posted September 27, 2002 11:43 PM
Ok, I hope no one takes this the wrong way, I don't intend to put anyone down in any way. Please understand that before you go on.
I am seriously trying to find work from home. I recently resigned from my away from home job to be a stay at home mom. That said, I came to this forum for some insight into what real opportunities are out there to make real money while still being able to care for my baby. What I've discovered is a lot of people asking the same questions and requesting positive or negative info on all the billions of "work at home jobs" out there (real or scams). Then they receive that...both positive and negative usually for the same biz and are probably left still wondering or just moving on to the next appealing ad. So my question is this. Is there anyone out there who can truly say they have a work at home job that is legit, lucrative, and do-able timewise and moneywise while cooking, cleaning, caring for their children, grocery shopping, running errands, and hopefully sleeping. As well as something you don't have to put a fortune into to start up. If so, are there still opportunities for others to get a piece of the pie?
I'm just really getting frustrated, as I can tell others are as well. And some people have their biz sites at the end of their replies but don't often offer their opportunity to those asking. I'm starting to feel like everything out there is either 1. a scam 2. too costly to start 3. takes an unreasonable amount of time with not much return (moneywise)
Let me know!!!
Jess
pattyb WAHM.com regular
posted September 28, 2002 12:13 AM
I'm sorry you haven't found what your looking for. What frustrates me is a lot of posts from people who want to make money soley from the computer. I think someone mentioned saturation in the direct sales businesses. This(internet bus) seems to me to be one of the most saturated mediums there are. The sheer numbers are staggering. While the chances of making a decent living are possible on the web, it seems that you need to invest a lot of TIME. I am a divorced homeschooling mom who found this website and enjoy "talking" with the women who visit here. I have been involved with the same direct sales business since 1994. It has never been my intention to solicit my business here, hence no sig line referring to my business. Occasionally someone will ask what I do and I will give them the info and direct them to our public website and proceed from there. What I come here for is to hear new ideas, "talk" to other likeminded women, to fellowship. I already have a successful home business and enjoy sharing what I have learned over the years with the wonderful, smart, and caring women on these boards. I would be happy to give you info about our no cost to get started program anytime at [email protected] I hope that you find what you are lookin for soon, you deserve it
posted September 28, 2002 12:14 AM
Well there are jobs out there--few and far between unless you have certain skills. You can check out www.moneymakingmommy.com , www.dotcommommies.com , www.mommysplace.net and Cheryl has a job board here too. If you are looking for a business to start then you have start up costs for the kit and such. For example--I'm with Tupperware and the kits are $55 and then if you want the website it's $7 a month. If you are interested in checking all of the different home *biz opportunities you can try www.mymommybiz.com and www.dsa.org --I think that is the right address for the dsa. In whatever you do tho, whether it's a job or a biz make sure you research the company(s). Some people who work from home have had actual jobs but the employer didn't pay. That isn't a widespread thing tho And of course never pay for a job. Some of these companies want you to pay 10 or 20 or so bucks for a disk or to add you to their database and stuff like that--it's just a scam. It is discouraging sometimes and it does take research and time but you will find the right thing.
missyroth WAHM.com regular
posted September 28, 2002 12:35 AM
I wanted to reply to your comment about people, including me, with their opportunities in their signatures but not offering them. I think if we were to do that it would be blatant advertising. I think the purpose for those signatures is so that you can just see what we are doing and go to the links to check them out. You're perfectly welcome to look up any of them as far as I know, because why else would we put them there. I guess you'd say it's kind of like soft advertising rather than jumping out and saying, "Look, this is what I do. I'm going to advertise right here to you." I think the other ladies would agree that if you see a link to something that piques your interest, jump on it and check it out.
I agree that most people have their websites on their signatures, so that if people want to check it out, they can. Most people have some sort of information regarding becoming a consultant on their site. If you would like info on my companies, let me know! [email protected]
I understand what you're going through, and I'm here to tell you that there's plenty of opportunity out there, but that finding the right one is definitely left best up to YOU, since you're going to be the one that works (or doesn't work) it.
It's going to be tough working it around the kids, but it can be done. I worked my business around a sixty plus hour workweek for a year and a half, and it not only survived, but it grew. It takes a tremendous commitment to do it, and a daily commitment to do whatever you can, given your schedule, but if you put into a home business, you'll get plenty back. It most likely will take a lot of training, no matter what you choose to do, and you may have to find a sitter for the kids once in a while so you can get things done outside of the home. It all boils down to "how bad do you want it?" Be realistic in your expectations.
Research opportunities that sound interesting to you, keeping in mind your own interests, limitations, etc. Don't expect that you'll get rich building a business that you market only towards your family and friends--that "warm market". It's not gonna happen. Whatever legitimate business you choose, it's going to be up to you to be the advertising department, the public relations department--you have to wear all the hats.
It's going to take time to build a reasonable income. Some people get lucky, and are able to do it in a few months time, but that's not the industry standard, if you know what I mean. The more time you're able to commit to it, the quicker it'll grow. Consider a timeframe of at least a year or two (or even more) before it'll pay like a full time job. If you were to start a brick-and-mortar store somewhere, it'd be about the same timeframe.
There are also many low-cost ways to start, but you're going to put money into ANY business you start--whether it be into literature, or bumper stickers, or catalogs, or whatever--there's going to be costs. No way around 'em, they're going to be there. So, if you're working on a shoestring budget, you'd better work with someone who's "been there, done that, and has the t-shirt". They'll be able to best coach you on some of the better ways to get the word out without too much money. Basically, when it comes to advertising, you've got ways that cost more time than money, and other ways that cost you more money than time. You choose which best fits your situation. Don't be afraid to "interview" your potential sponsor. That's the person you'll need to rely on, so make sure they're a person you CAN rely on, and a person you'll get along well with...it makes a BIG difference.
Try not to get into a company that you have to "pay to play"--in other words, pay some certain amount per month--unless you think it's worth it, and your budget will allow it. You'll lose more than you'll earn. Try to find something that will allow you to earn your kit, perhaps--and a way that you can make money immediately.
Keep in mind a few key things while researching--like how many people are already representing the company in your area? Are the products reasonably priced, or so high you couldn't sell 'em on a bet? Consider the financial climate in your area, as well as the people. Some products do well in some areas, and some don't.
Once you "find your niche", give it all you've got. Make a commitment to your business like you've made a commitment to be at home with those kids. Even if you only have five minutes in a day to work your business, put that five minutes in. Every bit will help. Learn all you can about it--become a student of your business. Spend time training, spend some of your initial profits on things for your business as needed. Whatever you do, once you know where you're going, and you've set some goals as to how to get there, don't get lazy, and don't give up, and it'll pay off.
I hope I've helped, Jess...good luck in your search!
posted September 28, 2002 01:25 AM
I have a great paying job working from home. I am a sub-contract mortgage processor. Unfortunately I can't give anybody else a job and I can't train anybody to do my job. I got started because my friend's mortgage broker asked her if she wanted to work from home. She was unable to and referred me. He trained me and I worked for him for a little over a year until just this past July when we had a falling out and parted ways. For two months, I send out resumes and contacted anybody and everybody I knew in the mortgage business to find a broker or two to process for. If I had been willing to go into an office every day, I would have had a $60K/year job in a week. I'm not willing to work for anybody else, so I kept sending out resumes and such. Two weeks ago, I found a broker to process for and got hired by a company that takes on brokers and then hires sub-contractors to process mortgages. All of the sudden, I'm so busy I hardly have time for anything else.
Maybe you should consider doing something like this, something you have experience in. The best "at home" jobs are ones you create yourself. I love what I do and will probably be doing this for a very long time. I find the work to be challenging, yet I'm very well paid. It's nice to feel as if I have a purpose in life. Being a mom is important, but my earnings are what gives my family the "fun" money we love to have. Good luck!
jeans WAHM.com regular
posted September 28, 2002 09:23 AM
Hi Jess,
It can get frustrating and discouraging when you are looking. I think the reason you hear both positive and negative about any of the opportunities is because like everything else, there is no one solution that is perfect for everyone. Everyone brings different expectations and different talents to any job or business and therefore everyone has a different experience.
Frankly, I'm becoming rather cynical about the potential for success with most of the direct sales companies. There are certainly women, like Kelly, who have built a tremendously successful business, but I think she is the exception, not the rule. I think it takes the right personality, the right timing, the right economy, and work, work, and more work to be successful. It can be done, but I think many of us go into a direct sales company having the most successful people held out to us as examples, and I suspect that the majority of consultants for any company are not making the kind of profit they expected.
I am not saying it isn't possible, I just think that many of us start off with unrealistic expectations and are quickly disappointed. We need to find a way to explore the potential and maintain the enthusiasm, yet get a realistic picture.
G i n a R. R i t t e r Personal Coach http://www.id-Energy.com Find the happiness and time you deserve with work, family, and women's issues!
NoniMom WAHM.com regular
posted September 28, 2002 11:35 AM
The best thing I have found with direct sales is that there is something out there for everyone! There are so many choices! But, unfortunately, that is also the biggest problem too.
It takes a lot of work and time to find a business that is right for you. I've been in several direct sales businesses for the past 8 years and while I was a consultant for them, felt that they were the best company to be with! Then, either something happened with that company that caused me to want to leave, or something better came along.
You have to constantly keep your eyes and ears open and be willing to listen to suggestions.
When I first talked to my upline about the business I'm with currently (Morinda), my gut reaction was, "No way, no how am I getting into the wellness industry!" I had no desire at all to get into something like that. But as I listened to her tell me about the company, their commitment to the distributors and most importantly, the product, my interest was piqued. I was willing to sample the product, to see if it was really what she claimed. I totally believed her when she told me about the company and the team I would be joining, because she is a good friend and I knew that they had totally checked out the company. Now I just had to see if the product worked for me.
For two weeks, my husband and I sampled the juice, but didn't tell anyone what we were doing. But once we saw results, we couldn't keep our mouths shut! It just blew us away!
You have to have a passion about your product, no matter what it is!!! That is the most important thing. If you love candles, and believe you have the best around, then you'll make an excellent candle consultant. But if you just like the smell and think they are okay, you are going to have a hard time convincing anyone else that your candles are the best.
Find something that you can be passionate about. If you request information from someone about a business, don't just rely on emails and websites to find out about the product. You NEED to talk to the consultant in order to know how they feel about their product and business.
I'd be more than happy to talk to you about Morinda. And I'm sure anyone else on this board who puts their business information in their sig line would also be thrilled to share with you as well. But, like someone else mentioned, we don't want to be blatant about it. It's sort of subtle advertising ;-)
Good luck in your search. I know your business is out there, just waiting for you to find it.
posted September 29, 2002 01:38 AM
I know exactly how you feel. I felt the same way last winter when my baby was born. It's really hard to find something that can work for you and your family. What I want to encourage you to do is NOT GIVE UP! It took a few months but I finally found an awesome opportunity. I absolutely LOVE my job now and never thought I could or would do something like this. It has proven to be quite lucrative and works around my schedule therefore giving me time to keep the home running smoothly (my husband sure loves that!)
All that to say, please don't give up. You are welcome to visit my website or contact me via email to chat about what I do if you are interested, but most of all~don't let fear stand in your way!
Lisa
------------------ Lisa Workman www.southernlivingathome.com/lisaworkman
pattyb WAHM.com regular
posted September 29, 2002 01:51 AM
Kelly- i think your post should be required reading for wahm wannabes. After being in Direct sales for 8 years(w/the same co) i feel that this business is for anyone who takes this favorite saying of mine to heart: If you treat it like a hobby, you will be paid like a hobby. If you treat it like a business, you will be paid like a business. Hmmmm, maybe that should be my sig line...
[This message has been edited by pattyb (edited September 29, 2002).]
NoniMom WAHM.com regular
posted September 29, 2002 09:54 AM
quote:Originally posted by pattyb: If you treat it like a hobby, you will be paid like a hobby. If you treat it like a business, you will be paid like a business.
This is the absolute truth! That's one of those things that irks me when I have a downline come to me and say, "How come you are making xxx number of dollars and I'm only making x?"
When I look at their stats, I see that they don't have any sales, and when I ask them what they did this week to promote their business, they give me excuses as to why they couldn't work it.
There's a post on this board (forgive me for not remembering who posted it!) from someone who finally decided to sit down and work their home based business like a real business instead of reading emails and jumping up and down from the computer every few minutes. You have GOT to put time aside to work your business. Maybe it's a few hours a day, or maybe it's only every other day. But you HAVE to work your business on a consistent basis or you will NEVER make any money.
I don't ever expect my downline to do something that I'm not willing to do. And, I am always there to help them in any way that I can.
posted September 29, 2002 10:54 AM
AMEN sisters! I LOVE all of the responses in here! It's so true.....you have to be dedicated, disciplined and have a plan in order to obtain your financial goals in ANY business you choose AND in any J.O.B. you choose to do, ESPECIALLY when you're doing it at home.
The hardest thing I have EVER done in all of my working career has been to work at home with my baby. She is 17 months old and gets into everything. As soon as she see the phone on my ear or my fingers dancing around the computer keyboard, she's on me like white on rice!
But I'm blessed with experience, skills, sticktoitiveness, and a great support system in my husband. And I've learned to turn into a "tornado" when she's having a sleep so I can get calls made and orders filled! I get up quite often at 5 a.m. so that I can get a couple hours in before she wakes up at 7 a.m. And, of course, I sometimes work after 8p.m. when she goes to bed (but usually, I'm exhausted by 8 pm., so I just flop on the couch!!).
When you first start a business, you must understand that for the first 2 years, you are slowly building "momentum". You are getting yourself organized, you are learning "whatever your trade is", you are planting seeds (if you are in one of the many business opportunities offered out there). It is crucial that you are in a business that you believe in and that you love, or you will NOT make it. Some of us have increased our streams of income by discovering spin-offs along the way that integrate easily into what we do. For instance, I was so impressed with my non-insurance health product, I went and go my health license so that I could enhance my sales proposition to my clients.
What is momentum? Momentum is the culmination of marketing, experience, research, practice, advertising, getting referrals, follow-up...and all of the months and months (and years) of building your business....culminating in a faster process of closing deals and bringing in revenue faster and more efficiently then when you first embarked on your home-based journey.
...and momentum applies to ANY business, as mentioned in a previous post, whether it be "brick and mortar" or work at home.....momentum is the key, but you won't get there if you don't put a process in place and stick to it.
Most business opportunities (mine included) offer a very savvy marketing program. When you review the product, its market, and the pay plan, they ALL MAKE FABULOUS SENSE. The presentations all look smooth and make perfect sense and they all look like they would be a breeze to market. I don't care whether it's party products, lotions & potions, candles, healthcare services, tupperware, or *whathaveyou*...they all look like a cake walk when you begin your review. I get a TON of calls on my business every day, from those who are interested in learning more about becoming a rep....and I tell people point blank....this is hard work, it's selling, it's endless follow-up, follow-up, follow-up, it's about organization, but it's worth it in the end. Nine out of 10 never call back....hmmm.... LOL!!
And it's very important to do your research...who is the competition?...what makes *this* opporunity better then *that* opportunity? What is it's market? What is its selling proposition? Is my immediate market here in the town in which I live over flooded with people in the same business? If so, do I have the budget to market it elsewhere? This is just the beginning of an avalanche of questions that need to get answered. Your decision can't be just about...Well, my friend Sally is doing it and I really like her. Now, don't get me wrong, you also need to like and respect who you team with too.
But let me tell you this....if you don't have *sticktoitiveness* and vision, belief in yourslef, not withstanding your absolute belief in what you're doing and the products you are working with, you will never make it.
I've seen so many women in here say....it was a scam....or that is a scam. Sometimes it can be true....but is the *scam* the fact that the presentation made the selling of the product look so easy....but when you joined, the phone didn't ring....the follow-ups are endless, human nature can be inconsistent, and even though you followed your training to a T, you didn't make a sale....so it must be a scam?
You can sell and be successful at ANYTHING in this country. But you need to KNOW YOURSELF FIRST (can be the hardest part), do the right research, and access all of the wonderful resources offered in the library, the internet and the fabulous business women who you meet here in the WAHM! I'm astounded at the resources I've found in this very board alone!
In the long-term....whether it be a JOB at home or your own business.....the pay-off is the most satisfying because you walked through fire to get there and you didn't give up.
OK...I'll get off my soapbox now! LOL!!!
[This message has been edited by smiling_mom (edited January 19, 2003).]
jeans WAHM.com regular
posted September 29, 2002 11:15 AM
Smiling_mom makes a number of excellent points. I just wanted to reiterate and add a bit to "you must understand that for the first 2 years you are slowly building momentum."
During those first 2 years of business, we should not expect much of an income from the business. When there is profit, it usually needs to be reinvested into the business to build it even more.
When starting a business, plan to succeed, but take into account the possibility of failure. Invest only what you can afford to lose. Also consider whether you can afford to live without much income for those first couple of years. Business is a risk; make it a calculated risk.
That's why many women start their businesses part time while they are still working outside the home.... we often need the steady income of a job.
quote:Originally posted by smiling_mom: When you first start a business, you must understand that for the first 2 years, you are slowly building "momentum". You are getting yourself organized, you are learning "whatever your trade is", you are planting seeds (if you are in one of the many business opportunities offered out there).
[This message has been edited by jeans (edited September 29, 2002).]
igloochik WAHM.com regular
posted September 29, 2002 12:31 PM
I have to add another comment here.
Linda had said something about how I am the exception, not the rule... and I had to think about how many times I had tried home businesses BEFORE I found Watkins... and failed. Sometimes it's the company that fails you, and let's face it, if we were totally honest with ourselves, sometimes we fail the company. One beauty/health type of company I was involved with took 350.00 from me for a kit, and I played "chase my sponsor" for six months, couldn't sell the products on a bet because they were wildly expensive, and I just gave up! No support, no upline...I wouldn't have known who to call that was above my sponsor! Then I tried a wholesale/retail thing, to find that the market was already saturated. Each one of these opportunities I worked less than a year.
Was it my own fault that I failed at both of these? Partially. I didn't do enough necessary research, I didn't make a plan to spend a certain amount of time on them, and looking back on it, I simply wasn't ready to put a commitment into them. I had no passion for either of these companies, either. How many times have you, yourself, jumped blindly into something? I bet you there's not ONE person here who has not done that at some time or another! But at the same time, the hype and the false promises that were spoon-fed to me by both of these companies were what I was counting on for success. It was lies, deception, to get you in the door.
I think at this point in my life I know that I NEED to have something going that will take me through a comfortable retirement. I'm 38 years old, ladies...not getting any younger, and I really hate seeing those social security things in the mail that they send yearly now to tell you how much your social security will be when you retire. Mine's going to be like $231.00! Now, I don't know about you, but I can't wipe my butt with that kind of money. I'm not young and fresh anymore, no computer job opportunities exist where I wish to live, and I know I'm going to be out of luck if I don't get something lucrative going for myself!
This time around, I was ready to make a commitment--I had also co-owned a regular store-front business, and knew just what it took to make THAT work. I had that strong work ethic...and I've got plenty of motivation this time, too. Ladies, 90% of people fail in network marketing because 90% of them don't want to put forth the kind of effort needed to succeed at it! They don't want to put a commitment into a business, because they feel it's too difficult or too time-consuming or whatever.
Now, before someone bites my head off.. I'm not saying that's the case for everyone. Companies, as I said previously, have failed us miserably too. We want so desperately to believe, so that "work from home dream" can come true. I see in my own team so much more success than I've ever seen in any business I've been with--or known people to be in. I feel that this time around it's different, because there's more training than I could ever hope for, more support than I ever could have expected, and it's working because I've made a solid commitment to it, and I teach OTHERS to make a solid commitment as well.
Am I an exception to the rule? Hardly. I still make time to watch TV once in a while--but it's not every single day, for hours at a time. I make time to spend with my son, too...because he's a big part of the reason why I wanted to work at home...the kid's been in too many daycares, too many babysitters...
I guess what it boils down to is: My priorities in life are different. My main priority now is to generate enough income so that myself and my son can ENJOY life, not just get by from day to day--I want to see him, spend time with him, and that's my focus now...and I will do ANYTHING IT TAKES with this company to get there.
Any one of you could do the same exact thing. Focus, commitment, consistent effort. It pays off. I was reading a book the other day, and the man who wrote it said, "Action supercedes everything." Take action! That's what it's all about--and keep ON taking action, every day until you get there.
Thanks for listening to my long-winded dissertation.
posted September 29, 2002 01:06 PM
From reading a previous post of yours, Sahm1, it sounds like you might be very interested in selling health products and things of that nature etc.
From observation only, I'd give Kelly Sutton (igloochick) a call if I were you. I know that Watkins has been around for a very long time. I've also noted that Kelly sells the product, she doesn't just recruit and this is a very important aspect to ANY business you consider taking on. Recruiting is necessary to "bullet-proof and leverage" your business, but if it's the main focus of the business, my radar always goes up.
But remember, whatever you pick will take time.
All the best to you.
------------------ Affordable Healthcare! All Pre-existing conditions welcome! Dental Program, $19.95 per month per family! Fully loaded program including hospital, dental, physicians, chiropractors, veterinary, air ambulance and more is only $54.95 per month PER family! www.SaveOnMedical.Org
igloochik WAHM.com regular
posted September 29, 2002 03:34 PM
You know, I've just got to say "Thank You!!" to you ladies who have so many nice things to say... you've made my day!
Products or services in any business is what makes the business grow--and as Smiling_Mom has said, Watkins has been around for a LONG time..would you believe 134 years? To have never HEARD of the business myself two years ago, to having such an unshakable belief in these products now--it's been remarkable to see the people who have such a trust and belief in our products!
Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you. I feel blessed to have you ladies!
Kelly Sutton Watkins Manager and Certified Lifestyle Consultant http://www.moreincomenow.info P.S. We have a way that you can earn your kit with NO up-front cost--in case anyone's interested.
posted September 29, 2002 03:39 PM
Ok!! So now that all prospective wahms who visit here have read the consensus: commitment, consistent, persistent and most importantly- do the work, do the work, do the work!!! What are you going to do? Whatever it is Just Do It! you can make money and you can make excuses but you can't make both- what are you going to make?
posted September 29, 2002 03:53 PM
You are ALL such an ispiration to honesty and integrity. I am no longer involved with MLM as a business, but I wish I had met you ladies and read your wisdom before I ever got involved. Thanks again!
posted September 29, 2002 04:09 PM
What I would really like is for the regulars on this board to keep this thread bumped to the top for all the firstimers to read first. It seems to me that a lot of their time could be saved if they read this thread first and then decided if their ready to a wahm...
You're getting to be quite the regular around here, too! hehehe
The last line you wrote struck me, "It seems to me that a lot of their time could be saved if they read this thread first and then decided if they're ready to a wahm..."
You know, you've hit it on the head! I think that it DOES take a readiness to do it, and to do it right is going to take all those things we talked about.
One of the things that I talk to prospective associates about is how they'd like to "schedule" their business into their life. I ask them to sit down with a calendar and really look at their schedule and figure out the time frames they'll have available on a daily basis to work their business. If you'd follow a schedule for a boss, why wouldn't you do the same for yourself--especially if you're the one in charge now?
One of the big changes that a lot of new WAHMs have to face is going from "employee mentality" to "employer mentality". As an independent business person, you are the one who now wears many hats--you're the ad department, you're the human resources department, you're the marketing department, and so on. You're also the boss...which means that ultimately YOU will decide when you'll work...(or not work!) and, because you're the boss, you can't sit and wait for someone to tell you what to do! You have to learn everything you can about your new position, take initiative to take the steps necessary to get the job done, and, if you're in network marketing, you have to be the one to contact your sponsor if you need help--that's what they're there for! They have the answers you need for the times you stumble. They'll help you set goals and help you understand what it's going to take to get there. What a lot of new people in my business don't understand is that your sponsor is NOT your boss! It's not their responsibility to push you, to make you do anything--they're there to inspire you, teach you, encourage you, but they will not make you get up and DO it. That has to come from you--and besides, us sponsor-types are pretty busy people! I've got 38 people on my team, and they all know that each and every one of them can contact me at ANY time whatsoever for help, encouragement, etc. but that I don't have all the time in the world to "hand-hold"...and that ultimately, it's up to THEM to get the work done!
I think one of the coolest parts of my business is being able to teach what I know--and teach others to do the business, and to watch THEM grow. It's been amazing to see people who never thought they'd do a thing to experience success, and then they call me, or e-mail me, and they're so excited, they just can't believe it--and I get to share that with them. Success in network marketing is just that, though--it's helping others achieve, and when you do that, then YOU achieve as well.
posted September 29, 2002 10:04 PM
Kelly- ditto your last post.... except for the 38 people on your team-ha! I just started building a team this year and only have 10-15 active consultants. Actually I've sponsered well over 100 cns in the past 8 years but I finally figured out that even though I could sponser 3-4 new cons each month only 1 of those is actually ready to be a cns. That is when I started turning people away, because in my interview I find that a response like "well let's just see what happens" is an indication of an unsuccesful start and usually a waste of time for both parties involved. This is where I've changed my training tremendously. My question to them at this point is- Look, you told me you wanted to make X amount of money but you want to "see what happens"? I really don't want to waste your time. If you want the income you stated then you have to do what it takes to get there and this is what it takes:" Yes fewer people sign up this way but the ones who- do make IT happen. And I totally agree on calender control. It doesn't control you, You control it! That's part of my training also. I couldn't be a divorced mom, homeschool and run a business if I didn't take charge of my calender. On watching your team members grow, we call this the Paycheck of the Heart. And that is exactly what it is, very gratify to see someone succeed and probably change their life for the better however small or large the change.
Bev, I forgot to respond to something you stated earlier in this thread about passion, guess what? I had never burned candles before I started selling them! Of course now I would be considered a candleholic, thank goodness I get them for free , but you're so right about this. You should take a personal inventory of your likes and dislikes. There are so many companies out there that fit everyones tastes. I for one abhor cooking hence the need to burn candles to get rid of my burnt dinner smells! So should I go sell cooking/baking products? You have to believe in your product or you will never have consistent sales and a liveable income. I fell in love w/candles and have never looked back.
posted September 29, 2002 11:48 PM
maybe we can take turns keeping this bumped? and refer newbies to this topic whenever they start asking about becoming a wahm? as in: I saw your question re: X company. Before you start researching bus opps/jobs please refer to the "Do Real Opportunities Exist?" topic in this forum. Or direct them to this forum and topic if they are somewhere else on the board? Just a thought, might help them make some good decisions.
posted October 01, 2002 11:28 AM
Hard Truths in Home Business
1. You're going to have to sell.
Yes, I know, you may not think you're good at selling, but 99.99% of all home businesses sell a product or a service, and it's because of those sales that you will make money, and the company will make money. Selling is NOT that difficult. We do it all the time. Women are natural networkers, and we're constantly selling to other people--we just don't get paid for that everyday "selling" we do. If you've told a girlfriend about a new eyeliner you've tried, or told someone about a good movie you've seen, a restaurant you've eaten at that was great, you're already doing it. Why do we do that? Because when we are passionate about something, when something excites us or makes us feel good, we WANT to tell others. That's why it's vitally important that when you choose a home business, it HAS to be in line with your interests, or will be something that you could continue to be interested in for a long while. You have to BELIEVE in what you're selling, so make sure you are also using the products or services. Lastly, if someone tells you that you don't have to sell to be in their business, be super wary. It's most likely a "pay to play" kind of deal.
2. You're not going to get rich nor build a successful business selling to only your family and friends.
Yes, they may be the first ones to purchase something from you when you're new to a home business, but if you keep on going back to them time and time again without expanding your horizons to include the REST of the planet, they're going to watch for you coming so they can get as far away from you as possible. A successful business will require you getting out of your comfort zone and talking to other people--as many as you can. Learn how to fit your new business into conversation--learn to smile more, so that when you smile and make eye contact with someone, you can talk to them, listen to them, bring your business up, and perhaps give them a business card or catalog. Get involved in your community so people know who you are and what company you represent. Join clubs or organizations that do fundraising, help out at school, whatever, but get exposure (and business!) by participating in the community you live in. It'll make you a more well-rounded person, your business will benefit, and so will your community.
3. Someone WILL tell you that you're crazy or insult you for starting a home business. The reason I mention this NOW is that so when it happens, you'll remember that the Igloochik told ya so. Don't let it get to you. Some well meaning person (or idiot) in your life is going to make belittling comments with the meaning of "Gee, isn't it swell..the little lady's got herself a cute little hobby to keep her busy." People may not immediately respect what it is that you're doing, and many people who don't understand home business will also make their well meaning comments. They may tell you that you'll never make enough money off of this to stay home on...they may tell you that this is some "pyramid thing" you've joined, and that people won't want what it is that you're selling. They may try to talk you out of it, or tell you that you need to find a "real job". Whatever their comments are, they're entitled to their opinions, but DON'T let them influence how you feel about your business. Your belief in your legitimate company has to be unshakable. If you want people to respect what you're doing, you will need to treat it like the respectful company it is. Don't go out in your sweats and dirty breakfast-stained t-shirt, with your hair all over the place, looking like you just rolled out of bed to promote your business. LOOK like a business person--even if you don't go full business dress, make sure you are presentable, neatly dressed, and equipped to do your business. That means that you have catalogs, samples, business cards and other appropriate business literature in your vehicle at all times, or carried in a bag or whatever. You never know when an opportunity to talk to someone who may be interested in your business will arise, so make sure you're not caught without the tools of your trade. With looking like a business person comes the ACTING like one, too. Follow up when you tell people you will, take care of your customers promptly and with a good attitude, and they'll tell others about your business--and word of mouth is one of the BEST ways to get the word out. It's also one of the best ways to get the BAD word out on you as well, so make sure you're doing your business properly and with good ethics. As one of the other ladies said previously, if you treat your business like a business, it'll pay like one, and if you treat it like a hobby, it'll pay like one. You choose.
4. Even if a company offers you a free website to sell your products, unless you know a great deal about internet marketing, you won't get rich selling products on the internet. I know some people may beg to differ with me on this one, but unless you're going to spend a lot of money on advertising, or you know something about internet marketing, it's a whole lot harder than just having a website. The adage, "If you build it, they will come" does not necessarily apply to the internet. You will probably still have to promote your business offline.
5. If you belong to a network marketing company, you will most likely have to sponsor others if you want to make long-term income, or make a decent amount of money. No company will make you sponsor, but look at the hard facts. There's only so much you can make retailing. If you're comfortable with the little bit you'll do in that manner, then that's great, and you're achieving what you set out to do. However, if you're looking for enough income to stay at home on, you will most likely have to sponsor others for the long-term income. Sponsoring can be difficult or easy--it all has to do with your own attitude, whether or not you learn your business well, and whether or not you are working your business consistently. If you are working your business on a regular basis, you will be talking to many, many people over time. Some of them will be interested in being customers, some will be interested in your business, and some will be interested in neither or both. Don't prejudge people and assume that you know what they'll be interested or not interested in. They may surprise you.
6. You may not make a huge amount of money immediately. Besides, what you make initially through your first six months to a year should, for all purposes concerned, be put back into your business so you have the necessary funds to help it to continue to grow. Having a business means you will have costs, and you cannot do your business efficiently without the proper tools.
7. You will have to work your business for at least a full year, consistently, before you'll see serious progress. You cannot join a business, work it for a couple of weeks and be able to make an informed judgment or decision on whether or not it'll work. If you are being a student of your business from the very start, taking the time to learn everything you can about it, staying in contact with your sponsor on a regular basis, asking questions and DOING the business consistently, you should make progress, and it will continue. More often than not, when people join a home business, one of the biggest reasons that they fail is that they don't WORK their business consistently, they don't make contact with enough people, they don't talk to enough people, etc. If you get discouraged along the way, give your sponsor a call--look back at why you started the business in the first place (Was it that you wanted to be home with the kids? Make enough money to contribute to the finances? Take the family on a much-needed vacation?) Re-examine your reasons and start again TODAY, renewed and ready to keep on working towards your goal. Invest time or money in finding books, tapes or other materials that will help reinstill belief in YOURSELF. It's money and time well-spent.
I hope my rants and ravings have helped at least ONE person. If it has, then the time I spent here has been well-spent as well.
[This message has been edited by igloochik (edited October 01, 2002).]
smiling_mom WAHM.com regular
posted October 01, 2002 12:03 PM
Another li'l tip for anyone who is new to working for themselves....Keep a personal list of 20 reasons WHY you choose to do this business....post it on your bulletin board near your desk.....read it everytime you get discouraged (and on some days, you'll be discouraged). Here's my list....once you get 3 reasons on paper, the other 17 come flooding in...LOL!!!
1. I get to stay home with my child. 2. The challenge of carving out my own future, not somebody else's. 3. Learning some truths about myself...some are wonderful, some show me areas to work on! 4. Flexibility. 5. Decision-making power. 6. Knowing that I can make whatever income I want because I love selling....so it's up to me now that I'm in my own business. 7. Learning more about marketing and sales. 8. Analysing my own market and the "thrill of the chase". 9. Getting to stretch my skills into other areas like "book-keeping", "writing", "PR", "selling better" etc. 10. My love of educating and helping people....members AND recruits. 11. Watching my planted marketing seeds evolve into beautiful harvests that I can call my own. 12. A "Bad Day" in my OWN business is waaaaay better then a "Bad Day" working for Corporate America. 13. Problem solving something that actually matters to MY business, not someone else's. 14. Receiving paychecks from the fruits of my labors. 15. Writing off various and sundry expenses against my business. 16. Developing natural multiple streams of income from my experience and the skills that I develop from one business...leading to another. 17. Setting and obtaining goals and loving the feeling of doing so! 18. Meeting other people who are also in their own business and learning from each other. 19. Finally realizing the true meaning of "If it's to be, it's up to me!"
...and last but not least...
20. When No.12 (above) occurs, taking a day off whenever I need to break from the work and refreshen my soul, without answering to anyone and booking the day off in someone else's time sheet!! Yeah!
Whenever I used to have a "low" day, I'd look at my list and remember why I do this.....after a while, it became second nature and thoughts of going back to a J.O.B. (Just Over Broke) didn't even matter anymore!
I've now evolved the list above into another list that is a bit deeper and more personal...
------------------ Affordable Healthcare! All Pre-existing conditions welcome! Dental Program, $19.95 per month per family! Fully loaded program including hospital, dental, physicians, chiropractors, veterinary, air ambulance and more is only $54.95 per month PER family! www.SaveOnMedical.Org
igloochik WAHM.com regular
posted October 01, 2002 01:06 PM
Just bumping
Carlae69 WAHM.com regular
posted October 01, 2002 03:14 PM
I can really relate to what you are feeling. I have always worked outside the home and always dreamed of becoming a wahm. I finally quit dabbling with it and started hitting it hard a few months ago and, wow, how exciting yet discouraging this time has been.
I am so very excited about the possiblities but when it comes down to the actual "nut & bolts" of it, this is a very scary and hard thing to try. But my excitement is still there and stronger than ever as I am learning more.
Through all of this, I must tell you how wonderful all of these ladies are on the WAHM boards. They have given me some very heartbreaking feedback but they are all so supportive and I believe, for the most part, are honest.
Being active on the wahm board or just simply reading all of the intereactions that all of the ladies are having have been a great experience.
My advice, even though I am a rookie, is stick with it and stick with these wonderful ladies at the wahm board!!!!!
"For my 2 little loves, I am hoping to be a WAHM soon!" :)
librarygeek WAHM.com regular
posted October 01, 2002 03:39 PM
I haven't posted in a while, (I lurk a lot) but this is one of the best threads I have read on this board. We should make it required reading, or an FAQ. Thank you all for your comments.
Angela Spencer Independent Kitchen Consultant for the Pampered Chef
antoninab WAHM.com regular
posted October 01, 2002 03:41 PM
This is good stuff, let's keep this near the top!
"For my 2 little loves, I am hoping to be a WAHM soon!" :)
pattyb WAHM.com regular
posted October 01, 2002 04:23 PM
YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES! to Kelly and Smiling moms' latest posts! I'll say it again, please refer this post/forum to newbies and maybe even see if we can print this out for people we meet who are considering working from home.
posted October 01, 2002 09:46 PM
I have been wanting to reply to this post ever since I saw it last Friday... unfortunately I was out of town for the weekend and out of town again today on business... *whew* ~ I finally made it back to this one (thanks for keeping it near the top, ladies!!).
Is there anyone out there who can truly say they have a work at home job that is legit, lucrative, and do-able timewise and moneywise while cooking, cleaning, caring for their children, grocery shopping, running errands, and hopefully sleeping. As well as something you don't have to put a fortune into to start up.
*raising hand* Yup ~ My "Work At Home Career" is legitimate, lucrative and ENJOYABLE. "Do-able timewise" might be questionable LOL ~ I struggle with time management just like everyone else. As a single mother and business owner, I juggle my duties the best I can and try to keep a close eye on the priorities. My business didnt cost very much to start, and I have done very well with it so far.
If so, are there still opportunities for others to get a piece of the pie?
You can have a piece of the pie, make your own pie from scratch, have a store-bought pie... Its all up to you!
I think sometimes it takes a while for an individual to find their niche... I know it did for me. I would have NEVER thought I would end up in the Web Development industry!
Would it surprise anyone to know that I have been in Avon, Amway, Petra Fashions, sold Living Air Purifiers, and even did the envelope stuffing thing (LOL!)... geez, that seems like forever ago. 10 or 11 years I guess *sigh*. I actually did okay with Avon and Amway, did GREAT with Petra Fashions and Living Air, and if I remember correctly... I got frustrated and threw all the "envelope stuffing" junk in the trash. I've done telemarketing, Live Op (taking calls), waitressing... I've held an outside sales job in the cellular industry, worked in-house for a major paging company, was a Unix Sys Admin for a small chain of stores, owned and operated my own electronics shop... Need I go on??
Web Service Network is MY "niche" - I have never been happier in my life!! While this is a company that I *own*, I still strongly believe there are *great* opportunities out there for ANYONE who is WILLING to SUCCEED - in all types of industries... Affiliate Marketing, Direct Sales (Network Marketing), Self-Employment, Telecommuting, Sales (of all sorts). But it all boils down to finding YOUR "niche". It really does...
Above, when I said "Willing to Succeed"... Anyone who is interested in MORE than just a "job" needs to understand that there is *sacrifice* involved - Success doesnt come easy... And anything good is *worth* the price (whether it be your TIME or a cash investment).
Good luck in finding YOUR niche... We are all here to support you - and to share our resources with you
------------------ Lynn Terry, TN Web Service Network ~ Web Development & More Free resources & downloads for your online business, including web design software, ebooks with distribution rights, & more...
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posted September 27, 2002 11:43 PM
Be realistic in your expectations.
LOL ~ I struggle with time management just like everyone else. As a single mother and business owner, I juggle my duties the best I can and try to keep a close eye on the priorities. My business didnt cost very much to start, and I have done very well with it so far.