Home working webinar
One of the things I really enjoy about being self-employed is the freedom it gives you to put into practice your own ideas, without the constraints of someone else vetoing or altering things. And what is noticeable is how so many of the brilliant ideas actually come from other people.
Sometimes they don’t even know they planted a wonderful seed, sometimes you may not even be able to trace it back to one individual but just to a general feeling you got from being in a place, reading a book etc.
Other times it is obvious – last week I was talking to Francesca Geens of Digital Dragonfly, the delightfully non-geeky IT support person for one-man businesses, who is based in Kent. Francesca was a regular attendee at my How to Work from Home events at Central last year and commented that it would be nice to have a phone call or webinar instead of a meeting.
I filed that away as a good idea for future use, only to have it immediately reinforced this week. VA Sharon Sheppard of Outofhours Admin (based in Ireland) posted an honest and openhearted blog about losing a client who had lost funding for his business, and finding it very tough to keep her home business going.
It was so obvious that of course a webinar would be a good idea. We all have times when it seems just too hard to keep going, when we lose perspective and when a job with someone else paying us a salary seems like the most tempting prospect ever. And you can join a call no matter where you are, no time-consuming and expensive travel needed.
So I’ve decided to go ahead and plan one, provisionally titled The Wonders and Woes of Home Working, because that’s what we’ll be mainly talking about! I’d love to know what topics you’d like featured, what the best time will be, daytime or evening, and any other thoughts you’d like to share.
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Great idea Judy.
Just by way of throwing in an idea, am wondering whatever topics are discussed, if there is also an “action” element attached to it. What I mean by that is after the discussion maybe posing a question to the group about what change or action they will take as a result of the discussion.
Might add another dimension to the discussion and support people in doing something different on a certain topic after teh discussion.
Just a thought anyway.
Looking forward to seeing how things shape up.
Definitely, Ali. An important part of the events last year was everyone agreeing to report back on the progress they’d made on the points they raised. People made some amazing leaps forward for all sorts of reasons.
Firstly, it helps to hear other people express fears and frustrations so you know it’s not just you! That is very freeing. Hearing how other people deal with problems is really helpful. And of course there’s so much more incentive when you know somebody else is going to ask how you’re getting on!
I think this is a great idea, the time of the webinar is all important though isn’t it? Personally I would prefer daytime but realise a lot of homeworkers may be doing that ‘other’ job then.
I’ll go with the preference of the majority, and Ali has suggested I should record it so that people who can’t make the time for whatever reason can at least listen. Now to check out the technical part!
I am with Sharon. I would prefer daytime (before 3.0pm) as I run my business round my son’s school hours so late afternoons and evenings are family time.
Would there be a recording for those who cannot attend whatever time you choose. That way, although they couldn’t take part in the actual discussion, they would be able to get some value afterwards by just being able to listen to what went on.
Thanks again, Ali, the answer is yes. All I have to do now is find out how 🙂
I can pretty much fit in with anyone at the moment, daytime preferred. I have been a VA for 12 years.
Oh dear, I know I replied to you, Barbara, but it’s no longer here! Daytime is winning hands down at the moment!
I’m interested
Thanks, Jonathan, any time preference?
I’m easy any time.
Ah, thanks!
I absolutely agree it is a relief to air the feelings of concern regarding working from home or starting a business, however, what we all really need is a plan of action to make things better. A plan of action that someone will check up on. A plan of action where we are answerable to someone.
I believe the ultimate success of a business or working from home is not necessarily based on the strength of the idea, but more to do with the ability to be consistently focused, productive and tenacious in our daily tasks.
On the strength of this, as from next week I am going to plan in my diary what I am going to achieve that week. I will then tick off as I actually do it, give myself a pat on the back, and not allow myself to waver off course and fiddle about time wasting.
I will let you know how I get on !!!!!
Yes, do let us know how you get on, Karen. Accountability is really important. And I’ve always found it much more effective to be accountable to someone else, preferably someone who won’t accept excuses (unlike me, who accepts my own too readily). Maybe we could get some kind of system going where people check on each other?
Great idea Judy, I’d definitely be interested in joining.
Katie
Great, Katie. I expect for the time being you wouldn’t be available during the day?
Count me in! I would like to be part of the discussion to get advices to all of you. I have been working as a VA for almost 2 years but there are still so many things need to learn. email me here if i am not late bhecca73@gmail.com
Thanks guys!
I’ll be posting more information as soon as I have it. This will be my first webinar so there’s a lot to check out first!
I think I’ve been hiding in a cave Judy, I’ve only just come across this post!
I think it’s a fantastic idea and will definitely make sure I’m available for the webinar. Thanks for the mention of my blog post, wasn’t sure if it was a bit too honest!
Anyway, preferably day time would be best for me too, anytime before 4.30pm.
Thanks again 🙂
I expect you were in a bird hide, Sharon! I’m glad you’re going to join us since you were one of the main inspirations for the call.
I know it feels weird to be very open about your business, but people really do appreciate it. And it will end up helping lots of home workers too 🙂
Dear Judy,
This webinar looks fantastic. As someone who writes for a work from home community I’m always interested to learn about others’ experiences.
I’d love to be involved!
Great to hear, David, thanks. I hope to pass on more details soon.