Sometimes I don’t like it, this work-from-home business.
Sometimes the “good ole days” seem so much better —
- When direct deposits magically appeared in my bank account
- When witty, creative colleagues worked and laughed with me in person
- When I carried a briefcase and wore high heels
I reminisce from time to time because, for the most part, I really enjoyed my various careers!
I wasn’t a victim of downsizing. I wasn’t “let go.” I left my last position so I could be more available to my 16-year-old twin daughters and because I felt called to begin a new life chapter as a home-based, faith-based, service-providing entrepreneur.
But I didn’t know what that meant exactly.
I didn’t realize I’d have to
- Dig down deep to discover my true passion and purpose
- Dig down even deeper to discern a profitable niche
- Become my own CEO, IT geek, and QuickBooks® expert
- Do most of my own PR
- Master my mindset
I remember, even as a mother of toddler twins, wondering what people were talking about when they’d say, “Motherhood. The hardest job you’ll ever love.” I never understood that comment as I’ve been blessed with children who’ve been a breeze to raise. Motherhood for me has been a natural extension of who I am at my core.
Not so entrepreneurship.
In many ways, being a work-from-home entrepreneur goes against all of my inborn tendencies. Now that my daughters and stepchildren are grown, the bulk of my day-to-day, face-to-face interaction is with my three faithful canines, God bless ‘em.
No more team meetings. No more brainstorming over coffee. No more birthday cakes or breakfast bagels or retirement celebrations. No more grabbing a quick lunch with colleagues.
If you have introverted tendencies, you might be thinking, “Sounds good to me.” If you’re an extrovert, however, you know exactly what I’m talkin’ about.
Being a home-based entrepreneur can be lonely!
So how do we manage? Better question. How do we excel?
This is what I’ve learned over the past four years. Whether introverts or extroverts, we must:
- Get crystal clear on our calling/mission/purpose including whom we want to serve and how we want to serve them.
- Decide that we will persevere and succeed.
- Find mentors who will help guide us through the jungle—people we trust who are ahead of us on their own entrepreneurial journey.
- Surround ourselves with a community of upbeat people—a team—who will support and offer us critical feedback.
- Get out from behind our computers and connect socially with others in person.
- Choose or create a system to deliver our goods and services.
- Make sure we fill our minds and hearts with inspiration by reading and listening to our favorite authors, speakers, teachers, and music on a daily basis.
- Get together often with creative, like-minded business owners for support, encouragement, and brainstorming.
- Attend a few “live events” a year to reinforce our learning and ignite or reignite our passion.
- Affirm each and every day that, by being faithful to our calling, we’re blessing the people we’re meant to bless with our unique gifts, strengths, message, and talents.
If I could offer only one key point for each year I’ve been in business, I’d tell emerging entrepreneurs:
1) Know your purpose (for life and business).
2) Work with a coach/mentor whom you trust.
3) Become part of a team.
4) Stay connected to divine guidance for strength and inspiration.
Home-Based Entrepreneurship. The hardest job you’ll ever LOVE!
Jory,
I loved your blog. Boy you were speaking to my heart. Those are the exact things I miss about my “real job” was the companionship, working on a common cause or goal, and feeling connected daily to people. Thanks for continuing to inspire and motivate those of us working to live our Purpose and do the will of God. What a shift it can make in your life when you embrace and say yes.
Diane
Thank you for sharing your reaction, Diane, AND for embracing and saying yes! We’re on this journey together, girlfriend.
Bless you.
Jory
Jory, these are wonderful insights.
I think it’s worth noting for all the introverts (flying that flag here, as you know — even though in Myers Briggs world, I’m right on the border) how important it is to create and stick to a plan to get out of the house. As much as I relish my quiet time and my networking via social media, there’s a magic that occurs in face-to-face interactions that’s critical for both business and personal wellbeing. There can be a tendency for extroverts to feel an internal push to get out and see people, whereas we introverts can be so happy at home that we just stick with it… Until one day we look up and wonder what happened.
As always, love your sharing!
Julie
Hey Julie, points well taken. Thanks for waving the flag from “the other side.” A strong argument can be made for attending live events whether extrovert or introvert, and certainly for getting off our bums and connecting with other entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs in person!
If any women out there want to know about an excellent networking organization you can either join or start, contact me. I’ve got a great one for you!
Thanks again, Julie!
Jory
Love this post, Jory! I miss some of the same things from my corporate days – but I wouldn’t trade this life for anything! I agree that it’s so important to connect with people in person – and to surround yourself with others who can inspire and elevate you. Wish I had known the importance of those two things 18 years ago, when I started this journey:-) But I’ve found a good balance now. Thanks, Jory!
Thank you for commenting, Theresa. I’d like to encourage our readers to listen to your interview on Heart & Soul for Women of Faith: http://womenfindpurpose.com/three-challenges-of-a-mompreneur-theresa-ceniccola/ You are a wonderful model for those of us who work from home!
Amen, amen amen, I like you chose this lifestyle and it has definitely been more difficult than rearing three children.
LOL. Whodathunkit, eh Alyssa? And yet, there is such beauty and joy in allowing God to work through us in our businesses. This is a training ground to be sure!!! I’d like to take the opportunity to encourage readers to listen to YOUR interview as well! It seems this blog post struck a chord with several of my radio show guests! http://womenfindpurpose.com/faith-leaps-taking-leaps-of-faith-in-your-life-and-business-alyssa-avant/
Thanks for commenting, Alyssa!
Hi Jory,
Saw your posting in the Renegades Facebook Group (#3 Become part of a team.)
I have been an entrepreneur selling products & services online for 25+ years, with 5 companies under my belt. All of them have been Internet-based & most completely online, all completly traditional “Brick & Mortar” with an online presence.
This last iteration of my online business has been completely online & a bit lonely.That is why I joined a Team, & what a Team we are in, the Renegade Team Rocks!
So thanks for taking us down your road. I makes us all think of our own path that we have taken.
…and YES, this has been the “Hardest Job That I Do LOVE!”
Evans
Hey Evans! Thanks for sharing your insight and experience with us. Teamwork is what it’s all about and, yes, the Renegade Team is oh so helpful in encouraging and supporting and training us. I’m with you all the way, teammate! I hope we get to meet each other in person soon!
Jory
Hi Jory~
Loved your blog today b/c you said everything I always want my team to hear and do. It really is about empowering yourself to believe YOU CAN DO IT if you make a plan, take action and never give up. I will be sharing your post on my group page with my lia sophia ladies and thank you for sharing. 🙂
So glad it hit the mark, Lisa. Feel free to tell us more about your team!
Thank you for spreading the word. So nice to know we’re not alone, isn’t it?
Warmly,
Jory
I’m an introvert who — in a past life — experienced the damage getting stuck within your own four walls can do to your once successful business. So now I’m all ears as I launch a new life coaching practice, and Jory, you have the voice of reason AND experience. I love the way you write. You give us lots of meat in bite sizes. More, please.
Kathryn, thank you. I’ll definitely be posting more articles. Care to subscribe to my blog and/or sign up for my free resources? Would love to have you on our team!
So grateful that you would take the time to respond. Stay in touch.
Jory
Jory,
What a great article! It clearly captures wisdom that can only be gleaned from experience. As I read it, I thought, “She’s telling my story!” Being a home-based entrepreneur since the late 90’s I learned many of the same lessons. Yes, in some way it is the a hardest job I’ve ever loved (a close second to raising my own twins – ahh the similarities continue!) And, despite the fact that I have the rare 9-5 J-O-B fantasy, I wouldn’t change a thing! If only I had had this article to read when I started out! (Although, sometimes the school of hard knocks is simply the most effective teacher!)
Blessings!
Sonia 🙂
You’re great, Sonia. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my blog.
My twins are 20 now — quite the individuals.
We’ll need to connect by phone sometime, k?
Warmly,
Jory
Thanks for this post, Jory! I am an extrovert who is slowly turning into an introvert. So at this stage of my life, I am absolutely happy 1) to be my own boss, 2) not having to travel much on Indian roads, 3) not having to deal with many people.
I can related to what you said though… One of the things I miss is the power of collective thought and brainstorming.
Tania
At the very least, Tania, you can be part of a “virtual” team for support, “collective thought and brainstorming.” Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Come back often!
Jory
Brilliant post. I follow all of your recommendations. And like you, God is my strength! Blessings, Amy
Hi Jory, I really enjoyed this post. I’m still discovering things I never knew I had to do in a home business. That’s ok because I enjoy doing what I’m doing. But what’s great is surrounding myself with people like you and other Renegade Team members. Staying connected to divine guidance for strength is a great tip and It’s true It really is the hardest job you’ll ever love!
Rick Salas
Thanks so much for visiting my website, Rick, and for taking the time to read and comment on this blog post. I’m so glad we’re on the same Team — in more ways than one!
To your continued success,
Jory