Motivational Monday: Interview with Teresa Hall
Today, we are joined by Teresa Hall, a fellow freelance writer! She`s turned writing into a successful career that she can do at home as a mom of two. Unlike most moms we`ve had on other Motivational Mondays, Teresa is mother of older children, which present a whole other challenge!
1. What is your business?
I am a freelance writer who produces content in whatever form you need it: articles, blog posts, web copy, press releases, etc. You can find me at http://www.TeresaWrites4u.com or on my blog at http://www.forwriteabouteverything.com. I also love to network and meet new people on Twitter, which is an incredible way to make contacts, create joint ventures and generally stay connected to others when working from home. You can follow me there at http://www.twitter.com/TeresaWrites4U
2. How did you get started?
I got started when I fell and broke my ankle and couldn’t return to my job for over three months. I’m a single mom, so I needed to find a way to earn a living. I started searching WAHM sites looking for something that would fit my skills and abilities. I came across Sue LaPointe- a commercial freelance writer, who had just written a book called “Build a Thriving Writing Business from Practically Nothing.” Sue was looking for people to review her book and put it into action and i was chosen as one of her “guinea pigs.” I followed her book and also started writing for her. Within six months, I had a viable full-time income from freelancing!
3. What mistakes did you make when you were starting out? What did you learn from them?
I think the biggest mistake I made when I started was not having a solid system to organize my days/weeks/projects with. I tended to work according to project due dates, which I’ve learned can make things very hectic.
If you’re like me, you have found- or will soon find- there are about a gazillion different aspects to running your own business, even when it is based out of your kitchen. Having a fool proof organization system is a must- work from the assignment, not the deadline!
4. How long have you been working from home? (was this your first business or have you had others where you worked from home?)
This is my first work-from-home venture after spending too many years out there working for other people! Like all Moms I have always worked AT home (the hardest job in the world) but this is my first venture working FROM home! I love it- in fact, I can’t imagine going back to work for someone else!
5. What are your tricks for balancing work, kids and household chores?
I use a timer for projects. It’s difficult for me to sit at my desk and work straight through- especially when there are dirty dishes in the sink! So, I set a timer for 45 minutes and work on a project, then take 15 minutes to throw in a load of laundry or wash up a sink full of dishes.
I try to be as productive as possible while my daughter is at school and schedule “Mom-time” for the first hour after she gets home. Then, I get back to work after suppertime if needed.
One of the toughest parts of working at home is scheduling in “me-time.” I recently took on a gig writing a blog for a wellness site, so it would build in time for some yoga/meditation into my research schedule. I’m also working on a “no-computer” policy for after 10 p.m and on Sundays.
6. How many children do you have? How old are they?
I have two daughters. My oldest is 27 and my youngest is 17. Obviously, this gives me a huge advantage over mothers who are raising little ones, but I can relate to them as well. I live in a duplex in Minnesota- while my oldest daughter and her family, including my three grandchildren, live downstairs. So I do a lot of “grandma duty” to my grandchildren, who are 10, 7 and 5.
7. When do you usually work?
Umm, all the time? I try to get most of my work done during the school day or in the evenings when my daughter is busy with homework and friends. I admit to spending too much time working on the weekends, as well, but I have set a goal to change that this year!
8. What is the best part of being a mompreneur? And the worst?
The best part of being a mompreneur (and a grandmapreneur) is the ability to be available to the kids when I am needed, like when someone is home sick or needs a forgotton item dropped off at school.
The worst part? Finding that balance between work and household chores. I like work muh better than housework, so it’s tough to get motivated sometimes when the vacuum is calling!
9. What are your plans for the future of your business?
I have just started a couple of brand new ventures. One is joining with two fellow writers in a business we call 72 Hour Brainstorm. We provide press releases, ad slogans, auto responder series of three messages or a quickle sales page in 72 hours for $72.
The other new venture I am beginning is with a life coach I know. We are kicking off Infinite Women. Infinite Women is a program to help abused women move out of their victimization mindset and past into a new life of empowerment and strength through life coaching, self-esteem, encouragement and business training. The goal is to empower women to move forward and become independent both emotionally and financially so they can live the lives they deserve.
10. What advice would you give new work at home moms?
Right off the bat, you need to set your work hours. Decide when is work time and when is home time. A brick and mortar store run by a single individual would never be expected to operate 16 hours a day, so you shouldn’t try to do that working at home either.
Don’t be afraid to barter services with other WAHM’s. If you are a web designer, but don’t like writing content, find a writer who needs to spruce up her site and trade services. You can also barter in the real world for babysitting time, housework, etc.
Most importantly- just do it!Don’t let fear hold you back. We all get afraid and overwhelmed at times, whether it is in our businesses or in our personal life. Don’t let it stop you. Network with other WAHMs through forums, Blog Talk Radio, Twitter and other similar opportunities so that you don’t feel isolated and alone. If you are experiencing a difficulty or frustration, you can bet that other moms are too, so network and talk about it. You’ll gain strength and encouragement that way! Believe in yourself- I do!
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