Mom's Work-At-Home Dilemma
by Mia Cronan

Gathering together in one neat pile all the things I’ve gotten from those encounters, I’d say that most moms don’t know where to start, nor are they fully aware of what type of work they are capable. 

The more I read and talk to other stay-at-home moms, the more I realize that it’s a rare mother who has not considered the option to work at home, in some capacity. So why have not more mothers pursued this idea? Gathering together in one neat pile all the things I’ve gotten from those encounters, I’d say that most moms don’t know where to start, nor are they fully aware of what type of work they are capable. "I don’t have any talents," or "I don’t have any specialized training," are things commonly heard during discussions of this nature. It’s so unfortunate that women feel this way, because we all have something to offer the world in a very unique way. And sometimes the solution is the most obvious, yet ignored, one of all.

Have you ever considered the following things to be assets that might develop into something profitable for yourself? Maybe.....

You have a computer, a printer, and e-mail capabilities.

You love to crosstitch.

You write your own recipes.

You can sew or knit clothing for your children.

You can mix packets of dry ingredients for an awesome batch of chili.

You are very knowledgeable in your previous field and worry that the knowledge is going to waste.

You have a knack for numbers.

The point here is that sometimes these aptitudes and assets go unnoticed because we take them for granted. I mean, doesn’t everybody have a computer anymore? (No!) And can’t anyone learn how to crosstitch, sew, or knit? (No!) Or, anyone can mix ingredients for chili! (Maybe.) But, how many people can take these faculties and grow them into businesses? (Not many, is my bet.) The great part about being a stay-at-home mom is that, in spite of the fact that we feel we never have time for ourselves, we do. It’s a matter of budgeting our time a little better and developing a routine for ourselves so that we can foster yet another thriving interest. (I get some of my best ideas while I’m washing my hair or peeling potatoes!) And, if you’re already not bringing in an income, you’re not in a frantic rush to replace one, right? We have the toughest and most rewarding job in the world, but it doesn’t pay well financially, does it? So you have some time to develop just the right thing for yourself.

Sometimes all we need is a spark of an idea with which we can run at full speed. And quite often, these enterprises cost little to nothing to start because the main resources are in your head or already on your shelf. Take, for example, the consideration that you have a computer....(I know you do because you’re reading this online!) There are associations, clubs, and organizations out there that need someone to manage their databases, mailings, and other administrative tasks. With a little research, you could get your name out there, and do it for them for a nice fee. Or you could even start a club yourself, based on a particular interest. For more information on this, you can contact the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), 1575 Eye Street, NW Washington, DC 20005, (202) 626-2723.

Or maybe you could consider doing transcription work. There’s medical and legal transcription, and training can be done at home. You might think about doing medical billing if your thing is numbers and accounting. The demand is out there, because many offices and firms are trying to cut back on the overhead required to house offices for their employees and buy equipment, not to mention payroll taxes, etc... The pay is quite respectable, you work at your own pace, and oftentimes, you never have to leave your home, thanks to conveniences such as e-mail and fax machines.

Are you knowledgeable in a field in which you are no longer gainfully employed? Perhaps a consulting firm is the thing for you. Offer your services to companies who are cutting back on staff and lack the resources on call at all times to develop solutions to their challenges. Or you could start a newsletter for that industry and market it to other folks in that field.

Are you handy with computer graphics? With so many new small businesses popping up all the time, they often need someone to develop signs, logos, letterhead, etc...for them. This could be you. Perhaps a resume service is in order. You could develop a portfolio of them to show to potential clients and likewise offer your services. This can be very lucrative because the main resource you will use is your time and a scant amount of office supplies, for which your client would reimburse you with your fees, of course.

Remember the day you got married? Maybe you had a blast planning your wedding. If you did, this might be a great way to hit your stride. Offering a wedding planning/consulting service would be fun and inexpensive to start. You would certainly have a lot of personalities to deal with, however, considering the scattered bride, the nervous mother-of-the bride, the fiancé whose typical response is, "Don’t ask me...I don’t know anything about this stuff," and the Keeper-of-the-Checkbook (typically the father of the bride.) All in a day’s work, right?

A gift basket service might be an amusing and "fruitful" way to make a living. This can be done in your home, and it’s something in which you might even include your children, if they are of an appropriate age. Gift-giving is usually centered around happy occasions, so making new friends and getting to know people in your community could be a festive by-product of this type of venture.

There are literally tons of books out there that offer creative ideas for individuals who want to go into business from their homes with limited resources and time. In fact, check out our book links right here in Main Street Mom  to get some titles that might help you, and of course, you can order them right online through a secured server.

When asked the question, "But how do I get started?," the most common response from successful at-home entrepreneurs is, "Just start." In other words, sometimes the hardest part is taking the first step. Once that part is behind you, the rest can fall into place. But there’s no time like the present to get moving on an idea. And you may be completely amazed at how what was once a grand idea has evolved into something totally different, but equally exciting and even more productive than the first idea. So remember the following things....get started, have a plan, and don’t be afraid to change your ideas on a regular basis to fit your market or your product, and keep your vision in sight!

In order to start any new business, it’s vital that you draw up a workable plan first, have some marketing ideas in your head and on paper, and decide who you want your clients to be. Keep a notebook handy at all times as you go through your daily routine with your kids, and jot down what pops into your head. In a week, you may be amazed at what has developed into an outline for a rewarding and lucrative venture. Good luck, and please share your successes with Main Street Mom at mia@mainstreetmom.com if you have found something that works for you. We’d love to feature your story in our pages!

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