What does it truly take for women to build a successful home based business?

Why do so many women set out to be a successful entrepreneur but not as many turn out to be what society would acknowledge to be a "success"?

Do some women just have a special gift that others don't have or a secret that they aren't willing to share?

What does it really take to be a successful home based business owner?

I've learned a few things over the years as I've grown towards my own success and as I've watched others succeed and some fail as well.

Here's what I know....



Women are Powerful...
I know that women are very powerful, we're a strong force to be reckoned with and can absolutely have anything that we desire if we go after it in the right way.  We're the multi-taskers, the ones that can always get the job done.

I can often be found cradling the phone to my ear, talking to a prospect about my business opportunity while I'm holding and soothing a 2 year old as I stand over the stove cooking supper.  

Why on earth would I be doing all that at the same time?  Because I am focused on my goal and I know what I need to do to reach the finish line.  

You have to have a big "why"...
Someone that is successful at building a home based business must have, above and beyond anything else, a huge "why".  A "why" is what you're fighting for, it's your reason for working your business no matter what - day in and day out - through all the ups and downs.  It's the reason you keep fighting to reach your goals. 

Your "why" has to be more than money.  Money is certainly a great goal and I'm sure we all have monetary goals set for ourselves, but it's not enough to push us through the hard times. My "why" is my children.  It has been very important to me that I never put my children back in daycare ever again.  I want to be able to be at home for my children 24/7.  Another part of my "why" is to bring my husband home.  My husband works very hard at a very physically demanding job.  I am building my home business so that one day soon he can make the decision to work because he wants to, not because he has to. 

You have to find a "why" that inspires you. You have to find something that is worth fighting for because that is what is going to keep you going day in and day out through all the hard times. (And I promise you, there will be hard times.)

You have to be fearless...
Successful home based business owners have overcome their fears.  This is not always easy to do, but fear will kill your business. If you always have that internal struggle where part of you wants to succeed but part of you is afraid of failing, you'll never achieve the breakthrough you need to be successful.

Work hard to overcome your fears.  Identify what you are afraid of and focus on conquering that fear.  Seek out help if you need to.  Find someone who has experienced and overcome that fear, research the fear online and take steps to overcome it.  Chances are that fear is not only in your business life but also in your everyday life.  Don't let it rule your world.  Stop focusing on the fear and focus on what kinds of great things will come from you when you get over that fear and get on with your business.

You have to find your passion...
What is your passion?  Successful home based business owners have a passion and they live their passion every day.

Think about what gives you the most joy.  I love helping other moms find a way that they can earn an income from home.  I took my kids to daycare.  I hated every day that I had to drop them off.  I struggled to find something real that would allow me to stay home and still help my husband with the bills.  I now love being able to share my knowledge with other moms that are looking for the same thing that I was looking for.  

By finding your passion, you'll work harder and longer at your business and that in turn will equate to bigger financial gain from your business.

You have to have patience...
Successful home based business owners do not give up before the blessing.  You may not always see immediate success, but you have to keep in mind what your alternatives are. Keep your "why" in focus. If you don't stick it out to see the success where will you go?  Will you have to go back to the 9-5 job?  Will you be giving up on your dreams to be a 24/7 at home mom? Will you be giving up your dreams of big houses, family vacations, never having to say "no" because you just don't have the money?

I promise you that your business will NOT be a success overnight.  It just doesn't happen that way.  Success doesn't come without failure.  Those that are willing to work through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the good and the bad will be the ones crossing the finish line as "successful home based business owners".

You have to have the right mindset...
This one is a tough one.  We learned all about peer pressure in high school.  It doesn't end when we put on the cap and gown and graduate.  Peer pressure follows us all throughout our lives.  You will be tested as you embark on your home based business journey.  You will hit walls.

You have to surround yourself with people that will empower you.  Put your dreams in an environment that will nurture them and allow them to grow.  Stay away from negativity.  Keep the whining and complaining out of your life.  

Something that always has helped me is to read 10-15 pages of something motivational, inspirational or uplifting each and every day.  Feed your mind either by reading or listening to motivational tapes etc.  By surrounding yourself with the daily positive energy, you will be more confident and have such a big believe in yourself and your dreams when the negative people show up ready to steal your dreams right out of your heart.

You have to have big dreams and big goals...
It's time to stop dreaming safely and stop setting the small safe goals.  You will produce what you see in your mind and if you limit yourself to small dreams and goals that's all you'll ever achieve.

Conceive your dreams in your mind and your heart then put them on paper where you can see them every day.  Maybe you will want to create a vision board. Cut pictures out of magazines and paste them on a board or put them up on your wall by your workspace where you can visualize your dreams and goals every day.

You have to produce daily action...
You have to show up and work your business every day.  If you already have a job outside of the home then your business is your second job. It deserves the same respect that you give your first job.  If you're a mom and you are trying to work your business with your children around then you'll need to become a master at time management. 

You must stay in action mode to create momentum.  Any break, any time off, any lapse in action will put you right back at the starting gate.  Even small steps every day will help to keep the momentum moving forward.

You have to be grateful...
Be grateful for what you have today.  Don't focus on all the negative - "Why don't i have...?", "Why am i not...?"  Be grateful for where you are today and what you have now and know that you are writing your own story.  You have total, complete control of your life and your home business and you can make as much out of it as you possibly want.

Enjoy the journey.  You'll have many successes along the way.  Recognize those and celebrate them as they come along.

Successful home based business owners are building their businesses for themselves and their families.  They are going after their dreams in spite of the nay-sayers and all the negativity that surrounds them.

Go after your dreams and don't stop until you achieve them all!

Christina Wiler is a successful work at home mom. She's been an Ameriplan business owner since 2006 and owner of The WAHM Place since 2007. Contact her at: wiler@ameriplan.net.

Identity Theft and Your Online Job Search

While identity theft is nothing new, the Web has opened up whole new world of opportunity for identity thieves.

According to the FBI, identity theft is the top online fraud. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission says that identity theft is it's number one source of consumer complaints - 42 percent of all complaints, in 2001.

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The thief will use your personal information to open credit card accounts, cell phone accounts, open bank accounts in your name and write bad checks-leaving the victim with the bills and ruined credit ratings. Identity thieves may pose as representatives of banks, Internet service providers and even government agencies to get you to reveal your Social Security number, mother's maiden name, financial account numbers and identifying information.

In a recent article, MSNBC reported the case of a man who fell victim to a fraudulent job listing that was posted at Monster.com. According to the article:

"It was just the job lead Jim needed: a marketing manager position with Arthur Gallagher, a leading international insurance broker. And only days after Jim responded to the job posting on Monster.com, a human resources director sent along a promising e-mail. We're interested in you, the note said. The salary is negotiable, the clients big. In fact, the clients are so valuable and sensitive that you'll have to submit to a background check as part of the interview process. Eager for work, Jim complied- and sent off just about every key to his digital identity, including his age, height, weight, Social Security number, bank account numbers, even his mother's maiden name."

Jim spent the day canceling his credit cards, checking his balances and contacting the credit bureaus, but he's concerned that his information is now "out there".

There are warning signs that can tip you off to fraudulent job listings. While these items don't necessarily mean that the listing is a scam, they are indications that you should do further checking. 

• ·    Incorrect grammar and spelling errors
•      Phone or fax number area codes don't match the address given
•      Unrealistic salary

Online job databases are not the only places that identity thieves cruise for personal information. In recent indictments across the U.S., individuals have been charged with obtaining and using personal information through various ways. In Miami, two individuals were indicted for illegally tapping the computer networks of restaurants using the cover of a dummy corporation. A clerical worker at the New York State Insurance Fund pilfered office files and used stolen identities (of people across the country as well as fellow office workers) to obtain goods and services. A phlebotomist at Kaiser Permanente admitted to using the personal information of patients and employees in order to open credit card accounts in various names.

Recently, an FTC investigation into a work-at-home scheme spawned an incredible "scam-within-a-scam" when a man pretending to be an FTC employee emailed hundreds of the scam's victims. He requested personal information stating that it was to be used as evidence in the case.

While it's impossible to completely eliminate the chances of becoming a victim, you can minimize the risk by putting the following to practice:

• ·    If a would-be employer asks you for any personal information you should ask them for their contact information and then separately look up the company's information and contact them to verify that they actually exist. While it's not unusual for an employer to ask for certain work-related information (like your work history and former employers), it is not appropriate for them to ask for personal information (like a social security number) unless you are actually being hired (and you've checked them out to make sure they're legitimate). Even then, you should never be asked for financial information such as a credit card number.
•      On online resumes, never include your social security number and keep even your work history brief.
•      Check your credit card statements often. Believe it or not, many people never even check them!
•      Be sure to follow up with creditors if your bill doesn't arrive on time. A missing credit card bill may mean that an identity thief has changed your billing address to cover their tracks.
•      Order your credit report from one of the major credit bureaus each year and verify that everything is correct.

What to do if you've been a victim of identity theft:

The FTC maintains Consumer Sentinels Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse, the nations repository for identity theft complaints. The FTC established the Identity Theft Toll-Free Hotline, 1.877.IDTHEFT (1.877.438.4338) and the ID Theft Website (www.consumer.gov/idtheft) to give identity theft victims a central place to report their problems and receive helpful information.

The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). You can use their online system to file a complaint.

--------------------------------
Sharon Davis, Work-At-Home expert, author and consultant,
helps people to achieve their goal of working at home,
telecommuting or starting a home business.
www.2Work-At-Home.Com www.WorkAtHomeArticles.net
Subscribe: Click Here

5 Good Reasons You Should Stop Looking for A Work at Home Job

Looking for a work at home job?  I'll give you 5 good reasons
why you should consider starting a home business instead.

1. Telecommuting jobs are rare- are you?  The only real
work at home jobs out there are for highly specialized skills
like programming, translation, transcription and such.  What
they all have in common is that they require special training
and employers that hire telecommuters always require
experienced candidates- experts in their field.  Employers
just don't hire people to do things like typing from their
homes.


A home business can be anything you want it to be.  You get to
follow your passion and do something that you truly enjoy.  I
think that if we all couldn't wait to leap out of bed each
morning because we loved what we do, the world would be a much
happier place.  So, unless you have a passion for learning
MYSQL / SQL database structure or how to translate medical
documents from English to Japanese, a home business can offer
endless possibilities in an area that interests you.




2. Telecommuting jobs don't afford as much flexibility as
you might think.  Your boss picks your clients and coworkers,
not you.  You may or may not like the people you find yourself
working with day after day, which can be like a slow form of
torture.


With your business you choose who your client will be.  Maybe
you want to start a business that has to do with kids and all
your clients have kids at home with them.  They would be more
likely to understand and appreciate kid noise in the
background while on the phone with you.  You get to create
your own "company culture".


3. You're not in control of your job security. 
Corporate downsizing will still apply and even if you have
that rare and special skill that they once found
indispensable, you might find yourself back on the job search
track.  Also, unless you have a written agreement that your
telecommuting arrangement is set in stone, employers can pull
you back into the office at their discretion.


4. Big brother will be there looking over your shoulder. 
Employers need to know that their employees are being
productive.  They just can't help themselves.  This puts more
pressure on you to meet deadlines, to prove that you will be
at least as efficient (if not more efficient) that your on-
site coworkers.  Even companies that champion telecommuting
often have strict checks and balances to ensure that you're
not lying around watching television or heading off to the
beach.  Supervisors are often suspicious to the point of
micromanaging their telecommuters.


You just can't afford to be lured away by the many
distractions of the home office.  The television beckons, the
kids want your attention, you just want to get a load of
laundry in.... This is not to say that you can succumb to these
distractions as a home business owner, but the difference is
that you call the shots.


With your own home business, you are Big Brother, Big Sister,
The Big Cheese- your own boss.  You set the goals and the pace
and it's up to no one but you how and when you meet them.


5. And lastly, but most importantly... when you are a home
business owner you get to take a vacation whenever you want. 
Could there be a better reason to stop looking for a
telecommute job and start a home business?


----------------------
Sharon Davis, Work-At-Home expert, writer and consultant,
helps people to achieve their goal of working at home,
telecommuting or starting a home business.
http://www.2Work-At-Home.Com
List of other articles of interest:
http://www.2work-at-home.com/freecontent.shtml
Subscribe: http://www.2work-at-home.com/subscribe.shtml

Where to begin? 10 things to think about before starting a home based business.

Are you thinking about starting a home business? Following are some things to think about:


1. Get over your fear of selling - You will be selling something to somebody whether it is through your own business or for someone else in a retail store or office. Direct sales is a great option to start a business with little investment. You can determine how much or how little you sell. If you use a product at home and you really enjoy it you don't hesitate to tell your friends about it. So get into a business where you enjoy the products and telling us will seem more like giving them a gift instead of trying to sell them on a product.


2. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is - If you see ads that say you don't have to do anything and you will make money, be very cautious! You will likely be spending a lot of time making very little money...if any money at all. Those ads are selling the business to you and you will likely have to SELL the business to others. Nobody is going to come to you and offer you money to do nothing.




3. Don't put a big bulls eye on your forehead - Here is how you put a bulls eye on your forehead, "I want to work from home but I don't want to do any selling I just want to do typing or something on my computer all day." You just opened yourself up as a target for scammers or people who will make their opportunity sound so great and "easy" that you will likely waste your time trying it. Or, even worse, you will will spend money and then come back to the web and say you have tried several things and they all turned out to be scams. Not surprising. If THAT job were out there we would all already be doing it. Now if you have a skill that is in demand you may find what you are looking for. If you are a good writer you may be able to find some freelance work.


4. It takes WORK - There is no easy money out there (legally or morally). Anything you do is going to take effort and time on your part. Building a business takes time. You need to build a customer base just like any regular business. Don't give up if you don't have overnight success. Give your business a chance to grow. Ask for help from your resources. You can do it but you can only do it if you actually START. So get started and if you fail get back up and start again. Work it. You can do it!


5. Choose the right business for you - Do you like the products and would you be happy or excited to show the products to others? Are the prices reasonable for the product and can your local market afford to pay the prices? Are you able to be upfront with people about what you have to offer? What expenses will you have? Every business has expenses. Find out how much supplies are going to cost you and if there are any other fees charged by the company. Is the shipping cost and time reasonable?


6. Don't be fooled by high upfront commission - You need to determine what the company is going to take away from your commission. Do you have to pay for credit card processing? Do you have to pay hostess benefits? Is there an annual renewal fee? Do you have to buy an inventory upfront? Do you have to file sales tax? What other fees and/or expenses are going to take away from your commission? Look beyond the upfront commission and do your research. You may have to take on some of these fees and that's okay if you determine that it is worth the investment.


7. Do your research - When you find a company you are interested in do your research. Search the company on search engines like Google, Yahoo, etc. and read what people are saying. Ask questions in forums and other areas where you can get a variety of opinions. Keep in mind that just because someone wasn't successful with a business does not mean it is a scam.

8 You can make money right away in Direct Sales - If you make the right choice when choosing a company you will make your initial investment back very quickly. Create a plan to determine what you need to do to earn back your initial investment. Ask your sponsor or the company to help you if you are unsure of how to create a plan. Will you need to reinvest? Yes, as you need supplies, so include that in your plan. Every business owner needs to invest time and money into their business.


9 Choose a good sponsor - When you find a company you will have many questions. When you start asking questions of someone already with the company they will likely become your sponsor. A sponsor should be able to answer your questions promptly and help you get started in the business. Your sponsor should also help you while you are in the business. Beyond the sponsor the company should provide some great training and assistance. Get involved with your sponsor and the company. However, always remember that it is your business and you can do what it takes to succeed.


10 Don't be afraid to start - Don't be afraid to start a business. It will be your business and you will have control (within company guidelines). If you decide that the business is not right for you than you can "quit" the business. You are not signing a lifetime contract. Don't be held back by fears of what you don't know. A good company will have a support network of people who are helping each other and providing advice on how to succeed. You don't have to be in business alone. You can make many friends in a new business. You have to start in order to succeed. Doing nothing results in having nothing. You can do it!


I've been at home with my home based business (Ameriplan) since 2006.  My income is more now than I ever made working outside of the home.  With no products to sell, no inventory to stock and no payments to handle I'm a very happy camper.  I'm passionate about our services and love that I can make a difference by helping someone save money on their healthcare.  Keeping these 10 things in mind, I'm sure you'll find what you are looking for.

Don't pay for an online job! Be aware of what is out there.

I started my work at home search in 2004 when my daughter was 2 years old.  I desperately wanted to be able to stay home with her for good.  I was fortunate enough to have enough money in the bank to stay home with her for the first year, but going back to work when she was a year old really made me sad.

As I spent countless hours online searching and searching for a work at home job, I quickly got discouraged.  I didn't have anyone around me with experience and I really didn't know what I was looking for. Everywhere I looked though, someone wanted me to pay money to work for them.  I sent away for a book of opportunities that turned out useless.  I paid for access to a website that was supposed to have opportunities on it and again, it turned out useless.  

I learned my lessons the hard way and want to share some things I've learned along the way so that you can be more informed as you surf the internet looking for the one thing that is perfect for you.
 
You're going to find a lot of people advertising for home based businesses, lots of people advertising for generic opportunities via short survey forms and once in awhile you'll find the rare employment opportunity. 

Home Based Business Opportunities:

A home based business is similar to a franchise opportunity.  Home based businesses adapt the network marketing model to get their products and their business opportunity out to the public.

Some of the oldest models of home based businesses are Avon, Amway, Mary Kay and Ameriplan.  This can be a very rewarding opportunity.  You can really create a real career at home with a real paycheck and it can pay you for life.

A home based business usually always has a start up fee of some kind or a requirement to purchase a "starter kit" or supply of products.  They also typically have monthly overhead fees, maintenance fees or product purchase requirements.  Don't be alarmed when you hear of these things.  You have to get in the headspace that this is a BUSINESS.  Just like I said it's similar to a franchise opportunity.  You would never be able to open a McDonalds franchise for free and expect it to run on autopilot without any monthly expense from you.  A home based business will just cost you considerably LESS money each month than a big brick and mortar business would.

A home based business is your OWN.  You never have to answer to anyone but yourself! You will be your own boss, set your own hours and your income is usually unlimited.

If you find exactly what your passion is and what you can put your heart and soul, time and dedication into,  your home based business can pay you for a lifetime.  

You will be the one that determines your success and it can be endless!  

Why find your passion?  Because working for yourself isn't always easy, but if you LOVE what you do and are passionate about it, you will be more inclined to work hard and keep pushing towards success.

Generic Advertising via Short Survey Forms:

Ever wonder why you see ads all over the place that lead you to a short form to fill out when you click on it?  After filling out your information you're told that someone would be contacting you soon, yet you still have no idea what company or who would be contacting you?

These forms are typically "lead generating" forms.  Large advertising companies collect names and contact information of people that are looking to work from home and they sell the information that they've collected as "leads".  People that own home based businesses that recruit new business owners are some of the typical customers that purchase these leads.  So, after filling out one of these seemingly generic forms, you could be called by several different home based business owners sharing with you information about their opportunities.

Employment Opportunities:

A home employment opportunity (job) is a lot more difficult to find compared to a home based business opportunity. They are very few and far between, most have a waiting list and thousands or more applicants are applying each day.  Have you heard about this recession and how hard it is for people to find jobs in your local area?  It's no different online.  In fact, it's even harder.

The easiest way to get a job at home is to negotiate that idea with your current employer.  Possibly call around to local businesses and ask them if they might be in need of a digital assistant.  As a digital assistant one may be able to set appointments, type letters, make phone calls etc. from home.

You typically aren't going to find these types of opportunities advertised, but if you do some footwork and negotiating, you may be able to find something in your local area.

You will never have to pay for an at home employment opportunity. You will be employed by someone else, they will pay you an hourly rate or an agreed upon salary while working agreed upon hours from home..

SCAMS To Look Out For:

You really want to be very careful as you venture on your journey to find the perfect work at home opportunity for yourself.  You will no doubt hear about or come across many non-legitimate opportunities or scams.  Some of the most common scams that you will want to be aware of are things like envelope stuffing, product assembly, mock jury duty, buying catalogs and lists of companies that hire people to work from home and reading emails.  That's just a small list - there are lots of scams out there and new ones pop up every day.

Never pay someone upfront without knowing exactly what you are going to be getting in return.  Never pay for information to learn how to work at home.  Never pay for membership to a website or a community that says that they will help you work at home.  Those are all red flags to steer clear of. 

Being educated and aware of what you will find will help make your search much easier.  Keep in mind that you will NOT get rich quick and if you find an opportunity that promises that, run the other way.

An extensive listing of common scams, job opportunities and home based businesses can be found at: http://www.thewahmplace.net. 

Be careful, be aware and Happy hunting!!