Secrets Of Happy Moms
Carrie Lauth
Have you ever noticed how some Moms seem to be very contented
and confident in their role as Mothers, and others seem
chronically stressed and approaching burnout? Why are some Moms
unflappable and able to keep their sense of humor, while others
overreact to the slightest stressors in their day?
I'm currently observing and interviewing these happy Moms as I
conduct research for an upcoming book. While all Moms are
different, these women usually have several of the following
traits in common.
1) They keep it simple.
I know one Mom who grocery shops every two weeks and buys the
exact same thing every time to prepare the same menu of 14
dinners. Why does she do this? She's picked the family's
favorite meals for her menu to save herself time and arguments
at the dinner table. Anyone with kids knows they like to eat
the same things over and over! This Mom has decided not to
reinvent the wheel twice a month. This is just one example of
keeping it simple.
2) They teach their kids to be independent.
This doesn't mean they leave them to their own devices all day.
But a smart Mom knows that a 2 year old can put a dish in the
dishwasher, a 4 year old can prepare his own peanut butter and
jelly sandwich, and a 7 year old can sweep a floor (albeit
imperfectly!). Call it "outsourcing" for Moms.
3) They drop the SuperMom complex.
Not sweating the small stuff seems to be a common trait of
happy Moms. They learn to pick their battles. Getting buckled
into a car seat? Not negotiable. Pink paisley pants with the
orange plaid shirt? Fashion creativity.
Happy Moms also realize that being an awesome Mom doesn't mean
being a perfect Mom. 'Nuff said.
4) They can often be overheard repeating the phrase "This too
shall pass".
It doesn't mean that bothersome behavior in kids should be
overlooked, for discipline is a huge time saver in the end. It
means that Moms realize that children are...well, uncivilized
creatures, and that much uncivilized behavior will simply go
away on its own as the child matures. Smart Moms are also
keenly aware of their child's development and don't expect more
of them than they are able to give.
5) Smart Moms take care of themselves.
They don't blame the baby for their extra weight when the baby
in question is potty trained! They put emphasis on good
nutrition, avoiding too much by way of stimulants (caffeine,
sugar), they get adequate rest, and daily exercise. They
realize that you can't pour from an empty bucket.
6) They live in the moment.
Happy Moms realize that the days are long but the years short.
It's not that they are impervious to stress, it's that they
have learned to lower their expectations and be in the moment
when things get difficult. When your toddler is puking all over
the house, this is not the time to reorganize the hall closet. A
sick day then turns into a time to create sweet memories of
hours spent reading and cuddling on the couch.
7) They don't worry about what others think.
Whether it's the disapproving glare from the old lady in the
checkout line, the Mother in law who is convinced you're
starving the baby by breastfeeding, or the Pediatrician whose
medical advice strays into parenting advice, happy Moms learn
not to give too much weight to the opinions of those who don't
live in their home.
8) In other words, they trust their instincts.
Whether it's taking the baby to bed with them so they can get
more sleep or taking a bullied child out of public school,
smart Moms know that they are the expert of their own babies.
9) Happy Moms have "something else"
It may be a part time home based business or a hobby like belly
dancing. These Moms know that some day their babies will fly the
coop, and they make sure they have a passion that will give them
purpose when that happens.
Carrie Lauth is the author of the upcoming
book: "Awesome Moms: 187 Years of Mothering Wisdom". Take a
sneak peak at http://www.momswisdom.com. For more great
articles and resources for Moms doing things the natural way,
visit http://www.natural-moms.com
10/28/2005
Secretarial Services - starting a home based business
How To Start a Home Based Business: 3 Questions to Ask Yourself
Charles Fuchs
Many people dream of working at home but wonder how to start a home based business. There are a multitude of potential opportunities out there for the person looking how to start a home based business that can get a person confused before they even start. There are three important questions to ask that will help you to better determine how to start a home based business that will work well for you.
It is important that you know how to start a home based business that will work well for you and your interests. Yet, you should understand why you want to have your own home based business before you jump into how to start your own home based business. Ask yourself your reasons for starting this type of business. Do you want to set your own hours and be your own boss? Do you not feel fulfilled by what you are currently doing or do you have a great business idea in mind? How to start a home based business will depend on your passion for the type of work involved in running your own business.
The passion and desire for working at home and being your own boss is the first important step in determining how to start a home based business, but you also need to know if you are ready to deal with the hard work involved. You will need to be flexible, quick thinking, and patient as you are learning how to start a home based business. There are some days that will require you to put in excruciatingly long hours and sometimes work through the weekend. As you learn how to start your home based business, you will also need the support of your family. Plus, you will need a passion for what you are doing. If you do not like what you are doing, learning how to start a home based business will matter very little, because the hard work will be more discouraging.
Finally, an important part of learning how to start a home based business is assessing your skills. You do not need to be an expert in everything, but you will need to get some expert advice and learn to do things you may not always enjoy like filing, typing, making cold calls, etc. In learning how to start a home based business, you will see that you need to develop better business, time-management, and organizational skills. If you do not have these skills, you will want to use resources to develop them.
Learning how to start a home based business depends quite a bit on the answers to these questions, as they will tell you if learning how to start a home based business is right for you and what skills you will need to develop. As you move along the process you will find that how to start a home based business for you may be different than someone else, so look into other similar business and do not be afraid to ask for advice.
Copyright © Charles Fuchs is an established online marketer who specializes in helping people start their very own Home Based Business. Download the Free Home Based Business Manual Absolutely Free (a $97 Value!). Free Information: http://www.home-based-business-world.com/
Charles Fuchs
Many people dream of working at home but wonder how to start a home based business. There are a multitude of potential opportunities out there for the person looking how to start a home based business that can get a person confused before they even start. There are three important questions to ask that will help you to better determine how to start a home based business that will work well for you.
It is important that you know how to start a home based business that will work well for you and your interests. Yet, you should understand why you want to have your own home based business before you jump into how to start your own home based business. Ask yourself your reasons for starting this type of business. Do you want to set your own hours and be your own boss? Do you not feel fulfilled by what you are currently doing or do you have a great business idea in mind? How to start a home based business will depend on your passion for the type of work involved in running your own business.
The passion and desire for working at home and being your own boss is the first important step in determining how to start a home based business, but you also need to know if you are ready to deal with the hard work involved. You will need to be flexible, quick thinking, and patient as you are learning how to start a home based business. There are some days that will require you to put in excruciatingly long hours and sometimes work through the weekend. As you learn how to start your home based business, you will also need the support of your family. Plus, you will need a passion for what you are doing. If you do not like what you are doing, learning how to start a home based business will matter very little, because the hard work will be more discouraging.
Finally, an important part of learning how to start a home based business is assessing your skills. You do not need to be an expert in everything, but you will need to get some expert advice and learn to do things you may not always enjoy like filing, typing, making cold calls, etc. In learning how to start a home based business, you will see that you need to develop better business, time-management, and organizational skills. If you do not have these skills, you will want to use resources to develop them.
Learning how to start a home based business depends quite a bit on the answers to these questions, as they will tell you if learning how to start a home based business is right for you and what skills you will need to develop. As you move along the process you will find that how to start a home based business for you may be different than someone else, so look into other similar business and do not be afraid to ask for advice.
Copyright © Charles Fuchs is an established online marketer who specializes in helping people start their very own Home Based Business. Download the Free Home Based Business Manual Absolutely Free (a $97 Value!). Free Information: http://www.home-based-business-world.com/
10/15/2005
Secretarial Services - Virtual Assistant Business
How to get a Virtual Assistant Business
The revolution of how businesses operate is an enormous boon to Virtual Assistants. With more businesses moving into an internet based atmosphere, the opportunity for growth as a Virtual Assistant (VA) is exceptional.
Virtual Assistants are modern day Administrative Assistants. Most often a good VA has the skill sets of a traditional administrative assistant with the added benefit of being technically web savvy and often possessing website and graphic design skills, HTML know how and an understanding of search engine optimization and Internet marketing.
However, there are many levels to what type of work you could choose to target as a Virtual Assistant. Many Virtual Assistants provide virtual customer support for clients while others focus entirely on data entry work. The options are diverse and plentiful.
So Where to Begin?
Many up and coming VA's get their first assignments from established Virtual Assistant businesses. So networking with other VA's can be an essential method of getting a shoe in this business. The obvious place to begin networking is on forums. Do a Google search on 'virtual assistant forum' and you will have a good starting point.
When you are networking on forums, try to be an active participant on the forum. Ask intelligent questions. Share your understanding on different topics and comment on what other members have said. The biggest mistake for many women trying to network or promote their businesses on forums is to give one-liner answers that aren't thoughtful. I am far more likely to outsource work to a candidate when I see that they are serious about beginning their business, it isn't just a whim. And that they are willing to ask questions and hone their skills.
Build a Website
You really should have a website up for your business. Without one, your chances to succeed are seriously going to be hindered. There are several viable options for getting your website started. You can purchase a template, use a site builder, hire a designer or build one yourself.
Building a website yourself can seem daunting, but it is likely a skill you will need to develop in the Virtual Assistant industry and this will give you some hands on experience. I highly recommend building your own site.
Once you have your website you can begin promoting it on your signature in emails and on forums. You can advertise your services locally and provide your customer with a website address to learn more about your services. The opportunities for acquiring clients and networking with other VA's expands tremendously once you have a professional website presence.
Find Work Online
There are quite a few places now online where you can connect with prospective clients and bid on jobs that they have. By far the best place to do this is www.elance.com. Elance has an excellent reputation and an excellent advertising budget. They draw thousands of jobs there all the time. There is a fee, but it is well worth the investment.
Other sources for finding work are: www.craigslist.com, www.sologig.com, www.homejobstop.com, www.guru.com, and www.getafreelancer.com. There are really quite a few websites now that focus on bringing clients and service providers together.
Do a Good Job
When you do land your first gig, do it well. Aim to astound your client. Be ahead of schedule, respond to their inquiries, and send them daily updates. Oftentimes first assignments are your best opportunity for receiving more work. When a business reaches the point of outsourcing, they are doing well. It is very likely that pleasing the client with your first assignment can lead to ongoing work and/or glowing recommendations to their colleagues to use your services.
Starting a Virtual Assistant business is an innovative, legitimate way to utilize skills that you have. It is quickly becoming a popular home business and there is tremendous room in the industry for growth. It can take some time to sign on your first clients, but before you know it you will have a full work load and a surprisingly abundant business doing what you love!
By Lori Redfield
Lori Redfield is the founder of FreelanceMom. Her website provides support, advice and job leads for women who wish to work from home. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://www.freelancemom.com/newsletter.htm.
The revolution of how businesses operate is an enormous boon to Virtual Assistants. With more businesses moving into an internet based atmosphere, the opportunity for growth as a Virtual Assistant (VA) is exceptional.
Virtual Assistants are modern day Administrative Assistants. Most often a good VA has the skill sets of a traditional administrative assistant with the added benefit of being technically web savvy and often possessing website and graphic design skills, HTML know how and an understanding of search engine optimization and Internet marketing.
However, there are many levels to what type of work you could choose to target as a Virtual Assistant. Many Virtual Assistants provide virtual customer support for clients while others focus entirely on data entry work. The options are diverse and plentiful.
So Where to Begin?
Many up and coming VA's get their first assignments from established Virtual Assistant businesses. So networking with other VA's can be an essential method of getting a shoe in this business. The obvious place to begin networking is on forums. Do a Google search on 'virtual assistant forum' and you will have a good starting point.
When you are networking on forums, try to be an active participant on the forum. Ask intelligent questions. Share your understanding on different topics and comment on what other members have said. The biggest mistake for many women trying to network or promote their businesses on forums is to give one-liner answers that aren't thoughtful. I am far more likely to outsource work to a candidate when I see that they are serious about beginning their business, it isn't just a whim. And that they are willing to ask questions and hone their skills.
Build a Website
You really should have a website up for your business. Without one, your chances to succeed are seriously going to be hindered. There are several viable options for getting your website started. You can purchase a template, use a site builder, hire a designer or build one yourself.
Building a website yourself can seem daunting, but it is likely a skill you will need to develop in the Virtual Assistant industry and this will give you some hands on experience. I highly recommend building your own site.
Once you have your website you can begin promoting it on your signature in emails and on forums. You can advertise your services locally and provide your customer with a website address to learn more about your services. The opportunities for acquiring clients and networking with other VA's expands tremendously once you have a professional website presence.
Find Work Online
There are quite a few places now online where you can connect with prospective clients and bid on jobs that they have. By far the best place to do this is www.elance.com. Elance has an excellent reputation and an excellent advertising budget. They draw thousands of jobs there all the time. There is a fee, but it is well worth the investment.
Other sources for finding work are: www.craigslist.com, www.sologig.com, www.homejobstop.com, www.guru.com, and www.getafreelancer.com. There are really quite a few websites now that focus on bringing clients and service providers together.
Do a Good Job
When you do land your first gig, do it well. Aim to astound your client. Be ahead of schedule, respond to their inquiries, and send them daily updates. Oftentimes first assignments are your best opportunity for receiving more work. When a business reaches the point of outsourcing, they are doing well. It is very likely that pleasing the client with your first assignment can lead to ongoing work and/or glowing recommendations to their colleagues to use your services.
Starting a Virtual Assistant business is an innovative, legitimate way to utilize skills that you have. It is quickly becoming a popular home business and there is tremendous room in the industry for growth. It can take some time to sign on your first clients, but before you know it you will have a full work load and a surprisingly abundant business doing what you love!
By Lori Redfield
Lori Redfield is the founder of FreelanceMom. Her website provides support, advice and job leads for women who wish to work from home. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://www.freelancemom.com/newsletter.htm.
10/02/2005
Secretarial Services - PR marketing
Maybe You SHOULD Worry About Your PR!
Especially if your public relations budget is all about tactics
like brochures, special events, talking to reporters and press
releases.
Please don't get me wrong. Communications tactics are
valuable devices which we call upon from time-to-time to
move a message from here to there.
But, as a business, non-profit or association manager,
you can omit the best public relations has to offer, the crème
de la crème of PR!
Try this on for size. The core public relations mission
pulls together the resources and action planning needed to
alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors
among a business, non-profit, or association's most
important outside audiences. Then it goes on to help a
manager persuade those key folks to his or her way of
thinking, and then, moves them to take actions that
allow their department, group, division or subsidiary
to succeed.
Now, there's a real theory behind that mission, and it's
the underlying premise of public relations: People act
on their own perception of the facts before them, which
leads to predictable behaviors about which something
can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that
opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-
desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect
the organization the most, the public relations mission
is usually accomplished.
It's comforting to note that the right public relations
planning really CAN alter individual perception and
lead to changed behaviors among key outside audiences.
AND equally encouraging when you remember that
your PR effort must demand more than special events,
news releases and talk show tactics if you are to receive
the quality public relations results you believe you deserve.
And those results won't be long in coming, especially when
capital givers or specifying sources begin to look your
way; customers begin to make repeat purchases;
membership applications start to rise; new proposals
for strategic alliances and joint ventures start showing
up; politicians and legislators begin looking at you as
a key member of the business, non-profit or association
communities; welcome bounces in show room visits
occur; community leaders begin to seek you out; and
prospects actually start to do business with you.
Help is at hand because the public relations people
assigned to you can be of real use for your new opinion
monitoring project because they are already in the
perception and behavior business. But be certain that
the PR folks really accept why it's SO important to
know how your most important outside audiences
perceive your operations, products or services. Above
all, be sure they believe that perceptions almost always
result in behaviors that can help or hurt your operation.
Layout the plans for your PR staff re: monitoring and
gathering perceptions by questioning members of your
most important outside audiences. Ask questions like
these: how much do you know about our organization?
Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased
with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services
or products and employees? Have you experienced
problems with our people or procedures?
Bringing in survey firms to do the opinion gathering
work can cost a lot more than using those PR folks of
yours in that monitoring capacity. But whether it's your
people or a survey firm asking the questions, the
objective remains the same: identify untruths, false
assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies,
misconceptions and any other negative perception that
might translate into hurtful behaviors.
Here, you have to set a goal aiming for action on the
most serious problem areas you uncovered during your
key audience perception monitoring. Will it be to
straighten out that dangerous misconception? Correct
that gross inaccuracy? Or, stop that potentially painful
rumor dead?
Naturally a goal requires a strategy to show you how
to reach it. Just three strategic options are available to
you when it comes to solving perception and opinion
problems. Change existing perception, create perception
where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong
strategy pick will taste like spare ribs with lemon sauce.
So be certain your new strategy fits well with your new
public relations goal. You certainly don't want to select
"change" when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
Now your people must do some good writing. You must
prepare a persuasive message that will help move your key
audience to your way of thinking. It must be a carefully-
written message aimed directly at your key external
audience. Select your very best writer because s/he must
come up with language that is not merely compelling,
persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are
to shift perception/opinion towards your point of view
and lead to the behaviors you have in mind.
It's time to pick out the communications tactics most likely
to carry your message to the attention of your target
audience. There are many waiting for you. From speeches,
facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings,
media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many
others. But be certain that the tactics you pick are known to
reach folks just like your audience members.
How you communicate your message is a concern because
the credibility of any message is always fragile. Which is
why you may wish to unveil your corrective message
before smaller meetings and presentations rather than
using higher-profile news releases.
If the thought of a progress report appeals to you, you must
begin a second perception monitoring session among
members of your external audience in order to measure
headway. You can use many of the same questions used in
your benchmark session. But this time, you will be on
guard for signs that the bad news perception is being
altered in your direction.
In the event the program slows down, you can always speed
things up by adding more communications tactics as well as
increasing their frequencies.
Worry can be healthy, too. Especially when it moves you
away from a major emphasis on communications tactics
and on to a plan for doing something positive about the
behaviors of those important external audiences of yours
that most affect your operation. And particularly so when
you persuade those key outside folks to your way of
thinking by helping to move them to take actions that
allow your department, division or subsidiary to succeed.
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport
News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S.
Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The
White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net - Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
Especially if your public relations budget is all about tactics
like brochures, special events, talking to reporters and press
releases.
Please don't get me wrong. Communications tactics are
valuable devices which we call upon from time-to-time to
move a message from here to there.
But, as a business, non-profit or association manager,
you can omit the best public relations has to offer, the crème
de la crème of PR!
Try this on for size. The core public relations mission
pulls together the resources and action planning needed to
alter individual perception leading to changed behaviors
among a business, non-profit, or association's most
important outside audiences. Then it goes on to help a
manager persuade those key folks to his or her way of
thinking, and then, moves them to take actions that
allow their department, group, division or subsidiary
to succeed.
Now, there's a real theory behind that mission, and it's
the underlying premise of public relations: People act
on their own perception of the facts before them, which
leads to predictable behaviors about which something
can be done. When we create, change or reinforce that
opinion by reaching, persuading and moving-to-
desired-action the very people whose behaviors affect
the organization the most, the public relations mission
is usually accomplished.
It's comforting to note that the right public relations
planning really CAN alter individual perception and
lead to changed behaviors among key outside audiences.
AND equally encouraging when you remember that
your PR effort must demand more than special events,
news releases and talk show tactics if you are to receive
the quality public relations results you believe you deserve.
And those results won't be long in coming, especially when
capital givers or specifying sources begin to look your
way; customers begin to make repeat purchases;
membership applications start to rise; new proposals
for strategic alliances and joint ventures start showing
up; politicians and legislators begin looking at you as
a key member of the business, non-profit or association
communities; welcome bounces in show room visits
occur; community leaders begin to seek you out; and
prospects actually start to do business with you.
Help is at hand because the public relations people
assigned to you can be of real use for your new opinion
monitoring project because they are already in the
perception and behavior business. But be certain that
the PR folks really accept why it's SO important to
know how your most important outside audiences
perceive your operations, products or services. Above
all, be sure they believe that perceptions almost always
result in behaviors that can help or hurt your operation.
Layout the plans for your PR staff re: monitoring and
gathering perceptions by questioning members of your
most important outside audiences. Ask questions like
these: how much do you know about our organization?
Have you had prior contact with us and were you pleased
with the interchange? Are you familiar with our services
or products and employees? Have you experienced
problems with our people or procedures?
Bringing in survey firms to do the opinion gathering
work can cost a lot more than using those PR folks of
yours in that monitoring capacity. But whether it's your
people or a survey firm asking the questions, the
objective remains the same: identify untruths, false
assumptions, unfounded rumors, inaccuracies,
misconceptions and any other negative perception that
might translate into hurtful behaviors.
Here, you have to set a goal aiming for action on the
most serious problem areas you uncovered during your
key audience perception monitoring. Will it be to
straighten out that dangerous misconception? Correct
that gross inaccuracy? Or, stop that potentially painful
rumor dead?
Naturally a goal requires a strategy to show you how
to reach it. Just three strategic options are available to
you when it comes to solving perception and opinion
problems. Change existing perception, create perception
where there may be none, or reinforce it. The wrong
strategy pick will taste like spare ribs with lemon sauce.
So be certain your new strategy fits well with your new
public relations goal. You certainly don't want to select
"change" when the facts dictate a strategy of reinforcement.
Now your people must do some good writing. You must
prepare a persuasive message that will help move your key
audience to your way of thinking. It must be a carefully-
written message aimed directly at your key external
audience. Select your very best writer because s/he must
come up with language that is not merely compelling,
persuasive and believable, but clear and factual if they are
to shift perception/opinion towards your point of view
and lead to the behaviors you have in mind.
It's time to pick out the communications tactics most likely
to carry your message to the attention of your target
audience. There are many waiting for you. From speeches,
facility tours, emails and brochures to consumer briefings,
media interviews, newsletters, personal meetings and many
others. But be certain that the tactics you pick are known to
reach folks just like your audience members.
How you communicate your message is a concern because
the credibility of any message is always fragile. Which is
why you may wish to unveil your corrective message
before smaller meetings and presentations rather than
using higher-profile news releases.
If the thought of a progress report appeals to you, you must
begin a second perception monitoring session among
members of your external audience in order to measure
headway. You can use many of the same questions used in
your benchmark session. But this time, you will be on
guard for signs that the bad news perception is being
altered in your direction.
In the event the program slows down, you can always speed
things up by adding more communications tactics as well as
increasing their frequencies.
Worry can be healthy, too. Especially when it moves you
away from a major emphasis on communications tactics
and on to a plan for doing something positive about the
behaviors of those important external audiences of yours
that most affect your operation. And particularly so when
you persuade those key outside folks to your way of
thinking by helping to move them to take actions that
allow your department, division or subsidiary to succeed.
Bob Kelly counsels and writes for business, non-profit and association managers about using the fundamental premise of public relations to achieve their operating objectives. He has published over 200 articles on the subject which are listed at EzineArticles.com, click Expert Author, click Robert A. Kelly. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport
News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S.
Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The
White House. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Columbia University, major in public relations. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net - Visit:www.PRCommentary.com
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