How long have you been working from home?  I originally began working at home when I was pregnant with my oldest (4 years ago).  I was laid off right after my second pregnancy (1.5 years ago), but I just kept working from home – this time for myself.

What are you finding to be the biggest rewards/benefits?  With my husband working an ever changing schedule, it’s important for me to be flexible.  The ability to choose my own hours is definitely the biggest benefit.  Also, knowing that harder I work, the more successful I will be is great.  That’s not always the case in the corporate world. 

 What are your biggest challenges/drawbacks?  When it is just the kids and I for days on end, I sometimes wish I had an office outside of the home.  Trying to time business calls to when the kids will be quiet for the duration is sometimes… trying.

How do you manage family/business at home?  About 90% of my business time is done on a laptop in the middle of our family room.  That allows me to still be physically with my children even when my mind isn’t fully focused on them.  I am easily able to close the laptop and spend bursts of time with them in play, and then return to my work.

 What did you do before your started working from home? I was an IT Data Analyst for a health care company.

How do you incorporate your experiences into what you’re doing now?  Being tech savvy is definitely a plus.  It has helped me jump into web marketing without much of a technical learning curve.  And knowing how to do accounting, keep track of data, and be detailed oriented is invaluable when you are running your own business.

What resources do you recommend to other moms looking to work from home?   Number one is a supportive spouse.  If your husband isn’t supportive, you will have a tough time succeeding.  Getting him on board with you is important, and if he’s not – maybe it isn’t the right opportunity for your family.  

 Buy a personal financial book.  If you are in debt and starting a business will put you further in the hole, learn all you can about getting your personal finances in order.  I think it’s difficult to make business financial decisions when your personal finances are in disarray, and it might lead you to make bad decisions out of desperation. 

 If you are in a direct selling role, I think it is very important to spend time on Google.   Research every claim and statistic that your sponsor/director presents to you.  Read what experience others have had with your company or in your industry.   

Anything else you’d like to add? I love my job selling children’s books.  It is the first time that I really feel passionate about what I do.  I’ve been presented with many different direct selling “opportunities” in the past, and this is the only one I felt comfortable pursuing.  I love the books.  They are colorful, educational and just overall good quality.  My children love them, and I love what each book offers them.

 I think that there is probably an opportunity to work from home, and succeed, for almost every mom in America.  Some choose to work for an established company, others do daycare.  There is no cookie cutter mom, and not all of them will enjoy direct selling  just because the person attempting to recruit them does.  Don’t make a life altering business decision on the spot.  Always sleep on it and discuss it with your spouse.  Talk to other mothers about it, especially ones that will not financially benefit from your decision.  Expect to work hard, regardless of any claims to the contrary.  And above all, ask yourself if you would actually purchase the product you will be selling for the retail price.  If not, you really should reconsider that specific opportunity.  If you wouldn’t buy it, you’re not going to be able to sell it.

 Learn more about Barefoot Books: http://www.greatbooks4children.com/

Cute Valentine Book Idea from Barefoot Books: 

The Boy Who Grew Flowers

Climb to the top of Lonesome Mountain to meet a very special boy named Rink — every full moon, he grows flowers all over his body. This heartwarming story celebrates difference and friendship, as Rink meets a girl with her own secret, and they discover ways to help each other.

Ages 4 to 10 years

Written By: Jen Wojtowicz

Illustrated By: Steve Adams