Did you ever notice how many women use their family as a reason why they can’t achieve success in direct sales or any other home business. You know what I mean, the “wait until they start school, finish school, grow up, etc.” I hear this all the time. What you don’t realize is that like everything else, it is a mindset, or attitude that causes this kind of thinking. I’d like to share with you some of the ways that I shifted my thinking on this.
I’m sure that you discovered that when you are talking on the phone, your children are usually disruptive or doing things that they know that they should not be doing. Here are a couple tips of what worked for me.
I had special “treats” near the phone that I would give them to eat ONLY during my phone time. ( this was primarily used for unplanned incoming calls) Each day I set aside a certain amount of time while they were awake and home to work on the phone. I had some favorite toys, games, or videos that they could only play while mom was on the phone. (It’s important not to abuse the time on the phone, or this is no longer effective)
Everyone who is a parent knows the terrible feeling that is created by a screaming or clinging child, just as you are about to leave to do your business. Children learn how to manipulate you very early, and this is one of the ways that they can do it. I found an easy solution that also teaches your children about goal setting!
Start by taking your child or children on a shopping trip. Allow them to select something that they really want. (it can be shared or individual, that is your call) You can either take a photo of it, or cut out from a sale brochure or catalog. Then you put it on the refrigerator. If you are in a company that you earn prizes, if there is something appealing for them, this works just as well.
You decide the value of their “prize”, as well as the way that they can earn points towards getting it. I would give a sticker or star for each appointment that I booked on the phone, and each time that I left the house to do business. Even a very young child can see how it is getting them closer to what they want! It’s amazing how their cooperation changes once there is something in it for them!
You need to work on your end as well. Taking an active role in booking the appointments and holding them is important because children need to see results rather quickly. As they get older and can understand money, put a specific dollar amount on each activity and put it in the jar. This provides a visual that motivates them even more.
When you have created supportive children, it seems to transfer over to supporting spouses at the same time. Even child care providers noticed the difference when my children were “working towards a goal”.
It has been said that what is “caught” is sometimes more important than what is “taught”. I believe this to be true. This is a perfect example. Each one of my children have grown up with an understanding of goal setting, affirmations, and visualizations. I never stopped and gave them a lesson on any of these subjects, either.
Now my oldest son has a family of his own and he works out of the home. I find him doing some of the same things with his children. Knowing where he learned it makes me smile. Can you imagine how gratifying it is to not only create encouraging children, but see it being passed down to your grandchildren as well. I love it! Give it a try. I can’t wait to hear others’ success stories!
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Technorati Tags: Direct Sales Women, wahm, working at home with small children
This may sound to you like a project for you child in kindergarten, not something that can help your direct sales home business, but a goal poster is something that is necessary to complete your visualization of success.
