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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.
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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 January 27, 2006 11:14 AM
Comments
Wow - talk about being honest! You've confronted people with the harsh truth - that being a WAHM doesn't mean you should be put on a pedestal... you have to work hard to EARN the respect you want. Part of earning that is treating other business owners AND customers with respect. Paying bills on time, mailing orders on time, responding to customer comments good or bad in a nice fashion. Like Cyndi mentions, there are WAHMS out there who think that they don't have to do those things. And that just gives all of us a bad name.
Being a WAHM is great - it affords us the opportunity to be a bit more flexible and for many of us stay home with our children while they are little. However, it's still a choice we make and others can't be made to suffer because of our choice. If you decide to be a WAHM, but can't get to your customers in a timely fashion, maybe you shouldn't be working from home yet. If you are a WAHM, you have to give other WAHM's the same respect you would like for yourself. You don't hear Target bad-mouthing Walmart, do you??? Be professional, even if you are in your PJ's. :)
I love being able to work from home, but I know it is my choice, and I am the one responsible for making it work. I cannot make another company, WAHM, or customer suffer because I don't have my act together. It's just not fair.
Thank you for addressing something many people like to ignore!
Posted by: amy at January 27, 2006 11:44 AM
What I don't understand is having to pay someone to work for them. I am willing to work so they should just be willing to pay me to work for them. Many of the work at home sites want you to pay them to get started. NO WAY!!!!! I have been a professional all my life and I have never paid someone to get a job. Surely there are businesses out there that would actually want someone to work.
Posted by: Sharrie at February 5, 2006 10:49 AM
You are absolutely right!
I couldn't agree more that we have to be conscious of and responsible for our reputations as business owners. In fact, those who work from home have even a greater responsiblity to make sure that their behavior is above reproach.
If we don't have our reputations, what do we have? Not a successful business, I can tell you that.
Once again, I applaud your business ethics.
Sincerely,
Rosanna Tussey
Virtual Assistant
Posted by: Rosanna at March 10, 2006 10:54 AM
I don't really think of myself as a work at home mom, but rather a business owner with children. I take my career very seriously.
Posted by: Med-Mom at March 31, 2006 08:09 PM
I totally agree! I work from home and I am 8 months pregnant with my first child. It is definitely a lot to balance. I pride myself on operating a successful and ethical business and I work hard to maintain my reputaion as a small business owner. I take my career very seriously and I also look to other entrepreneurs for advice when needed- I really enjoy your blog and I am so glad women are taking this time to share their experiences. If you get a chance there is a blog I highly reccommend
www.dalbeyblog.com it is a mixture of business advice and successful living tips.
Posted by: Teresa at June 7, 2006 01:24 PM
