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Working From Home is a Family Affair
By - Theresa V. Wilson
Starting a business is
exciting, challenging and difficult. Even with money and inventive ideas, family
backing and emotional support are primary ingredients to success. Home based in
itself means that more than one person will be affected by changes in lifestyle,
environment, and general living conditions.
Before embarking on any
"at home" business venture, take the time to explore the idea with
everyone involved. By doing this, you will begin to answer the basic question
"Do I have family support for my home based business idea?" During
your interview with individual members, make a list of advantages and
disadvantages they've noted. This strategy will help family members the much
needed "buy in" as you introduce the processes involved in working
from home.
Children are people too: Especially when children
are involved, it is important to include them in this important phase of
planning home base business strategies. Discuss "do's" and
"don'ts" when you're working at home. Clarify "quality time"
so that you diffuse resentment of changes in lifestyle patterns. Help them
understand they are important to the business planning process and that quality
time has been set aside to spend with them. Make it fun. Let them explore
special activities and develop a list of things you will do together. Once
children see that family quality time plans are set, it will be easier for you
to remind them about the importance of your work schedule to their plans during
unexpected moments of interruptions.
How will you know if
you're ready? There are a variety of options available when deciding to start a
business. One important consideration is making sure your selection is not only
of interest to you, but is also something you are capable of doing. It should be
a business for which you have a high level of expertise, is the result of
professional or career interest and abilities, or the outgrowth of a hobby
you've enjoyed over the years.
Never launch a business
based totally on new untested ideas or dependency on the expertise of another.
If you don't have the experience in the business you've selected or have not
fully developed your idea, take time to investigate from various viewpoints.
Research your ideas and write a vision that should also be shared with your
family. After completing family assessments, you may find it worthwhile to have
a general meeting to review results and develop action plans. Sometimes family
input can lead to a decision to attend additional seminars or obtain other
training expertise. Whatever the choice, keep your family involved so they feel
a level of ownership in all aspects of business development.
Do you have a product or
idea worth selling? This is an area in which family input becomes an invaluable tool. Your
family is your first line for prospecting and sales. You can start by presenting
your ideas as part of a family meeting. Your presentation should be
comprehensive and professional. Encourage family members to role play customer
questions and challenge your creativity. This strategy serves a dual purpose:
You gain from having "in-home" critique of your product, service,
marketing idea before it goes public. You gain by having family members with a
broader perspective of the business or service and their role as marketing
advocates or potential sales representatives.
Your level of success
working from home will be measured based on the amount of consistent, positive,
and repetitive input and time you invest in your business idea. It will be
enhanced by the quality partnerships you develop with people as close as the
kitchen table. If you take the time to include your family at the beginning of
the planning process, they will become a strong foundation of support and
encouragement. They will also become key players in marketing and promoting
strategies.
Family members are your
first line of defense and support during those challenging "lean"
times every business will experience. Starting and running a home based business
is a family affair. If you can help them feel comfortable and find a
"fit" they helps them feel involved, you will increase your chances
for success.
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About The Author:
Theresa V. Wilson, M.Ed.,
CPBA is a speaker/writer whose bylines have appeared in over 80 online and print
publications. She has been a Christian writing group workshop leader for 5
years. Theresa recently authored "How to Achieve Writing Success:
Implementing the Plan which will be available soon. For additional resources and
writing support, visit her website at http://www.writersinthemarketplace.org
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