Networking

[Dawn~AturService]

Networking is a very important aspect of marketing. The topic pops up over & over again about balancing family and business. It's definitely a juggling act!! I notice I keep dropping a ball. I can't get consistent forum/networking time in. First of all I belong to 3-4 forums and I've joined biznix and merchant circle, but haven't been back since I joined. Any suggestions on how to sneak more time in for online networking? I'm hoping to "schedule" it in once I work from home full time, but what can I do in the meantime? The key to it being productive is "being there"!! Also, as I've mentioned previously, I don't even blog because I'm struggling to keep up with what I have going on now. Urrrgggghhhhh, why can't I function on less then 7-8 hours of sleep?? :wall:

[tam2005]

Hi Dawn,

You definitely sounds like you are busy there. ;)

I know the summer months can be challenging for WAHMS. How old are your children? What time do they get up in the morning? Maybe schedule networking either early in the morning or late in the evening after the kiddos are in bed.

One suggestion...schedule different forums for different days. Don't try to visit all forums every single day, I know I can't visit all the forums I belong to everyday and I'm free as a bird...don't have any kids at home. It is a challenge for me to fit networking in as well! I know what you're going through.

Hopefully, you'll get other responses here that will help.

[Dawn~AturService]

Hi Tammy,
Yes, life is a bit crazy. I have an eleven years old and a 15 months old. My little one keeps me on my toes boy! I work my VA business around her naps and bedtime. I still work a full time job 3rd shift and have pretty much given up on house chores other than the occassional quick pick-up. I can't wait until it all falls into place!:mrgreen:

I think you're right. I need to schedule designated time each week, for each group.

Thanks for your support and have a great weekend!
Dawn

[WorkAtHomeSpace]

I'm glad you know your limits and how much you can handle.

I would set a block time to do just networking online -- you may want to use a timer and once the time is up, you're done. I found certain times for networking is busier than other times, so you may want to network on the times that is the busiest or more active because it would be more beneficial to you. You may have to swap a task with another to fit this task in.

Do you use a day planner?

[Dawn~AturService]

Thank you for your suggestions. My forum participation is so sporadic that I never noticed some times are busier than others. :oops:

Yes, I live by my daily planner! I plan to utilize google's calendar once I somewhat get a routine established.

[zero2riches4me]

Boy I understand!

I have 1 computer and 2 adults and 1 child you constantly want to be on it.

But, you just plug along and do the best that you can. Plus, I work full time, so it's pure craziness!

[Dawn~AturService]

Thank you. You're so right! I just take it one day at a time. I'm FINALLY transitioning to working from home full time. 11 days to go! I'm sure it will take a few weeks to get into a routine but I'm thrilled to finally start taking some big steps towards the future success of my company!

[tam2005]

I'm FINALLY transitioning to working from home full time. 11 days to go! I'm sure it will take a few weeks to get into a routine but I'm thrilled to finally start taking some big steps towards the future success of my company!

Excellent Dawn! I'm happy for you. :mrgreen:

Make up a routine/schedule you can reasonably stick with. I wish you much success! Keep us posted. :)

[Dawn~AturService]

Thank you so much Tammy! It is so scary, yet exciting and relieving to finally stop having to juggle so much! Outside of my family, it will be nice to put all of my focus towards my business! And gaining more time to chit chat here is something to look forward too! :lol9:

[tam2005]

You're most welcome Dawn. We are here for you if you have any questions or anything. :D