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Be a WAHM! Aka Work At Home Mom
 Joan Stanley, owner Oasis Exotics™, LLC
Her Online Network's WAHM/editor and entrepreneur
Are you torn between returning to work, and staying at home with your kids? Have you been absent from the work force environment and at home, raising your children for quite some time now? Would you simply like to earn money of your own and be independent while remaining at home and continue to care for your kids? The solution…become a WAHM, it's easier than you think.
If you are apprehensive or fearful about returning to the job world because you feel you're "out-of-touch", well, fear not…here is the perfect solution made easy. Be a WAHM and start to earn money now. All you need are three things…will, drive, and a plan.
1. Will. Begin by contemplating and writing down all your ideas. Make a list of the things you enjoy doing most. If you already have the skills, then you're halfway there. Do you have a craft that you enjoy making and are particularly good at? Can you bake something special that others yearn for?
2. Drive. First, gather your confidence together. After all, you are already a WAHM. As you have already figured out, being a mom is no simple task. If you can handle that, you can handle anything.
3. Plan. Starting a business is easier than you think. You can combine a home based business with an online business, or one or the other by itself. There are many choices. For example, you can open an online store with a website and a shopping cart, or simply a shopping cart by itself. There are many resources at your disposal and they are only a click away on your computer. However, if you don't have a computer, or would prefer not to have an online business, there are still many other ideas and opportunities that will enable you to be a WAHM.
4. Get Funded. Find free grants for women. Check out www.equalitygrants.com for more information.
Here are some HOT ideas to stir up your imagination:
Pet Products - Can you think of a product for dogs or cats that you can make at home, such as natural dog cookies, or designer collars and coats for dogs? The sky is the limit.
Baking - Bake your favorite cookies or dessert and turn them into something unique; add the packaging and ship them off, or sell locally to stores, restaurants, etc.
Cleaning Services - Either new construction clean-up, or private homes and offices, these businesses are in much demand. Organize a reliable crew, set up your business, such as an LLC (easy), obtain a state business license (easy), and this one is a winner! You can still be a WAHM!
Is Sewing Your Forte? How about a sewing and alteration service? Place an ad in your local newspaper. Offer custom tailoring, etc. Another great possibility for your new work at home venture.
These are only a few of the fun ideas. Try making a list. Research this further.
Write a business plan to help you get organized and guide you through the process of your new home-based business. For example, write a description of your company, including your products and/or services, your mission statement, how you will manage your business, how you will market your business, who will be your customers, who are your competitors, and your financial start up plans.
There are numerous free guides, tools and tips online or even in your local library to help you create a great business plan.
After you have the plan, you're home free. Remain focused, stay positive, and go for it! You'll be amazed how fast your ideas will develop and progress. Remember, if you can raise all of your fantastic children (toughest job you've ever had), then having your own work at home small business is a piece of cake. After all that said, congratulations, you are on your way to being a WAHM!
Quotes from famous women:
"At work, you think of the children you've left at home. At home, you think of the work you've left unfinished. Such a struggle is unleashed within yourself, your heart is rent." -Golda Meir
"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work." -Oprah Winfrey
"I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others." -Amelia Earhart
Other Articles in Women In Business
 Women in the Labor Force in 2005
Older Women Workers, ages 55 and over
Quick Fact on Saving for Retirement and Security
Strengthening the Family in the 21st Century Initiatives
Be a WAHM! Aka Work At Home Mom
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