweet profile.
2. You must actually APPLY for the projects that we post! This would seem obvious but some virtual assistants seem to believe that
   simply being a registered user is all they need to do. The truth is, you
   must actually apply to each project that interests you by following the
   directions posted with each listing. This might mean clicking the
   “Apply” button (to apply using your VOT resume), or click on a link that
   takes you to an external website to apply online. Each employer
   specifies their preferred method.
3. Become a FEATURED Virtual Assistant. Our most popular virtual assistants are featured on the VirtualOfficeTemps.com homepage. To become featured you must prepare a detailed keyword rich resume, have education and experience and you must login to your account at least once per week. The more you login, the higher your resume will rank. Employers are only interested in ACTIVE  candidates!
4. Spread The Word! Take charge of your career! Along with your virtual assistant resume profile, set up your personal website too. (No programming experience is required). And remember to share links all over the web to your VOT Resume Profile. The more ‘hits’ you get, the higher your resume will rank and the more attention you will receive from hiring employers.Mary, at Virtual Office Temps also provided a list of resources that I”ve listed below:

We suggest you read the following:

• WRITE A JOB WINNING RESUME
• CREATE YOUR VIRTUAL ASSISTANT APPLICATION
• GET ONLINE
• IMPROVE YOUR RANKING

photo credit: IrishFireside

More and more people are becoming self-employed. It’s a wonderful way to make extra money. It can also be a rewarding full-time career. If you’re following your passion and working freelance, you know there’s competition.

You not only compete to find good clients, you also compete to keep them. Paying attention to a few details can make the difference between a full schedule and having to hunt for clients. In short, you need to stand out as a service provider to build and grow your business. The good news is, if you’re dedicated, a few simple strategies can make a huge difference.

#1 Clear, consistent and easy communication

One of the biggest struggles for clients is finding a provider who communicates well. It seems like such an easy task. Yet consistently clear and professional communication can be a challenge for some.

Clear, consistent and easy communication means:

• Responding to your client’s emails or phone calls promptly. Don’t let 24 hours go by without a response.
• Responding professionally. Ego has no place in a client communication. Respect, get to the point, and be courteous and professional.

• Respond clearly. Email communications are easy to misunderstand. If you’re unsure your message is being communicated or received the way you intend, call your client. Or have a second party read your email for clarification.

To stand out, make sure each communication you have with your client is positive. Be enthusiastic about connecting with your clients. They’ll receive that enthusiasm and reciprocate.

#2 Professionalism

As a service provider your clients are looking for a few key features. They want their service to be provided:

• In a timely manner

• Without excuses

• Without additional fees

• To the best of your abilities

It’s not too much to ask for. And the truth is that many service providers manage this just fine. To stand out, go above and beyond what you promise. Give your clients a little extra. This can mean delivering a project early, giving them a little something extra that they didn’t pay for, or offering some useful information or advice.

#3 Get involved

Many service providers simply do the work requested and then sit back. To stand out, you want to get involved in your client’s success. Send them an email once in a while to say hello. Include a link to some information you think they might find valuable. Offer them a promotion. Connect with them on social networking sites.

When you are involved with your clients and in their community, you put yourself ahead of the competition. You create ‘front of mind’ awareness. Clients will think of you first when they have a need.

When you sit down next to review your business, take a look at what you’re doing to stand out as a service provider. Integrate follow-up methods and business strategies. Offer more value. Connect. Show your clients why they want to do business with you again and again.

photo credit: codepo8

I don’t know about you, but recording my deposits (and withdrawals) in my check register is the most challenging part of being in business. I don’t know what it about the idea of writing up my daily deposits and expenditures that make me so very, very tired. (Sigh.) The thought of sitting down with my check register (or Quicken for that matter) is enough to make me want to run away to the circus. Maybe the thought of putting my daily receipts in writing, a permanent record of my successes and indiscretions, is too much for me. Or maybe I’m just weird. Who knows? Well Sandy’s Botkin wrote an excellent article on the importance of keeping written records:

Too many times people have said at my seminars that they are worried about an audit because they do not the receipts for the documentation taken. Unfortunately, there is more to an audit than worrying about documentation for deductions. They need to worry about the income side as well.

IRS has recently instituted an extra type of audit procedure. Regardless of the type of audit, IRS now asks for all bank records and money market accounts for the year or years covering the audit. At first blush, this may seem strange. If you were being audited for your automobile or travel expenses, why would IRS want to see your yearly bank records? The answer is that IRS is now checking all taxpayers for unreported income.

IRS will match all deposits made into your bank accounts and compare the totals to your reported income. If the deposits exceed what you reported as income, you’d better have a great explanation or IRS will hit you with “unreported income” on the difference.

You might be thinking, “wait a minute, not every deposit is taxable.” This is quite true. Gifts and inheritances are tax-free. Reimbursements from insurance companies and by employers for business expenses where a proper accounting was made are also tax-free. Most municipal bond interest is tax-free. I had a student who could never balance his bank account. His idea of balancing an account was to close out one account every six months and open up another one. I hope this doesn’t apply to you! None of these items mentioned are taxable. However, unless you can clearly demonstrate that the deposits came from a tax-exempt source, IRS will construe your deposits as unreported income.

It is now necessary that you record and identify the sources of all deposits in your check register. For example, if you receive a deposit as a commission checks from X Company, the check register would read,” commission check from X company.” If you were to receive a tax-free reimbursement from your health insurance company, the check register would read,” reimbursement from X health insurance company.”

Finally, for all non-taxable items, make a copy of the check that you received, and put it in a yearly file. Thus if you receive a reimbursement from your employer for business expenses that you gave an accounting for, you should copy the check.

If you follow my advice, you will certainly make any IRS audit less painful and make your life less taxing.

Sandy Botkin is a CPA, attorney and former trainer of IRS attorneys nationwide. He lectures all over the nation on tax planning for self-employed and corporate taxpayers and can be seen in the big events with Donald Trump, Anthony Robbins and many others. He has been written up in Newsweek and in many other magazines. He is also a syndicated writer and noted author of this famed tape series “Tax Strategies for Business Professionals” and “Tax and Financial Strategies for Residential Real Estate.”

To find out more about Sandy and his products, check out his terrific small business web site at: www.taxreductioninstitute.com or by calling his office at 301-972-3600 in Maryland

photo credit: Hello Turkey Toe

The Mom Pack™ is a cooperative, volunteer group of working moms dedicated to promoting each others’ businesses online and offline in a variety of ways, including link swaps, goal meeting, advertisement sharing, individual Mom Pack filler exchanges and information packet sharing.  The list of mom businesses is long, but you’ll get lots of good ideas if you need some ideas for your own work -at-home employment.

The Design Shoppe**The Official Mom Pack™ Web Hosting & Design Team**
Web Design & Web Site Hosting by work at home moms with over 12 years experience. Your web presence is important. Choose a design team that has the experience and knowledge of what works and what doesn’t work online. Dependable, professional and affordable. Ask about our professional sitebuilder and do it yourself!
Discounts here for: Mom Pack Members!

DIY Shoppes – The ultimate online storefront you can create by yourself. Includes over 30 pre-installed templates so you can setup your online store within a day. Includes a gift registry, wholesale options, affiliate feature, sale maker, inventory control and so much more.

Advertise Your WAHM Business – Shop WAHM’s
Support your WAHM’s and shop with their businesses! Advertise your own WAHM business and gain exposure!

Affordable Website Design & Hosting
From informative websites to large e-commerce websites, we can create it for you! You CAN afford quality!

Alexa’s Treasure Photo Contest
Online photo contest for children. Send in your photos and win cash and prizes. $250 cash is given away each month!

Alternatively-Healthier
Discover the advantages of alternative health and herbal remedies so you can start living naturally and become alternatively healthier. If you’ve hungered to live naturally, begin your journey here.

A Love of Coffee
Gourmet coffee, cappuccino, cocoas, cookies, coffee scented products & more! It’s all about the java!

AmeriPlan Dental®
Discount dental plan for families and individuals. Great for self employed.

Babes N Tot Shop
Babes n Tot Shop is an online boutique specializing in unique baby clothes, designer toddler clothes and personalized items that make unique baby gifts everyone will treasure.

Baby Gift Baskets
Baby gifts for newborns and new mothers.

Bagz n Jewelry
We carry the latest designs in handbags, clutch/evening purses, sterling silver, stainless steel, men’s jewelry and semiprecious & gemstones jewelry. We ship anywhere in the US

Barefoot Bella
Children’s boutique specializing in unique items for boys and girls. Clothing sizes infant to 14, shoes, accessories, personalized products, and great gift ideas for a baby shower.

Beauty And Beyond Shoppes
Beauty is more than just makeup! It’s mind,body and soul. Feed your inner and outer beauty at Beauty and Beyond Shoppes…its all here!

Busy Fingers Crafts
Home of the Dammit Doll collection! Free shipping on orders over $35. Enter the FREE RAFFLE to win.

BusyMomsBoutique.com
We specialize in unique, high-quality, PERSONALIZED products for everyone! Monogrammed purses, bags, jewelry, baby & children’s items, home decor, men’s gifts, wedding gifts, stationary, and more!

Buttons Make Cents!
Pin-back Buttons, Keychains and Magnets designed to help build your business! Low Prices, High Quality. Custom designs available. Join our Affiliate Program and earn cash for sales and personal orders!

Candy Gift Boutique
We offer a beautiful selection of gift baskets, candy bouquets, cookie bouquets, cheesecakes and more for every special occasion from birthdays to holiday events.

Captive Moments
What holds your thoughts captive? Forum, blog, top 100, plug board and more – just for the captive mommy in all of us! Great WAH resources and information!

Casting Keepsakes
Home of wax or stone hand casting kits for children & adults, baby footprints, child handprint kits, pregnancy belly casts, infant foot molds, shoe bronzing alternative & shadow box frame keepsakes.

Charmed Printing
Business cards, Lead Cards and more! Also personalized Candy Wrappers! Affordable business materials for your work at home budget! Ask about our layaway program. Bartering also accepted.

Christian Site Solutions
Common sense Website design, newsletter and Website promotion, article distribution and outreach solutions for churches and Christians who want to reach the world for Jesus.

Cloth Diapers & Diaper Covers – Jardine Diapers
Learn how to make the right choice in cloth diapering supplies for your family.

Country Meadow Creations
Handcrafted Natural & Glycerin Bath Bars, Decorative Soap, Soap Favors, and Seasonal Soaps. All glycerin soaps made fresh when ordered.

Creations In Bloom Shopping Cart Covers
Grocery Shopping Cart Covers for babies and toddlers. Fits shopping carts, restaurant high chairs and park swings. Treat your baby to a handcrafted shopping cart cover made by a mom.

CT River Candles
CT River Candles was inspired by the beauty of the CT River and a personal love of creating handmade products. Our soy candles are hand poured with 100% natural soy wax and scented with the finest fragrance oils.

The Dammit Doll Store
Home of the Dammit Doll collection! The perfect gift for the person who has everything. Need to relieve some stress? A Dammit Doll is what you need! FREE SHIPPING on US orders over $35

Darlene Bishop
Writer, editor, creative design and World of Products distributor.

The Diaper Lady
Learn about cloth diapering, SIDS prevention, breastfeeding, baby wearing, providing a healthy home for your baby, and MUCH more!

Digestive System Help
If you have been suffering from Bloating, Gas, Indigestion, Constipation, Stomach Pain, GERD, IBS, or Diverticulitis, you could really use some Digestive System Help! Stop by now and find out why eating is causing you pain!

Direct Sales Mommies
We are devoted to helping moms and others work from home successfully.

Direct Sales Supplies
Your one stop shop to find tools, supplies, and accessories to grow your Party Plan Business at the best prices online!

DIY Shoppes – Sitebuilder & Shopping Cart
Do It Yourself web site and shopping cart program. Owned and operated by the Mom Pack design team. Don’t miss the opportunity to own your own shopping cart licensing! Stop “renting” elsewhere!

Doodlebuckets Mother & Baby Store
We carry mothering essentials, including Fuzzi Bunz Cloth Diapers, Moby Wrap Baby Carriers, Baby Gifts for all occasions, Vibe Liquid Vitamins by Eniva and more!

Electric Tart Warmers – Wax Tarts – Gift Baskets
Large variety of unique Electric Tart Warmers, Wax Tarts and Custom Gift Baskets!

Ely’s Concepts
Custom handmade invitations, candy wrappers and desktop publishing. Se habla español

Everyday-Occasions.com
Affordable gifts and favors for all occasions.

Eve’s Best
We carry healthier home items like Airwise air purifiers, home water distillers, rebounders, nutritional supplements and MORE!

Faithful Friends Online
Work At Home Mom Resource Site offering monthly newsletters, business spotlights, articles, tips, ideas, advertising, shopping marketplace and much more!

Family-Raisers
We are a group of Work From Home Ladies & Men who are dedicated to helping families in need. Everything listed on this page will have a percentage of all sales go directly to families who are unable to provide for some of even the most basic needs for their children.

FeltSmart – Story Time Felts Consultant
We have the highest quality felt story boards, felt books, and felt dress up dolls on the market! Our vibrant felt products are attractive to children of ALL ages- parents, too! Check us out!

Flickering Lights
Start your own home-based business today by making one simple phone call! If you are serious about taking charge of your life, reaching for the stars, and achieving your goals to become a successful entrepreneur, I can teach you how. There is no better time than now!

Fritzer Designs
Fritzer Designs provides affordable web and graphic design to small business owners and work at home moms. We specialize in chic, girly, fun, hip and clean designs. Also specializing in Clothing label design, logo design and much more!

Fuzzi Bunz
Fuzzi Bunz Cloth Diapers, Baby Gifts (even personalized), Baby Carriers, Baby Gift Baskets and Baby Shower Favors.

Galleria Beads
Your one-stop bead store specializing in Bali beads, Swarovski crystal beads, sterling silver beads, sterling silver alphabet blocks (4 styles), gold-filled beads, and sterling silver findings.

Gift Cans Galore
Custom Gift Cans for all your gift giving needs! Every personalized for you next special occasion!

The Gypsy Peddlers Wagon
Everything Magical,Mystical,Beautiful! Live Psychic Advise, Magical Shopping, Large Files Section, Online BOS and more! Put a little magic in your life!

Handmade Girls Clothes by The Frilly Frog Boutique
Handmade girls clothes at an affordable price. Make a style splash with our froggy fashions!

Home Business Quest
A friendly website offering information on profitable home businesses, articles and more for those who are interested in starting a home business and working from home

Information on Surrogacy
Have you wondered if you could become a surrogate mother? Free informational site for those considering becoming a surrogate and for intended parents.

The Inner Shopper
Highlighting the latest items and products for parents and kids. Reviews updated semi-daily

Inspired by Emilie
Unique handmade baby and toddler linens: playard sheets, daycare cot sheets, changing pad covers, lovey pillows, and blankets. We make custom items too like crib/toddler bed sheets and Zippy Blankets!

Itty-Bitty Signers
Baby Sign Language – With the use of a few simple ASL signs babies can communicate long before they are able to speak. Experience the joy of early communication. Learn to SIGN with your BABY today!

Kidcessory Haven
Custom matching accessories 4 mommys & their kids!

KidsReadMore.com
Over 1,000 educational titles for children, matching Literacy grant program, read-a-thon fundraisers and much more!

Lacrosse-Information
Learn how to play lacrosse, coaching techniques, drills, how to get recruited all to improve your game. Men and women, boys and girls of all skill levels will find something at Lacrosse-Information.

The Lang Co. Silver Jewelry
Sterling silver, gemstone, beaded, handcrafted jewelry. New & vintage jewelry ring holders. Enter to win in our contest.

LifeVerse Jewelry
Find personalized sterling silver jewelry with your own inspirational message and words. Awareness Jewelry, Birthstone Jewelry, Pearl Jewelry, Psalm Jewelry and Bible Verse Jewelry.

Little Hands Boutique
Your Upscale Resale for Little Ladies & Gents – specializing in gently used named brands from NB-5T

Lucy’s Letters
Personalized Santa Letters, Easter Letters, etc. All letters only $5! Check for all special letters available!

Luxury Diva Moda
Your source for affordable authentic designer fashion. We offer designer handbags, clothing, accessories by Fendi, Prada, Chloe, and More! Designer Fashion is not just a luxury, it should be an affordable lifestyle!

Magic Wardrobe Kids
Magic Wardrobe Kids specializes in selling licensed character clothing, toys, gifts, and accessories for children, all at bargain prices.

Mia Bella Gourmet Candles
Join the Candle of the Month Club and see why so many moms AND dads
love our candles! Check our calendar often for sales, fundraisers and more.

Michele Does Avon
For all your Avon needs and superior customer service! We are not your Mother’s Avon anymore. The newest trends, fashion, mens products, spa products, kids and tweens and so much more! If you haven’t seen Avon lately, you haven’t seen Avon!

Mineral Perfect
Looking for that youthful, vibrant, all-natural appeal Mineral Perfect offers 100% all natural mineral cosmetics and are an affordable alternative to national brands.

MisBeehaven Banners
Let us buzz up some banners for your biz & help you get noticed on the web! Creating custom designed banners and buttons that are eye catching and eye appealing with out the high prices! Buzz on over and check out our package deals today!

Mommies Webbies
Web Design, Building & Maintenance. Banners & Buttons, Affordable Hosting, Advertising and More. We want to help WAHMs and will always work around their budget!

Mother’s Bracelets by TinySugars
Select from dozens of elegant styles or custom design a bracelet with multiple names or up to ten birthstones. Pamper yourself or someone very special with a personalized mothers bracelet.

My Bella’s Treasures
Welcome to my eBay store. I sell Crib Toys & Accessories, ~SECURITY BLANKETS~ Baby Blankets, Baby Girl Blankets, many lost loveys in search of there owners ,Plush Baby Toys/rattle loveys, Baby Boy Blankets, and Gender Neutral Blankets.~ Please add me to your list of favorite sellers and visit often

My Button Store
Buttons to help build your business! Wear them, pin them on a friend, family members or a bulletin board to help advertise your business. Each button sells for $1.00. Custom made, Fast Shipping!

My Direct Sales Biz
My Direct Sales Biz is a haven for moms, dads, or anyone who wishes to work at home. You will find tips, articles, work at home business ideas and information on direct sales opportunities

My Enchanted Garden
Specializing in unique – personalized gifts for children. Handmade step stools, name plaques and tote bags.Design your own hairbows and bowholders!

My Kids Occasion
Event planning, personalized stationery, handmade greeting cards and unique, natural and educational GIFTS and products. We are glad to offer everything you need.

My Shopping Genie
Free download of My Shopping Genie, which searches for items on Ebay faster by integrating with Google or any search engine.

No-Chem Bed Solutions
Stop sleeping on a bed that is making you sick! If you have noticed allergies, asthma, or other symptoms with your new mattress, we have the solution for you. Stop by today!

Noodleloo
Stylish and fun gear for Mom and Baby: Nursing covers, Travel changing pads, Blankets & bibs, Gift baskets & Wearable’s

Norwex Healthy Cleaning
Clean without chemicals! Norwex Enviro Products is all about eco-friendly green cleaning and personal care.

Norwex Online Shopping
Chemical FREE Cleaning Products and Organic Personal Care. Secure Online Shopping – Visa or Master Card. Low Cost Direct Shipping Canada or United States

Norwex Products Online
Chemical FREE Cleaning Products and Organic Personal Care. Secure Online Shopping – Visa, MC or Paypal. Low Cost Direct Shipping Canada & United States. Immediate business opportunities available.

Oh My Baby
Personalized Baby Blankets, Bibs, Lovies, Burp Cloths, Towels, Picture Frames and more. Large selection of Gift Baskets, TAGGIES™, and GUND®.

Olde Village Depot
A primitive marketplace, where you will find primitive home decor, candles, dolls, quilts, and much more…

Omnitrition – Healthy Living For Life
All natural nutritional supplements for the entire family! LIQUID vitamins, weight loss, energy, sleep and much more! I lost 27 pounds and 3 sizes in only 4.5 months…What do YOU have to lose? Check OMNI out today!

On Fairy Wings Gifts
Find one of a kind items for that special someone. Create an account and subscribe to our newsletters for free gifts, special discounts, and subscriber only contests. Free business opportunities.

Only Child Option
because having multiple children isn’t the only choice.

Pampered Diva Gifts
At Pampered Diva Gifts,we bring you the best of all available women’s products in one advantageous website with prices to fit your budget! Step into our online shopping mall and find: Highly Scented Soy Candles *Indulgent Mineral Makeup and Cosmetics *Relaxing Aromatherapy Bath & Body/Spa Products *And Much More!

Pamper Me Place
Bath & Body, Soy Candles, Aromatherapy, Cosmetics, Health & Wellness Products as well as things for Kids and Babies, Accessories and Fun, Unique Items, The Sample Cake

Papers Prints & Pixels
Personalized products with personalized service – social stationery, invitations, announcements, notecards, webgraphics, web templates, hosting, and engraved and embroidered gifts.

Pastiche Family Portal
Family friendly articles, crafts, coloring books, clip art and paper craft printables – free for personal use.

Photo Bug Baby
A natural online photo contest for children 0-13 years old. Win CASH and great prizes! Check out our great products for kids and articles for parents! We also have a pet contest!

Prevent SIDS
For the truth about SIDS prevention and what you can do about it, stop by today. You might be surprised by what you don’t know!

Ready Banner
Providing free, ready-to-use banners to help WAHMs promote their direct sales businesses. Also featuring affordable banner and logo design services.

Rhona’s Creations
Custom and Costume jewelry. We custom design one of a kind Swarovski jewelry in crystals, hearts and butterflies in stones, evil eyes in glass beads and many other metal components in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, eyeglass holders and watches in all colors and sizes.

Royal Baby Boutique
We offer the finest luxury designer couture baby clothing, diaper bags, christening apparel and accessories for Your Little Prince or Princess. Royalty begins with tiny little baby steps.

Sabrina’s Village
An online gift shop to pamper your mind body and spirit. We offer a gift for everyone in your life. Bath and body, mineral makeup, tutus, baby couture and much much more.

Sales MOMS
Sales MOMS is dedicated to helping people understand the direct sales industry. We offer a network of websites that help in all aspects of products, business opportunity & sales.

Sara’s Pixel Studio
eCommerce sites, eBay Tools, WAHMShoppes, logos, banners, digi frames, Flash animation, designs for print (business cards, hang tags, stationary, etc), custom logo/trademark graphics and MORE!

Sara the WAHM
Come shop with me! Get great deals and specials on your favorite products from: Creative ScentSations, Beautiful Diva Mineral Makeup, Pink Alligator Designs and Stuff-N-Snuggle!

Scentsational De’Lights
Handmade Candles, Tarts & More. Weddings, Showers, Fund Raisers, Wholesale, Retail. Have A Scentsational Day!

SittersPlace.com
A local babysitting network for parents to find quality sitters, nannies, and mommy’s helpers. All types!

Spirited Lady Boutique
A spirited boutique designed for everyone! We have information on natural products for home, health, skin & pets, self help, do it your upholstery, crafts and much, much more!

Stay a Stay at Home Mom
Are you struggling to remain a stay at home mom? Tips and tricks to Reduce Expenses, Stretch Your Dollar, and Supplement Your Income in order to stay a SAHM.

Stella & Dot Style by Stella
Women’s Fashion Jewellry at Affordable Prices. No Presentation Home Parties – Finally! Just Invite Your Friends for an evening of refreshments and trying on beautiful jewelry! Ground Floor Business Opportunity.

Stitchilicious
Custom personalized embroidery items for all occasions!

Success Promotions
Internet marketing and search engine optimization by a WAHM for WAHMs.

Taekwondo-Network
Discover the most popular martial art in the world, Taekwondo! Advice and information for all ages, styles and levels of martial artist. Men, Women and Kids TKD t-shirts, equipment, videos and more.

Timeless Legacy
We create custom digital scrapbooks, framed memory pages, brag books, photo birth announcements, graduation announcements and more…

Todays Work At Home Mom
Providing advertising, marketing, shopping, & social communities for Today’s Work at Home Mom. Great WAHM & home business resources including newsletters, classifieds, forums, & more!

TracyTrends
childrens gifts, potty training supplies, hooded towels, kids money management, christmas ornaments and more

Tropical Baby Boutique
Offering stylish diaper bags for moms and dads, baby slings, blankets, hip baby clothing, toys, shower gifts, mommy bracelets, personalized favors and more. Be sure to browse our selection of gifts under $20.

TuesdayExpos
TuesdayExpos! If it’s Tuesday THEN it’s Expos Day! Every Tuesday our Great Vendors have their Special Offers listed. From scheduled Chats to open chat times if it’s Tuesday then it’s our Expos day! All 52 Tuesday of the year!

Uplifting-Essentials
Finally…Bra Fitting…Done Right! Fantastic Business Opportunity – We Need You Today!

Usborne Books at Home in Canada Up With Reading!
Visit our website today for information on purchasing Usborne Books, Hosting an Usborne Home Party or School Book Fair or to find out how to start your own home based business as an Usborne Books Consultant.

WAH Diva Mom
Here you will find everything WAHM like low cost advertising, articles, great companies to join, a chat room for online parties, and even a plug board! If you have any suggestions on anything you would like to see added to this site, please feel free to let me know. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy the site…

WahBizOpps.com
Wah Biz Opps~ Direct Sales and Party Plan Business Opportunities. Search our Exclusive Listings of Opportunities to find the perfect business for you!

Wahm Addicts
Supporting the WAHM Addiction for Work at Home and Stay at Home Moms. Find Freebies, Business Opportunities, Advertising and More. We have it all at Wahm Addicts.

WAHM Central
Offering home business opportunities and ideas for those wanting to work at home. Also affordable advertising for WAHMs, online break room with chat/message, games, puzzles just for fun and relaxation

The WAHM Shack
Online Resource & Networking site supporting work-at-home moms providing Free & Low Cost Advertising, Business Opportunities, Article Directory w/FREE Articles to Reprint, Forum, Link Exchange & more.

WAHM-Wish
Where your wishes of working from home can come true!

WAHShopping.com
The Place to Go to Shop with Moms at Home! Use our shopping portal for all of your online shopping needs! From A to Z, you will find what you need!

Waterwise Distillers
There is nothing healthier than pure, fresh, home distilled water from a Waterwise distiller. If you don’t understand the benefits of drinking home distilled water, let us show you today!

The Web Design Shoppe
Articles, Tips and Resources to Website Design, Graphic Design, Search Engine Optimization, Marketing your Business and more.

Web Page Editing
Let us edit your content, navigation, keywords, and articles! You only have one chance to make a first impression. Make it a positive one with a great web page!

Work From Home on the Internet.com
The Internet Income Center – Find legitimate internet business opportunities that require no or minimal start-up fees, have desirable products, and are profitable. We also provide several free and low cost services for promoting your new business.

Work at Home Parents
Your online work at home resource. Find a business, network with other WAHPs and shop parent owned sites.

Wow Imports Personalized Jewelry & Fair Trade Gifts
Personalized silver & gold nameplate necklaces, name rings, name bracelets, name earrings; beaded animal figurines, beaded serving pieces, beaded Christmas ornaments, key chains, piggy banks and more!

Sometimes when people are contemplating working from home they wonder if they’ll get lonely. In my experience, I’ve never really had time to get lonely. Since I’m homeschooling I have the kids with me all day. My husband works during the weekends so he’s around during the week. And then I have my clients that I talk to on the telephone frequently. No, loneliness rarely comes up .

Now if you want to now if I sometimes wish to listen to music that isn’t the theme song of Zooboomafu or Sitting Ducks my answer would have to be “Oh Yeah!” And how about not being interrupted when I’m working with requests to dress dolls or have a wrestling match in the living room would also be nice some days. But overall, I am content with my life and my connections outside the home.

But for WAHMs that may have children in school and their husbands working throughout the week, being lonely can become a real issue if you let it. Being a work-at-home mom doesn’t mean that you have to be isolated. It doesn’t mean being reduced to a gibbering crazy woman who sings “Dora the Explorer” when she answers the phone. (Okay, I do answer the phone “House of Mouse” from time to time, but I digress …) Setting up lunch dates with friends or clients is one way to make sure that don’t get too out of touch with the outside world.

But if you don’t feel like stepping outside of the house every time you need a “mommy break”, the internet has made it possible to connect with people anytime you feel the need. You’ll have to do research to find the groups that suit your needs, but here are a few of my favorite networks to tap into when I’m starting to feel myself sliding too deeply into the world of Pokemon and Sailor Moon:

• Who’s That WAHM? (http://whosthatwahm.com): Who’s That WAHM is the brainchild of Darlene ‘Dee’ Bishop, writer, Christian minister and home-based business owner. It was begun as a means for work-at-home moms (WAHMs) to learn more about each other so they can support each other in their business efforts.
• Moms United In Business (http://www.momsunitedinbusiness.com): Moms United in Business is a private networking organization open to work at home moms and ALL women in business. This organization is for women only, and is not a spam and advertising network. We do offer various avenues to promote your business, however, we have a zero tolerance for spam policy. We aim to provide a safe networking environment, offering both personal and professional support to each and every member.
• Workspace The Home Business Network (http://workspace.liveops.com): Start growing your home business by connecting to our forums, blogs, groups and get your personalized homepage. This group has support groups such as Men@Home, At Home Agents, Working Moms and Graveyard Shift Workers to name a few.
• Future Executives (http://futureexecutives.org/): This group is for people who want to help young people to learn about the business world, as well as providing a place for entrepreneurs to meet and support each other.
• National Association of Entrepreneur Moms (www.NAOEM.com):  Our mission is to EMPOWER, EDUCATE and ENLIGHTE women to achieve their full potential in all areas of their life, so they can create a ilfe they love, build a thriving home-based business that enables them to do work they’re passionate about, contribute financially to their family and be home with their children.
• The Homeschool Lounge (http://www.thehomeschoollounge.com): The Homeschool Lounge is one of my favorite places to interact. There are many groups dedicated to working from home, entrepreneurial moms and a whole lot more.  A definite place to visit and make new friends who totally understand your goals.
• Mission Mommy (http://www.mission-mommy.com) Great resources for work at home moms or moms who want to start their own business at home in the WAHM community.

So what are some of your favorite internet hangouts?

photo credit: Marc_Smith

Disclaimer: http://cmp.ly/5

Welcome to the ranks of the homeschoolers who also are working from their home. But before you head to Ikea to buy a lot of furniture, there are a few things that you should take into consideration.

After choosing what type of business you will be building, setting up your home-office is the most important thing you can do on your road to prosperity. So, only begin setting up your home-office if you have made a definitive decision about your business field.

Why?  Because your business decision will affect where your home office should be placed. And who wants to rearrange things over and over again? I know my husband doesn’t …

Unfortunately, most of us don’t live in a  5,500 sq. ft. home complete with a maid, chef and groundskeeper. Actually, my dream office would be like Nero Wolfe’s office. His office was very large with ample seating for clients. His walls were lined with books (I love books!) and his giant globe that his clients were drawn to spin at least once during the story line.

“Wow!” I think, “If I had an office like that life would be perfect.”

But then my son starts crying, his sisters are squabbling, the cats are racing through the house and the dog is barking. Yep, I am back to reality.  And you know what, reality really isn’t that bad.
The Real Home-Office

Back to real life scenarios now.  Actually, the minimum home office space requirements are a lot easier to obtain (and maintain) than Nero Wolfe’s setup.  Actually, all you need is space for a chair, and a desk large enough to handle any paperwork you’ll be handling.  Of course you need enough room on your desk for you laptop (or desktop) computer, and a place to put your printer.

I know that sounds spartan, but you don’t want to make the mistake of spending more than you’re bringing in.  Remember, you are working from home. Unless your business includes receiving clients into your home office, no one will know (or care) what your office looks like. No one, of course, except you.