You May Be an Entrepreneurial Role Model

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

15 Jun 2007 10:47 PM

Sure, some people might think you're crazy to give up the security of a nine-to-five, traditional job--and they may be very vocal in letting you know how they feel about it too. But, there are others who just may be looking to you as a role model--someone who has taken the plunge and started their own home business.

I admit that I do feel a bit of this when people are asking me about my work or pumping me for details about how it works. I feel like I have some responsibility to be both honest and encouraging. I am not one to say that something is "no big deal" when it is--but I also feel like if I can do it, anyone can.

BUT, I also feel like I need to appear professional and "together" with clients and people I work with on a professional level. Not just because I want them to have confidence in my work and want to work with me--but also because I do not want to perpetuate the stereotype that women who work from home are unprofessional slackers. On more than one occasion, people have shared with me that they assume people who work from home either can't get a "real" job, or that they will drop work, miss deadlines, turn in shoddy work, etc. to attend to family and friends. While family definitely comes first for me, my work is incredibly important to and I want to make sure that I model that--for me and for those WAHMs and others who come after me.

So, while you are struggling along in your home business, you may actually be inspiring others to take the plunge into the land of the entrepreneur. How you juggle work and family and build a business from your basement or back porch may actually be encouraging others to step into micro-businesses, so don't be surprised if you get asked questions from people who want to know just how you are making it work.

See Also: Coping With the Stress of Being a Home-Business Entrepreneur

Wanted: Tips for How to Achieve Balance

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