Hello everyone, this is going to be a bit different than my normal postings. This may even be associated with what many call a ‘rant’, or venting, or shouting in an empty room, if you will. Today’s topic involves a more personal level. A level outside of the normal day in and day out grind of  net socialization, a level that shows the other aspect of being a home business owner and that is the personal lives of internet marketers.

Everyone knows and understands that there is work involved in marketing a business, whether it be online or offline marketing. Sometimes this work is long and tiresome, there is a lot to be put together to make the ship sail. Sailing it smoothly is the goal and it almost always comes later, much later.

It is not uncommon being consumed by the computer for long periods of time, for days, weeks, months and maybe even years. I’ve often thought of inventing some sort of pedometer for my computer to see how many hours have been put into building this business and then gasping for air after seeing the numbers. I’m sure they’re high!

Long and short of this story is that we are spending hoards of time operating our business and if nothing is paying off yet or enough, the raised eyebrows of the spouse starts to burn holes through you. So what do you do? Of course, depending on the severity of the”Show me the money or get a job…” talk, you may want to take a little break, and get away from it for a bit. Maybe a week to a month or so.  Get away from the overload and take a vacation. More than likely, you’re plugging away at building and researching and possibly spending too much, and you may be neglecting your most valuable possessions.

It’s healthy to stop and catch your breath. By all means, spend some time with the people that you are working so hard for. If the subject is directed not only towards attention but financial as well, then you should consider a part time job to help out. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up your dreams of working for yourself, and it doesn’t mean you have to like it. It simply means to stop, temporarily, and re-evaluate what is happening around you — both personally and  financially.

Keeping a happy home is both beneficial and therapeutic. If your partner is unhappy with the results of your business, the pressure on you to produce would be difficult to create value into any customer base.  Not only the stress of the tapping foot haunts you, but it could make you rush and then lose all aspect of creating that relationship with your potential customers.

Devote only so much time to operating your business, maybe 2 hours a day. Then concentrate on things that need to be done around the house to help out the family. After all, nobody really enjoys working under the gun, I believe that is one of the reasons why people choose to work for themselves anyway.

Take time off, get out in the community and get active, by all means get away fromt he computer! Pay attention to the loved ones and re-organize your schedule. Allow room for everything. You must attempt to lead a balanced life or else the ship will rock and you could lose everything. Set a schedule to make time for the home, the family, the business and any social outings. Make every attempt to stick to this schedule, you’ll find that you are more clearer in your writing and creativity and everyone will be more accepting to you running the home business instead of it running you.

I’ve had the talk recently and have taken time off from the business. I’ve kept my finger on the pulse of things, but I haven’t written for almost a month or better. Which explains our absence. I came to the understanding that their are more important things in life than stricking it rich online… don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t pass on that opportunity, but needless to say, I’ve sought out my priorities and decided to calm down a bit on the computer. I do a little bit each time I get online, which, before used to be before the coffee was ready in the morning till long after everyone was asleep at night. It amazes me now, that I might go a few days before I log on. Making everyone happy and being balanced is beginning to pay off, especially at home, which is the foundation of our business and your business as well.

Remember, all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy…

Take Care… and some time off if needed.

To your success,

Lori Atchison

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