I only scratched the surface in the original Work at Home Exposé.  There’s a root issue or main point I need to address.  

THE ISSUE:

Don’t be surprised if emotional upheaval, anxiety and fears suddenly emerge when you contemplate a major life change.  

§         Could you really use some good news?

§         Are you brokenhearted?  

§         Do you know what it’s like to be poor? 

§         Would you like to be set free?

If so, then please re-read the verse above and take it to heart.  And if this doesn’t particularly apply to you; then consider how it might benefit someone you know.   

I started thinking about this because my friends and family have been asking questions since we released the Work at Home Exposé.  Happy (and not-so-happy) working moms, working dads and stay-at-home moms all wanted the inside scoop.  Evidently, the Work at Home article raised as many questions as it answered. 

THE QUESTIONS: 

1. So…how much do you and Big Dan make online?
2. How many hours a week do you work?
3. Can you teach me how or just tell me what to do?  

I’m sure other people were wondering the same thing -but didn’t feel they knew me well enough to ask. 

THE ANSWERS:  

1. How much do we make? -By God's grace, the internet brings in more than we need to comfortably support our family of seven.
2. How many hours per week do we work online?  -Anywhere from 15 to 35.
3. Will I teach you how or just tell you what to do? –I’ll do even better; I tell you what I did: 

Spiritually:

1.      I prayed –a lot. Silently, out loud, in song, and in my heart. Prayer became my standard response to solving problems.  

2.      I listened to uplifting music –exclusively. The positive lyrics in Contemporary Christian music kept me full of hope and joy. 

3.      I worshipped –regularly.  Not out of obligation, but of necessity.  It was a healing balm to be encouraged and taught every week. 

4.      I read the Bible –for myself. The concordance guided me to find what God has to say about every situation.

Professionally:   

1.      I joined Scam Free Zone Private Member's site 

2.      I read the Blueprint for Success on my computer. 

3.      I did the Writing Cash tutorial

4.      And I started paying closer attention to Eric’s Tips.

These things quickly took me from “wishing I had a clue online” to “making a living online.” In hindsight, I can see how valuable it was that I started with prayer, but I really should have started learning about internet marketing shortly thereafter.  (For the record, Big Dan and I spent three years burning through our life savings before we even started learning about affiliate or internet marketing.)

 
BLACK BOX WARNING

So here’s the bottom line of the lessons I learned about working at home on the internet:

1. Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing -But don’t let fear keep you out of the pasture!
2. Educate yourself over a period of time about websites and the internet.  Your own education should never be delegated to someone else.  You must understand "how, why and where" you make a living online.  Do not “outsource” your own wisdom.

§         You don’t need special equipment.  (Your PC or laptop will do.) 

§         You don’t need to become a programmer,

§         You don’t need to become webmaster

§         You don’t need to become Search Engine specialist. 

With just a rudimentary understanding of internet marketing, HTML and SEO even a tech-challenged person like me learned enough to turn a profit. (If you don’t know what HTML and SEO means; don’t despair –neither did I in the beginning!)

ENCOURAGEMENT

Working mom, if you’ve been longing to find a way to earn a living while working from home, be brave!  Don’t sell yourself short, and don’t give up on your dreams.  You’re raising a child, keeping up a home and holding down a job. That’s proof you’ve got potential!  

§         Know what your goals are. –See the Vision Article

§         Begin working towards achieving them. –See the Work at Home Exposé

§         Become knowledgeable & wise. –Pray hard and start learning.

Helpful Resources: The Scam Free Zone Private Members; Blueprint for Success; Writing Cash; Eric’s Tips; Go Daddy Coupons