There is an irony that comes with having children. Well many ironies actually... but one relevant to the topic of home businesses and work at home mums (aka: work from home moms).

With children comes responsibility, an eye towards the future and security. People may develop focus on the life they are creating in a more conscious way, rather than living more spontaneously. No guarantees... but this is the norm.

So it is no coincidence that new parents and mothers in particular are often looking for ways to build financial stability and even future passive income. At the same time there is the irony: the fact that being a mum is a 24/7 commitment, so despite the focus on an abstract level there is the reality of raising children.

A work from home option holds so much potential but will often be challenging and difficult to establish. It is one that I have chosen and in the process has given me:

• time : through its flexibility and ability to "sack my work"
• money : that is growing over time
• health : the nature of my home based business is based on health and organics

For me building a home business with ONE Group and Miessence was the right choice. It has been challenging and very difficult at times but my choice has been vindicated by my success. It may not be the right choice for you – for your business to be a success it must have integrity. For me this meant supporting natural skin care and cosmetics that are certified organic to food industry standards. For you it might be something quite different... that's really for you to work out.

However some of my experiences will probably be useful for any work at home mums:

• remember why and start living that now: its important as you start your new business that you hold your motivation close to you. This will probably be alot to do with wanting to spend more time with your family. So rather than just putting these relationships on hold until "the income pours in"... find balance from day one. Try to introduce elements of what you are working towards in your life right here and right now. This might be as simple as being really present when playing with your child.
• be compassionate: there are so many expectations on mums and yet so little acknowledgment. It is crucial that you are constantly acknowledging your achievements in life and work. Dont put too much pressure on yourself and be forgiving for those countless things that you could have "done better"... let them go and feel confident that you are doing your best and know that is more than enough.
• control your business: dont let your business control you. Be conscious about when and where you are thinking about it. Try not to respond eg. choose when to check email rather than getting sucked into it when you finally get to sit down at your desk. If you get a business call, learn how to say "can i call you back at X time?" so you dont try to have biz conversations when the kids are hungry or over tired
• work to a business plan: establish regular and consistent business activity that is sustainable for you. Try to work to this time and financial budget but also know that some weeks the plan will never see the light of the day.

by anne o'casey
independent representative of ONE Group and Miessence

Find out more about the home business that I have built and whether you would like to work with me as you grow your own business in organics and health.