Josh Garcia  on March 24th, 2010

Hey Jason,

This is a good question that you are asking. I recommended for parents when they get in business to look at their current schedule and see where we can work together to set up goals within the week.

I know it is a challenge for parents especially with little ones. But carving some time out of the busy schedule at least 15 minutes will make a huge different in running a business.

Great topic looking forward to what others are going to say.

Chat with you later…
Josh

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 9:47 am

Yeah, totally…

I was looking at my Alexa stats and saw that a good portion of my readers here have kids. I noticed too, after talking with a lot of you guys (and gals) and visited a lot of your websites. Definitely a big topic.

I really do need everybody’s help here to understand – what it’s like as a parent in business.

What type of advice or topics would help you out most?

That kind of thing.

[Reply]

Josh Garcia Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 9:54 am

Yeah your Alexa rating is not just smoking…It’s BLAZING!

I just checked my audience snapshot and it says most of my readers have children. SO, I’m really going to take a look at the comments.

Calling all Mama’s and Papa’s please comment!

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:38 am

Alexa is creepy accurate like that…

It’s like having a paid analyst doing research 24/7.

Tommy DiPietro  on March 24th, 2010

You have to schedule everything, it’s really tough at times but you have to go with the flow. My schedule is a little crazy where I work full-time, I get home around 4ish and my wife goes to work at 5 (until yesterday when her gym broke the news they are shutting down). I am with the kids from 4 till bedtime. It gets easier as they are getting older but patience is another key.
pretend that they are business owners themselves. LOL. Well if you don’t have kids and you run into a temper tantrum, they could be scary.
There are times when my 7 y.o. was younger and would full out temper tantrum and a group of 20something kids were looking at us and my wife walked by them and said “birth control”, patience is the key. Just like your business.

I would advice it to the highest degree, it has allowed me to spend more time with my kids. Plus, my kids love it and
Another piece of advice is to get a Smartphone, makes life easier when you are running around with the kids.

The two best things are my wife and kids and working my business, you can’t go wrong.

Who Are You Gonna Call?
Tommy D.
“The Prospecting Hero”

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:18 pm

I have a pretty strict schedule… but it sounds like you run a tight ship Tommy.

I was reminded by your story about a rude thing a few 20 somethings did to me a while back…

Only they had a vehicle… and thought it would be funny to try and soak me with a puddle!

[Reply]

Emma Weekly  on March 24th, 2010

I know they tell moms to sleep while your baby sleeps, but I have found if I do that, there is no time to “work”.

Work when they sleep, its a sacrafice that will pay off in the long run..

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:19 pm

I can barely get to sleep at a scheduled hour nevermind on the spot.

[Reply]

Lilach Bullock  on March 24th, 2010

Hi Jason

This such a great topic and one as a mother myself feel I can contribute to:)

Being a working mum, let alone running a business is incredibly hard work. But if done well, it can also be incredibly rewarding and it’s great knowing I can take Emily to and from school and work in between, whilst earning a good income.

But to get to this stage require a lot of hard work and I make sacrifices. I work most evenings to compensate for being able to work (mostly) school hours.

It’s important to be incredibly organised with time and whats going on in the home. I’m lucky I have a cleaner and a fabulous support network around me. My husband works shifts so can help with childcare and my mum is round the corner, so I’m spoilt in that department.

Every day is a challenge and it is much harder than if I had a normal day job, but I love the challenge, love what I do and Emily has already started to say that when she grows up she wants to run a business like mummy – shes only 5 bless:)

Lilach

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:37 am

Wow Lilach,

What really struck me was how you said it’s much harder than
having a normal day job…

When some people are worried about finding time without kids around – you amaze me.

I can’t even imagine trying to juggle all of that.

[Reply]

Rebecca  on March 24th, 2010

Hi Jason,
I recommend parents look at their schedules before choosing a business so they can ensure they pick one that works with their lifestyle.

For example, if mom works days and dad nights then a party based business is not going to be the best option.

The next step is looking for the available quiet time throughout the day and allocating that for phone calls. It is important to have a to do list for each and every day so that you can stay on track but also to remember why you are working from home. Take regular breaks and sit and play with your kids. If they are old enough let them help you with your business. They love feeling like they are contributing. My 6 year old wants to give my business card to everyone I stop and talk to.

Got to go take the oldest to school.

Rebecca.

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:40 am

I didn’t even think about that.

Now you’ll have business owners borrowing kids to hand out business cards. haha.

But in all seriousness, I really appreciate this feedback. This is something I don’t fully understand.

And I hope your advice really helps other parents out too.

[Reply]

Brenda Gagne  on March 24th, 2010

I am a mom of 3 little girls (ages 3,4,&6)

I work online and have to deal with it all. If I can offer any advice to you and others out there is that a mom or dad in charge of kids has to focus on being extremely time efficient.

There isn’t time to waste, and really not much time left over for “you”. However in my opinion, if you do it now, and get good, you’ll have a lot more “you” time in the future.

Specific tip…write down on paper any extra hours that you have during the day (naptime, preschool, after they’re in bed at night) You’ll be surprised at what you can fit in if you’re focused on your goal.

Extra tip…write down what needs to get accomplished for the week Sun night…then when extra time appears (like when they are all playing together nicely – yes it’s rare I know) then you can look at your list and get it done instead of wasting time thinking about what you should do!

Also – turn off the TV…lots of wasted time there!

Hope this help!
Brenda Gagne

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:42 am

Gosh…

3 kids? I can see how this would make you crazy good at time management.

You know, I think a lot of mothers develop natural leadership skills that no guy could understand.

All for your TV tip too.

[Reply]

Dwayne Huggins  on March 24th, 2010

Hey J

Routine is the name of the game.
Gotta have a plan, set a schedule and stick to the routine.

I have 3 children (none as bad as you were). Balancing both life and business can be hard but it is doable.

I divide my time between family and business and so far my plan has been working out just fine.

It is difficult, but anything worth having is.

Communication with your partner also helps a lot, they need to know your schedule and plans and you should know theirs, this helps you smooth out the road to a successful, balanced life.

My children are my inspiration and a massive part of my WHY, so whatever I do will be done with them in mind

Dwayne

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:44 am

In that light,

I could see how having kids could actually inspire somebody to “make it.”

My why is a little more boring… I just love what I do.

I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

Thank you Wayne… every bit of insight helps… because when it comes down to this… I’m lost.

[Reply]

Chris Owen Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:14 pm

ummm, that was Dwayne

Wayne is the really happy looking avatar below Rebecca. LOL

[Reply]

Charlene Ragsdale  on March 24th, 2010

Jason – thanks for this blog and asking for input. I developed my business name, url, etc as “Max Biz Mom” because I know first hand what it is like to be a Mom and have a MLM business.

The secret? Realize it is no different than having a job outside the home. Just because you HAVE a business – it won’t work by itself, so if you want to build a successful business, and get paid – you have to show up for the “job”, so to speak.

However, as a parent – we have time freedom, too. With that, realize you are not Super Parent and can’t be everywhere at all times. Pick and choose the activities that best serve your business for future gain.

Take a deep breath, and treat your business like a job, but give yourself a break at the same time.

Best of success to all,

~Charlene Ragsdale

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:45 am

Hey Charlene,

Thank you so very much.

I think your “secret” would help a lot of people without kids too.

[Reply]

Anne Theriault  on March 24th, 2010

Jason,

I don’t have any munchkins either, but a friend of mine does and she runs 3 companies out of her home. She involves the little “chuckies” in her business (at least they think they are), by having them color pictures and make drawings…to “help” her marketing team.”

Of coarse it depends on what age these diapers runners are.

Have a great day!

Anne Theriault

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:46 am

She runs three companies…

I don’t know how they do it. I guess, that’s why I wrote this post.

But that’s clever, the element of distraction.

I’ll keep that in my “play book”.

[Reply]

Gayle Buchanan Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:38 pm

Anne – I love you friends ‘helping the marketing department’ – what an excellent thing to say to kids – going to steal that one for both my teenage boys – can just picture them now puffing up their chests and seeing which one of them will come up with the best idea – thanks for sharing that
have a great one

[Reply]

Brian Hilberth  on March 24th, 2010

This is why we are in this business; for the ultimate reward of true time freedom to do things with our kids. When you have kids you quickly realize that time is flying by. It seems like yesterday that my oldest was born and this summer he will turn 12.

I have always loved to coach. I make a point of coaching my kids in most sports and quite frankly parenting is the ultimate coaching job. To witness that “Ah ha” moment or see someone (especially kids) succeed at something when they thought they were just going through the motions will change a person forever. And, as a coach/parent, you have a duty to give 110% otherwise you run the risk of doing more harm then good.

That is the energy and mind set I bring to my business. Give it 110% every time. Mistakes will happen but if you are truly giving it your all (and you know it if your not), it will happen for you.

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:48 am

Hey Brian,

You’re giving me new insight into why our industry totally rocks.

For a lot of people, it’s not about the money at all, this certainly seems to be the case with most of the parents I see commenting.

Awesome.

[Reply]

Twila Jacobs  on March 24th, 2010

HA! I just had some elderly “gentleman” tell me last night on FB that he looked at my blog and said that revealing that I’m a mother of a small child would “hinder my success”. I say bull$hit!! And I told him so too!

It’s all about scheduling and prioritizing. I work like a mad woman 3 mornings a week when my little guy is in pre-school. Then again when he goes to bed. I plan parties around my husbands days off. Works great for me persoanlly since he’s on a rotating 4 on 2 off. I have evenings in the week then so that I am free to have the parties.

Since he works an odd shift, I have afternoon, and most of the evening to make phone calls in peace since he can entertain out little guy.

Yes it’s a challenge at times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I notice it is also instilling a work ethic in him at an early age, which is not something alot of adults even have.

It’s very doable if you make it doable and eventually, they do end up going to school, unless you homeschool.

Just my 2 cents….
Twila

[Reply]

Twila Jacobs Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:26 am

Sorry about my “unladylike” language. The old guy had me fired up last night and this could not be more timely!

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:51 am

No problem,

It’s completely understandable.

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:50 am

I can see how he would think that…

But my thoughts are that it would also help your success too.

We’re not living in the old days when only men were in business. And revealing that you’re a mother shows that you’re a living, breathing human being… not some robot.

On another note, I bet parents really look forward to the school year… and dread the breaks.

[Reply]

Rebecca Geiger  on March 24th, 2010

I have no muchkins and I feel the same way.. they scare me too.. that is why I am leaving it up to the prefessionals, just like being a doctor or a plumber.. there are better people out there more qualified than me to do that job.

So you were Jason Worse as a child and then evolved into Jason Better?

I wasn’t a bad kid but then I still wouldn’t want one of me.. I had WICKED tantrums if I didn’t get my way.. broke a mirror with a brush once when I tried doing my own hair.. but then I guess that helped me to have patience to do hair later in life?

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 10:53 am

Hah…

Totally, let’s leave it to the professional moms and dads.

I wouldn’t know where to start.]

But I think we all have those terrible tantrum moments.

For me, it was curiosity that got me…

I had to see what would happen.

[Reply]

Wayne Vassell  on March 24th, 2010

Hey J,

Great idea to open up to the parents, personally I have no kids (but getting a lot of pressure – ha), but I have quite a few friends, including Dwayne Huggins, that have kids.

From what I have seen from these great multi-taskers is a lot of planning and organization. no last minute plan to do something, a lot of thought and scheduling to not loose focus on their businesses.

Great to see the responses on here.

Thanks for the post.

Wayne Vassell, signing out…

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:21 pm

Same over here…

Pressure, pressure, pressure!

I think the solution is to constantly avoid the topic entirely and master the art of distraction.

Hhaha.

[Reply]

Jhonny Serrano  on March 24th, 2010

Hi Jason,

Besides being devoted to a good schedule and stick to it, working as a team is very important. My wife and I both are full time students, I have a full time job and together try to work things out. My wife keeps building new contacts and friends, most of them Moms too while taking our daughter to the Park, Mall and other places where Moms are. Sometimes we drop our daughter to a friend’s house so we can have a time to organize, talk about what’s been done, issues to address and other logistic things not just for the business but to us as a family too.

Understand that it takes time, passion and discipline. This is a business and like any other business you have agreed with your partner about how things will be in terms of time issues, relationship and some others. Making a plan is also very important, write down objectives, how long would you expect to get them done, the good’s and the bad’s, be aware of the things that can be tough in a certain moment and how you both think can handle it and make it through.

Last thing we always keep in mind and it’s an essential part of our entrepreneurship, is that, our family is our primary business, things we do, we believe and we say have to match our family model and they have to project us as we are. Based on our believes and values, we think that a family business starts from the way parents lead and project their family. If we can do this, we can also lead other family to have a business.

Sorry it was a little longer but that’s our way in our business: Modeling.. Leading by example!

have a nice week all!

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:23 pm

Not to mention is must be a nice way to meet more people too.

Not saying you should recruit everybody you become friends with… but must make it easy for some people to accept what you do. An icebreaker if you will.

[Reply]

Madiba Thompson  on March 24th, 2010

I have 4 children 2 boys and 2 girls ages 3 and 11year old boys and 6 and 7 year old girls. It is critical that your children know that you make money from home be it full time like me or part time. The best way for you to get the peace you need is to make sure you set a big goal for them that they want to do and know about like a trip to Disneyland or something local to you. This will allow them to remind each other to leave you alone because you are working for something they get to enjoy. (HUGE TIP)

Also setting a schedule that your significant other knows about so that you aren’t fighting for time. A healthy relationship is important in your business so don’t spend 24hrs a day or all of your spare time building your business unless you want to end up by yourself. You must have a weekly date night this will be huge because when the kids and mom or dad start thinking your business is more important then they are you have created a huge mess for yourself and don’t make the mistake of saying you are doing it for them my friends. There is a time and place for everything.

To building your business while having a life…

Madiba

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Whoa Madiba…

I don’t know how you do it.

But that’s one sweet tip. The big old Disneyland promise… only problem is… I knew a guy who did that and then never scratched up the dough to bring his son and daughter. Good guy… but he never heard the end of it.

[Reply]

Steve Muise  on March 24th, 2010

I am the father of 5. I have found a couple of tips helpful.

1. The Power of 15 – try and schedule all you want, good luck. Kids could care less about your schedule. Instead find those little 15 minute gaps and be super-productive. Add enough of those together and you can get 60 – 90 minutes of work in a day

2. Work happens at home too – the kids 1st thought when I was home, work was over. I had to continue to reinforce that while I am home, this stuff is necessary.

3. Know when enough is a enough – I put in my calendar the time I am going to stop working for the day. Then I tell them (wife and kids) when I will be done. I promise you they will be watching the clock waiting for the moment they get you back.

4. Surprise – we just got paid! – When my check comes in we celebrate. Every now and then I surprise teh family by taking them to Denny’s or something for pancakes. I am sure to tell them this treat is because of the time I spent on the phone and computer.

There are a few more but these are the important ones.

Good Luck
-steve

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:26 pm

Hey Steve,

I would laugh and say, that’s another way to build a downline… but wouldn’t want to offend.

I admire your persistence. I work in 30 minute chunks by choice… but would hate to be forced to work in fifteen.

I too need to put in some scheduled break time.

I can only imagine how little parents like you get.

[Reply]

Mark Bullen  on March 24th, 2010

Hi Jason,

People have asked my wife and I this question many time over the years. When Anne first started our online business, we had two kids and were working insane hours with our “jobs”. Since the business brought both of us home, we went on to have two more, but that is another story.

What I would tell people is that you need to make the time around your schedule and your kids activities. Get up a little earlier – we are on the west coast so would got up 1/2 hr earlier than normal to do some business. Find time during breaks at work or nap time at home to go to a quiet place and make calls. If your children are in sports, dance, gymnastics or whatever, use that time to do your follow up. I know it makes your days extremely busy, however the end result is worth it.

Another big thing is to include your children in your business. Our kids were of school age when we started so it was a bit easier as we could get them to do certain tasks with us, but we had to make it fun and have some sort of reward for them (an ice cream was more than enough). We have also asked them to tell us what they would like to have or do, make a picture (draw or cut out), and put it on our “Dream Board”. A great way to allow you to have focus time by reminding them of their “dreams”.

As Dwayne mentioned as well, communication with your spouse is essential. You need to have everyone on board to be successful. It takes the entire family to hold a home based business together, because without one of the walls, it will fall apart.

I hope this helps and wish you all good fortune.

Cheers, Mark

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:29 pm

Yeah, definitely another story…

I’m trying to keep this place family friendly.

My parents never involved me in business, but I could see how it would benefit kids.

By the time they’re grown up they’ll have memories that most kids won’t…

Maybe even grow up to be just like mom and dad?

[Reply]

Kurt Henninger  on March 24th, 2010

Full-time dad, husband and networker here.

So, I would say that being in this home situation makes things much more difficult with managing your time than non-married, non-kids people realize.

Here is what I mean, especially when talking to those in that same situation, but also working full-time in a regular job.

Their biggest pain they feel is simply lack of time to execute on all the “to-do” things that many people come up with, twittering, facebook socializing, content creation, video making.

All of which are great, but can be a huge time drain.

They love the idea of MLM, but feel they can’t devote enough time to building a business with everything else going on in their lives.

What I do is package internet network marketing as a solution for them that they can work with on a limited amount of time.

If you’ve got an hour of time a day, here literally is a checklist of things to do in that hour, 1,2,3 to max out their time.

Forget about talking to them about branding or attraction marketing or copywriting….

the more of a turn-key solution you can hand them, the better for them, the better for you as well.

Emails, webpages, ad copy, complete marketing funnel with multiple streams of income, backend primary program.

And not something they have to pay big $$$ for monthly.

Plus, if you can help them giving them access to turn key ppc keywords, an ad co-op, all the better. Anything to help get them off the ground and into making even a little $$ the better.

Again, make it as simple for them in the beginning so all they really need to do is learn the basics of generating leads on the internet, and out the other end comes $$, the better.

You can really position yourself as a solutions provider for that particular market, works great.

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:31 pm

“Their biggest pain they feel is simply lack of time to execute on all the “to-do” things that many people come up with, twittering, facebook socializing, content creation, video making.”

Explains why the WWN video that Mike Dillard sent out the other day is getting crazy comments.

When even people without kids are running out of time to do things.

[Reply]

Jerome Ratliff  on March 24th, 2010

Hi J -

As a dad of three “munchkins”, what I do is carve out some time to dedicate to my business so the family knows when mom or dad is working to not be bothered.

If you don’t set that precendence, your bound to not get anything done.

Jerome Ratliff

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

Hey Jerome,

Sounds much like what I have to do with friends and family here too.

They assume, that they ca stroll into my office any time of day and start a conversation.

Gosh, would be impossible for me with kids… I would probably lose my hair!

[Reply]

Heather Taskovics  on March 24th, 2010

It really is different for every parent who gets involved in network marketing while wrangling the *wee ones*. My daughter is 3 yrs old and, while she is able to entertain herself for the most part while I’m working, there are times when she doesn’t want me to have anything to do with the computer and vies for my constant attention.

While having a schedule can work well with older, school-aged children, it can be a challenge, if not near impossible to go by a set schedule with a toddler–unless they are in daycare, then that solves everything.

You just have to be flexible and be willing to put the time in to your business whenever possible. For many of us who are entrepreneurs with kids, most of our business activity takes place after the kids are in bed. It’s not uncommon to talk to one of us and learn that we’ve been up until 2am most nights!

It does get a little easier with time, but as long as you stick with it, you will eventually reap the rewards from all your hard work.

Heather

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:35 pm

Wow, I’ve had late nights… but that’s extreme for me.

Now, you’re scaring me way away from the whole kid thing. Gosh, Better Networker would crash because of a crashed Jason Better.

[Reply]

Tracy Rewerts  on March 24th, 2010

Hey Jason,
I like the idea of opening the subject up of Moms and Dads in Network Marketing, thanks for allowing us to share.

I am a mother of 2 girls (8 and 6) with my youngest having special needs and many medical issues. She requires a lot of one-on-one attention (even has a full time paraprofessional with her at all times at afternoon kindergarten), so my time to work on my business needs to be extremely focused.

I have a set routine and usually 2-3 top priority tasks for that day that I need to get done (maybe an article or a video, getting it submitted, etc). Inbetween therapy and doctor appointments, pick-up times, sports and piano activities with my oldest, I make use of those time slots and when my youngest is at school as well.

It is nice to have help in the evenings with my husband being home from work and on weekends too to be able to schedulte conf calls, webinars, etc.

It all comes down to time management and self discipline. Very little TV watching and knowing that my family and my children are my WHY is what keeps me going and focused.

Thanks again,
Tracy Rewerts

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:36 pm

Tracy,

And 2-3 things is all that the average person gets done in a day either way.

I would say you’re ahead of the crowd.

[Reply]

Ilka Flood  on March 24th, 2010

Hi Jason,

Great topic! When I started out in this business my boys were teenagers with a very busy sports schedule. It seemed like I was constantly in a car going somewhere.

I planed everything around school and hockey and it worked out great.

One HUGE plus when you have kids in sports (or any other activities), it gives you a crowd of people to talk to. Of course you can’t ‘throw up’ on people. That would make them run the other way. But if the question of “what do you do?” comes up, tell them and then kindly as for referrals. They may just tell you, “oh, I would be interested in that.”

My 2 cents…

Have an awesome day!

Ilka

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:38 pm

Hey Ilka,

I will for sure!

I guess that being a parent gives you a lot of opportunities for networking that other people wouldn’t even get.

I’m learning so much from the comments today.

A BIG thank you to everybody.

[Reply]

Gayle Buchanan  on March 24th, 2010

Morning Jason,
Wow, excellent responses to read this morning – to the parents with little ones my hat off to you, your WHY is right in front of you every day. For me, yay, teenagers, no nappies (that’s what we call em in NZ)
Anne – love your comment about your friend getting her kids to help ‘the marketing dept’ that’s awesome
Can only think of one thing to add to this fab list and that is – your kids ‘watch’ what you do they don’t ‘listen’ so … their behaviour will reflect yours (woops!!) LOL now that can be an eye opener – so parents are lucky we have little ‘policeman’ at home 24/7 reminding us about work/life balance
PS showing them an alternative to a JOB is my WHY
Have an awesome nappie free day Jason
see you tomorrow

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:39 pm

Hah,

I will have a nappie free day… and definitely and interesting one to.

I’m loving the replies today.

I never would have imagined the responses and tips.

[Reply]

Mary Thayer  on March 24th, 2010

I love this post and the comments are very helpful!

I am the mom of three little girls ages 6,4, and 1. Working from home can be very challenging but managing the challenge is the key. We actually do Grandma daycare 1-2 days per week (my mom loves it and so do my girls!)On the days that they are away I mass produce!

Otherwise I get up an hour earlier and schedule 1 hour in the early evening and then bedtime is at 8pm. I schedule all my phone appointments around when my kids are at Grandma’s or bedtime.

On the days I am home with them my schedule is around them. I do not attempt to start very involved projects- those are saved for after bedtime. Like I have been interrupted 5 times during this comment:-) But as a parent what could be better than enjoying the smiles and priceless moments children bring throughout the day (I would not give up watching my little 1 yr old dance in her pretty dress up gown for a million bucks!)

Challenges make us stronger and build character! Kudos to all those parents out there making it happen!

Mary Thayer

[Reply]

Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:41 pm

Definitely,

You have my respect and admiration.

So many people here with insights I never would have guessed…

[Reply]

Elizabeth  on March 24th, 2010

I really like this post and all the comments! I’ve learned so much from all of about some new tools I want to implement…:)

I have two little ones at home…and it can be difficult to either focus on my business or my kids.

There are some things that have been helpful for me over the last few months. I am not yet a master of many of these ideas, but when I practice, life flows more smoothly…

I have made some sacrifices so I can get my business moving. I don’t watch very much television, I try to stay off of Facebook and Twitter, unless I am networking. (It’s hard, though).

Also, I try to do the “hard” things earlier in the day that have the potential to make me the most money; videos, blog posts, advertising, etc. At night, I train or I read about new ideas about internet marketing.

One thing that helps me to focus on the kids is if I get out of the house with them to do things. Then, it’s not such a temptation to turn on my laptop and a cartoon for them. Short hikes are good, as well as community events (It also gives me great video footage I can use to make branding videos).

Timothy Ferris also has a lot of great ideas in his ‘4-Hour Workweek’ book on how to streamline your time. Two of his ideas are that he checks his e-mails on certain days and certain times. He also checks voicemail in the same manner (he doesn’t answer his phone and lets it ring through so people can leave messages). It’s a very worthwhile, entertaining read.

I try to work while the kids are sleeping, so see you later!

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Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:43 pm

Twitter and Facebook are nuts for sucking time out of the day…

It’s tough to avoid… especially when you market online. I’m trying to imagine that with kids running everywhere…

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Eric McMillan  on March 24th, 2010

I have two garden knomes running around. A two and half year old boy and a 1 year old girl. The biggest thing I run into is making sure I set enough time aside everyday to spend with them. It is so easy to make time commitments to your business that you neglect the time you must spend with your children, especially the age the two of mine are. You can’t get these times back and no amount of success is worth missing out and that!

Time management is key, but especially when children are involved.

Enjoying the responses here,
Eric McMillan

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Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 3:45 pm

Another reason to value your time.

When you think about it… the money really isn’t the issue or the goal… A lot of these comments are reminding me of that.

I was always motivated by a desire to learn and grow… but I would imagine that kids would change that focus to “More time”

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Chris Owen  on March 24th, 2010

Hey Jason,

This one hits home with me. When I am in town, I work out of my living room. I spend too much time away from my family already, when I get home even though I still have work to do, I do it with a 3 and 4 year old jumping from my legs to the couch and back.

My wife says that my advice will suck because I’m a non-typical example. I can concentrate on anything, regardless of the background noise or tv, or whiffle ball bat to the head. So basically, my advice is practice doing complex calculus equations during a monster truck rally while drinking heavily. Once you get good at that, then you will not be ready for working with your kids around, but you will have a general idea.

Okay, time to leave Taco Bell and get back on the road.

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Winnie BAD  on March 24th, 2010

bABY SITTER IS A REQUIREMENT…THAT’S A REALITY TO WORK YOUR BUSINESS OUT SMOOTHLY AND SUCCESSFULLY, DONE IF YOUR A SINGLE MOM WHO IS DEDICATED IN BRINGING UP A SINGLE PENNY…

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Shane Williams  on March 24th, 2010

Hello Jason,

My wife and i have 5 children in the home from 9 down to 11 mos. We are both at home 100%. This is the only way we could make things work. When i was away full time she was just going nuts. So i agreed to stay home with her. I’ve got the PC in the home office and i’ll keep the laptop in the kitchen or dining room since i’m always bouncing around. If it’s time for a diaper change, or lunch needs to be made, i just do it. Since it can get chaotic during the day, i get most of my stuff done between 10p-3a , when the house is quiet and i’m not getting jumped on.
Working from home can definitely be a challenge compared to getting a 40+ hr break a week, (yes, that’s what i called it. If you can get away from the home, even if it’s physical labor, it’s like taking a break). But i will never go back to leaving the home to work. I’ve missed too much time away from my family, especially because i had always worked nights.
We make it a point to just take a day or a weekend to get away and have fun as a family. I feel like there is times when i should be showing my kids more attention, so it’s important for me to just break away with them to show them how much i DO enjoy spending time with them.
So….. it can be very challenging to focus on treating it as a serious biz from home, but it is so worth it…for me. When i look at my family, i know they want me to be at home, and i know i want to provide the best life possible for them. The only way that is possible is to be your own boss.
Hope this helps in giving you a tiny “glimpse” into the life of a stay at home parent. Take care!

Shane Williams

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Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 5:44 pm

Hey Shane,

It totally helps…

There’s a lot that I take for granted as a guy without kids. But I can’t help but feel like you’re the lucky one. There’s a lot to be said for having a large family. I definitely admire anybody who makes that work even without the whole business thing.

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Tracey Hausel  on March 24th, 2010

Bless all of you who run a business and raise children. I’m amazed. I find it hard enough when I have some of my 9 nieces and nephews around to work.

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Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 7:31 pm

It makes running the show at Better Networker look like a piece of pie.

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Doris Hullett  on March 24th, 2010

Hi Jason,
Having a Online Home Based Business with children is almost like Homeschooling. You build some time structure (time management), know what you need to accomplish for that day (goal setting), and then adjust accordingly when life happens in the day (it invariably does even with the best intentions). Sacrifice often is made by lack of sleep. It’s important to schedule fun, or play –and then actually shut the business out of your thoughts, and focus on enjoying your moments with the family. It’s worth it, however, because of the flexibility and freedom you have.
Doris Hullett

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Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 7:33 pm

Sounds an awful lot like the advice I give too.

Maybe we have something in common? What a minute… I got it! Network Marketing.

Spurs a whole new thought about the principles that apply to success in every are.

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Richard Walsh  on March 24th, 2010

Not to be a “one upper” But I’ve got six kids within 3 years of each other! Those first three years I thought I was going to die. You can’t even imagine let me tell you, never more then an hour of continuous sleep with about four hours total of trying. I used to tell people if they wanted the detainees at Gitmo to talk just send them over to my house for a week, they’d be begging to spill the beans just to get out of there. Now the youngest is 2 and the oldest 5 so it is more manageable. I had to go to the public library and get a study room to get work done and it was great. Quiet space, WiFi, nice table and chairs, could talk on the cell phone and not bother anyone. Worked wonders not only for my business but my sanity. We are also beginning to homeschool all the kids so it is a big management job to say the least. My kids used to pound on the office door and scream (literally) for half an hour to let them in and I just wouldn’t do it otherwise I got nothing done. It has taken some work but they are slowly learning to leave me alone when I’m in the home office. Go for the library study room it’s a God send believe me.

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Jason Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 7:35 pm

Okay, okay… you win.

Maybe I should give out a trophy to the Network Marketing with the biggest inhouse downline? Hmmm.

Don’t give me too many ideas Richard.

Under those conditions I would be living in the bathroom with a laptop and a locked door.

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Marcus Baker  on March 24th, 2010

I take my hat off to all the MLM Moms and Dads out there. You must all be very very very busy… I am and I don’t even have any kids. Then again they do say that if you want something done to give it to a busy person which is probably why you all cope as well as you do.

Marcus

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Jason Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:51 am

I have a sneaky suspicion that moms and dads make for better business…

The level of responsibility…

The skills…

The patience…

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Jose Lasa  on March 24th, 2010

Well, you got a good comment to talk about, and to be honest when you have youngsters around home, chasing you to play with them at any time, you got to seek for help. I mean, you really got to look for help from your wife, in my case she does not work, so I just close the door, seat in front of my computer and let myself go. The best you can do, is work on a schedule, yes, you set the time to work, the time to rest and the time to play with your kids.
The most important thing is remembering that everything in this life requires effort, but at the end the rewards will come.
So get to work, and God bless you Dads and Moms.
Jose Lasa

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shirland  on March 24th, 2010

When school is session, I have to be more productive especially between the hours of 9-2. I have 2 boys, 13 and 15, who play basketball so practice during the week and games on the weekend takes up a whole of my time. I have to be very efficient for the time tat i have allotted for my business time. The key is truly patience because sometimes these kids feel that as parents we are just here to serve them. it is critical that you nip that attitude in the bud immediately.

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Jason Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:54 am

I would imagine that parents look forward to school too.

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Robyn Mancell  on March 24th, 2010

I’ve been a single mom for the past 15 years with 3 boys. Four years ago I got started in Network Marketing. I only wish I had got started earlier. The freedom I have gained would have made life so much easier. You will always have to make time for work….this way in this business…you make time for LIFE. I highly recommend this business for all parents.

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Jason Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:55 am

Hey Robyn,

I like that.

In this business you make time for life.

What better reason is there to be in Network Marketing?

Love it.

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Susanna  on March 25th, 2010

Wow, great topic. There is already so much great advice here.

It’s challenging with kids, but it’s also highly motivating as well. I have 4. Two teenage boys, and 2 preschool girls.

Tips for other parents thinking about doing this full time from home…

1. Make sure you have an office, or your own space to work in.

2. I’d highly recommend getting a separate “message” line and giving THAT number out instead of your own cell or home number. This way you can get the messages and call them right back (after you lock the little ones in the closet. JUST KIDDING!) But seriously, it’s not exactly good for business when your 3 year old decides she wants something NOW as soon as the phone rings.

3. Talk to them. My girls know that when I’m working they need to be quiet. They don’t want me to ‘go’ to work.

4. Fit them in. I also get really wrapped up in work, and instead of making time for work, I realize I need to make time for THEM.

Great advice guys! Enjoyed reading through most of it.

Make it a prosperous day!

Susanna

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Jason Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 8:58 am

I had to chuckle when you said “lock the little ones in the closet”

If only it was that easy for all of the hard working parents here. Some of them are probably wishing they could do that.

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Gayle Buchanan Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

Hi Susanna thanks for the smile and chuckle connection with the closet!!

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Linda  on March 25th, 2010

What a great topic and what great responses. I feel like a failure as a parent. When I first started in MLM, both my children (then 6 and 13) were resistant to my being away at “meetings” and spending even less time at home. I work a full time traditional business out of my home office, so to add another business that I could run from home just made sense to me. Looking back at all the mistakes I have made, my best advice would be to find a way for your kids to buy in to what you are doing. Help them to set goals so that if you make your goal, they make theirs. This way they will help you and nudge you along instead of holding you back. That goes for spouses too. If the spouse isn’t going to be a part of the business, then he/she at least has to support your efforts. Being organized and always following up by putting your customer’s needs first are important, but only after you have the support of your whole family.
Back to work……
Linda

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Jason Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:00 am

Even without kids, I can see how important that is to success. There’s nothing harder than trying to run a business when those goals conflict with your immediate family, friends – or their opinions.

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Tommy DiPietro  on March 27th, 2010

Hey J

This post inspired me to create a post & video about the working parent. I finally figured out the problem with my editing software and posted it last night. If you have a minute, stop by and check it out. And Make Some Noise While you are there.

Reporting Across the Street from the Intrepid,
Tommy D.
“The Prospecting Hero”

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Jason Reply:
March 28th, 2010 at 9:21 am

Hey Tommy,

I think your video will strike a chord with a lot of people. It seems like nobody is really talking about the trials of being a parent in MLM or any business for that matter. It’s like the “dirty little secret” almost nobody wants to talk about. Although it shouldn’t be.

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Amy  on March 29th, 2010

Great discussion, Jason. I know I’m a bit late jumping into the discussion, but I’ve been out of the loop for 10 days in a silent retreat and just getting back to work .

I’m a single mom of 2 little girls, ages 2 and 5.

There’s definitely a balance involved in order to be productive and successful with a network marketing business and a family… but it’s TOTALLY doable, and well worth it. (I really got to experience the power of residual income a couple of years ago when I went through a divorce and literally took 4 months off COMPLETELY so that I could move, focus on my kids, etc and got paid a full-time income the entire time… I am so grateful for this opportunity and now am more passionate then ever about sharing it with parents).

My main recommendation would be to create solid boundaries around your time, business and family and don’t try to comingle the 2. I used to try to do 3-way calls, follow-ups, and conference calls while I was tending to my kids and I finally decided it just doesn’t do anybody justice (me. my kids, or the person/people on the other end of the phone).

Now I have designated business hours and when I’m with my kids I don’t take/make calls, etc. This allows me to be ultra present to my kids when I’m with them, and super focused on my business during my designated business hours.

And, although my kids are young, I’m always including them in my goals, etc. (ex: when I hit my next rank advancement we’re going to Disneyland, when I hit my last one I booked us a beach house for the summer, etc). This way, they’re super cooperative if/when I need to get them to bed on time to get on a call, etc.

I HIGHLY recommend this business for parents… it provides an enormous amount of time freedom so that we can spend time with our families (while getting paid due to the residual income), and it teaches our children that they don’t have to grow up and go to work for someone else (unless they want to).

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Jason Reply:
March 29th, 2010 at 3:14 pm

Amy you’re probably making the other parents jealous now.

I hope you had a relaxing ten days…

It’s probably like culture shock coming back to the working world!

You know, it seems like the reason a lot of parents have for getting into our industry is their kids. It never really occurred to me how hard it would be to hold another type of job. But now I can definitely see the appeal.

Now I’m off to take a 5-minute retreat before I get back to writing.

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Matt Cassity  on March 31st, 2010

Hi Jason,

I can’t say that i have any kids but I do have some younger brothers I live with. A challenge that I live with is being constantly distracted.

How I overcome being distracted is having a closed door policy when working on my business.

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Julie Rowland  on March 31st, 2010

Hi Jason

Having not ventured down that road just yet ( but many of my team have)..my best piece of advice is to stay focussed on 1 or 2 things and for gods sake, shut all the other information that you are bombarded with, out of your mind, until you have mastered just a couple of strategies.

Luckily Mums can multitask…..:)

Dads on the other hand …..

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James R Egins Jr  on March 31st, 2010

I am a little late on this discussion, however my biggest advice I would give would be related to mindset. “Don’t let you’re reasons become your excuses!” Instead of using children as an excuse for not doing the business or not succeeding at it, let them be the “why” that empowers you to succeed at this great industry.

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Jason Reply:
March 31st, 2010 at 5:07 pm

Powerful stuff.

Advice that could apply to more than just MLM and parenting.

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