Key Questions for Moms in Business

I've been around the work at home mom community long enough to notice the trends. There are great elements to working from home - the flexibility, the lack of full-time daycare expenses, etc. - but there also are some bad elements. We have a poor reputation in many circles because so many moms sell themselves short. They're willing to work for anything - even less than minimum wage - to be able to stay home. If you're going into business for yourself, then you have to be in it to make more than minimum wage. Otherwise, go to Home Depot. They'll hire you and give you benefits for more money and less headache. Moms who want to be in business should ask themselves some tough questions before they jump in. The answers should guide your decisions.

- First, are you the right person to run a business? Running a business requires an attention to detail and an ability to prioritize and motivate yourself. If you have to be forced to clean your home, pay your bills, or do your job, then you may not have the motivation necessary.

- What interests you? Really think about this question. Yes, there are people who will tell you that making money should be your focus, but you have to love what you're doing. Begin simply - make a list of what you enjoy. Don't think about the business now; just focus on a topic or activity that you can get up every morning and face.

- Are you willing to make sacrifices? Being a business owner means that you will need to make financial, family, and emotional sacrifices. You may have to miss a lazy afternoon at the park to get reports done on the accounting of your business. While you don't want your business to become your life, you will need to be prepared to make it an important part of your life.

- Do you have time and energy? Being a small business owner is tough. Doing it with small children at home is even tougher. When will you work your business? Do you have the desire to get up and work even when you're tired? You may have to look at changing the way you run your household. In my house, paper plates are always stocked, and we cook in bulk. Saving that time everyday during the week gives me the time to spend an hour with my husband and kids instead of working in the kitchen. These kinds of organizational changes are something you will need to consider.