Motherhood Talk Radio hosted by Sandra Beck, Christy Holly, and Rick Swanson, welcomes Pat Sloan of Creative Talk Radio.
Pat Sloan started sewing as a child (love those doll clothes!) and continued sewing clothing for herself until she discovered quilting. She has been quilting now for over 15 years. She soon started teaching and then finally decided to put her ideas into patterns.
Pat runs her own design business called Pat Sloan & Company located in Fairfax County, Virginia. She has found that she really enjoys designing patterns and seeing what other quilters do with her patterns. In addition to publishing her own patterns, Pat designs patterns for McCall’s Quilting, McCall’s Quick Quilts, American Patchwork & Quilting, Quilters World, Create & Decorate, and the Fons and Porter magazines. She has designed several fabric lines with her favorite fabric company, P&B Textiles. Also, Pat loves working with the great people at her book publisher Leisure Arts, with whom she has authored more than 15 books.
For more information, Visit www.patsloan.com.
Motherhood Talk Radio is co-hosted by Sandra Beck, Christy Holly and Rick Swanson, hosted by Toginet Radio and powered by Motherhood Incorporated. Motherhood Talk Radio would like to thank our guest who have spoken with respect to motherhood on the following topics: women’s issues, parenting, relationship advice, personal growth, divorce, marriage, dating, weddings, relationships, health care, pet health, crafting, beading, relationship advice, cooking, family matters, care packages for soldiers, nutrition, child adoption, children with brain injuries, children’s advocacy, autism, cancer, eldercare issues, child care issues, personal growth and parenting issues.
Career Focus: Work at Home as a Web Designer by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
November 13, 2009
by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
If you’ve got a knack for computers, then web development could be the work-at-home career for you. You don’t need a lot of extra schooling to become a web developer, though it can be helpful. Whether you have a formal education or are self-taught, what matters most to employers and clients is your ability to set them up with an outstanding website.
The Technology
To work out of your home, you will need a computer with Internet access. Since web design projects can be large scale, project management skills are also important. At-home web design can be done on a flexible schedule, making it very family friendly.
Getting Started
Start out by building your own website. Potential clients and employers will expect a web designer to have a top-notch website showcasing her skills. This is a great opportunity to experiment with different ideas, and get a sense of your personal style. Be sure to include your resume and contact information. You never know when a hit on your website will result in a new client.
Building a Portfolio
Showcase your talents through a portfolio. As you build websites, collect a record of your professional experience through examples of the quality work you provide. If you are willing to work hard and give your all to a few friends or organizations free of charge, your portfolio will quickly come together. Don’t know anyone looking for a website? Try volunteermatch.org. The site will pair you with nonprofit organizations looking for volunteers. Not only will you gain experience, but you will also be helping out a cause close to your heart.
Choosing a Niche
Once you have a few jobs under your belt, you may find it beneficial to choose a niche or specialty. Maybe you excel when working with nonprofits, or prefer the informal touch of a personal website. Capitalize on your strengths and interests when choosing a niche market. Specializing will help you gain credibility with your clients. With a little planning, and a lot of hard work, you will be a professional web designer from the comfort of your home before you know it.
www.motherhoodincorporated.com
Career Focus: Work at Home as a Virtual Assistant by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
November 11, 2009
by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
You’ve worked in an office for years. You’re good at your job, but dread the morning commute. You long for a flexible schedule that works with your family needs, not against them. If this sounds like you, you could work at home as a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants provide administrative services to their clients via the Internet. Though not required, experience as an administrative assistant can be helpful. 
The Technology
To work out of your home, you will need a telephone line, personal computer, printer, and Internet access. A fax machine is also helpful. If you would rather not invest in a fax machine, try an online fax service. For a monthly fee, you can send and receive faxes by email.
Certification
Some virtual assistants find certification helpful in keeping their skills at peak performance. The skills improved upon through certification include executive support, business decision-making, customer service, and project management. Certification is also helpful in gaining credibility among your colleagues, and potential clients. Try vacertification.com for more info on becoming certified.
Pump Up Your Resumé
Is your resume looking a little thin in the experience category? If you are willing to volunteer your time, you can quickly gain the experience you need to succeed. There are a number of websites available to connect you with a nonprofit organization in need of your skills. Try idealist.org, volunteer.gov, or volunteermatch.org. Beneficial to your career and the charitable cause of your choosing, this match is a win-win situation. Work hard and you will likely accumulate some professional references as well.
Choosing a Niche
Once you have established yourself as a virtual assistant, you may want to consider choosing an area of specialization. Most virtual assistants choose to specialize in a field of interest, such as real estate or medical transcription. Make the most of your expertise and interests when choosing a niche market. Specializing will help you gain credibility with your clients. Over time, you will become an expert in your field, all from the comfort of your own home.
Sources:
(2007). The Media’s Virtual Assistant Survey Results. Retrieved March 7, 2009 from VA Networking Website:
http://www.vanetworking.com/survey/virtual-assistant-statistics.htm.
(2004). Virtual Assistant Skill set. Retrieved March 7, 2009 from Virtual Assistant Certification Website: http://www.vacertification.com/skillset.htm
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Title: 5 Ways to Keep Your Toddler Happy While You Work by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
November 6, 2009
Title: 5 Ways to Keep Your Toddler Happy While You Work by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
Do you need a few more minutes to concentrate? Are you finding it hard to focus with a two-year-old climbing in your lap? This is a challenge many work-at-home moms face while their children are young. Here are five items you may already have to entertain your toddler in a pinch:
Empty Boxes
Most of us have seen a toddler open a gift only to find the box more interesting than the present so thoughtfully tucked inside. Hang on to a few empty boxes of varying size, and pull them out when your child is bored. Set up large boxes as a fort, or open the ends to make a tunnel. Smaller boxes make a great bed for stuffed animals, target for balls or beanbags, or can be used for sorting games.
Tissue Paper
Young children love the crisp sound of tissue paper rustling in their hands. Set aside some gift wrapping tissue, and give it to your child when he is bored. Let him crinkle, cover and tear, while you meet your deadlines. Just be prepared for a bit of a mess later.
Index Cards
A little tape, some crayons, and your toddler’s imagination add up to reusable fun. Make your own flash cards by having your child draw on index cards. If you have some time, cut pictures she likes from old magazines or use pictures of your family. Tape the pictures to the cards, and cover them with clear contact paper to use again and again.
Paper Bags
An assortment of paper bags can be hours of fun for your little one. Large bags can be used to play grocery store, or as a target for tossing soft balls or bean bags. Smaller bags come in handy for making puppets. Have your child decorate the puppet, and then show him how to make his new toy talk using his hand.
Old Greeting Cards
The next time there is a birthday in your house, save a few of the greeting cards, along with their envelopes. Toddlers love the brightly decorated cards and will have fun taking them in and out of their envelopes. Pair them with a shoe “mail” box, and the two of you can open your mail together.
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4 Quick Tips to a Company Ready Home Office by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
October 30, 2009
by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated
If your home business requires occasional client visits, the state of your home office can make or break a business deal. When my husband and I were looking for someone to photograph our wedding we visited a few photographers working out of their homes. One invited us into a poorly lit kitchen to review his portfolio, while the contract-winning operation invited us into a home office that displayed quality and professionalism from the start. I’m not saying that the state of your home office alone will win your clients over, but every interaction leaves a lasting impression. Here are four tips to make sure the impression you leave is a good one:
1. Clear the clutter.
Put away anything that doesn’t need to be out. A disorganized home office will leave your clients wondering if you will drop the ball when it comes to their projects. This is especially important when you are working with multiple clients on proprietary information. Your customers need to know that they can trust you to be discreet.
2. It’s all business.
Your office may be located in your home, but it should reflect a business environment. Though you may enjoy hanging your children’s artwork and other personal effects in your workspace, when clients come around it is time to tuck these items away.
3. Critical cleaning.
Don’t waste time cleaning everything from top to bottom. Focus from the waist up, on the areas that capture the eyes. A quick dust over surfaces should suffice. Do make sure that your guest bath is clean. Wipe the mirror and sink, and run a brush around the toilet bowl. Finish off by emptying the trash cans. We all feel more comfortable in a clean environment.
4. Liven it up.
A few strategically placed plants or a vase of fresh flowers can do wonders to brighten a room. If you are fortunate enough to have a blooming flower garden, cut a few blooms and bring them inside. Adding natural color to your office space will make it calm and inviting, something you can enjoy even after the close of the business day.
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