more-money / uncategorized The Feminine Economy (cont.) | Better Way Moms
Today is May 18, 2012

The Economy?!

The economy leads and we follow … or do we?

The Feminine Economy (cont.)

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It’s just flat out awesome. Many of us have always known that we are better at multi-tasking; that we can get more done faster; that we have had two jobs for a while now, one at home, and one in the office. And after all of these years of being quietly upset about it, harboring guilt when we stay home and when we to go the office, it’s incredible to see that we are now able to ask for what we need. I say we’ve earned it.

The other reason I write about this is because I love empowering other women. One of the reasons you see so many links to other companies and reviews of products that other women have created is because women in business back each other up in ways that can be rare in business. It’s like Macy’s and Gimbel’s in the movie “A Miracle on 34th Street,” and I like to pass that along to our “Better Way” moms. Now that the tide in this country is starting to turn towards us, and our natural talents, it’s time for us to start harnessing that power.

If you need more time at home and away from work, now is the time to ask for it. Obviously, you must be a valued employee, and you must get your work done. But statistically, women do an even better job when they are given flexible hours. We know there is a limited amount of time we have to get our work done, so we make sure it gets done. We give up the chats in the community kitchen, at the water cooler and longer lunches to make sure we get our work done because we know we have to be home on time. Employers know this, so if you need more time, ask for it. Ask for it respectfully, and prepare for the conversation by coming to the table with a clear set of plans and requests, and chances are, you can get it.

I know a lot of moms are worried that their employers may think that they aren’t “team players” or “yes women” if they make this request. And my answer to that is always the same, “That’s up to you.” You decide what your reputation is and how well you do your work. Yes, face time is important so make sure you request days from home or time off when you know it’s a little bit quieter in the office. Think about what will serve the company and what will serve you. The happier you are, the more well rounded you feel, the better you will be at your job. Only you know how well you do your work and how you are perceived. If you’re not sure, ask your co-workers. Can they depend upon you to get your work done? Are you on time? Do you turn your work in on time? Do you come up with creative ideas? They’ll tell you, I promise.

For our moms who have chosen to stay home and are now ready to use their own talents to make money, now is the time for you too. Strike while the iron is hot! Banks lend more to women than men, because statistically we pay back loans, sometimes even ahead of schedule, and we pay them back completely. Use this to get started. If you make killer cakes, get a very small loan from a bank to print up flyers, get your LLC, your food license and take out an ad in the local paper (in the wedding section for sure!). If you’re great at teaching a fitness class, or you’ve always wanted to, now is the time to get the word out about what you’re up to.

Other moms are out there, and they need you! You never know who is waiting on you to get started. Women who branch out and offer their talents usually end up helping other people. I know I’d love for my hard earned money to go to another mom who is fulfilling her dreams and creating time for her kids all at once.  Talk about a win-win! If this was a mom who started a personal trainer business for example, I get to get in shape, and she gets to be fulfilled and happy and bring money into the home. Scenarios like this are endless, and they’re ours for the taking.

At this time in our country, when so many people are stressed, tired and worried, there is no better time to ask for what you want or to build what you want. Women are leading the entrepreneurial world right now, and we’ve proven for years that we can take on the job or start the company and raise incredible kids at the same time. There is no reason not to be happy and fulfilled. We all know that our families are happier when we’re fulfilled. Now is the time…go for it.

Check out our “Starting a Business” article.

Author: Sarah

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