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January 27, 2006

Work at Home Moms and Their Bad Rap

This is not a "feel good" type of blog today. And I'm sure some may not like what I write about. It may even upset some, but I am thinking the people that get upset, are most likely the ones that are guilty of what I speak. It is about an issue that I feel needs to be addressed based on the conversations over the last few years with many many work at home moms. These moms in business have become frustrated by how other work at home moms can seem to indirectly effect their business.

Unfortunately, many work at home moms seem to fail to realize that they are business owners, and thus should be acting like business owners. Those who do not, have continued to give the term "Work at Home Mom" a bad rap.

Let's admit it... the label of being a "Woman Entrepreneur" who works out of her home gets allot more respect than the label "Work at Home Mom".  Sad, but true.  Part of the reason is that a stereotype for "moms" who run a business already exists, but much of this train of thought is largely due to what others have seen or experienced from a work at home mom.  I cannot tell you how many people over the years have commented on how "work at home moms" are not "real" business owners.  This being based on what they have personally witnessed or experienced in their interaction with work at home moms.

When you own a business, no matter how big or small, there are rules, behavior AND ethics that you need to adhere to.  I have been dumbfounded at times with the behavior, dishonesty, lack of responsibility and lack of character displayed by some work at home moms.  Being a work at home mom doesn't give you the right to take short cuts, shun a responsibility or commitment and doesn't give you the right to get special treatment or freebies just because you are a mom in business.  Then there are the basic "do's and don'ts" that should be incorporated into the way you conduct yourselves with others in business. 

Yes, we all have made mistakes, honest mistakes in fact.  As long as those mistakes are addressed honestly and upfront, there can typically be a workable remedy to these.  There is a big difference between an honest mistake and an act of what you know to be wrong. Take an honest look at yourself and ask if you have done any of the following, knowing full well you are doing it. 

* not taking responsibility for your actions or choices
* operating your business and responding to situations with emotions
* not paying money due to individual's or companies
* blaming others for your lack of success or knowledge
* claiming ignorance in situations to try to get out of them
* dressing inappropriately for meetings or events
* being rude and unprofessional in email or phone correspondence
* bringing your personal life into your business
* not delivering product that someone has ordered
* creating lies to cover your mistakes or lack of following through on your word
* participating in gossip about other business owners
* embellishing the facts about your products or business to gain more business
* expecting free services, products, discounts or not having to pay a bill because you are a "work at home mom"

If you are going to be a mom in business, even if it may just be part time or a hobby for you, you have to act like a business owner. It's time to buck up, suck it in, and decide that you will do YOUR best to do what you KNOW is right.

Posted by Cyndi at 11:14 AM | Comments (5)