The Holiday Season a True Time for Giving

During the 2013 Holiday Season there will be many businesses, families, and groups looking for fun and unique ways to celebrate, donate money, supplies, clothing, and even their time.

The Queens of The Real Woman Empowerment Project are also giving what they can to assist in making great families and individuals Holidays bright. The CEO and Founder of Walls You Love, Queen Syreeta Gunn igniated a driving force within the Queens to not just donate Blankets, Warm Clothing, Toiletries Supplies, and Food; but also our time.

The Have A Heart 4 Homeless organization has put together an amazing campaign to provide countless volunteer opportunities and donated item drop off locations. The drive is from Dec. 8th - Dec 22nd, allowing volunteers the time to divide donated items and prepare for the wonderful guest on December 24th 12 - 6pm. Over 500 single homeless men and women will come out and enjoy themselves with gifts, game shows, a concert with good music, clothes, food, fun and fellowship! It's a day for joyous celebration that will place a smile on both their faces and their hearts. The menu isn't your ordinary menu, #HH4H will have MAMA J's for the third year as a returning sponsor, with some of their great tasting home cooked soul food. The homeless community will be served the finest in everything!! Provided on this day will be many resources and leads to assisting to get them off of the streets. But none of it would ever be possible without the help from community sponsors and partners.

Have A Heart 4 Homeless are still reaching out for volunteers from the community and surrounding area. Talk to your church congregation, ministries, co-workers, schools, sororities, promoters, or any group that can organize a drive. HH4H are looking for you to have one of the 10 drives below on HH4H behalf:
1. Hat Drive
2. Glove Drive
3. Scarf Drive
4. Sock Drive
5. Sweat Shirt Drive
6. Warm Pants of Jeans Drive
7. Boot Drive
8. Coat Drive
9. Toiletries Drive
10.Food Drive

Join the Queens on days we will give our time, help us with our drive efforts for supplies and needed materials before the deadline, and come hang out with us Dec. 24th. #Syreeta Gunn of #Walls You Love will be volunteering her time and resources Dec 17th and the 18th. #Jeanette Powell-Rudo will be volunteering her time on Dec 17th, Author #Danita Rountree Green will be volunteering her time for HH4H on Dec 19th. Hang out with The Butterfly Queen #Marsha Snead Williams and #Latisha M of #May We Help You Radio on Dec 24th for the HH4H main event day. 

 

Our out of town Queens will be volunteering and donating to different local causes in their area. #Deborah Buynum Billips on behave of #Slantress Magazine will be donating to a organization in Maryland called The Christopher Place. And our Queen Jen Williams has provided services and volunteered for different organizations in Atlanta and in Washington.

If you are in any of the above mentioned states and you would like to join us feel free to reach out to The Real Woman Empowerment Project Queens through our website or through our facebook page Remember you do not need to be in the same area as the Queens to give a helping hand this season. If you donante or volunteer somewhere this season let us know through facebook, twitter, or email. We would love to know what you did to give to someone who really needs a blessing.

RWEP's Facebook  Twitter  Website  Email

Is Your Business Your Baby? When is it Time to Turn Task Over?

As a Entrepreneur, CEO, President, and Founder of our own LLC, Corps, and Companies we often view our business, products, and services as something we have raised from infancy to toddler years. Walk to school and watched it play, and grow with clients and business partners. Now that it is at it's graduation day, when our business needs to be divided to conquer and grow larger and more successful, what makes it fail or maybe not fail but become stumped in growth? Is it our inability to except that we (the Owner, CEO's and so forth), can not do everything? By everything I mean; manage, do the social media, accounting task, and procurement. And if you're doing all of that, what about the actual functions that your company does and provide to it's clients?

A great business owner can become so wrapped up within what we need to do, we do not take care of the small things that must be done to grow, or sometimes our growth may have come too fast and you're not prepared to man lighter task correctly. There are tons of ways that, as an owner of a small business, you can capitalize on assigning some of these task out to other services, hire a part timer or virtual administrator, and learn to delegate within your organization so you can be where you need to be when you need to be there (this includes being at home with your family). First is organizing your office or store to run efficiently even if you're not there, next have in place people who are smarter than you in places you lack the right skill for (be honest with yourself in what your not so great at), and remember correct delegation is the key to continued growth and success to your business.

Clean Up and Organize, Inside and Out

Like any baby when it is dirty we must clean it up to prevent an unhealthy lifestyle. So when it comes to your business you want it as organized and clear to run as smooth as possible, you never know when someone else will need to step in to assist in keeping it running smoothly and productively. You can hire a outside organization or company to put physical things in order like +TheNeatNiche Or if you need someone to keep your books, organize your virtual files, and make since of your day to day schedule then look no further than a virtual assistant. The best part of a virtual assistant is, you can hire them for just the amount of time you need a day, a week, or a month. +A Plus Admin Services  is a perfect example of how hiring an outside assistant can get you organized and on top of where you need to be. Working with a company designed to help clean up and organize is as important as dusting and mopping a showroom floor. No one will want products or services from someone who is disorganized or can not miss a day of work because no one can understand how their systems work.

You Are Only As Smart As the People You Hire

Someone, mainly my family, had to tell me I am great at many things, but I must remember I am not good at everything. Hiring someone to do the task you are not great at is very important. It will save you the time you waste trying to complete these task on your own and will allow you to devote yourself to the things you are great at. We already told you about #APlusAdminServices, Leona Martin's company can assist you and there are no contracts necessary for them to be able to assist you. Now let's tell you about +My Rays Marketing Social Media can take up far to much of a business owners time. You can become caught up with trying to manage your services online for hours on end and never connect with the right clients. #MyRaysMarketing can take this weight off your shoulders with proven results and a flair to recognize where your clients are and how to get them in front of you. Partnering with an IT company, Marketing company, Print company, or Accounting company is not just a smart move to make but a great way to make referral partners while you benefit from a more streamlined work environment.

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places

Hiring outside help can be both helpful, but scary. Leaving duties and task up to the wrong person can be harmful to a growing business. But your baby will need to have a sitter at one point or another. There are great people, like yourself who want to see you succeed in what you do. You can always look to student help, not just any student but ones that are looking toward the type of industry you are in to mentor them. There is nothing wrong with hiring someone who might end up being future competition  They will bring more heart and soul into your company, and who knows may become your future Vice President or Board Member. Knowing when to give out assignments and knowing when to walk away will reduce your stress levels and keep you fresh and ready for more important task within your company.

Your business may be your baby, but like the saying goes it takes a village to raise a child. You will need to look outside of your office or store to acquire the right tools and services to get the right growth and consistency you might have been missing or can no longer provide on your own. The growth is up to you and remember you can hire as little or as much as your business needs. You don't have to look for Fortune 500 companies or lock your self down with long contracts to have these task done for you, look to your neighbors and other companies on your level. That is how you will build your business as well as others in the process.

Companies listed can be found by the following: 

TheNeatNiche www.theneatniche.com & www.facebook.com/theneatniche

A Plus Admin Services www.aplusadminservices.com & www.facebook.com/aplusadminservicesfanpage

My Rays Marketing www.myraysmarketing.com & www.facebook.com/

If you have any suggestions on companies that can make someones business run smoothly, let us know, comment below!

Building Better Bonds. Employees, Co-Workers, Customers, & Friends

Almost everyone knows the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", meaning you want to treat others the way you would want to be treated. But in the service industry, where you are the owner, employee or even the co-worker; sometimes we need to take it to the next level to maintain a positive relationship and create bonds we can build on to keep customers and a positive work environment. Taking this lesson to the next level is knowing the Platinum Rule. "Do unto others as they want done to them." It's meaning should be clear, treat others the way they want to be treated and you will always have positive results. Not to be confused that by giving everyone what they want this will make them happy. But if you understand behavioral patterns, you can talk the talk to anyone you meet. Satisfying unhappy customers, relating information to co-workers, building bridges between staff members and creating a healthier communications network throughout your family.

The first thing you must do when you want to become that bridge that builds better bonds is to understand the different behavior types and how, no matter the personalities, you can apply the Platinum Rule. The personalities have been split between 4 types represented by birds and we will refer to them as such throughout the Blog. The Dove - Relationship Oriented  The Owl - Detailed Oriented  The Eagle - Results Oriented  and The Peacock - Social Oriented. First you need to understand you can be more than one of these types. How that is dictated is your situation. Are you at home, Are you the boss/leader, Are you the customer, and last Are you the server? Second you must look at how supporting and direct you are to figure out your personality type.  Are you too supporting to others or self reliant? Are you direct or indirect? Depending on the stage and adding it to the situation will determine your personality type, and the personality type of the person you are interacting with. Let's break down the different types so you can see what best fits you and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage to build bonds with others.

The Dove

Doves are not confrontational. They would prefer to settle any issue quietly and do not like to apply blame on anyone. This person will usually submit to stress instead of being involved in any additional problems. Getting this person to open up or to feel more comfortable would be to give personal reassurance. They like a slow pace for comfort and security in anything they do or request.

The Owl

Owls, even if they know they are right, will withdraw from stress.Owls, like Doves prefer a slow pace because they tend to be very detailed oriented. Studying, note taking, and looking at all possibilities are their strong suits. An Owl will deal with facts and charts and when dealing with them it's best to not only supple the answer, but like in math, they want you to show your work.

The Eagle

Eagles want it right and they want it right now. Eagles are take charge and want to be in command and even in control of their own outcome. This person would prefer to dictate their needs and move on to something else, because they know their request will be handled post haste. Once they give an order they do not want to visit the same situation again. Eagles live a fast paced live style and it's best to be prepared to take orders and deliver solutions when dealing with them.

The Peacock

Peacocks will disregard stress, since it's not important and can be revisited at anytime. They will work hard and be the best boss or employee, when they receive the credit they deserve for the work they have done or are working on. They are fast paced and love to show off who they are. Peacocks thrive off of interaction and will pay more attention to a conversation or instructions when you acknowledge them in any positive light first.

So how do you relate this information to building bonds? Well once you realize who you are and who you are dealing with you adjust your personality, not change it but be like a salesman and be who you need to be for that moment, by being the opposite for the person you are interacting with. i.e. If you are dealing with a Dove, it's best to be the Owl, someone who is also slow paced but can be detailed oriented and solve issues using detailed facts. If you are dealing with a Peacock, become the Eagle, just as fast paced, direct and to the point. If your not talking about the Peacock it's best to state your business and be on your way. These combinations can be changed and used in many different ways based on the situation. The best thing to remember is their is no one personality that is better than the others. Sometimes you need to be the aggressor and sometimes you have to learn when to submit.

By understanding different personality types you will be able to converse with others better and build bonds with those you need to interact with.  So which personality type are you most of the time? Leave a comment below. Most of the time I am a Dove, but I have alot of Eagle and Peacock in me too.

This research is based on +Dr.Tony Alessandra's work in Relationship Strategies How to identify and communicate with different behavioral styles. Thanks for reading another post by +Latisha McDougal of +May We Help You

At Home Mom's are making $50,000 or More at Home

There are 10.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States, not all of these business are work from home opportunities, but more and more of them are either changing the options available for moms and dads to be able to make a choice in Telecommuting or they started as a work at home business and have grown into large companies with multiple locations. These smart game changers are becoming professional Bloggers or Journalist, opening Research Companies, becoming full time Mystery Shoppers, providing Virtual Call Center Opportunities or doing some of the Virtual work themselves, and even Selling Online Products or making products to sell. What is their secret to successful work at home choices? Happiness, Demand, and Flexibility. If you can have a peaceful work environment,  choose when and how you work and for who you work for; would you not change your lifestyle to become the parent you always wanted to and the spouse your relationship needs. We are not saying that you can not do this from a corporate office, factory, or on location jobs. But if you could take either what you do now, or what you have always wanted to do and become your own boss why wouldn't you. Millions of parents are making this choice everyday. Some not of their own accord but due to cut backs or changes at the company they currently work for. Some because they have more and more reason to be at home. In the past, granted we are going back sometime ago, children were raised by neighbors, family members, and their surrounding communities when their parents demands at work would not always allow them to be there. More companies have now switched to longer hours and the inability to allow workers to take time off for family needs. I remember a company I once worked for paid us $34 an hour and said we need a plan A-Z for those occasions when our children or family may need us, because we were unavailable during work hours. To the parents, moms especially, we stood up and have answered that enough is enough. Creating our own paths and foundations for our children to grow upon. Selecting options that give us more control and even leaders in our fields and helping others seek and start this path of their own. So how are we doing this? Let's explore some options that can and have changed the lives of millions of business owners to date.

Professional Bloggers/At-Home Journalist

In 1983 with the boom of the Internet the bloggers started as a forum of online sessions ran by groups and communities as a way to communicate and allow their customers or members to communicate with other members. It later evolved into what we know today by 2001, where people started using blogs to log their online dairies or to help individuals looking for like services, or explanations for services or a process they were trying to complete. The more blogs one does and the higher their viewer listing climbed, the more sponsors and money they could start making for interesting content. Since 2005 more and more people started blogging for cash and making enough money to support themselves as well as their household. Some of the blogs that people were contributing online started to become so popular that they have been asked to contribute to online news papers or even the journals that are delivered. Opinions and Fact finding have become tools that most of us live for here on the Internet more so than news reports, if you have the flare for great articles or can create interesting topics together, a few hours a day is all you need and you can jump in on this ever increasing system of blogging. Take +Clarissa Silva for example, she keeps winning awards for her blog and she is gaining more and more fans of her work.

Research and Documenting are no longer just for interns

Most moms have time during their kids naps, school time, or after hours to help others who might not be able to hire a full time employee. Even interns are not as reliable. Once they have enough credits, or are hired full time they may not offer the company they were interning for any additional assistance and even leave a job before it is completed. More firms, reporters, inmates, collages, and detectives; are hiring off site researchers to assist them  with projects or assignments for lump sum pay. Before considering this line of work, you want to make sure you not only have a computer to do the job, but a well functioning printer and maybe a fax machine. Assignments are generally faxed to you and once completed you can email or fax the completed work back and the more efficient and timely you are the more jobs and higher pay you will receive. Skip tracing is among the best for new comers. It is a fast paced world but it will allow you to work with detectives, repo agencies, and law firms. The pay can be between $65-$110 per job and most firms pay weekly. You can start your own business in doing this and even qualify for tax right off's for equipment and office services,(i.e. phone line, internet, a % of your monthly rent/mortgage, and stamps).

Mystery Shopping is not a Myth

I was just as surprised as you to see that the mystery shopping world not only exist but is a thriving business for individuals as well as forming your own business to take on such work. People are making hundreds and thousands of dollars a month doing what they normally would do and sometimes thinking outside the box just by stopping in a few stores a week. This is awesome because you can take your kids with you, or perform these task while they are at school. Some jobs may have you pretend to be interested in products or services then come home and fill out a report about your experiences. Others may have you go and get your car's maintenance completed and supply the receipt for reimbursement. I have even seen some that would have you wear a camera and do a apartment or house hunt and submit the footage without filling out any additional reports. Here is a list of actual companies that pay monthly for their task and we can confirm that they are not scams and are available throughout most states:  Sassy Shoppers    Person to Person 
Satisfaction Services   BestMark   Ace Mystery Shoppers

These companies do not charge a membership fee to become apart of their program and usually make payments to you through paypal, pay quicker, or check. You can sign up as an individual but some will allow you to sign up as a business. Tell them +Latisha McDougal  sent you and get jobs quicker and paid faster.

Virtual Call Center Reps  

As some of you may or may not know, I am the owner of a company who partners with reps to take calls from their home for fortune 500 companies. +May We Help You? is contracted with Arise Virtual Solutions to bring you these at home opportunities and you can sign up with May We Help You as a business or individual. If you want to partner with Arise directly you must be an LLC or Corp in order to do so but thousands of businesses are doing this because its a way for us to take the jobs they have been out sourcing and re-in-sourcing these jobs. People who are working as reps make anywhere from $9-$19 hourly and can schedule themselves for any hours, with any company of their choice. Arise is not the only company that is offering these awesome opportunities. Other companies like this is Alpine Access, Convergys and West Corporation. All are rated high amongst the BBB and are A-A+ accredited businesses. This is a great way to get a business started and growing a down line that starts managing itself. 

Selling and Making Products to Sell 

If you are a craftsmen, then you want to explore making your products and using social media, trade shows, and websites to sell and profit from no to low overhead. But if you are looking for companies to sign up with and becoming an at home agent, the oldies but goodies are always the best to follow. +Avon , Mary Kay, and Arboun are great places to start. They are well known and are becoming more and more easy to sell since they can offer you a website and you can just direct people their anytime they want to place or refill an order. They offer incentives and gifts, and Arboun also offers a Mercedes. Another alternative is to become a at home agent for life insurance health insurance or IRA plans. The great folks at Heroes Academy can teach you how to make an save money. They offer training online to learn how to help others with services they may already have by offering a less expensive alternative and most of the time with greater coverage. This line of work for each person you help can generate, $500 - $50,000 monthly. 

To all the great moms out there who have decided to make a living while being able to be at home and enjoying your kids being the awesome mom or dad that you are just remember, to do something that will keep you happy. A "happy you", ensures a happy household. Check for the demands, you don't want to involve yourself in a service that demands weekly meetings, this is the reason you left the work place in the first place. And flexibility is everything when working from home. If what you are considering doesn't offer the flexibility you need to continue being the parent you want to be, then look for an opportunity that will.

Do you have other suggestions or know of other companies that can help with work from home opportunities, well comment and share. Learning is growing and earning.

Why Networking is Powerful, Even for At Home Agents

When you work from home you'll often hear talk about how important it is to join a group or community activity to interact with like minded individuals to help with the work at home blues. But it's time to explore the option of networking, which is different then groups or community activities. Networking events or functions, meet ups or gatherings; whichever fancy title it's given is usually with Business to Business connections looking for how they can help you and how they can utilize your services to help themselves. As a home agent, from the owner to a contractor and every position in between  you can use networking as a way to expand your service, increase your social media reach, and develop new business to business relationships.

There are several different types of networking groups and organizations. There is the membership groups, Barter Groups, Local - National - Global, and Online Meeting Groups. These groups can be divided by large to small business, race, age, sex, types of businesses, and social standings. When you consider what group or groups you want to start networking with you must first analyze the difference in these groups and what you are looking to gain and share to the group that will benefit you and the members in attendance.

Membership Groups look for individuals who offer specific services. They are chartered throughout different states and usually only allow one type of company per club to be represented in each chapter (i.e. if you are a Realtor  you will be the only Realtor allowed in that chapter). Membership dues play a big part of their program because they advertise for you throughout their members and add you to their website and other media for exposure creating an instant business catalog for members to use when they require services. The pro to this type of Networking is there is a likeness that members will contact you if they need your service instead of going outside the group to help keep the relationship in the group strong and worth the money spent in dues.

BN Groups are a way for you to save your cash, and use your products or services as a trade for products or service you will need from another member. Members can purchase needed goods and services with incremental sales of their own products and services. Barter Network's allow your business to say how much your service is worth and you use that amount in exchange of cash, so if your service is worth $500 and you need website development services from another member and they charge $800 for what you need you would only have to pay $300 to complete the transaction. Most BN groups allow you to trade one service but you do not need to trade the service with the same company, Example, if I bartered website services from AB Company, but AB Company didn't need my services in ad campaign design, that's ok they can still barter their $800 for travel services from I Travel International. The benefit to BN groups speaks for itself. It's an awesome way for you to get the products or services your business needs without coming out of pocket with upfront cost. You can also create long term business relations with someone who barters with you if they need to reuse your service or reorder your products.

Local Networking functions usually appeals to the local businesses who want to get to know their neighbors more, rub elbows, and find ways to benefit from a Business to Business relationship. Local Networking can take place monthly, met at different locations, and tend to have the same businesses attend.


National Networking is much different from local. This usually will include large businesses looking to expand their reach and want to get to know the direct members of other large businesses. Most events are held for them to pitch merge ideas, new product launching, or even openings these companies may want to replace. 


Global Networking is similar to National in every way. The main focus is to strengthen bonds, make new connections to large businesses from across the waters, and/or introduce new employees, or products available for them to consider to try.

Online Networking is the free and clear way to make quick connections from any walk of life available online at that time. You can be in the same event as a large company or international one. It's a great way to met with people in specialty groups that you may not be invited to met in person other wise. These meetings can go from free to paid, group specific to general, and video chat live to chat room style. As stated it is a way to met with people quick and get what you need right away, but can be impersonal and if you don't met with the same group often, you could be lost in the minds of those who won't remember you the next day. 

Networking is very important these days and can lead to tons of referrals and new business relationships if you have the finesse to wow people the first time you met them. Be prepared to give a 30 second speech about what you do. Also bring enough business cards with updated information on how to contact you. Bring your own professional business ID badge, it shows you take your meeting serious. Last but not least, remember to be polite and listen to what other people do and even if you can not help with a request they may be looking for, if you know someone who can, refer them to your connection. This will always work in your favor because this person will always remember what you did and may refer people to you because you've built that foundation of trust.

Know of any networking trends or tips for networking skills, add it in the comments below.

Time Management, What are You Using Your 24Hrs. For?

While attending a class last year, the instructor asked us what prevents us from doing new things or expanding more services to our customers or employees. Besides money, most people answered they don't have enough time to do all the things they want to do without leaving out some of the things they need to do.

He was one of those guys who has an answer for all, he told everyone to write down how many hours they sleep at night, then how many hours they do what they want (i.e. watch tv, gym, sports), how many hours are for work, how many hours for family/spouse/friends time. In the end no one was busy for 24hrs., even if you add in grooming and travel time it just wasn't there. People who are making money hand over fist are using every hour of the day, I think even in there sleep, to dedicate to maximizing what ever it is they do and putting themselves in front of whoever they need to help them do it. Time Management is just as important as Money Management and Health Management. As a matter of fact if you are managing your time, your money and health are covered. If you work from home or still report to an office Time Management is an important beast to conquer and most people who make tons of money will tell you, time is money and they will not waste a second not being productive if they can help it. 

Time Management is not about dictating every second of everyday of your life. It's about a balanced day where you are scheduling your time efficiently  not losing focus on the task at hand, and knowing when to call it quits on a project so that it doesn't run into your other time frames. Examine your old habits and search for ways to change or eliminate things that are serving a negative impact. Set your priorities no later than the night before and be prepared to follow through or re-schedule what you know will not be possible to achieve.  Always schedule the time you need for yourself, it's not about being selfish it's about rejuvenating yourself  to keep you efficient in what you do. Get yourself a copy of #EatThatFrog or ask me to send you an e-file. This book will get you to do the things you don't want to do, first. The author states for you to eat the biggest ugliest frog first thing and then everything else in your day will seem easy compared to it. The biggest downfall in most peoples time management plans is procrastination.

So You've Decided to Take Time Management Serious, You Get a Gold Star for Effort!

The first rule of thumb is in order to improve yourself, you first need to admit you have a problem. In this case your problem is not writing your schedule or basic needs down and/or following through with them. Why do people write a grocery list? Most for two reasons, so that they don't over spend on items they don't need, and to ensure that they don't waste time trying to remember why they are there and forget the necessities they came for. Writing down a daily schedule can be hard, at first. The more you do it the better at it you will become. The hardest part is staying on track and focused on your list long enough to see it through. Remember that practice makes perfect. Start with only including your most important task to complete for the week. As you get use to setting goals and completing them, add daily task. Once you become a pro, try micromanaging your day. If you have a smart phone set alarms and calendar reminders. I find that with Google+ I am able to micromanage as much as I want and set a task list with appointments that have started auto generating.

Eat That Frog, Not Just Any Frog, the Biggest and Ugliest One You've Got!

There are just some task no matter how many times we schedule it we are doomed never to complete it. Sometimes this task, if not completed can throw off your whole day. Guess what, that's your frog. It starts to become the one thing you do not, will not, can not do. Why? Well because you tell yourself that it's impossible or you make it seem bigger than what it is. Or maybe it's just something you do not like to do. This theory has been tested and found to be successful, if you do the one thing you don't want to do; could be your largest task or just one that isn't your most enjoyable; and do it first, all your other to-do-list items will pale in comparison and be completed in a timely fashion. Ask people who exercise first thing in the morning vs people who wait until the evening. Sales reps who have to do cold calls will tell you, going through their list is not always the most pleasant thing but when they tackle it head first with full steam everything else they do is simple as pie. When you create a to-do-list and start crossing things off, you get a feeling of satisfaction, the more you cross off the better. Nothing beats crossing of the one thing that you hate doing or find the most challenging. Try to "Eat That Frog", everyday for 5 days straight and see if the rest of your day will feel like one big win after win once you do.

Why Do Today, When I Can Do Tomorrow. Stop Feeding the Procrastination Beast!

There is one thing that we can not do, and that's lie to ourselves. We can say I will do this tomorrow, but the truth is the little voice in your head will say, mmm maybe not then either but we'll see. What is the point in rescheduling a task if you really have no plans in completing it on time. Start making yourself accountable for your decisions and actions. Start putting yourself on punishment if something isn't finished by the end of a certain time frame. People will have to reschedule task, or push back meetings, and even skip an item or to on their to-do-list because of some reason or another. But if you set a larger goal and it is not completed let's say by the end of the week, then take away your personal time. No TV until it's done, you wanted to see the new movie that came out, well that's to bad you didn't finish your weekly goals. When we have something to loss our procrastination beast can no longer hold dominion over us.

Included is a link to assist you in getting your planning up to date and learning tips on (click the term) Time Management.
For the best solutions follow the links:  How Well Do You Plan Creating a Master Schedule Time Management Tips Making A Personal Schedule Weekly Planner 10-week Planner all submited and written by #dartmouth.edu 

One line that was said in an earlier blog, when you work from home you have to mark your territory, let your friends and family know what your work hours are and that you are not to be disturbed during that time, from

Being a Parent & Working from Home, Is there a balance? 
If you have any suggestions on Time Management Please List them Below we would love to hear from you.

Tax Refund Checks Burning Holes in US Pockets

Most people who own or have recently started a new business are not looking for the government to supple them with any returned income. We are just hoping not to have to sell our things to pay what the government says we owe them. So as the lonely business owner, I was driving around town the other day and realized there was a odd number of Temp Tags driving pass me. As you know when there is a Temp Tag there is a new driver. Even some of the dealerships who supple you with a permanent tag to go home with, these new car owners kept the sticker in the window, just to let us know about their new found vehicle. I live in a townhome, and found that a lot of my neighbors have new TV's, furniture, clothes, and have taken to dining out more often then before. And then it hits me like a ton of bricks. This is what the hard workers of America are spending  their Tax Refund Checks on. If the economy is in a funk, people are not making what they use to, and jobs are being lost hourly, yes someone losses a job every hour; why do we spend our checks on items that carry no bearings in our growth, health, or wealth?

Most people without children will be looking forward to a check of $500-$2500, and people with children usually can expect a check from $3000-$7000 as a return. So what are you doing with this new found bundle of money. For this year, or maybe next year if you have already spent your shares, try one of the tips that can be used to improve your financial standings instead of the one time rewards it has been used for in the past.

Invest in yourself and the future of your family.

Some companies still have a 401K plan you can join and be apart of, they will match 2%-15% of what you have deducted from your check into this retirement option. Not all companies offer this option anymore and some the match up may not be as great as others. Look into an IRA or Roth option to either enhance your savings or replace it. If you are depositing $50-$100 per month into this plan, imagine the bonus dollars if you added an extra $2000 on a once a year deposit to help boost these savings, i.e. $2000 per year for 10 years = $20,000 to add to your retirement plus the $50 per month for 10 years = 6,000, not to mention the interest on top of that. Most people will add more, or combine these accounts with the one they have in place with their work place, or completely change the account from their workplace to one outside the company if the interest is higher, and funds are easier to obtain. Social Security will not be enough to supplement your average life style and don't dependent on it being around when you come into your retirement age. The average American who retires will find themselves looking for apart time job to add to the retirement, 401K earnings, or the Social Security. If you add the extra funds from your income tax check now it will pay forward for you in the future.

Start a Life Insurance Policy/Will

What will happen to your family when you are gone? Let's face it we have not created a pill or shot that will allow anyone to live forever. Smart planning is essential not just for people with children, but more so without. Who will handle your final debits? How will you be laid to rest? Funeral cost my not be the concerns of the departed, but the living often are burden and their debts increased if the person in question did not leave a policy that can cover these fees. While you are thinking of policy options, you should also create two wills. A detailed will of assets, monetary dividends, final instructions, and burial wishes. And a living will, to include who you want to make the hard decisions for you, and conditions in which this is necessary.

Starting a Business or Join a Business with Start Up Cost

Most people, hate their job or hate what they are going. This doesn't make you a bad person but maybe someone who dreams of bigger and better things. Looking at what you do know you probably know a million ways your work conditions could be better. Or maybe your talents drive you to do something totally different in a unique way that only you can do. Some companies have been built from $50 start up cost. Some companies are already in place that you can buy into from $250-$2500. Be a trend setter in your family, you have received an income tax check ever since you started working. What has truly been gained from those funds? Re-invest in yourself. Give yourself the freedom you have desired by becoming an entrepreneur. Not sure if entrepreneurship is right for you, try investing in a worthy business, help someone else with their start-up cost. Just make sure to set up a reasonable payback plan with interest.

Vacations are More Than Fun, They Can be a Life Saver

If you have Spiritual beliefs or not, rejuvenating your mind, body, and will; should be done on a weekly basis. The hardships of day to day work, family concerns, financial obligations, health, and wellness; can lay heavy on anyone who doesn't take a break and try to get away from the normal life they have come to build for themselves. You should be investing your time and some of that tax income into planning at least two get away's a year. This doesn't have to be 5 star all the way, or out of the country excursions. It could be a weekend trip 4-5 hours away from where you live. If you have children, one large trip should be planned a year, with two small trips for you and your spouse. Single parents should plan a trip or two without the kids as to rejuvenate your spirit and be ready to be an awesome day to day parent. Avoid vacations that can not be planned within your refund budget. We are not making this suggestion to increase your debit or to create a new on. We want to see you healthier, smiling, and looking forward to next year's check to do it all over again. Some of the best memories some family have are simple family trip that helped strengthen their bonds as a unite.

Your money is your money, there is nothing wrong with indulging yourself in a new gadget or car. But if this is the trend that you have done every year why not try something different and reap the rewards from your hard earned cash. Get a free consolation from great money educators like the good folks at #HeroesAcademy who spend the better part of their day educating people on their finances and how to make a difference in their everyday lives.

Have a suggestion on Financial Advice, Financial Planning Services, and Life Planning; let us know and we will add your info to help others.

Working at Home, Is This the Lonely Mans Road?

With so many legit work at home opportunities now available for people to make a great living from, to help support their families, we now have thousands upon thousands of people leaving the brick and mortars and coming home to perform any number of services. Even if your working with a large company that still has multiple call centers and any number of reps working from home, it can be a little lonely in a office of one.

Humans are not meant to be anti-social creatures by nature. If you meet, know, or are someone who tends to stay away from family or friends, you will find you are not as happy or easy going as say someone who interacts in a positive way, more than 4 times a week. Have you ever had a call from a customer who really didn't need anything but starts talking about their family, health, or event that recently happened in their life? It's because as social creatures we want to share with someone, even if that someone is a stranger just to have that interaction. Sometimes, after months of solitude confinement, reps from home may return to the "building workforce", because they can not concentrate when its just them. Oftentimes, veering from their schedule anytime someone stops by just to have human interaction, while others take up plant talking and reading aloud to fill this void. Good news, you don't have to become a pet whisperer or leave your career as a Virtual Rep due to depression or lack of focus while at home. We are here to provide you with some great successfully tested tips on how to overcome the, "lonely at home rep blues".

Join an Online Community

When we say join a community, we do not necessarily mean increase your social media, and talk to random people who post on certain sites. What we are suggesting is within social media sites are people who share like hobbies, job frustrations, club member status, and even the flair for the unusual, and they are always looking for new members to interact with. Some of these communities set up days where they can talk together in a group lead discussion. Google+ Community members often set up Hang-Outs where you can meet and see the people they are talking to and get to know each other better, while talking on issues they all have in common. Interacting with a group will help decrease that feeling of separation from the herd and your productivity will continue to strive due to the new ideas and tips you may have learned from your group. Just remember to schedule your time wisely with your community and social media hang outs, so your not skipping out on work or family time.

Events and Day Trips

I have yet to go to a city where someone didn't publish a local or county newspaper that contained all the events, socials, and popular places in the local area. If you work during the day, take a night trip, or vise verse. Getting out of the house at least three times a week is a must. This does not include: errands, school pick ups/drop offs, school meetings, weekly in-office meetings. Explore new places or hang out at old ones. If possible, make a day off during the week, or schedule a short day, where you use that time to get out of your office and see whats going on around you. I have heard that some people will join a club that meets in person three times a month. Others may join a gym and take classes to socialize with other members. And low and behold breakfast clubs are still in. I recently joined a book club for business owners. Finding what is right for you is available, don't be afraid to step outside of your house.

Co-Workers Unit

If you know of some co-workers that started telecommuting like yourself, or if you started your job virtually, you can reach out to people who work for the same company as you and put together a Co-Workers United. Set-up meetings, even for those who may be out of state, to meet some in person some online and have a catch up, introducing newbies, what's great about us, shindig. Sharing company news, talking company jargon  and just relaxing amongst your own is a great way to stay connect, and create a offline support system when you truly need it. These meeting can take place in the form of bi-weekly luncheons, monthly cookouts, weekly online meet-ups, even a weekend trip once a year. If there is no group available don't be afraid to start one.

Working at home is its own reward. It has helped people financially, by being able to maintain a position and save money by not commuting back and forth. For some, working at home has saved them mentally, due to the increasing stress cases and decline in health from any number of things that corporate demands at the normal workplace. Enjoy your career and relish in the fact that you have cut out a lot of the everyday factions by being a at home agent. Don't let depression win, when there are so many solutions to battle this tyrant and be a better successful you.

Do you have any other ideas that work for battling the lonely work at home blues? Please place your comments below, we would love to hear from you!

May We Help You?'s Blog Talk Radio Show Premier | PRLog

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Being a Parent & Working from Home, Is there a balance?

Being a Parent & Working from Home, Is there a balance?

Have you ever thought of the challenges one might face if they work from home and manage a busy household? For scheduling purposes they would usually  take the easy route and work when their kids and spouse are not at home. Easy peasy right?

What about holiday weeks, school breaks(summer, winter, spring), and sick days? How do you juggle being a great asset to your company or keep good merits with your boss, if you have to take the whole summer off? And let's not forget, you want to be a caring parent and a thoughtful spouse and spend time with your loved ones when they are available or in need. Working at home is not always the fantastic life people paint it out to be. Everything worth doing, will have its challenges. Knowing your limitations and having a plan A, B,& C will always come in handy.

Taking a Time Out for 2 Hours During the Day

Remember to check your options on switching your hours or floating your time, if you find that you can trade some hours during the day for some hours at night, try to mix it up. If you have children who may be home for a vacation period, don't lock yourself away for 8 hours a day because you have to work. One of the options a lot of Independent Contractors and Telecommuting Reps have is splitting their time. Taking time to be with your family is one of the perks of being in this business, utilize it to the max.

Mark Your Territory for the Times You Have to be About Business Only

If you have a set area or room that you have your office set up in make sure to hang a sign, if you can, that states business hours. Sometimes our loved ones take for granted that just because they are "off work" or "out of school", that you are available to them. You can help them when you can but not until your sign comes down. Separating the "you the mom or dad", from "you the Worker", can sometimes be hard for families to except, but if you follow the paragraph above, you can still keep your household happy while separating the times needed completing work tasks and the times you have to spend with them.

Days Off Are Not Just for Weekends

Flexibility in a home based business is important. If you do not have flexibility in your schedule and your time you may want to look for another opportunity that awards you such liberties. Taking a day off during the week to divide your time is a great way to plan a day trip, family lunch, movie day and so much more. Or  use that time to take care of a sick family member if you must.

                                                                                           

Parent Switch Day

This is a oldie but goodie, I can not take any of the credit for this idea. One of my Contractors told me she was doing a parent switch day because as a single mother because she wanted to work 35 hours a week but with a baby, now toddler, it was impossible. She partnered with another mom in the area and they alternated days on and off and babysat for each other on the alternate day. Obviously you want to only do this with someone you know and trust, or try a service that can do this for you. This is not only a great idea for long vacations, and for kids who may not be in school yet, but for after school hours as well. Try a long day, short day parent switch. Where some days you work 8 hours and other days you work 5.  Thanks for this awesome info. AG

Remember working at home is a great advantage to you for many reasons. Most people live at least 30 minutes from their job location so they spend at least an hour just commuting back and forth to work. Use the extra time that has been given to you wisely. When you are not distracted by the needs of your household, take that extra time for yourself, and you will be better rested for when your family really needs you.

The Pro's & Con's of working from Home

With so many work at home opportunities available throughout the globe. More and more people are joining up with companies to make a living being independent contractors. There are even jobs available who's purpose is to hire people, and immediately put them in a telecommuting program to cut back on in-office or in-center cost.

You must wondering if, telecommuting or contracting, is the way to go for you. Here are a few points to consider, good and bad, about working from home.

Upfront Cost:

Telecommuting directly from a large company will most likely pay for your equipment and training cost, but you will not qualify for the tax breaks that come out of paying for internet, phone, and other utilities even including rent, or mortgage payments.
Contractors are responsible for, upfront cost in coming into the business, equipment, and certifications, but qualify for tax breaks on their office space, utilities, gas, postage, and even the training cost involved.

Training Pay

Telecommuters are usually paid during their training period, because they have to spend gas and time coming back and forth to the training facility  More often then not are also responsible to work at the facility for 2-6 months before they are allowed to actually start working from home.


Contractors are usually not paid during the training part of their courses, because training for contractors is  like taking a college or trade course. You do train at home and have virtual technicians available to make sure that your equipment is ready for training as well as production time. Once training is over you can start booking hours right away, in most cases the same day.

On Hand Support

Telecommuters have access to a online chat system to support them with any additional questions they may have, customer take-overs if needed, and support guidance if they are having trouble navigating through there systems. Most up-learns or desk drops needed are done through email, or the rep is requested to come into the center. If the reps AHT(average handling time) is too high the company usually will give this rep additional training up to disciplinary actions if not corrected in a timely manner.

Contractors are given the same online chat support systems for questions, take overs and additional guidance. Up-learns and desk drops are all handled through emails, meetings, and online classroom environments. Any assistance needed for conquering your AHT levels  is handled through team leaders, support staff and additional training. Since most contractors have hundreds of companies they can work for, their clients are less likely to let them go and are willing to work with the contractor to obtain and excel in their metrics. Because some people feel better in a real classroom environment then in a virtual one, this option may be less then ideal.

Scheduling

Telecommuters usually work for companies that allow the at home agent to service between 8 or 9 am to 5 or 6 pm. This is because the support crew and team leaders are still in house agents and they want to limit the hours that managers are available throughout their shifts. When a new agent comes on board they usually have little to no seniority and have to work either the mid-to-late shift options. Lunches and breaks are dictated by the schedule and the days you work are usually dictated by that same system. This system works because you can be better trained to be where you are suppose to be at all times, and always know when you are going to work and when you will have days off.

Contractors usually work for clients that have 18 hour shifts to 24 hour shifts. Agents can pick when they work, how long they work, and when and for long their breaks in-between are. Managers and Team Leaders are also contracted so they pick and chose just like the agents. Agents can chose companies looking for reps to work at least 10, 15, and 20 hours a week, but when you go look at the scheduling tool companies have 30, 40 even 60 hours a week to give to those who want full time work. Being diligent and responsible is required to be a contractor. Most contractors schedule themselves for the same times daily, but those who float, trade and even drop shifts can become complacent in not completing the obligation set forth between them and the client.

Tax Breaks & W2 vs 1099

Telecommuters who are working for large companies usually are reimbursed for the cost of the internet services, and even a portion of their cell or office phone can be compensated as well. All other utilities, such as electric and water are not included in this deal. You can include these items in your taxes for a percentage of right-off cost, but will not receive much of a break since you are still a agent of a company and that it is a privilege to work from home. As a W2 employee, you are limited in what you can consider office cost, and can be fined since you are not a business nor a contractor to claim to many office supply write-offs.

Contractors are responsible for their own internet, office phone, and other utilities throughout the year. But as a 1099 Independent Contractor, you can claim a percentage of everything except the kitchen sink. Exceptions are clothes, car note, and single person dining. Smart phone users can take pictures of recites for postage, dining, utility bills, mortgage/rent payments, gas, groceries,office supplies, equipment, and training cost. Most of these cost is divided by the percentage based on the size of your office space, others are full tax deductible. 

If this information was successful in helping you to better understand why it's good and why it could be bad to work from home. Then we have done our job, if not and you have questions visit our website www.maywehelpyou.net or contact us through email admin@maywehelpyou.net