Balancing Work And Home

Saturday, March 1, 2003

(NAPSA)—According to the National Women’s Business Center and Women’s Business Network, women own approximately 66 percent of all home-based businesses. An estimated 6.2 million women-owned firms in the U.S. employ 9.2 million people and generate $1.15 trillion in sales. However, sometimes juggling work and homelife can be challenging for female entrepreneurs. Shonda Parker, a micro-busi- ness owner and member of the board of directors for the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), says it can be done but it’s important to find a balance. When you discover ways to blend work and home, it leads to a happier mom and family, overall stress reduction, and improved productivity in both your business and personallives. Parker shares advice that has helped her successfully manage both her nutrition consulting business and seven children, ranging in age from 15 to 3 months. These tips and guidelines can help establish a separation between work and family even when your office is located in your home: Establish boundaries for work and home by making time guidelines for clients and family and sticking to them, following through with family and clients, and reserving a workspacejust for work. * Create an “Entrepreneurial Greenhouse” for the children by sharing work with them, involving them in business decisions and introducing them to fellow entrepreneurs. Give and receive by connecting with other entrepreneurs, helping others’ businesses grow and going beyond mutual “back Part of operating a home- based businessinvolves creating a distinct workspace. scratching” business relationships. The National Association for the Self-Employed is the nation’s leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, bringing a broad range of benefits to help entrepreneurs succeed and to drive the continued growth of this vital segment of the American economy. Since its start-up, the NASE has been an important partner in the explosion of micro-businesses in the United States, supporting the interests of the self-employed with benefits and advocacyinitiatives aimed at leveling the playing field between these businesses and larger corporations. One of the most valuable services the NASEoffers is free advice from knowledgeable business consultants who are familiar with the ins and outs of running a microbusiness. Whether you need startup advice, financial assistance, marketing ideas, or just moral support, the business consultants can answer your questions. Information about the NASE is available by visiting the association’s Web site at www.nase.org or by calling 800-232-NASE (6273).