From: "Angela Edwards" <paidtoparty@hotmail.com>
To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com
Subject: working from home
Date: Sat, 12 May 2001 08:47:45 -0500

<<home-based businesses, how do you stay organized and disciplined? I've 
always worked outside of my home and can't seem to get myself disciplined to 
go to 'work' in my 'office'. I'm especially worried with summer coming up 
and I'll have my two kids home. Of course, they will
expect Mom to cook 3 meals a day, play with them and take them places. They 
just don't understand when Mom is 'working'. HELP.......>>

Well, I will be honest and say it is a daily struggle, at least for me. 
However, I think it also depends on the REASON you are working at home. If 
it's basically to keep your costs and overhead down, or if it's to be with 
your children. In my case, it's the latter, so I may work differently than 
others. My child is my main purpose, and my home business is what gives me 
enough money to stay at home with him. Not to say I don't LOVE what I do, 
but staying at home with him is my motivation. So, yes, at times my business 
will suffer, and it won't grow as quickly as someone who can focus ALL their 
attention on their biz.

That said, here are a few things I do:

I usually will stay up late and/or rise earlier than the rest of the 
household. This way I can plan out my day in advance, with no distractions 
(other than keeping my eyes open, LOL!) and I can prioritize. This is also 
the time I use to check email, read postings, etc.

I try to get important phone calls taken care of just after 8am (when my son 
is still sleeping, but biz is open) or during his naptime. Once again, 
that's less distrations.

Keep an appointment book/organizer.

Have voicemail and caller ID. Sometimes, if things are crazy at the moment 
the phone rings, it's better to let it go to voicemail and quickly return 
the call when the timing is better. I have a professional message on my 
voicemail, stating that "I appreciate your call....I am either on the other 
line or away from my desk...." and I do return the calls as soon as 
possible.

I also do alot of correspondance via email. That way, I can do it at 
convenient times. Initial meetings are of course done in person 99% of the 
time, but follow-up I do by email often.

I do take breaks throughout the day to tend to my son. He is only two, and 
although plays well by himself, he still needs lots of mommy time. We will 
walk and check the mail, play a bit of basketball, get a snack, whatever. I 
only COOK 1 meal a day (dinner) and that's after "office hours" generally. 
For breakfast it's instant oatmeal and lunch is usually left-overs.

I rarely ever watch TV during the day, even if it's only 10 ft from my 
office. My son has a few videos he watches, but that's generally it. I 
cannot function well with much background noise, anyway, so if the TV is on, 
I'll watch it.

Well, I hope some of this helps. I agree, you must be disciplined... and 
when I am not, my biz suffers. But, I take things day by day, and try to get 
my daily goals set.


Angela Edwards
EZ Occasions / 1-800-PARTYSHop Consultant #7868
Huntsville, AL  (256) 883-4FUN
http://www.EZoccasions.com

Planning a party?? It's my job to help!!http://www.EZoccasions.com