Hi folks! In this entry, I like to share what I have gained/learnt from SOHO Forum 2009 held by eHomemakers. eHomemakers is a site I have been following since my college times when I stumbled upon the Working @ Home book from my aunt(published by eHomemakers, written by their founder, Ms. Chong Sheau Ching) and have been subscribing to their newsletter ever since then!
eHomemakers is South East Asia’s only community network that promotes working from home, teleworking and the running of SOHO businesses through the use of information and communications technology. Our e-community promotes self-help, business partnerships and entrepreneurship development for those who want to balance work and home life. Our social profit is derived from a pro-poor project focusing on eco-baskets production and service provision to empower women to embark on social-economic self-reliance. (quoted from their site here)
I have always wanted to gain more insights into the actual or real world of teleworking, working from home and SOHO.
So when I found out about their forum, I immediately signed up for it!
Note: I was still breastfeeding Shone then and had to lunge along my breastfeeding gear to the full day forum!
Nevertheless, it was a real eye-opening workshop for me, being one who is not exactly fully aware what to be expected being a WAHM then. So it really helps to hear testimonial and tips from those who have taken the plunge, so to speak!
To summarize, here is what I learnt from SOHO 2009:
- Work@ Home requires Aspiration, Bravery, Commitment, Discipline and Enthusiasm!
- You should analyse how much is your minimum take home income per month and start saving up this “cushion income”(at least to survive for 3 months) before you take the plunge.
- Work@ Home is never a bed of roses, but you must set your priorities and know the reason why you took the plunge.
- Work@ Home will be most successful if you gather your support team/ally(namely husband/wife, maid, nanny, parents and YOURSELF!)
- Start by knowing your strength and what you can do for working from home; whether is setting up an online business, selling cookies or provides consultancy services.
One thing to note, the age of your children, the nature of your Work at Home business and whether you have a supporting team(be it maid, nanny, parents, etc) whenever you need to be out delivering your products or meetings with clients does matters a lot!
So folks, if you are an inspiring WAHM like me, do your thorough research and homework and not to mention gather up enough COURAGE and SUPPORT team to get you through the earlier months being a WAHM/D!
Cheers!
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I might think abt being WAHM someday. thanks for the tips!
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alohamolly Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 2:29 PM
You’re most welcome nuradyani!
I am learning too!
Cheers!
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great tips Allohamolly…But to be able to work from home u need a very good communication skills i think..
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Mommy Lyna Reply:
December 23rd, 2009 at 7:34 PM
I think its depend on what biz u r doing. Some online biz doesnt require that skill at all. But all u need is integrity. Tho u can be anyone on the net, but you’re being watched by God.
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Thanks Molly for sharing the informative entry.Just being a WAHM for the past 2 months,but still in a learning process.Im not too good in time management..Any tips Molly?
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alohamolly Reply:
December 24th, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Hi all,
Indeed, communication skills(in writing or speech) is very indeed whether your are WAHM or not I feel…thanks eyriqazz!
And Yep, agree, integrity to yourself and to God…on the discipline part as well I feel as you can be easily swayed or not “performing” as you should being at the comfort of your home and all…so gotta be accountable if that’s the term I can use as in for “integrity” shared by Mommy Lyna!
Wow cantekmama, you have taken the steps ahead of me! Even though I have the luxury of working from home off and on during my second pregnancy and every now and then due to the nature of my job, I am still a newbie in WAHM. I think discipline and accountability is very crucial to ensure you are able to stick thru what you have assigned to your time and schedule.
My only tips on time management would be first understand your job nature and work it around your family commitments as the main reason why you opt for WAHM is for your family.
So naturally, we would want to “serve” our family first while doing work to get some income. So if possible work your time around your family commitments. For e.g., if your job involves writing, perhaps you can schedule it during the naptime or your kids or while they are away at school?
Maybe some other MBP readers would like to share more about this..so let’s hear from everyone!
Cheers!
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