Being a work-at-home-mom can be a rewarding way to raise your children while being a businesswoman but too many WAHMs don't know how to go beyond just being a work-at-home-mom. I often hear from WAHMs who complain that they're not considered professional, that they don't have enough business and their husbands are tired of their "hobbies," and that they're being run ragged by the demands placed on their time. Here are 5 ways to overcome all that and more.
1. Be professional in everything you do.
Those cutesy signature lines are all well and good for personal e-mail between family, friends and other WAHMs, but for business purposes they've got to go. Your potential clients don't need to know that you're a loving wife to Donald and dedicated mommy to Jason, 7, and Jennifer, 3, and can be easily irritated or embarrassed by your proclamations. This also makes it look as if your family comes first and while it might (and should), your clients need to feel as if THEY come first. Your clients aren't looking for a wife or a mommy; they're looking for a competent, savvy business person dedicated first and foremost to serving their needs. If you want to be taken seriously as a professional, take yourself seriously as professional FIRST. Cut to the chase and only discuss your family if it's germane to the subject at hand.
2. Leave the politics and personal preferences out.
Conservative or liberal, your clients largely don't care. Sharing your preferences with others of like mind on suitable e-mail lists or in related groups is fine. Baring your political soul for your potential clients to see is in extremely poor taste and leaves a very bad taste in everyone's mouth. Unless you believe your business will greatly benefit from revealing your politics -- like Ben and Jerry -- keep your mouth shut on the topic when in any business situation.
3. Get away from the WAHM community, if only for a little while.
Expand your horizons and give your inner business woman a chance to revel in the glory of being an entrepreneur. WAHM communities are fine for those who like them but everyone needs to get outside the lines now and then. You can gain valuable insights into the business world by associating with others outside your comfortable niche. We all know that birds of a feather flock together; your WAHM friends share the same views, talk about the same things, etc. Spread your wings and fly with a different flock every once in awhile and you'll come away with ideas that excite you.
4. Stop trying to be "cute" and be real instead.
So many people in the WAHM community go overboard with the cute factor, from the animated kitties and puppies in their e-mail messages to overly-flowery and uber-pink websites. The cute thing detracts from your ability to be taken seriously, which is already a big problem for many WAHMs. You can still use pink on your website and you can still do cute if it goes well with your product, but when trying to market to other professionals, make sure YOU are professional. Go back to point #1 and re-read if you don't "get it."
5. Don't waste time on unproductive groups, lists, etc.
A lot of WAHMs join tons of e-mail lists, forums and online organizations in hopes of growing their businesses. One woman I know of belongs to over 100 lists! It's impossible to network effectively when you're spread that thin, especially when you're a WAHM with duties and responsibilities outside of your company. Spend your time wisely by carefully assessing what works and what doesn't. No matter how much you may hope one particular group will yield tons of leads and positive business contacts, if you've been participating to no avail leave NOW. Further time there will only reduce your effectiveness by preventing you from spending your precious energy elsewhere.
Melinda Robinson is an experienced WAHM of 16 years and controlling partner in Rodeo City Technology Group, a full-service e-solutions firm. RCTG's clients achieve success beyond their wildest dreams with the help of Melinda's expertise as Web Presence Specialist and Small Business Strategist. http://www.rodeocitytech.com
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