10 Mistakes of WAHMs and How to Avoid Them
By Jennifer Rogers,
Founder and Owner Moms United in Business, LLC

1. Being a social networking butterfly: Joining many networking sites without taking the time to truly connect on a personal level with members. Not building quality relationships, only looking out for #1 to increase sales and profit.

Solution: Narrow down your networking groups to 1-3 and commit yourself to taking time to truly connect with other members. It is not the number of connections you make that contributes to your success, but the quality of your connections and relationships. Not sure what sites/groups you want to devote your precious free time to? Really investigate what each site/group has to offer and if you feel at home there. While one site/group may be an awesome networking source for another WAHM it may not be a perfect fit for you. Find the sites/groups that are inline with your personality, your own goals and that you actually enjoy being a member. Social Networking online, also referred to as Web 2.0, can be very time consuming. Don't waste your time being a social butterfly getting nowhere fast. Use your time wisely and narrow down your social networking avenues.

2. Advertising/Spamming: Promoting your business anywhere and everywhere with no regard for professional networking or building relationships with potential clients/customers.

Solution: While using ad groups, forums and advertising networking sites can be beneficial it should not be the only marketing campaign you use. You should not waste time spending hours upon hours sending out email blasts and the like. When you have been in business long enough you will see that these methods of making sales do not really work all that well, if at all. Use ad groups and lists in moderation. Nothing screams unprofessional more than a spammer. I see the same WAHMs over and over again posting the same ads in various forums and groups and most of the times those are the same ones that complain about how much time they spend working their business without monetary results.

3. Using poor grammar and spelling: Not taking the time to proof read emails (even social/personal emails), not bothering to capitalize words when appropriate, and multiple spelling errors.

Solution: This too screams unprofessional. We all make mistakes, typos and the like. However, and I know you have seen them, those that post without care or thought into what they are writing. Take the time to proof read all posts and emails. Your written words have as much of an impact online as first impressions have off line.

4. Expecting instant results: Being in business a matter of days, weeks or months and expecting a steady income.

Solution: Understand that most home based businesses do NOT see an actual profit within the first year, and a lot do not see a steady income for up to 3 years. Keep in mind, you reap what you sow, and if you continue to work hard, have patience and keep a steady pace you can be successful. Remember the fable the Tortoise and the Hare?

5. No follow up: Not following up with previous clients/customers or potiential clients/customers.

Solution: Go above and beyond. Send a personal note or card via Snail Mail thanking your client/customer for their business. At the very least, send a follow up email immediately and then one more a few weeks or months down the road. A word of caution, be genuine, this is NOT the time to advertise your business. Do NOT send a note, card or email merely promoting your business or newest products. If mailing out a note or card, feel free to include your business card. Offer a newsletter through your site or blog for those interested in this kind of information.

6. Not using a signature tag in your emails or forum postings.

Solution: Always include a signature tag with your business links and brief info. While some groups and forums do not allow you to do this, a lot do. If it is allowed take advantage, if it is not, abide by the owner's rules and remove any signature tags when posting to those particular groups or forums. Keep your signature brief and to the point. It is aggrevating when a signature includes 20 links with information, huge banners or graphics. Again, this screams unprofessional.

7. No concrete short and long term goals.

Solution: Take the time to write out your short term and long term goals. This will keep you focused and on track. Planning is everything. Long term goals can include a year from now or more. Break down your goals to both weekly and daily goals to make them easier to accomplish and to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

8. Lack of quality content on sites, blogs and in newsletters.

Solution: Use your sites, blogs and newsletters as avenues to connect with your visitors and readers. Do not use your sites, blogs and newsletters as only an avenue for advertising your products or services. Those are a dime a dozen. Keep your content fresh and geared to your target market. Offer them concrete information they can use or relate to. If writing your own content intimidates you, or is not your strength, use free reprint articles. There are thousands of free articles for reprint sites. Take advantage of them!

9. Not offering freebies/giveaways.

Solution: Offer exciting contests, freebies and giveaways. Nothing draws interest and traffic more than offering something for nothing. BNI (Business Networking International) uses the concept of "Giver's Gain". What does this mean? By giving of yourself, your time, and yes even your products, you will gain more in the end. You could also look at this as another example of you reap what you sow, or what some refer to as "karma". Give and you will recieve.

10. Suffering from Burnout.

Solution: Make time for yourself! As wahms we are constantly giving to others, and while I do advocate the above concept, this includes giving to yourself as well. When you are stressed and suffering from burnout everyone and everything suffers. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. To be at your best and to not succumb to burnout you must pace yourself when juggling the stresses of work and family. You must make yourself a priority on your to do list. You will end up being more fulfilled, more content and more productive.