| Mary Waggoner
"I work from home. I started the Elderly Care Konnection last
February. I have no background in marketing or business, but a wonderfully
creative mind. In the past year, I have learned how to create a web
site, publish it, network on-line through groups such as FoD and other
work at home Mom sites. I have also learned how to create a brochure,
a flyer and business cards. I made myself do public speaking before
civic groups and ran seminars on elder care through our local YMCA.
I have made a name for myself through my writing and have been asked (and
accepted) a position as a Community Activist for ElderCare Online, a site
which has been sited in Times Magazine and SmartMoney Magazine as the best
site for Alzhemier's information! I have also made contacts with
a freelance writer for Child Magazine (will be featured in an article on
work at home scams in the May 2000 issue). This contact is now approaching
Working Woman Magazine with a story concept I created about elder care
crisis in the work force.
Financially, I only had one client last year. The good
news? I didn't have to file with the IRS and give Uncle Sam 15% of
my earnings! The bad news? I didn't earn enough to file with the
IRS! So far, since the beginning of the new year, I've had a 100%
increase in clients. (I suppose it's all in how you look at it!).
I have not applied for a loan because my credit is awful! Plus, because
I wasn't bringing any money in, I would have no way to pay the loan. I
am a full-time to 2 and that is more important to me than making a million
dollars. The truth is it won't matter if my business fails in the
long run, it WILL matter if I fail my children.
Am I happy with my rate of growth? Yes, because I am
choosing the rate. I have the opportunity for the business to grow
quickly now with a contact through an insurance company who's target market
are those over 65.
Where do I see myself in 5 years? My youngest
will be in 2nd grade, so I will be able to devote my time to my expanding
business. Most small businesses fail within the first 5 years because
they don't hang on through the tough times. I am fortunate that I
can wait it out. My husband doesn't make a ton of money, but we're
getting by."
* * *
Lisa Harris
"I am up here in Western NY, Rochester but am originally from the Bronx.
I've spent LOTS of time while growing up on Long Island. I have a
BA degree in Psychology and Theatre Arts, and have spent my entire career
in Marketing; first with Xerox in Manhattan and now with Arbonne in Rochester.
I had been using various herbs in the treatment of
migraines, PMS, skin disorders etc., and have spent much of my Stay at
Home Mom days going to seminars on homeopathic procedures and visiting
many "alternative " professionals and picking their brains. About
seven years ago I started a library in my home with books in these varying
disciplines. About three years ago I went looking for a botanical
skin care line that was true, not all hype. It took me 1 1/2 years
to find Arbonne, and once I tried their products, I knew that I had found
what I was looking for. With NO ONE else anywhere close to my area
selling this product line, my new career was launched. The result
of my efforts to introduce this product line to the area has been very
positive. There are now between 85 and 90 individuals now representing
Arbonne because of my introduction of the line. I wish you well in
your career. Thanks for visiting.
"
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