When I learned Laura Spencer, of Writing Thoughts, had juggled  a home business with caring for her father, as well as her family, I thought some of her tips would be helpful for other home business owners who are in the midst of this, too.  They’re part of the “sandwich generation” with responsibilities in numerous directions.  Even if your business doesn’t involve writing, Laura’s tips should help you.
Juggling Caring for a Loved One With Your Home Business
 By Laura Spencer
When Mary Emma asked me to write this guest post I was hesitant for two reasons. First of all, it’s been less than …read more

Are you taking the time to attend to “the little things” when it comes to your customers?  This would include keeping a file of your customers, getting to know them personally, sending thank you notes, new product notices, how can I help you inquiries?  These could be done by e-mail or hand written notes.  
I’ve been attending a business seminar this weekend.  At one of the sessions, the workshop instructor talked about marketing, retaining customers, and getting repeat business.  She mentioned taking time to take care of the “little things” so your customers/clients know they’re more than a dollar sign to you.
Of course, you hope  …read more

Many people decide, “I’m going to open a business at home.  Or I’m going to start an online business.”
They get set up, organized, products made or purchased…and then wonder, “Where are my customers?”
If you already have begun to establish customers in your “hobby” business while you’re working at another job, you have a start.  However, if you plan to develop this into a full time, or even greater parttime, income you need to develop methods of acquiring more customers/clients, learn about record keeping, organizing your time, and other business matters.
So before you jump into your business full speed, arm yourself …read more

It seems when I posted the 5 Simply Successful Secrets for a Home Business item and listed having fun as the fifth one, many people took notice.  I’ve had a number of comments on the importance of considering the enjoyment of your business.
Des Walsh at Thinking Home Business, tells us how this post made him realize the importance of fun.  He mentions:
“…there are times in any business that seem anything but fun, but business is going to be much more manageable and more likely to bring success if our prevailing mood abut our business is that we are enjoying what we …read more