Learn from this successful WAHM and create your own success. From helpful articles to creative tips, we have something for everyone!

 


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"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible"

~ Anonymous



Tea Time with Liv



Stay On Task

Staying ong task is a challenge aat some point in time as a WAHM. Some worse than others but you need to find ways to work through it. I know do several things I should not just because I can be easily distracted. You just have to be aware of it and get back ontrack asap. I might find a typo on my website then realize I need to call a supplier about a shipment coming in which will lead me to remember its my mothers birthday then I have to do grocery shopping and back around again.
Here is a few tips to staying on task:

Create a task list on Sunday evening of all of your projects and deadlines for the week. Do not just leave this on our computer calendar. Write this down somewhere that you look often such as a desk calendar. The constant reminder helps keep you on task.

List your goals for the week. This should always be part of your weekly schedule of tasks. Having your short term goals listed keeps you in forward motion to accomplishing these. Make sure these are on mark to reaching montly and quarterly goals.
Create a schedule of the above in blocks of time. Stick to this. If you get distracted you know where you need to return based on your block of time scheduled.

Turn off the instant notification on your e-mail. This allows you to only receive emails when you are ready to read and respond to them them properly. Constantly checking email as a notification pops up takes away valuable time.

Use an egg timer to keep you conscious of time. Your will be surprised how quick time passes when you are made aware of time. Reset the timer for each block of time that passes and stick to your time schedule. This can be difficult at first but you will find you manage time better.
If you would not do it on the clock for someone else, don't do it on your own time clock. It is easy to get off task and run errands but keep those to your break times.
As a WAHM it is easy to get distracted with typical home noise. Keep the t.v. off. If you must see the show, tape it, dvr, or something but no t.v. while working.
Do not overfill your plate with tasks for the week. Too many projects will take you off task. Yes you have a lot to accomplish but overdoing it will not get it done. What it will do is create an exhausted you whom won't even be able to handle the tasks you would normally be able to.
Staying on task is work but as you become aware it will become habit for the most part. Business is every changing so it will never stop taking effort. It will just get easier as you find what works for you.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com/

WAHM Tip of the Week

Have a bingo game happening in your area? Offer to donate a prize. Many of these have some sort of door prize drawing going on and this is a great way to get some exposure.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Achievement Takes Time

"Keep trying" is the rule that must be followed to be successful at anything.

Your success will always be connected with your actions. What you do today brings your one step closer or further from your goals. Just keep moving towards your goal.

You'll make mistakes but don't ever quit. We are human. You will learn from these mistakes. You may even have to hang on after others have let go.

Persistence means taking pains to overcome every obstacle, to do all that's necessary to reach your goal. In the end, the only people who fail are those that do not try.

Your future is a big adventure.
Just remember, all great achievement takes time.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Party To Go

Often when you're having a home party, there will be guests who would love to host a party of their own, but can't. Perhaps they're moving, their spouse won't allow it, they just don't have enough space in their home, or they are simply uncomfortable.

Give them the option of having a party in a basket. A party to go! This can work for almost any business you have such as candles, makeup, jewelry, food, tea, purses, and toys.

Here is what you can do:

Gather a selection of your lower to mid priced and popular items, package it so that the products look attractive but visible. Try organza or cellophane bags.

Make sure everything is priced and has an item number attached to it.

Arrange it all in an attractive basket. A large basket is best but keep it from being too heavy. You don't want to discourage your hostess. Keep the basket and fillers neutral so the product stands out. If the products are neutral do the reverse and add in colorful filler.

Enclose a typed-up inventory list which includes the item numbers and prices.

Have the hostess sign for the inventory in the basket, especially if you have included some expensive items. This not only protects your hostess but also yourself. Go over the inventory and count with the hostess before she signs. This also makes her aware of the products she has with her.

When going over the inventory sheet, educate your hostess. Not only will she know what she has but she will be able to answer basic questions.

Having an inventory list for each basket allows the hostess to not only keep track of what is in the basket but also allows her to sell the product immediately (only if you have this available). Have a check list on your inventory sheet so your hostess can check off items purchased. Make sure the hostess understands whether she can sell the items in her party to go basket or not. You do not want to sell important demo pieces because of a misunderstanding.

Also include catalogs, opportunity and hostess brochures, and business cards. Ladies love to look at catalogs or maybe they wish to share. Don't forget the male guests. Send them home with these.

If your business has samples available, include them. This allows party to go guests to take something home and try before they buy. Sometimes a guest is passing by quickly and does not have time at that moment to browse. Pass them a sample and let them know how long you will have the wonderful products available.

Have a basket or 2 available at home parties and invite potential hostesses to take a basket that day. Your hostess can keep the basket for 1-2 weeks to gain sales towards their hostess rewards program.

At the end of the party to go time frame, collect the inventory sheet, additional orders, money collected, and the basket. Tally the hostess shopping credit and allow your hostess to begin her shopping.

This is a great way to sell old or final stock. Make sure to note these are the last of the stock so these are not over-ordered.

Parties never have to be limited. Get creative and accommodate your hostesses needs.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

Is that back of your business card blank? Add to it. Add a coupon, calendar, tipping guide, appointment scheduler, etc. Give your customer a reason to not only keep your card but to bring that card out from time to time. Get creative and create a business card that is also a frequent shopper card.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Lifetime Ad Special

For the remainder of 2009 you can get a lifetime ad for only $50! That is a lifetime ad here on Liv's WAHM Blog where we average over 8000 hits a month! And our readership is growing every day!

Your 125x125 banner will be placed at the top of page or sidebar. Your ad, your choice.

To order your ad space click on the "Your Ad Here" banner (at the top of the page or in the sidebar) and select a 10 month campaign. You will automatically receive a lifetime ad!



And that's not all! You will also receive a lifetime ad at http://livswahmblog.gotop100.com/ and on our Facebook fan page featured WAHM section at http://www.facebook.com/livswahmblog.

That is 3 for 1! That is less than $20 per lifetime ad!

This amazing package is only available for a limited time!

This offer expires 12midnight EST December 31, 2009.

Space is limited so order yours now!

6 spaces currently available

Do the holidays have you strapped for cash? You can split into 2 payments! Contact us for more information.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Create an Office

As a WAHM you are in business. To stay organized you need an area to do your work. Working at the dinner table or on the couch and coffee table is not an office. You need a dedicated space.

Not everyone has the luxury of an empty room but you can make yourself a corner of a room and turn that into your office. This should have a desk, pens, pencils, folders, computer, file cabinet or portable file folder box (can buy one at your local discount store for about $10). This is where you do all your work. This is where you make your calls, keep your schedule (a wall or desk calendar is best so you have instant access).

A small shelf with product, a basket for brochures or catalogs, business cards, samples, is very helpful. This can be your mini demo area when clients stop by.

Once a week take a few minutes to organize your area. Remove clutter, file loose papers, or anything else that needs to be done to keep your area tidy.

Purchase a comfortable chair. You want a place to sit and work comfortably.

Keep it simple. A work area with a lot going on can feel overwhelming. If you feel overwhelmed you will not want to work.

Do not eat at your desk. This is an easy habit to get into and we all do it at some point. The biggest reason you want to eat away from the desk is you need to take a break.

Keep office hours and work only in your work space. Being a WAHM it is easy to overwork. Keep to a schedule and close shop when it is time.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Think Big, Be Big

High achievement always takes place in high expectation.

You'll always hit what you aim for. So why not aim high?

Have the courage to follow your dreams. Its the first step towards attaining your ultimate goals.

If you can dream it, you can do it. But if you don't have a dream how are you going to make it come true.

The empire of your future resides in your mind.

Big thinking precedes big achievement.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Where Does Your Support Come From?

Starting a business is hard enough. Starting a business from home can be worse. You no longer have anyone to answer to. You are the boss. Having support is still required. Where does your support come from?

A supportive family and spouse can be hard to come by at first for many people. They may eventually come around but getting them on board is important. This is where a well laid out plan comes in. Not just ideas in your head but written down and worked out. This is regardless whether you are turning a hobby into a business or you are going to be a distributor for your favorite direct sales company.

For some without the support can be a deal breaker. How do you plan to deal with this? Have you thought about this yet? It is not something we want to think about but it can happen. You need to be prepared.

Support can leave down the road as well. Some may be experiencing this. Not to worry. Try inviting them into a day in your life. Show them what you do in a day and have them assist you. Let them see what you do. Some of the non-support comes from the not knowing. The more they know the better the chance you have at gaining or regaining their support.

Sit down with your spouse and discuss your new venture. Make sure to answer their questions and address their concerns. Just keeping your spouse in the loop is all you need to get continued support.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

As a WAHM you are likely to have a spouse or significant other. Work and family can be a balancing act that love can often be left out of. Don't let that happen. One hour a week make time to spend quality time with that special person in your life. Watch a movie, sip a cup of tea and talk, play a game. Make it the same day a week and same time. Neither of you will forget and it becomes habit. This is one habit you don't want to kick.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Today is Tomorrow's Success

What you do today directly effects tomorrow's success. Every move you make can make or break your success. If you do nothing today, nothing happens tomorrow. Are you really willing to allow that to happen?

Success is not impossible but it is not easy. It takes work no matter how much or little you put into it. If you work it, it will happen.

Have you ever seen someone who didn't work have great success? Of course not. Even a scam artist works at it. Every successful person has a plan of action. They start with a goal and begin a course of events to reach that goal.

Every day you must do one thing to bring you closer to your success. That one thing should be making a new contact. Each new contact brings you closer to the sale you desire.

Whether you work from home or away you can't achieve success without doing something today that works towards that goal. Carry business cards and pass out one a day. If you do not get out everyday, make a solid contact every day online. Join networking groups. Meet someone new.

Make it your short term goal to make one step each day towards your goal.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

The Key To Your Success Is In Your Hands

You cannot do everything, but you can do something.

Only you can make it happen.
No one can do it for you.
No one will do it for you.

Always accept the responsibility for your actions.
Always set a higher standard for yourself.

Choose the thoughts and actions that will lead
you on to success.

Your success is but a determined action away.

Copyright 2007 www.yourdailymotivation.com
Reproduce freely but maintain Copyright notice.


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

WAHM Tip of the Week

Have extra magazines laying around? Donate them to a office with a lobby. Add a large label to the front of the magazine with "Donated by" and include your name, business info, and contact information. Add a small pocket on the inside cover and place business cards inside. Donate these to your local Dr's office, lobby for your local tire, oil change, or mechanic shop, vets office, salon, or even a teachers lounge. Don't have any magazines? Ask family and friends to save these for you and pick them up.

Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

Its Always A Good Time To Change

The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you're not going to stay where you are.

You're a product of your environment.
So choose an environment that will best develop you toward your goals.

Analyze your life in terms of your environment.
Are the things around you helping you toward your success or are they holding you back?

Your world today is a living expression of how you are using and have used your mind. It's something that you can change at any time.

You don't have to remain a captive of your environment.
Don't say "If I could change, I would change,"
say "I can change, and I will change."


© 2009 YourDailyMotivation.com


Olivia Vidal
© 2009
http://sochicbagboutique.com

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