Oct 24 2009
Work-at-home Saturday — working at home + working at home!
On an irregular basis, Work-at-home Saturday highlights some of the things you do to make money from home. Hearing others’ stories can help you find your own ways to earn income on the side, and spark ideas on different things you can do. (And, if you’d like to contribute a guest post about your own home business/freelancing efforts, please drop me a line at rachel@mashupmom.com!)
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This week, Susan tells us about her full-time work-at-home position — and about Tastefully Simple!
I started with Tastefully Simple 9 years ago. I wanted a part-time job without committing to yet another “corporate” company to work their hours — I wanted to make my own. Tastefully Simple is perfect, because we only sell to people who eat! Plus, all our products taste so good and are easy to make. Since I don’t really cook (my husband does all of our cooking), our products made me look like a “gourmet chef.” I signed up on the spot at my first party.
I usually do about 2-3 parties a month, as I work this alongside my full-time job. I also do some local craft fairs and vendor fairs, which are coordinated by a school or church to help raise money. Usually, I do about two of these a year to obtain more party leads, team member leads, or even more customer leads, but I book most of my parties from parties. Our host program is has now been revamped, so the host gets a lot more free product, and it only costs her about $10.00 to have her friends over for a fun night out. Some parties come also just from word-of-mouth or now even from Facebook! (Amazing how technology has grown.)
I have a strong reorder business where past customers, hosts, and friends either shop online from my webpage or call me to place reorders. Year round we have wonderful gift boxes, and I also offer these to companies to send out as gifts to their clients or employees.
What is nice is Tastefully Simple Products are sold strictly through consultants and not at stores. My business is pretty secure in that way.
You can also choose a leadership side of the business where you choose to build a team and add team members. I have a team of my own of about 30 consultants. As a leader, you earn an income from training and motivating your team. These team members come from past parties, past events, or just word of mouth. Direct Sales is a great way to earn extra money.
However, as with any sales business, you can’t just “sit back” and collect a check. You must consistently “show up” for work just as if you worked at your local Jewel. Your business will never grow if you stop working — and then your paycheck will not either!
Website: http://www.tastefullysimple.com/web/sschlink
I also work with a safe company from home. I was on a recent layoff — and truly looking for another job in the insurance field — when I ran across this safe company literally 15 minutes from my home. I did not start out working from home; I spent a good two years in the office or traveling to visit other companies. Then a position opened where I could become involved in inside sales, so I took it. I got offered the at-home position when I took on the “night shift ” position, and worked from 2 PM till 10 PM from my home, which was very nice.
Even nicer, I have been with this company for about four years now, and when the day shift opened back up they let me take it without forcing me to come back into the office. My tip for those that want to work at home: Find a company that is is already offering some people the opportunity to do this, over time show them your work skills, and then just ask. You never know what you might get!
I work 40 hours a week from 6 AM until about 3 PM Mon.-Thurs., Saturdays (some), and every Sunday 3 PM to 7 PM. I also now go into the office to provide some training sessions in the afternoon.
Some people think working from home is easy… um, yeah, not always. I am required to be logged into my phone, so I am not able to just get up and do what I want. You have to be focused on work, and not be affected by interruptions.
Plus, sometimes it can get lonely. You don’t have your co-workers to chat with or the background noise to keep your interest up. You also should force yourself to stop working when your time is ended. I find myself logging into work when I am not working, just to see what’s going on. Bad habit! Make yourself go out to the grocery store, go for a walk, whatever, just to keep your sanity. For a while I never left my home — not good!
Overall, though, I love both of my jobs. At this point, I wouldn’t ever change what I am doing. I dreamed of a telecommuting job and never thought that I would get one — but was happy when I did!
