I’m a bit of a control freak. It’s true. Ideally I’d like to have a hand in every single aspect of my business, but as it expands I‘m learning the very quickly that I’m not really Superwoman. I can’t do it all on my own, and it’s counterproductive from me to continue pretending that I can.
One of my business goals is to work smarter in 2011 which is why I’ve settled on the decision to start outsourcing some of administrative tasks to a professional virtual assistant. I’m in the middle of moving right now (complete chaos!), but just as soon as we’re settled I plan to hire a small team of individuals to help out with this blog and my other two businesses. My first objective, however, will be hiring a virtual assistant (BTW – When I’m ready to hire I will post all of the information here).
The benefits of outsourcing can’t be ignored. Hiring a professional to handle tasks like managing email/voicemail, research, website/blog maintenance, ghostwriting or website development could wind up being the most cost effective decision in the end because it allows you to work on the more profitable aspects of your home-based business. Time is money after all. It also means you’re not left wearing all of the hats of responsibility, so in a sense it helps reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Here’s an interesting article discussing outsourcing for startups.

Do you outsource areas of your business to other professionals?

Muslimahs Working at Home was created to provide women with a financial alternative to earning an income outside of the home. Our objective is to share resources and tools needed to operate a successful, home-based business.

Today is the beginning of spring break in our state. That means a week of working at home with all four kids. Yikes! I’m not really worried though, after five years of running a home-based business, I’ve learned how to prepare.

Set Aside Time for Fun

I have to arrange my work schedule so the family can do a couple of fun activities together. Bowling, the drive in movies, and other activities give the kids something to look forward to since we’re not going out of town this year. I usually adjust my schedule and work a little earlier in the morning, or later at night (after the kids go to bed) to compensate for spending quality time with the family.

Establish a Schedule

Spring break only lasts one week, so I don’t want the kids to get completely off of their regular schedule. I try to establish regular waking, eating and bedtimes. It makes planning the days much easier plus it’s much easier for them to get back on schedule once vacation time ends.

Let the Kids Help with the Business

My kids love helping out with my business. I’ll give them small (but important!) jobs like shredding documents, organizing files, assembling booklets with the three-hole punch, putting stamps on envelopes and post cards, etc.
This is good practice to prepare for the coming (longer) summer vacation. When you work from home, preparation and planning are the keys to success.
Do you have any tips for parents managing home-based businesses and kids on spring break?

Muslimahs Working at Home was created to provide women with a financial alternative to earning an income outside of the home. Our objective is to share resources and tools needed to operate a successful, home-based business.

*Photo: Google Images

A friend called me up one day with a statement that just did not compute: “I’m bored,” she sighed. There was silence on this line as I let that statement hang there for a bit and composed my thoughts. I tried to wrap my mind around the concept of being bored.
As a home-based business owner, wife, mother of 4 children under the age of 11, and primary caretaker of my 67 year old mother, I haven’t been bored in 12 years. As you can imagine, there’s ALWAYS something to do. In fact, time is a valuable commodity I just can’t get enough of. Ironically my “bored” friend happened to be taking up time I honestly didn’t have to give away that day.
Time management is something I really struggle with at times. Some days flow smoothly without incident, while others end without my accomplishing half of what I set out to. I think time management is challenging for most home business owners, but the challenge takes on another level for women business owners. We are usually also taking on roles as caregivers and home mangers in charge of household chores, meal preparation/planning, carpooling and more. I’ll share with you some ways that have helped me find the extra time I need:
Learn to Say “No”
I admit it – I can’t do it all. When someone calls unexpectedly looking to meet up for lunch or stop by for a chat, sometimes I have to say no and ask if we can set aside another day and time. If someone asks me to babysit, run an errand or bake 5 dozen cupcakes for school the next day, sometimes I very politely have to just say no.
Your time and energy are valuable. You have to establish limits with people in your life; that includes close friends and family. When I try to do everything for everyone, it cuts into the little time I have for my family and myself. Don’t make commitments that you know you cannot meet. Make getting rest a priority. Learn to say “no”.
Establish a Routine
Create a schedule for completing chores and other household responsibilities and business activities and stick to it. Write your schedule down and post it on the refrigerator or some where everyone in the house can see it. Explain the importance of everyone learning and following the routine.
Use a Timer
Timers aren’t just for cooking. I rely on timer to keep me from becoming distracted so that I stay on task and don’t spend more time on any one activity than is necessary. I use my timer to help me track time completing many different tasks during the day: checking and responding to email, writing blog posts, social media/forums, phone calls, cleaning and any other activity where time easily gets away from me.

Do you have any other time saving tips to share?

photo credit: wwarby