A Day in the Life of a Work at Home Mom

Gotta Love Life with Little Boys!

2010-01-03T22:46:00.002-06:00

Do you ever notice that little boys are so accident prone? If you haven't noticed, it is probably because you do not have a little boy :).

My 4 year old little guy has become quite the head banger (literally) over the last few weeks. It seems like EVERY injury, bump, and bruise is on the head! Kinda scary when I think about it, I mean, gosh, his brain is up there!

Well this afternoon was no different except he was actually sitting down when the head banging occured. Daddy and little guy where sitting in the rocking chair, looking through fake binoculars and getting ready to turn on a movie when *blink, fall, bang, roll* our little guy was on the ground holding the back of his head screaming.

Literally *blink, fall, bang, roll* is what I saw. It happened so fast that I don't even know HOW or WHY he did an unintentional back flip off the side of the chair and into the corner of the table.

Momma instincts IMMEDIATELY kicked in and I was at his side in zero seconds FLAT. Thankfully, after a thorough examination, the "accident report" only showed:

1) Scratch and small bruise to the upper left shoulder blade.
2) Scratch on the right lower part of the scalp.
3) Small cut in the middle of the lower part of the scalp - very minimal blood.

Whew. I just knew I was going to see some sort of puncture hold at the base of his head or something. The damage wasn't that bad but it did take an act of congress, talk of birthday presents, TONS of love, and 15 minutes to get my little guy calmed down.

Don't EVER let ANYONE tell you that life with little boys is dull.

They do not have a CLUE :D

Until next time...

Advantages of a Website for Small Business Owners

2010-01-03T19:27:00.004-06:00

Make no mistake about it. A website is an explosive tool for marketing your business! But beyond the marketing benefits, a small business website can help you make more money and save more money by slashing expenses, improving efficiency and communications, and increasing your availability to customers and staff.

A lot of small business owners just starting out have a laundry list of website questions related to the advantages of a website. Many business owners fail to realize that a website can do more for their bottom line than marketing alone.

Below are just three of many advantages of a website often overlooked by small business owners when answering their own website questions and concerns.

1. Increase Your Availability

A lot of website questions revolve around marketing. But beyond marketing, your website can function as an "always on" receptionist and customer service representative -- enabling customers to make purchases, ask questions, research your products and services, send you e-mail and download important documents, whether you're at work or home. Business no longer fits neatly into a 9 to 5 box, so let people find you when they need you!

2. Put An Axe to Expenses

Printing can get expensive! And sadly, a lot of website questions don't address the money wasted each year on outdated printed materials. Think about how much money you can save by eliminating the need to print new brochures and other materials caused by a move, loss of employee, or changes to your contact information. Websites are less costly to update than reprinting—and the results are immediate! Some of the biggest advantages of a website are due to cost savings created by converting printed materials for use on your small business website.

3. Improve Your Efficiency

You can't pack more hours into a day, but you can shift redundant work onto your small business website -- saving you hours every month! Make a list of all of the tasks, questions and documents prospects and customers routinely ask for and post that information on your small business website. Simply forward customers to your small business website for such things as: hours of operations, directions to your business, to schedule a meeting and to download forms and documents.

Courtesy of: Articlebase.com - this was not written by WAH Life of Shara, rather was posted as an informative article for fellow small and home based business owners.
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Sites By Shay offers Modern Design at an affordable price! If you need a website, web page, lead capture page, logo, or other design for your business, check us out! We look forward to designing with you!

AmeriPlan® Benefits Site got a makeover!

2009-12-17T18:23:00.001-06:00

I am excited to announce that AmeriPlan® finally rolled out a new benefits website that matches our awesome business opportunity site! (ask me how you can start building your AmeriPlan® Business for $25 this month!)

For those of you that do not know, AmeriPlan® is the nation's largest health & dental benefits company! We save our members anywhere from 20-80% on Health & Dental procedures without the deductibles, claim forms, waiting periods, and pre exsisting exclusions. Instead, you enjoy INSTANT Savings, No Paperwork, and No Hassle!

I recently went to a specialist and saved over 50% off my office visit, THANK YOU AmeriPlan®! With almost 2 million members saving money on our programs, it is not hard to find testimonials to read! In fact, you can read some here, just click on "Testimonials".

Please take a moment to check out the new website and let me know if you are interested in saving money with AmeriPlan®!

Affordable Web Design for Mom Business Owners!

2009-12-08T21:39:00.003-06:00

Some of you may know that I started dabbling in website design back in 2007. I have spent countless hours perfecting and learning about design. I have had a lot of requests in the past few months for websites, so I decided to open a web desi
gn business on the side!

I am excited to announce the launching of Sites by Shay! You can find us on the web @ www.SitesByS.com

As a Grand Opening special, all design prices listed on the site will be discounted 15%.

If you need a lead capture page, a full site, mini site, logo, etc ~ Check us out!

Until next time!

AmeriPlan® Start Up Promotion! Very Excited!

2009-11-25T14:03:00.001-06:00

AmeriPlan announces the opportunity for you to begin your business today for just $25

...that's right twenty-five dollars!

To request an Interview... http://www.careerfreedom.info/request

To self enroll and begin your business immediately...

CLICK HERE

Do you dream of a better life? Do you wish you had financial stability and freedom? Would you like to be your own boss?
If you have answered "yes" then I want to talk to you!
My name is Shara Benton, a National Sales Director with Ameriplan®. We may have talk before at some point and you were thinking about working with our team.... I am very excited to share with you that AmeriPlan® has just made it possible for you to begin working from home today for just $25.00.

What do you receive for $25.00?

* Free benefits for you and everyone in your household
* Professional websites to market your business online
* Unlimited training and one-on-one mentoring
* and much, much more

Have you been waiting for the right opportunity?

If you would like to be part of our winning team this is your chance. AmeriPlan is a well established (1992), reputable company.

We are the nation's largest discount service and benefits provider to almost two-million members nationwide. From the comfort of our home we offer a service that allows people to save money on their healthcare costs...and identity theft protection, along with savings on the everyday little things, which is very rewarding!

The opportunity to begin for just $25 is a limited-time offer. So, if you would like more information on how to begin working from home with AmeriPlan I invite you to contact me at 903-724-2696 or CLICK HERE and fill out the online form to ENROLL NOW!

Wishing you every success!

10 Best (and Real) Work At Home Jobs

2009-11-15T13:51:00.002-06:00

Although, I have found my perfect fit with AmeriPlan® and am quite partial, I know that not everyone will want to work with AmeriPlan®. So here I share an article I found on Yahoo Finance.

I will search all my files and post some more content I have gathered on Work at Home Jobs.

:) Enjoy!
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by Melissa Ezarik

Two years ago, when The Rat Race Rebellion began tracking at-home jobs, there were 30 scams for every legitimate opportunity. Now, with 4,500 to 5,000 work-at-home job ads screened weekly, the Web site finds 57 phonies for every one that's for real, says Christine Durst, CEO of The Rat Race Rebellion.Nevertheless, there's no shortage of people who dream of beating the odds and earning a living from home.

Durst, who is also CEO of Connecticut-based Staffcentrix, which develops home-based and virtual career training programs, says people interested in work-at-home jobs primarily are:

Parents who say they want to spend more time with their children.

Trailing military spouses who, according to Durst, by virtue of their spouse's career need to pick up and move every few years.

Retirees needing supplemental income.

People with disabilities.

It's difficult to be a good parent and simultaneously work well at home, says Durst, because most jobs require blocks of uninterrupted time to accomplish tasks, and children's schedules are less than predictable. For those who do choose to walk the tightrope between paid work and parenting, consider deadline-oriented work. Durst says it's generally better for those with younger children than schedule-oriented hourly work.

Steven Rothberg, president and founder of CollegeRecruiter.com, says "an increasing minority" of entry-level workers, are attracted to these gigs. He says he believes social introverts make good candidates. "They like working with people (but) they like interacting by e-mail and by being on the phone. They dislike working in person with a lot of others," he says, due to meetings and other "time-sucking problems" at an office.

Self-motivation, discipline, job skills and independence are key characteristics for at-home workers, says Stephanie Foster of Poway, Calif., a former medical transcriptionist who runs the Web site Homewiththekids.com.

A growing number of employers appear to believe telecommuting is a good deal for them as well. It reduces overhead expenses, allows access to talented workers who may not be available locally, provides off-hours support and helps retain employees, says Sara Sutton Fell, CEO of FlexJobs.com, a Web site that aggregates hand-screened telecommuting/work-at-home jobs. "We've seen a real broadening of the audience of both employers and job seekers."

Consider these 10 jobs -- some rather traditional and others unexpected -- for interesting at-home work and good (if competitive) prospects.

1. Virtual Assistant
This is a field with much potential, in part because the title description covers many things. "You can fit your offerings to what you know how to do," says Foster. One can own a virtual assistant business or work from home for a company that makes you available to other employees or clients. Homewiththekids.com, for example, currently features a dozen such companies. Small businesses hire virtual assistants to help when they can't justify a permanent employee. The International Virtual Assistants Association, which Durst co-founded in the 1990s, began with 28 members and has grown to more than 600, who charge from $15 per hour to more than $100 per hour.

2. Medical Transcriptionist
As Foster knows, being a medical receptionist is a demanding job, and nearly every company listed on her site seeks applicants with experience and/or training from certain schools. The work involves listening to and typing up dictation from doctors -- some of whom have difficult accents, slur words together, and even "eat, drink, chew gum (and) talk to other people in the room" while dictating, she says. But hearing about medical matters can be interesting, and good transcriptionists are in very high demand. Expect initial earnings of less than $10 per hour, but some transcriptionists earn $20 or more per hour.

3. Translator
Those with fluency in more than one language translate audio files or documents, not just word for word but often with cultural differences in mind. "Companies can access home-based translators with hard-to-find language skills without being held back by geographic location," says Fell.

Foster's site lists 15 companies that seek home-based translators. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-09, which groups translators and interpreters, notes a projected employment increase of 24 percent over the 2006-to-2016 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The national mean hourly wage for translators and interpreters was $20.74, with a mean annual wage of $43,130 as of May 2008, according to estimates by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some industries pay significantly higher, with the highest paying jobs generally in the management, scientific and technical consulting services areas, in which the mean hourly wage was $56.50 and the annual mean wage was $117,530.

4. Web Developer/Designer
Information technology is the sector, Durst says, where most of the home-based hiring is being done. Terri Orlowski, a virtual assistant and Web developer based in Ledyard, Conn., offers services such as custom Web site design, template modification and redesigns, code updates, hosting, and usability reviews. She previously held administrative positions in a variety of industries, and makes a higher per-hour rate now. The job is in high demand. Of the more than 15,000 new monthly work-from-home job postings on Odesk.com, Web developers are in the greatest demand, says spokeswoman Elizabeth Gordon. A list of companies that post at-home tech jobs is available at ratracerebellion.com.

5. Call Center Representative
When you phone to order something from a catalog or infomercial, a big office with rows of cubicles may come to mind. But the person on the other end of the line is likely to be sitting in a home office. "It's a huge and growing industry," says Durst of companies that hire independent contractors to take calls from home. She says the "home-shore movement" started in response to complaints about the many companies that looked offshore for workers. While some Web sites, such as Alpineaccess.com, actually hire representatives, most use subcontractors. Just be aware that the pay may be by the minute rather than by the hour, so you may not be paid for time you spend waiting by the phone. A list of companies that hire call center reps can be found at Homewiththekids.com.

6. Tech Support Specialist
Call centers also hire technical support specialists to work remotely. Kate Lister, co-author of "Undress for Success: The Naked Truth About Making Money at Home," names it as one of her top three "best-bet work-at-home jobs." And according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs for computer support specialists (on-site and remote combined) were expected to increase by 13 percent from 2006 to 2016 -- much faster than the average for all occupations -- with 71,000 new jobs.

7. Travel Agent
Scams abound in the travel industry -- particularly organizations that charge for information on how to break into the field. But operating a home-based travel agency can be an excellent business, says Tom Ogg of the Home Based Travel Agent Information Center. "Real home-based travel agents have experienced robust growth over the last decade, and there are probably around 35,000 of them and growing." A growing (although small) number of people earn $100,000 or more a year, he says. "A solid business concept and plan focused on profitability will take you a long way to achieving your monetary goals." There's also the joy of helping others enjoy their leisure time.

8. Teacher
From postsecondary education to elementary schools, there are opportunities for students to learn virtually. Along with that, come opportunities to teach (and tutor) virtually. While distance learning is not new, advanced technology, collaborative multimedia software designed for schools and high-speed Internet connections have created more opportunities for teachers and students to work together from afar, says Fell. Durst has also noticed more teacher jobs being posted, and she knows of one professor who works mainly online and makes six figures -- although income "depends on how many hours you're applying to it and the type of classes you're teaching." A resource center for online teaching jobs is available at GetEducated.com.

9. Writer/Editor
Yes, the print publishing industry has been suffering, but Durst is seeing frequent listings these days for writing, editing and proofreading, particularly for the Web. Even those without writing experience can join the blogosphere. Not only can blogging be lots of fun, Foster says, but also there's money to be earned blogging for someone else's site, getting paid to post on your own blog or through revenue-sharing arrangements. A list of blogging opportunities, for which the pay range is less than $5 per post to more than $20 per post, can be found at Homewiththekids.com.

10. Franchise Owner
It's a no-brainer: Owning a business can be the road to at-home work. For an initial investment, franchises may offer a ready-made business with brand awareness, a system and a territory, says Leslie Truex, founder of the Web site Work-At-Home Success. She advises considering businesses that target the over-50 crowd or the self-employed, involve health and wellness, relate to the "green" movement, or involve electronic or online devices (i.e., accessories, applications).

Scam Alert:
When considering any at-home job, put up the scam-detection radar.
Durst suggests watching for these positive indicators of "real" employment:
The hirer is an established company.
The ad includes the company name and does not have applicants reply to a blind e-mail address.
Human resources personnel are available for questions.
There is mention of information commonly associated with "real" employment (benefits, vacations, policies, etc.).
There is an application and interview process, not simply an e-mailed offer.
The employer can detail the job duties and expectations.
References/work samples are requested.

So, you want to get to know me...

2008-09-25T11:24:00.001-05:00

Awesome! :)

Well the first thing you should know is that I am a PROUD, successful, work at home MOM to the most AMAZING and cute little guy you will ever meet! (Partial, I know :). With that said - My name is Shara, I am a young 22 year old married mother. I have experienced a lot more than a lot of women my age, which I think is an advantage to me - being that I am also an mompreneur (mom/business owner/entrepreneur). I married at the young age of 18, one month after graduation, two months after I had turned 18. So, yes, I took 3 "major" steps of my life in 3 months. 18 in Nov, Graduated in Dec, Married in Jan. whew!

Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing about it. All of the hills I've climbed (ok..maybe they were mountains..) and the walls I've pushed through is worth the life that I have now ~ 5 years later. So, now I will take you back - 5 years.

So, being newly married at the young, naive age of 18, I was working full time in the corporate world. Doing the 7 to 6, 40+ hour a week rat race most of us are acustom too. I knew deep down that I wanted to have a child eventually BUT I didn't want to put him/her in daycare. I was working at a daycare at the time and was TOTALLY against putting my child in one. (Working on the inside changes your perspective). So, I began my work at home search (little did I know that was the start of a 3 year journey!). I saw a ton on Independent Consultant & Rep jobs for Product Based Companies - the chore was picking what product to sell. Decisions, Decisions. Finally, I had requested enough info, from enough different sources to receive a flier in the mail. Looking back, I would have seen the red flags had I of known anything at all about the work at home world. So, anyway. This flier has an 800# that you called to get your FREE CD. So, I called listened to the message, requested the CD..the CD arrive in the mail within about a week.

Now let me stop here. I was SOO EXCITED! I felt like I had found "IT". Of course, how could I possibly know -seeing that it was the FIRST thing I actually looked into, in depth. Okay..on with the story..

I watched the CD, it was exciting in a "hyped up" kind of way. They never would say the company name, just a team..You would find out the company after you joined or talked to someone in person. (Sound Familiar?) This guy was just a telling me about how much money he made in just 6 short months and how it was SOO EASY. "There is no selling involved - our products sell themselves!"

PLEASE!!!!!!!! If it is a product, you will have to "sell" it. Period. (But I didn't know this then)..

So, being the young and naive person that I was, I started talking to this guy, Bill E. Bill convinced me that I just had to this. I knew it was wellness products and that was about it. He told me about how much money I would make, how I would having a booming business in 6 months, etc etc etc.

I loved the idea of wellness and helping people lose weight. So, I paid $800 to get started. (Gasp! I know! That should have sent a red flag..but it didn't) I got a bunch of shake mixes and protein bars in the mail.

I was excited. 6 months to a big income, what could be better right?

I jumped in! I did the parties (boy they was expensive), the cold calling, attempted to do the selling - but I am NO GOOD at that. The $3800 credit card I got for specifically for my business, was maxed to the limit within two months. I was buying things to "help build my business". I was told that these things were necessary to have a successful business. Keep in mind, I had only made about $300 and this was from selling to friends and family. Not fun.

So, I started working on a $1000 credit card I had, maxed that one out too.

Then I turned to the household checkbook. We won't go there.

About 4 months into my business, my sponsor calls me to tell me he is quitting. Oh great! What about the great money, booming business, lifetime with company...The light started coming on...So, then he starts trying to recruit me to his NEW venture. Another wellness company specializing in "green, natural, safe products".

(Notice, no company names are mentioned. This is not to bash. Don't ask me, because I am not saying. I am simply sharing my story. Okay? Ok.)

Finally after 5 months, $6500 later, bankruptcy literally looking me in the face, I decided that enough was enough.

The sad thing about the business, was that your promotions were revenue based. To move to the "next level" you had to sell $4000 worth of products in one month. If you missed it, you had to start ALL OVER next month. It wasn't accumulative, so to speak. Needless to say, I never came close!

So, I decided to follow Bill E into his NEW VENTURE. Okay. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!? This guy had already "led me astray" and now I am following him to something else! Boy was I clueless!

So, I paid $39 to get my "information kit" and order my required $50 in products for that month. I jumped on the training calls..listened to how people were earning cars, vacations, etc. Listening to the same old "We don't sell, we just share our company and help people "change where they shop". Uggg..

So, I tried talking to people about "changing where they shop". They laughed at me. The products were more expensive, they weren't sold on how they cleaned, etc. I knew then I wasn't a sales person (or I thought I knew...).

It was time to go back to work. We were hurting financially and something had to give. So, I canceled all my "businesses" and went to work at a furniture store..working commission. (Sales - I know..I never learn).

Worked the 9 - 7, 7 day a week job for about 4 months. I didn't hardly make a dime! Just mainly the "minimum" they had to pay if we didn't' sell anything (That was $5.15/hr at the time). During that 4th month, I found out I was pregnant with my first child!

It was exciting, but I had complications in the beginning, forcing me to quit my furniture store job. That was in May. At the end of June, they released me to be able to work again. Just in time for me to get a job with a start up electric billing company. This would be my job for the next 2 years. I promoted, got about $1.50 in raises in two years. One 50¢ raise and one $1.00 raise when I was promoted. My son was put in daycare once he was born, and remained there for 22 months.

During the 2 years at my last job, I found another business I wanted to try. Selling cookware. This one only cost me $90 to start. I made about $200 the entire 4 months I worked the business. This one did not go as extreme as the first. I just found out (again) that I am NOT a sales person material!

I finally said, "I know what I'll do, I'll make money by reading emails and taking surveys!" Yeah right. 300 emails and 50 surveys later, I had earned $16.27 - not counting the money I spent on some of the offers. They don't pay you till you hit $40. I never finished.

I kept passively looking for income opportunities and jobs online. Finally in September 2007, I found AmeriPlan®! It was the FIRST service based business I came across in my 3 years of searching. I did my research on this one. What I found was amazing. I was hooked. I invested $95 to start my business at about 2 am on a Friday night. Hubby was a sleep and didn't know. I wanted to keep it that way until I could see if it worked. I figured if it didn't work, he would never have to know. If it did work, then I would tell him.

So, I rolled my sleeves up and jumped in! I enrolled my first member the very first week. My first business owner the next week. Kept working and moving forward. Hit my first promotion after only a month and a half in the business! That was November 15, 2007. Eight months later, my second promotion. And now I am on track to hit a 3rd promotion by my one year anniversary. I am on track to being at $100,000 in LIFETIME residual income in the next 3-1/2 years!

I am proof of what dedication, desire, and consistency will do. AmeriPlan® has been a blessing from above for my family. I am now a full time work at home mom, with the most amazing team you could ask for!

I don't regret my experiences because at the young age of just 22 (almost 23 - in Nov 08), I have a lot more knowledge about the Network Marketing and home based business world than most my age. My experiences helped me to grow and learn what I was and was NOT capable of doing. All of it, trails & victories, is worth the life I have now as a, Work at Home Mom!

"If you always do, what you've always done, you'll always have, what you've always had"

PROMOTING AWARNESS: One Child Every 40 Seconds is Reported Missing Every Year.

2009-10-13T22:05:00.001-05:00

Do You Have a Sample of Your Child's Fingerprints?

Less than 2% of parents and guardians have fingerprints on file for their children. The sad statistics are that 450,000 children run away each year. 300,000 children are abducted by family members each year and more than 58,000 children are abducted each year by non-family members.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined in partnership with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) to help increase parents awareness regarding the need to improve child safety. The National Child Identification Program is the LARGEST child identification effort ever conducted. The goal of the program now is to reach all 60 million children in the United States.

Your SecureNet Package includes one FREE Child ID kit featuring:

Inkless fingerprinting card with step-by-step instructions and practice area.
DNA cheek swab and collection envelope.
ID wallet card.
Purchase additional Child ID Kit(s) at a discount (just $5/additional kit)

Additional services included in your SecureNet package:

* ID Theft Protection

* Family Legal Plan

* Roadside Assistance

* Financial Services

Visit our website to learn more about our affordable package.

Your SecureNet Package:
Just $24.95/month!

With over 25 million Child ID kits distributed, the AFCA / FBI National Child ID program is the largest Child ID program in U.S. History.

CLICK HERE to listen to Bruce Gephart, Deputy Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation's Message regarding the Child ID Kit.

The Child ID Kit is the only in-home fingerprinting kit approved by the FBI. It takes only 5 minutes to complete and stores children's fingerprints and DNA at home.

Even in light of a local, or national emergency, it is important to have a child's fingerprints and DNA on file.

Email me with any questions that you have ~ SharaBenton@ameriplan.net

Got AmeriPlan®? I do!

2009-10-13T21:12:00.003-05:00

Today, I was reminded of just ONE more reason why I LOVE working from home with AmeriPlan® and the BENEFITS! Let me tell you about it.

I called to set an annual "well woman" visit today and was informed that the cost of the visit was $264. WOW! This is what it costs people that do NOT have an "insurance plan". The doctor I will be seeing happens to be in the AmeriPlan® Health network, so I told her that I do not have insurance BUT I do have a Medical Discount plan. After she took my information, I was then informed that I would only be paying $134.88 for my visit! That is just over 50% off! Thank you AmeriPlan®!

I pay $40 each month for my Medical Discount plan. It includes all Medical services, Dental, Vision, Chiropractic, and Pharmacy. There are NO Deductibles to meet, NO Waiting Period, NO Pre-exsisting Exclusions. I receive INSTANT savings ~ no waiting for a refund check!

I am so thankful for AmeriPlan® and the services they offer. There are so many people out there that do not get the check ups they need because of the expense involved when you don't have "insurance".

There is an alternative and I can help.

To view all of our Discount Programs, Visit: http://www.TheEasyCard.info
If you would like to work from home with us, visit: http://www.CareerFreedom.info

Have a blessed evening!!

To recess or not to recess, that is the question!

2008-12-09T13:31:00.007-06:00

So it has officially been announced that the U.S. is in a recession. My question to you, what are you doing for a "Plan B"? So many Americans and Canadians are losing their JOBS, nothing is to say you won't be next.

This isn't a emotion invoking post, I want you to think about it. IF you lose your job, do you have a plan B? After you lose your job isn't the best time to try to think of Plan B, you need to do that now.

Have you ever considered a home based business? Not a job, but an actual business that you build from home. The home based business industry has come such a long way over just the past 5 years. There are so many opportunities out there to choose from and most of them provide good incomes.

When looking at starting a home based business as a Plan B, you want to consider several things.

1. Is it a product or service based company? - Will you be selling a product (cosmetics, cookware, weight loss, etc) or offering a service (discount health care plans, prepaid legal, travel, etc).

2. Does the company offer something that people NEED? - We are in a recession. While it may not be the smartest move for the economy, a lot of families are cutting back on the "extras". Are you going to be offering something that people need or want? Offering Discount Health Care Plans will help those that are losing their health care benefits due to job loss. Offering Prepaid Legal Services will help people that may have to take legal action due to job loss, severance packages, etc. While candles and cosmetics are great, you need to look at the economy and determined what has a better chance of progressing instead of regressing.

3. Is it something you believe in? - Research the product/service and company, is it something you believe in? You have to believe that you can help people with your product/service in order for it to work.

4. What is the investment and monthly overhead cost? - Yes, that's right. There will be an investment and overhead cost, you are starting a business. Usually a service based business is cheaper to start than a product based one because services require no inventory purchase. You need to make sure that these costs are something you can afford. Also remember, an investment into starting a good solid business is an investment in your future and will offer you that Plan B that you may need. If you end up not needing to act on your Plan B, then at least you were able to supplement your income and were prepared for the worst.

5. Lastly, what shape is the company in? - Is the company publicly traded (in the stock market, etc) or privately traded? It makes a HUGE difference. Marketing and advertising costs are not cheap for big companies and a publicly traded company has these expenses. A privately traded company does not. The business owners and affiliates of the company advertise through their own businesses - resulting in the corporate office not having to invest money in the marketing area.

Is the company debt-free or drowning in debt? This is important as well. Knowing this will show you what kind of company you are looking at. If the company is debt-free usually they have been in business for a long time and they know how to manage finances. Both of which are important during a recession.

Okay! You are now equipped to embark on your journey into the home based business world! You owe it to yourself and your family to get a Plan B in action NOW - before you need it.

Best of luck to you on your search!

______________________________________

You can take a look at Shara's home-based business opportunity at: http://www.careerfreedom.info/
Shara has been in the home based business and Network Marketing industry for 5 years. Shara is a successful entrepreneuer and business owner. You can read Shara's story here.

I'm not saying it's easy, I'm just saying it's worth it.

2009-02-08T12:00:00.004-06:00

Can you say you love what you do for a living?

I hear from so many people.... the economy, the lay offs, the loss of this, the loss of that.... cost of daycare, gas, food, shelter... the basics and then some, really begin to pile up and people feel stuck in that rut of a job they don't even like just to get by...

There's more to life than 40 hours / week for 40 years for SOMEONE ELSE. There really is.
I'm one of those blessed people who work from home. I've been with AmeriPlan® for over a year.

I'm not saying it's easy, I'm just saying it's worth it.

I read all the "stuff" out there from all the companies that promise you riches beyond your wildest dreams. It took me 3 years to end up at this company after a very extensive search.
AmeriPlan® offers people something they NEED, instead of something they WANT, and that appealed to me.

I help people save money on their benefits and give others permission to dream again about what's possible FROM HOME

I'm not saying it's easy, I'm just saying it's worth it.

In my first month in this business I made a whopping $140.94.... I worked hard, made lots of mistakes, hung up the phone on prospects because I was so nervous...

I'm not saying it's easy, I'm just saying it's worth it.

I was working 40+ hours a week at a full time job, and I had a husband and infant to take care of once I got home. I stayed up a lot of late nights and early mornings...

I'm not saying it's easy, I'm just saying it's worth it.

I think you get the idea. Home based businesses do NOT get effected by the economic downturns, and what's going on in society. You are in control, you work for YOU and it IS possible to make it happen from home.

You can work around your job, around your children, around your "life" and build up to having everything set up the way you want it.

AGAIN

I'm not saying it's easy, I'm just saying it's worth it.

But know this. After only a year and a half, I am home full time and we enjoy a nice income from home and I only work part time from home. And as I type this email I'm listening to my son play in our living room.

I'm not saying it's easy, I'm just saying it's worth it.

YOU and your family are WORTH IT.

Join My Social Networking Site!

2009-01-12T18:05:00.001-06:00

Poor baby!

2008-12-10T08:04:00.003-06:00

Well it is 8 am here in COLD, wintery Texas. Thankfully, I don't have to go to work! My little guy, Nathan, has been heaving since early this morning. Poor baby. He looks so vulnerable laying here sleeping. He tells me this morning - sitting in the bathtub because he vomitted on himself - "Mommy, give me something to make me feel better".

Awww! Talk about break your heart!

Poor little guy. Three year olds shouldn't have to be sick, it's awful.

Anyway, I am glad that I am a work at home mom because I sure would be tired right now if I had to go to work - especially in this weather! Snow flurries, rain, and sleet with 33 degree temps.

Brrrr!

Until later...

Just Have to Say Thank You!!

2008-10-16T08:03:00.003-05:00

To AmeriPlan®! Today I am at HOME sick. Yuck! However, I did not have to call in and ask someone's permission to stay at home. This is because I work at home with AmeriPlan®! I love knowing that I am going to get paid even though I will not be working very much today! The power of residual income! I work at home because it gives me flexibility and power to design my life!

Signing off to find some medicine!

LOT (Leader's of Tomorrow) Training!

2008-10-06T10:29:00.002-05:00

Whew! What can I say but WHAT A WEEKEND!!

I returned yesterday from a leadership conference hosted by AmeriPlan®. If you are new to the blog, AmeriPlan® is the company that I work from home with. Briefly, I have been building my home based business with them for over a year now, and absolutely love it!

Anyway, I spent the weekend with 50 other like minded business individuals all seeking to achieve financial freedom from home. About 15 of them have already made a six figure income, all from home! The rest of us are getting closer everyday!

I am overflowing with tons of knowledge at this point. My eyes have been open to things I didn't see before. I spend 2 days being trained by AmeriPlan® home based business owners making in excess of $200,000 per year. They graciously poured out their knowledge, tips, and advice to us upcoming leaders.

Thank you so much again!

Mom, Business Owner, Chef...

2008-09-27T23:35:00.002-05:00

Okay, so we all know that a moms job is NEVER done and we probably have more titles than anyone else on the Earth! We are doctor, teacher, taxi, banker, housekeeper, chef, barber, shopper, and for some of us, a business owner too!

So how do we stay sane?? Who says we're sane?? (Just Kidding :) Lots of caffeine, planning, and chaos! But we love every minute of it!

I guess my favorite thing is that I am a work at home mom..meaning my work is at home..thank goodness! I remember the days of chaotic mornings rushing to get the little one (and myself) out the door on time..etc etc. Now, we get up whenever we wake up and it is wonderful!

I work when I choose. I take off when I choose. And for that I am so thankful.

Today I have reflecting on my blessings as a work at home mom, and thinking about all of the parents I am helping have the same luxury. I would love to help you as well if you want to fire the boss and become independent.

Until next time!