You as a Business Woman...week3

[Ann M. Evanston, MA]

1 - What do you most love about being a business owner?

2 - If you could share one tip about working from home, what would it be?

[Angie Toussaint-Billingsly,CMP, BSN, MS]

1 - What do you most love about being a business owner?
I really love the aspect of helping people become more productive and more successful. Be it in the form of advice or suggestions, it's something that I find rewarding. I love referring people to other business owners - so both can benefit. One of the most obvious answers is "I love the flexibility." Although that sounds really cliche', it's true. I love being able to look over in the corner at my golf clubs (I keep them in the office) and say, "I'm outta here" and head for the course. I may put on a Yoga DVD and start stretching in the middle of my office. Don't get me wrong, I am devoted to my business and I love what I do, but I definitely take moments to collect myself; I take time to smell the roses. Loving life to the fullest.

2 - If you could share one tip about working from home, what would it be?
Network and socialize; try hard not to miss out on social interaction.

Great questions (again)!

~Angie

[Ann M. Evanston, MA]

I love your answer to #2 Angie - sometimes it is easy to sit alone all day, and we can become hermits!

[Linda Jay Geldens]

More good questions, Ann. I'm digging deep for the answers.......
1) What do you most love about being a business owner?
Presenting myself as myself (Linda, a book manuscript copyeditor, a promotional copywriter), and not as "Employee #200820," the anonymous representative of some huge, impersonal company.
Being able to decide which clients I want to work with, and make a really personal, longterm connection with. When you work for a boss, you have no choice in the clients you work with.
If I want to take a walk in the morning, or have lunch in Tiburon, or sit on the deck and listen to music while I have a glass of Pinot Grigio, I can do that -- as long as I complete my clients' assignments well, and in a timely fashion.
2) If you could share one tip about working from home, what would it be?
Set some boundaries -- for the number of hours you devote to work, to e-mail, to phone conversations -- so you stay focused and fresh.

[Ann M. Evanston, MA]

Linda Jay! I love to sit and have wine too! Hey - I need you! We need to set up some time to chat! Back to writing weekly articles, and a chapter in a book!

[Linda Jay Geldens]

Ann, Absolutely! Choose a time to chat. A chapter in which book? That sounds exciting. I'm ready to edit.

[Ann M. Evanston, MA]

Great stuff Tuyet! Thanks

[June Sockol]

1 - What do you most love about being a business owner? After spending 10 years as an admin, it's great to be in control of my career. I have the flexibility to leave the "office" and get out into the public. Since it's my business, I actually enjoy working and feel more creative.

2 - If you could share one tip about working from home, what would it be? Have a separate area or room for your office. I have a room at the from of my home that is just mine. When the door is closed, I am at work and not to be disturbed. I can be on the phone with a customer, filing or sending emails.

[Ann M. Evanston, MA]

I so agree with #2 June - being able to "close the door" helps life balance!

[Anne Keefe]

1. What do you most love about being a business owner?

Being independent and accountable for what I do. I love making money for my business and not working to make money for someone's elses.

2. If you could share one tip about working from home, what would it be?
You need a schedule:. How much time you spend on social networking to how much time you spend working on the business. One more...remember to take a break for lunch, get out, walk around the block to stretch your muscles, eat!
meet a girlfriend for lunch. It can get lonely working at home.

[Mary MacNab]

What do I love most about being a business owner?
Hmmm. I get to set my own hours and navigate life at my own pace and in my own rhythm.
If I could share one tip about working from home it would be to follow your own energy patterns, and use them to get things done, rather than to procrastinate.

[Jodie Peruski]

1 - What do you most love about being a business owner? Well, I am still in the starter phase, I so far have enjoyed learning about starting my business/about products/marketing/networking/business planning. There is so much information and so much to do to get started, but since I started I cannot imagine life without it! I look forward to the benefits of being a business owner, like having my own hours and actually doing something I enjoy, for myself, not for someone else. No time clock and only having to answer to myself, not five managers/supervisors!

2 - If you could share one tip about working from home, what would it be? Still use daycare/babysitter! I have a 2 year old daughter and still work full-time, and for me to be able to do even this, I have to do it while she is sleeping or preoccupied!

[Ms.Donna]

1 - What do you most love about being a business owner? INDEPENDENCE! Doing my best to make a difference through my services www.dmbelleducational.com

2 - If you could share one tip about working from home, what would it be? Wow! One tip about working from home. Having or creating a space/room for yourself to where there’s more privacy and less distractions.