posted March 03, 2003 09:59 AM
Do you have more than one home business? Are you looking for another business?
Do you think it's better to concentrate all of your energy on one business, or do you think you can make more money by selling more of a variety of products?
posted March 03, 2003 04:29 PM
One of my businesses is composed of 5 small businesses, LOL crazy I know.
I would technically say that I have one business that serves as a cover for multiple small. I do business mainly under one name, On River Street. I like having variety.
posted March 05, 2003 02:18 AM
I guess you could say I have 2 businesses. Although one of them is not a "money maker" per say (right now it just pays for itself), but more to help others (and to promote my main, a little). Mom's Market was designed to be a mall for the public and for mothers to have their businesses listed for free. Maybe one day it will be really big, but I'm pretty proud of the way it's grown in the short time I've had it. Last month it got over 2,000 visitors, and I think about 20 of those came from search engins.
My other business, Natural Home, is still VERY new. I started with just one type of product, but wanted to expand in a way that I could concentrate on just one site with the same types (natural) products.
I think that while it's better to concentrate on one business, if you can have more that "fit" with eachother (like Jennifer has done) that works too. I had another business that I had to drop after some careful thinking because it didn't "fit" with anything else I wanted to do.
------------------ ~Kara Kelso~
Supporting Mom's In Business Mom's Market Get your site listed for free!
posted March 05, 2003 07:19 AM
I started having too many businesses--and I wasn't working any of them "properly." I'm a rep for Country Bunny Bath & Body, PartyLite, JS Homestyle, and now Tahitian Noni Juice. I've got those businesses mostly on the back-burner now, I plan on just having them for personal use discount and for close friends/customers, and am concentrating on one main business--Signs by Tina. I plan on this becoming my career and future.
posted March 05, 2003 11:09 AM
I think it's definately possible to have more than 1 business venture. I am a firm believer in multiple income streams. But I also feel that you have to know that you can handle more than 1 at a time and they should compliment eachother. It's all a matter of what each individual feels they can handle.
posted March 05, 2003 07:35 PM
I am looking at having two businesses. I probably "should" begin with one before jumping into both, but I am really excited about both of them. They are different and satisfy two very different needs/interests. One is a personal training business and the other is an on-line gift shop. I do believe that I can make them both work and that they won't burn me out because they are so different from each other. As I get them both up and running, I hope to use all of you as sounding boards, advice and friends.
posted March 06, 2003 11:28 AM
Well let's see, I have a gift shop online, I'm a Cognigen agent and I am also an Arbonne rep. However, I'm a wholesale buyer with Arbonne, meaning I just use the discount and don't work the business.
The gift shop takes most of my time, as I have to do EVERYTHING myself. Cognigen is a bit easier because the company provides the web site updates etc. I take care of the advertising and marketing, etc.
On top of all that I have a full time job outside the home and a 4 yr old.
------------------ Jennifer Tidwell New Look for Spring! Doing Some Spring Cleaning? Sweep Expensive Long Distance Out the Door with Communications Solutions from Cognigen. Home, Office and Wireless Plans Available. Get Internet Access for as low as $12.45 per month!
posted March 06, 2003 02:33 PM
Great question, Cheryl.
I was just talking with an friend yesterday about how many businesses she has--6 at last count!?! I'm all for multiple income streams, but 6 completely unrelated things, compounded by 3 small children at home leaves me speechless in awe (and that takes some doing,lol)
My main business is as an independent Mannatech associate. They are the company that specializes in the study, development and marketing of Glyconutrients.
For me, it is better to focus on one, as I'm too easily distracted as it is. Hence, my day at WAHM, instead of working!
The plan though, is that my home business will provide the financing for my bricks and mortar bead store.
Buying beads online is not the same as the tactile pleasure of buying in person, as any bead addict will testify.
I'm Deb and I'm a beadaholic.
------------------ Are you well-suited to work from home? Take the test. workathome.maxoutnow.com
posted March 07, 2003 10:50 AM
I thought I could do two businesses but found that I couldn't. I just dropped my 2nd business and am concentrating on my original business. I was already successful at that but saw quick dollar signs (that didn't happen) with a new start up. I'm thankful that I came to my senses and can now focus on what is more important to me.
posted March 07, 2003 11:59 PM
Had 3, down to 2, will be back at 3 in April (new biz replacing the one I dropped), and I'm actually working on a 4th! The 4th is my own creation, so it's really exciting (and freaky at the same time).
posted March 10, 2003 02:27 PM
Cheryl this is a great topic. I have just one business! With 4 children, a home, a cat and hubby I couldnt even imagine starting up another one. I feel is you are serious about your business and really believe in it... 1 is enough. I have been with At Home America for almost 2 years and it just keeps getting better and better. I focus on my goals, my teams, my dreams, our mission which is in writing all over my home! The mission to change America one heart, one home and one family at a time". My mission is in a frame with a photo of myself with our 2 great leaders Lisa and Becky who founded this awesome company 2 years ago with no experience and no money and have built this business with the passion and love for all of there consultants. I havent regretted this business not one day!
Delania Heller At Home America www.athome.com/delaniaheller mikeanddelania@aol.com "On A Mission" To Change America One Heart, One Home and One Family At A Time"
posted March 11, 2003 01:02 PM
I have to agree with most here....great topic Cheryl! I have 2 businesses, actually 3!LOL My main business, which is the money-making one and the one I put most of my time, energy and effort into is my Mary Kay biz! I also have my Coffee Bears Cafe biz, but that is almost totally an online biz. Along with that I am a personal use rep for Mannatech, having the website and business mainly to provide for my family the products we have found to help in so many areas.
With the 4 kids and their schools/swim schedules, I barely have time for what I do, but I think having more than one business can work if you put the effort into merging the ideas.
posted March 11, 2003 01:16 PM
I have a day care business which provides my "bread and butter" money. I also am part owner of a quilt shop,I sell collectibles on Ebay and set up at local festivals to sell my crafts whenever I can. The fact that my children are grown and gone helps a LOT! I don't believe I could keep up with everything if I still had children who were involved in activities and who needed my undivided attention.
posted April 08, 2003 11:42 PM
I am a firm believer in multiple streams of income, too, but here's what has worked and not worked for me.
I tried for 2 1/2 years to operate two primary businesses and even though they complimented each other, it's almost impossible to provide the service and attention to customers and business partners that they deserve.
Plus, people start to wonder what you "really" do. "Do you sell nutrition? I thought she provided leads & training?", etc., etc.
Anyway, after selling my previous biz and am now doing something totally different, I am in One and only one business.
However, still a believer in multiple streams of income, I treat complimentary resources more like affiliate programs now. If people sign up, great, if not, no love lost, either.
My primary focus is in one place and I can best serve those customers needs by concentrating on them. They don't have to wonder what I "really" do anymore.
------------------ Patty's Pretty Paper handcrafted papers & gifts...made just for you www.PattysPrettyPaper.com ~ Request your Free Sample today ~
posted April 15, 2003 06:23 PM
This is a great question - and something I am seeing is exactly the same thing I have been experiencing, which is the fact that I don't want so many businesses that I can't do any of them well, and also I plan on using one to fund the other. I have dream for my Get The Word Out! business, which I founded and developed, but I decided this month that I don't want to go into debt to do what I want with it. I want an office, equipment, ad budget, etc and I don't want a loan or use household income to do it. My goal is to work my network marketing business hard enough to create the cash flow I need to get going in that direction.
So, I think that having more than one business/income stream is alright, as long as there is a goal and an end in mind for the commitment that it will take to achieve it. Personally, I have found that balance is an issue, as well as asking myself, am I willing to pay the price? If I am not, then I am wasting my time and just because it's a good venture doesn't necessarily mean that it's good for me.
posted April 16, 2003 05:31 PM
I think that the decision whether or not to focus on one business depends on how much work is required to earn money and how much money one wants to earn.
I would say that the only way to take full advantage of your business is to take it from being an additional income stream to something that can solely provide you with the income needed to support your family in the manner you wish to live.
Some people are just looking for a little bit of extra income that requires only a little effort or time. While other may be willing to put in more energy and “sweat equity” because of the payoffs later.
In my company I work with people who make a six-figure income. Some make this residually without any direct sales. My point is these people started with an additional income stream in mind but once they felt it was beneficial enough for them they directed all of there attention to expanding and creating a single business that would allow them more free time and in the end and a more stable income.
I also know of some people who have not been actively selling and are still members of our company with a traditional income streams that still receive either residual income or income generated from an organization that they put into place years ago.
Personally, I feel that while any business, if properly managed, could bring in enough income to support a family in a comfortable manner; any business that you have to keep your own inventory doesn’t provide financial freedom without sacrificing a lot of time and energy. Especially when it comes to products that one could easily purchase from another source like a discount chain store. I just don’t think that I am a good sales person. I wanted something that I believed in and that could sell itself. I am not saying that it is not possible to sell say a vitamin supplement that I really believed in. I have been part of other businesses that sold vitamins and personal products but only because I used them myself and I never really thought of them in terms of being a business although they could have been. The bottom line is if you want to make an abundant amount of money you have to sell something that an abundant of people need.
I can see how someone could become part of several businesses for those two reasons. Wanting to sell to more people or just wanting a discount on the products for yourself.
While I am on the subject the other reason that I don’t recommend selling an actual product as oppose to a service is when it comes down to it most people are bargain hunters and end up buying most of their products from grocery, discount, and/or chain stores.
I do believe in supporting women business owners and small family business whenever possible, but it is usually for that belief only that keeps me purchasing from them and not the fact that they have a unique or better product.
posted April 17, 2003 07:33 AM
Almost everything I do will be under the umbrella of WAHumor.com when WAHumor.com actually exists. I have business interests in the real world, too.
The Internet makes it entirely possible to run more than one business successfully, depending, of course, on your definition of success. It can make it more fun too!
Annette mentioned something that I just have to comment on. (or is that about which I just have to comment?)
Buying from someone just to support their business and not to purchase the better product is a disservice to yourself and that businessperson. By buying the best, you get what you deserve and that company and its representatives gain a stronger market position. If someone you wish to support sells the better product, by all means buy it. If not, don't and tell them why. That's the best support you could give because they might decide to offer the superior product instead.
Arrrgh! Too much seriousness! Gasp! I feel the tie choking me...Awkkk!!
Dan Reinhold Editor, WAHumor Work at home? You deserve a laugh! Subscribe at WAHumor-subscribe@topica.com Send something WAHumorous to WAHumor@yahoo.com Do both and enter our monthly drawing!
posted April 18, 2003 12:42 PM
Dan what I ment to say, without making my post even longer than it was is usually I would buy a cheeper product of lesser quality rather than treating myself to something of better quality. The fact I would be supporting a small busness and/or Dan what I meant to say, without making my post even longer than it was ƒº is¡K usually I would buy a cheaper product of lesser quality rather than treating myself to something of better quality. However, the fact I would be supporting a small business and/or family, would be my justification and motivation to treat myself to something that was more expensive. I certainty would tell someone if I felt that they had a product that I did not think was worth buying.
For example, I don¡¦t wear makeup except for a special occasion in which I would most likely run up to a chain store and purchase something biased more on price than quality. If However I had a friend marketing make-up I would buy something form them knowing both that it would be supporting them and that it is of better quality. I have found that most MLM make-up products are of a higher quality than something from a chain store. Which is after all why many people get in to business in the first place. And why, like I said before, it can be easy for some people to become associates of several businesses just for there own personal use of the product.
I don¡¦t think that having more than one business in that scenario can hinder your potential to make money. Like Patti said, ¡§If people sign up, great, if not, no love lost, either.¡¨ I think that everyone here (or I would hope to believe) would not market something that they did not believe in or personally use themselves. I think the you could potentially become affiliated with as many companies as you want if that is the way the you look at it. (so long as they don¡¦t require you to make a minimum number of sales or personal purchases ƒ¼ I would stear clear of them ) I market Prepaid legal Services, I use my lawyers they are great and I fell that everyone needs a lawyer and my product helps them obtain one in an affordable way. If when I tell someone about it they get the service we both win. Say I did wear make-up and I found a company that had just the perfect type for me: I become an affiliate/associate (whatever) just so I can get it cheaper. So long as I don¡¦t need to stock a bunch of inventory, if when someone says they like it and want some everyone wins again.
posted December 23, 2003 01:04 AM
I have several jobs. 1. CRM Security Solutions (evenings between 7pm to 12pm, 3 or 4 days a week) 2. Mark (Avon) (Whenever I am out and about) 3. Mystery shopping (done whenever there is a good resturant that doesnt cost me anything to eat at) 4. Surveys (done about twice a month for pinecone research) 5. Paid to Click (done everyday during the daytime when the boyfriend is at work) (1pm-5pm)
posted December 23, 2003 01:20 AM
I have only 1 business for now, AVON. It is good, but I need another one that doesn't take much work. I got 3 kids and no time. Any body got a suggestion that's not a MLM??
quote:Originally posted by Cheryl@WAHM.com: Do you have more than one home business? Are you looking for another business?
Do you think it's better to concentrate all of your energy on one business, or do you think you can make more money by selling more of a variety of products?
posted January 08, 2004 12:29 AM
Multiple Streams of Income are wonderful, and a challenge to juggle.
I am now focused on one PRIMARY business with other complementary "mini-businesses" that create both revenue and leads for my primary business.
But, there has to be one central focus to be truly effective.
And, having other affiliations is fun too, as I currently cash about 8 monthly checks from different programs, and I spend zero time on most of them. They are available through my website and newsletter.
AvonLady, I have a business that complements Avon, and have some Avon reps working with me. It does have an MLM pay plan, but is also retail/fundraiser driven.
posted January 15, 2004 12:00 AM
I have only one home business, Usborne Books at Home, and really find that one biz works best for me and my family. Having a leadership position makes this business profitable enough, that I don't really feel the need to add more businesses either. I also am a "focus" person. I like to conentrate on one thing at a time. With three children, a hubby and one business, I have quite enough multi-tasking going on already .
------------------ Cathy Eads Usborne Books - to engage, educate and entertain www.FindTheDuck.com
posted February 20, 2004 01:13 AM
I have two home businesses:
My first is as a freelance graphic artist (I have a Bachelor's Degree in design) however, it has really been more of a hobby really because I really don't make a lot doing it. Once in a great while someone will stumble upon my web site and contact me about doing work. I use most my design skills for scrapbooking and family web sites now days!
My other business is much more sucessful. I am a cleaning and maintenance contractor for new and upscale condominium complexes. I've been doing this for two years and my husband and I are making about three times what we were making working 40 hours a week each at our prior jobs.
I sure don't miss working in a tiny cubicle every day living by someone else's schedule. Our business has given us our freedom to enjoy our lives and the time to be the parents that we really want to be.
I also think Multiple income streams are a good thing, as long as you can devote enough time to each. I have 4 at this point and I think that is too many for me. Someone else may be able to handle it, but I find that I can organize and focus better when I get it down to two income streams. The two I enjoy the most are Cognigen and Avon. I know they are not similiar at all, but I think that is a good thing. Ceci Frederick
------------------ Cecilia Frederick Great Rates on Business Phone Systems and more! http://www.milleniumtechnology.biz http://cecilia8.cognigen.org
I think that much depends on what you as person can handle. With all that we have going on in a days times, doing multiple buisnesses can become very overwhelming.
Finding out if it is worth your while financially too is important.
That was one of my reasons for quiting and now only doing one. I also found myself telling my 3 kids: Mommy is working all the time! I later realized what is the point of WAH if I can't enjoy the rewards. After all they are the reason why I do.
I began with SFI- I made some $$ but learned more then I earned. This was whole new language for me- traffic generators, html... etc.
Next came AmeriPlan USA. Then the $$ started and it was all profit. So I figured... cool, if I can find more like this - I am set. So I brought on Melaleuca and tried a couple different teams. I love it for awhile until my Ameriplan profits started to fade and I spent more then I made.
So all things considered, I kept my momey maker especially since we needed these benefits as was right in the middle of dental treatments.
For those of you Ladies who do multiple businesses- HATS OFF TO YOU!!
I feel like I should settle down and focus on one or two, however I get income from each of the three and I'm not doing well enough with any one of them to make up for giving up another.
I hope that makes sense
------------------ Profitable Crafts - Make Money Doing What You Love
posted July 15, 2004 06:06 PM
I run two direct sales businesses from my home. Although it can get really crazy some times, there are huge advantages to running two businesses instead of one.
I am finding that when one is slow..the other picks up. (My product lines are completely opposite).
Also, you can promote both businesses at the same time. If you make your own fliers, postcards etc...you simply run two printing sessions and post info for both businesses at the same time.
Finally, when you meet someone who may not be interested in one business, chances are they may enjoy the other.
Just my .02.
------------------ * I run with Crayons *
http://www.colorfulcareers.com
Traci Anderson Independent Consultant Big Yellow Box by Crayola (tm) 406-655-9718 / 406-670-4263
posted July 22, 2004 10:56 AM
Yes I work several business from home and strongly believe that you can work multiple streams of income and make a good living.
posted July 22, 2004 05:46 PM
I have 2 biz's -- even before I was a mother and WAHM, I always had my own biz - whatever I'm interested in.
MAUREEN!! what WONDERFUL BUSINESSES YOU HAVE!!
------------------ www.chemfreekids.com OR http://stores.ebay.com/ChemFreeKids -- A single mom, I use by biz to support my daughter and me and provide education about breastfeeding and vegetarianism. I have a free newsletter and send out free colouring pages that promote Breastfeeding, vegetarianism, and natural parenting. Choose me for all your Waldorf needs.
posted September 01, 2004 02:21 PM
I'm almost a daycare provider (I have 1 inspection and my USDA traing to complete and I can start ). I just joined (again) Discovery Toys (just to get the toys at 20% off, and to allow parents to order toys that their kids liked playing with at my home) and I'm also new to the Stayin Home and Lovin It Team. I'm also homeschooling my son and dd#1. I don't think I'll be doing any more. I'm also a volunteer at the local pregnacy center every other Saturday, I start my training to be a CASA volunteer in 2 weeks, and I just joined a Republican Women's group, so I'm pretty busy ! LOL!
------------------ Rosi Mom to David 4-25-00 MaryEllen 9-16-02 Katie 1-18-04 Married to US Sailor Wayne US Navy http://www.stayinhomeandlovinit.com/cgi-bin/team.cgi?id=ro97544&action=show
posted September 12, 2004 07:43 PM
I don't think one should have too many businesses, but it's a good idea to have a couple of things going just in case things get slow with one thing - there's always money coming in.
------------------ Pamela Jackson AmeriPlanUSA® Broker <BR><A HREF="http://www.AmeriLadies.com" TARGET=_blank>http://www.AmeriLadies.com</A>
posted September 14, 2004 08:20 AM
Right now I currently have two businesses. Scents Indulged and the Greeting Cake Company. They both offer a product which compliments each other.
Besides working at home, I also am an avid volunteer. I sometimes feel my volunteer work is more work than my "income" work.
posted September 17, 2004 07:24 PM
Currently I have 2.
Disciple's Cross, and Christian Singles. I make and sell the DC necklaces. I just recently became an affiliate of a Christian Singles Network.
I have been happily married to a wonderful Christian man. He was called into the ministry approximately 15 years ago. It is wonderful to worship the Lord together as a family. I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to help others find that same happiness.
I just started the affiliate program with this company, so I am not sure how much earning potential it would be. It's free to join.
posted September 17, 2004 07:59 PM
I have one home business and one business outside the home. I'm an Affordable Luxuries Candle Consultant and a Licensed Massage Therapist in private practice. Right now, I try to incorporate my AL biz with my massage practice by using and displaying my candles in my office and treatment room. I always have one burning during my massages and sell many that way. I've been doing massage for 7.5 yrs and have been w/ AL since Jan of this year. In a physical job such as massage, you can only see so many clients per week. I needed a way to increase my income without taxing my body with additional massage hours. So, yes I do beleive in many situations multiple income sources are better. However, I hope to be able to work only AL starting sometime next year after my son is born in Jan.
posted October 05, 2004 11:29 AM
I have one business, but I guess it has two parts. I am a needlework designer, but I also convert photos into cross-stitch patterns. I think they complement each other, and when I'm not converting photos, I can do my own designing.
[This message has been edited by Olive Dyck (edited October 05, 2004).]
posted October 05, 2004 10:01 PM
I have 3 businesses and I am always on the lookout for more:~) My primary business is my Family site, then I have a web hosting business which I havent even finished yet and then I have a marketing business, all of them are online. I don't think running several businesses at the same time is a good idea, but I just have so many ideas and I am the type of person to just go with them so I end up with 3 business ventures in one week.
posted October 06, 2004 08:36 AM
I have 2 businesses, one is my own company and the other I rep for, PSILoveYou. I've been a rep for them since July of 2003 and love the products.
I've been an entrepreneur for over 20 years and wouldn't have it any other way
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posted March 03, 2003 09:59 AM
I not only have websites, but business opportunity I promote. Too many to name. lol