The post describes some circumstances that might cause a potential client to take your business less than seriously. While the Freelance Switch post deals largely with age-related discrimination (and contains some excellent advice, by the way), I have heard work-at-home moms ask a similar question: should I divulge that I am a work-at-home mom to a client or a potential client?
For me, of course, it's not really an issue any more. I write for a site called Work From Home Momma and any potential client can easily search on my name and find this site if they look for it. Not only that, I'm proud of my work here and include it with applications whenever it is appropriate.
I can understand the hesitation other work-at-home moms might have about divulging their WAHM status. Some potential clients may have bought into popular WAHM myths. For them the concept of working from home might conjure up images of someone sitting around the house watching television in a room full of noisy kids. (One would hope, of course, that this myth would disappear, but there's evidence that it's still out there.)
How can you overcome any negative perceptions that might surround being a WAHM? The primary way is to provide your clients with maximum value.
- Meet, or exceed, your project requirements.
- Turn in your work on time, or early.
- Suggest additional improvements.
- Maintain the highest level of integrity in your dealings with clients.
- Keep communication lines open.
In my own business, I neither hide nor emphasize that I am a WAHM. For those positions (such as this writing gig at Work From Home Momma) where being a WAHM is part of the requirements, I include the information with my application. For other jobs, however, I don't see the information as being particularly relevant. I am going to get the work done regardless. As far as I know, being a WAHM has never cost me an opportunity.
How about you? Have you faced any obstacles due to being a work-at-home mom? If so, how did you handle them?
Leave us a comment, and let us know.
» Best of Work From Home Momma 2007 - Ten Posts You Loved from WorkFromHomeMomma
It's that time of the year when people look back over what they've done and reflect on what they can learn. Many bloggers take the time to list their best or most popular posts. In fact, at HomeBizNote... [Read More]
Tracked on: December 27, 2007 8:09 AM | Permalink to Trackback