Yes, I am a full time mom who works outside the home. But I have always looked for ways to supplement my income for my family. After much research, I decided a home business was the best way to effectively use my time to make some extra money until I could be home full time. As I started my home business in July 2009, I knew I couldn't run home to be a stay at home mom until I had replaced my income. I knew I would have to work my business part time alongside my full time job.

There are a lot of things a working mom has to think about before embarking on the adventure of starting a part time home business (or trying to earn any type of extra income for that matter). In my first year of juggling, I have learned some helpful tips for moms anywhere looking to add income to their household.

1. Consider your business of choice

You have to choose the type of business that fits your lifestyle, your interest, your schedule. There are many home opportunities to choose from--Mary Kay, Scentsy, Osbourne books, Internet CEO Moms, etc. etc. etc. Make sure it has all the elements you would want in an opportunity.

Ask yourself 'WHY do I want to build a home business?'. Your 'WHY' is your reason for building your business. It needs to be strong enough to keep you moving forward. It needs to be specific. It needs to be written down! Write it down and post it somewhere you will see it EVERY DAY!

These will help to move you closer to your WHY. Goals should be set on a regular basis (daily, weekly, monthly). They should be realistic. Consider the amount of time you have to put into your business. You want the satisfaction of reaching your goals. If they are too far out of reach it is easy to become discouraged. Set yourself up for success with realistic reachable goals. Write them down so you can see them. Just like your WHY, write out your goals so you see them everyday.

4. Get on a Schedule  

Define and start following a structured schedule. This is helpful for anyone with young kids who thrive on structure in their lives. Determine what works best for you. From the time you get up to the time the kids go to bed, do you follow the same routine? There are many organizational tools to help with scheduling--day planner, google calendar, cellphone calendars, dry erase boards, etc. Find a method that helps you see your day at a glance. From here, you can pinpoint the times of day (or days of the week) where you can carve out time to focus on your business.

5. Be Flexible 

Things happen. Schedules change. Don't get so caught up on being exact in your scheduling or the time you put into your business. Just understand we had to adjust and be flexible with everything life throws at us. As any busy mom would know, every day is a new adventure. Embrace it with open arms.

6. Connect with Your Support Team. Your support team can be your family cheering you on and encouraging your new venture. More importantly, make sure in the business you choose, that you have a strong support line. People to help you when you hit a bump in the road. A team to cheer you on when progress is being made. Someone who can help train you to be successful at your chosen opportunity. This will be critical in your longevity and overall success with a home based business opportunity. Be in constant contact with your support line. Whether you are receiving the help, cheering on other members, or tapping into any training you can find...be connected. Working from home can often feel lonely. If you are connected, you will never feel alone.

Challenge yourself to learn something new everyday (or maybe once a week) that will benefit you and your business. Be a 'student of your business'. Know it inside and out. Never quit learning about how to be better, do better, feel better when it comes to your business. Once you have learned it all, learn how to teach it to others by being a good leader.

If you are not committed to your business, it will not go anywhere. True success requires hard work. It can be hard for a full time working mom to have the commitment to their part time business. You may need to sacrifice your favorite TV show or time out with the girls. I'm not saying ignore your family or other important daily duties, but some of those extras may need to wait (at least until you have a good balance on the new structure of your life with a home business). If your not willing to commit some time and some effort perhaps its better to wait on a home business until you have the time and energy to commit to it.

Take action by making one activity in your day be business related. Whether it is calling a new prospect, meeting someone new who would benefit from your business, or just setting up some of the basics...just take action. Some action is better than no action because no action will not help you reach your 'WHY'. In a day filled with early mornings rushed out the door to quick dinner fixes when everyone makes it home from a long day find some time to make one key activity that will push your business forward.

Keep at it. It will pay off. Don't expect fast & easy money because it doesn't exist. Work hard and diligent to reach your goals. Your business's success will be a direct reflection of your constant and persistant effort. Remember Thomas the Tank Engine always said 'I think I can. I think I can.' We can never give up on our dreams.

The entrepreneurial spirit lives on in any mom willing to work from home and make the sacrifice to be successful. A business is the best way to give yourself the flexibility and earning potential you truly deserve. And if you are not able to be home full time to start your business, just know that many moms have juggled this same balance of building a successful business while working full time to put food on the table. Eventually with enough time, effort, and persistence it pays off.

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