In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home for Writers for Publishers Article Directory Article Search Contact
Directory of Ezines  
Products & Services
Article Distribution
Ghost Writing Services

Multiple Traffic Streams Report
Redneck Product Creation

Article Marketing Ebooks now available at: WritingPuzzle.com

Site Navigation
Home
+ FAQ

FAQ

+ Contact Us
+ Article Software

Use one of our Software Plugins to receive Articles from our site:

WordPress Content Plugin

Article Dashboard Content Plugin

+ About Us
+ Ebooks
+ Blogs
+ Social Media
+ Extra Pages
Search Tools
+ Search Our Articles
Article Directory
+ Authors
+ Articles
thePhantomWriters Blog
Get RSS Feed

Did Google Finally Kill Article Marketing Forever?
Early Indications Are That Google Farmer Update Loves Quality Syndicated Content
Detailed Insight into the Cooks Source Magazine PR Debacle
Increase Your Profits From Google Page One
Understanding How To Be Successful With Article Marketing
Temporary Issue with Article Distributions
Computer Upgrade
New Service Upgrades in Place
Are You Paying Too Much For Traffic? Increase Clicks 40-Fold With This PPC Strategy
How To Use Disinformation To Foul Up Your Competition In The SEO Game
Recommended Sites
Live Marketing Chat (Free) Saturday 8pm EST
Register for Notifications

 

 



The Working Parent's Home Office - Organization for Success

Copyright (c) 2006-2012

If you're a parent that works at home, you already know about the ongoing conflict between your business and your family obligations. Home based businesses are rapidly becoming the norm in our world of high technology. As a parent, this is great news, as it allows you to be in the house with your kids while still creating a necessary income. So, when combining your work life with your home life, how do you find the proper balance, so each can be stable and successful? To begin with you need to have the correct tools at your disposal for whatever your work at home business is.

While this may sound easy, the lack of organization can be a death knell to your home based business. Beyond strong organization, you'll also need to be able to communicate with your family effectively, set limitations, prioritize your day, stick to your commitments, and learn how to be flexible. Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? It's not only possible, it's very manageable, and while the balance will rarely be perfect, optimizing your schedule and your office will lead you to not only a stronger business - but a stronger family unit, as well. The following steps will help get you started:

Communication

Whether you're running an internet home based business or another type of work at home career, start with communication. Explain to your family what your home based business will require in order for it be streamlined. This is all about expectations, and may include establishing protocol for interruptions, discussing your normal working hours, and basic rules to be followed. Be ready to listen, question, and explain every detail fully.

Organization

It's essential to have the proper tools in order to work at home successfully. Be sure to have a strong internet connection (especially if you have an internet home based business), a dedicated telephone (it can be a cell phone), a place to keep files and notes so you can find them quickly, and a way of organizing your incoming work.

Limitations

Your family is important and they are probably the main reason you're in a home based business to begin with. However, your children need to understand you're working - even if you're only in the next room. You'll need to set limitations with them so they know how to approach you in non-emergency circumstances. You could designate a signal that will visually tell them you cannot be interrupted unless it is an emergency. This can be as simple as a closed door or a sign you hang outside of your office.

Prioritize

Invest in a calendar, whether the old-fashioned type or computer software, to use as a planning tool. This is one of the most important steps you can take if you work at home, because you need a place to pencil (or type) in appointments, school activities, deadlines, etc. Get into the habit of updating your planning tool throughout each day so you can set your priorities well in advance.

Commitment

If you tell your son that you'll be at his soccer game - be there. If you tell a business associate you will be available to talk on a certain day and time, make sure you are. Your word is important within your family and your business - so unless something happens that you cannot control, live up to what you say. If you do have to break a commitment, be open and honest about it and be ready with an alternate plan. If this happens - it is essential that the alternate plans you made are adhered to.

Flexibility

As with anything in life, learning to be flexible will save you, your family, and your home based business unnecessary stress. Things happen in life, try to find different solutions and different methods when issues pop up. A work at home office can truly make a difference in narrowing the gap between career and family, especially if the office is organized and the expectations with your family are firmly in place. Combined, it will allow you to remain the stabilizing force you need to be - both in your home based business and in your family.


About The Author:
Ruby River is the proud owner of an established, home based business with a system that cuts through the hype and presents a genuine opportunity to exceed your income goals working from home. Motivated, entrepreneur minded individuals, visit http://www.livegreatlife.com

Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter (@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.


VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

Tell our authors what you think about their article.


Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles || Related Categories: Business Online Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Ruby River

Your Roadmap to Success . . . a simple Business Plan
Written by: Ruby River | Distributed: 2007-01-25 | Word Count: 717 | Page Views: 1015 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.13
Do you need a business plan? If you are running a home based business, you probably think you don't. For you to get the most from your work at home career it would be wise to develop a business plan. If done correctly, not only will it show you where to go, but the process of building the plan is sure to open up avenues you have not previously considered, and your ride more enjoyable and more direct.

Wife, Daughter, Sister, Mother, Entrepreneur... From the Kitchen to the Office... Facts about Women and Home-Based Businesses
Written by: Ruby River | Distributed: 2007-01-23 | Word Count: 593 | Page Views: 1404 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 2.75
My years as an adolescent female were during the time when women were totally dependent upon their husbands financially and men were totally dependent on their wives domestically. This influence has had a positive and a negative impact.

Setting Boundaries. What?...Boundaries That Empower the Work at Home Entrepreneur
Written by: Ruby River | Distributed: 2007-01-16 | Word Count: 795 | Page Views: 1100 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.67
With the ever increasing stressors and decreases of today's work environment, more people are deciding to move out of employment and move into a home based business. This decision is being made for a variety of reasons, and while the end line is usually the bottom line, flexibility, more often than not, is the key objective.

Searching For An Internet Home Based Business?. . . . The questions begin with you.
Written by: Ruby River | Distributed: 2007-01-11 | Word Count: 600 | Page Views: 869 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.13
When I lost my long-term employment only then did I truly realize that I had a CHOICE. I consciously made the decision to work at home from the Internet. Read on as we explore whether an internet home business is right for you...

A bit of History - and the Future of Network Marketing
Written by: Ruby River | Distributed: 2007-01-09 | Word Count: 795 | Page Views: 1038 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 3.25
It's an exciting world we live in today and one far different than the world of fifty-years ago. There are very few things in our society now that existed five decades ago, and if they do exist, they have certainly changed in a great many ways.

All of Author's Articles on this site:

Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles

How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin | Distributed: 2011-11-10 | Word Count: 987 | Page Views: 466
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring... Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the success they are today... They have forgotten that they have a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in their paths.

SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin | Distributed: 2011-11-09 | Word Count: 945 | Page Views: 871
More than once in the six years that I have been providing SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to discuss with individual business owners their search engine optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute statement, I like to press for details. It has been my experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will have a horror story to share.

Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe | Distributed: 2011-09-12 | Word Count: 706 | Page Views: 353
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement systems.

Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins | Distributed: 2011-09-12 | Word Count: 560 | Page Views: 366
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good reasons why you should get it.

Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-30 | Word Count: 676 | Page Views: 446
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.

Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-28 | Word Count: 636 | Page Views: 361
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the career is not directly associated with green industries.

ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-26 | Word Count: 525 | Page Views: 423 | Votes: 1 | Rating: 3.00
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit, being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being intentional about how you spend your time.

Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2011-07-24 | Word Count: 678 | Page Views: 427
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn from the art of listening and having a conversation.

Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok | Distributed: 2011-07-05 | Word Count: 477 | Page Views: 465
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional rocks, so put that sack down!

The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok | Distributed: 2011-06-30 | Word Count: 470 | Page Views: 569
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of your spa or salon.

Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles

How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver | Distributed: 2008-07-15 | Word Count: 821 | Page Views: 36741 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.83
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be' written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm... might there be a better way to get a book written?

The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch | Distributed: 2007-05-09 | Word Count: 1522 | Page Views: 33878 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 3.60
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books. Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises people. Curious? Read on.

The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen | Distributed: 2008-11-05 | Word Count: 1211 | Page Views: 28588 | Votes: 22 | Rating: 3.32
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City, the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the American movie industry.

What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher | Distributed: 2008-08-05 | Word Count: 930 | Page Views: 16095 | Votes: 68 | Rating: 3.16
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?

Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute | Distributed: 2007-10-11 | Word Count: 333 | Page Views: 6842 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.65
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans. While the regulations generally don't take effect until January 1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.

Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2007-12-25 | Word Count: 413 | Page Views: 6112 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 1.94
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball, they're sure to make an even greater impression.

Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin | Distributed: 2008-08-12 | Word Count: 971 | Page Views: 5871 | Votes: 17 | Rating: 2.29
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a 'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed that that was the difference between getting the job and being passed over.

Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso | Distributed: 2010-03-10 | Word Count: 690 | Page Views: 5332 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 1.88
Enhance your talent management and development programs through conducting career aspiration discussions with your employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to determine if it matches your business needs. This will enable you to differentiate your employee development to grow the future leaders of your company.

The Pros And Cons Of Postcard Marketing-direct marketing offline
Written by: Cheryl Miller | Distributed: 2006-11-29 | Word Count: 675 | Page Views: 4001 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 2.60
Postcard marketing is one of the oldest methods of marketing. Its concept is simple but can be quite effective. It is just sending out your message to your mailing list on a postcard. Postcard marketing is a powerful and cost effective way to advertise and will keep building in momentum when done correctly.

The Tea Room Business Plan – First Steps And Start Up Basics
Written by: Marcus Stout | Distributed: 2007-03-22 | Word Count: 1218 | Page Views: 3706 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.63
Every venture starts with the first steps and a business plan for a quality tea room is no exception. Well thought out first steps, properly implemented, will pay dividends in the business operations of the tea room in later years.

Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles

Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert | Distributed: 2007-08-08 | Word Count: 866 | Page Views: 1887 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.60
In today's business environment, many businesses need to fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the business.

Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener | Distributed: 2007-07-09 | Word Count: 640 | Page Views: 1550 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?

Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio | Distributed: 2008-04-15 | Word Count: 423 | Page Views: 1637 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.

The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater | Distributed: 2009-12-03 | Word Count: 480 | Page Views: 1062 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 4.40
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe" sales copy from another advertisement.

Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener | Distributed: 2007-10-19 | Word Count: 629 | Page Views: 1547 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 4.38
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your community.

The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
Written by: Kate Smalley | Distributed: 2006-10-11 | Word Count: 672 | Page Views: 1661 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 4.00
If you have a hard time making successful business connections, don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to want to give you a chance.

How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
Written by: Chet Holmes | Distributed: 2007-01-15 | Word Count: 1523 | Page Views: 1648 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 4.00
Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval. Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater emphasis on pure performance?

Get the Balance Right
Written by: Rich Thawley | Distributed: 2009-01-28 | Word Count: 638 | Page Views: 1499 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.91
Do you build your business around your family or your family around your business? The choice is yours.

Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
Written by: Steven Gerber | Distributed: 2006-12-11 | Word Count: 560 | Page Views: 1671 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.86
The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when, where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.

Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business on the Cutting Edge
Written by: Carole Martin | Distributed: 2007-08-24 | Word Count: 1400 | Page Views: 1415 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 3.86
You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone - these are the tools of this trade. Who would believe that someone with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell phone?







Article Reprint Rights
Creative Commons License

This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License


You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
Article Publishing Tools
Print Article
Email-to-Blog
HTML Source Code
Text Newsletter Format
Link Back HTML

Blog Publishing Tools

Internal ID: #3933
Article Statistics
Word Count: 698

Total Views: 662
Views This Month: 13
Views Last Month: 19

Article Rating: 1.83 of 5
Votes Cast: 6

Author Overall Stats:

Times Viewed Overall: 6089
Author Rating: 2.58 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 36

More Articles By Author:




Article Title Search:

Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil

Last Distribution Date:
2007-01-18 10:12:00






All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2012 of the Defined Authors.

All other material and images on this site are:
Copyright © 2001-2012, ThePhantomWriters.com

Local Marketing Consultant