Just curious what you took away with you - even if the business wasn't successful?

I opened an ebay Consignment business here in my hometown and worked at it part-time for 1 yr. My children are still young and even with part time hours, I was torn about not being physically in the home with them. Childcare was not a problem, but mentally, I neglected them.

We ended up eating out more for dinner, often because I was too exhausted to cook not to mention hitting a drive thru at lunch or on the way to the office--and thus the budget was shot.

I just feel that I am needed more at home right now and there will be plenty of time for a real job after the kiddos are older.

I recently read - not sure where- maybe even on this site:

When you have children, the days are long but the years are short.

To make sure that it is something you believe in and really want to do, because you are going eat, sleep and live your job/product for a while.

To hire the best employees that you can find, even if you have to pay a little more, because your employees can make or break your business.

To have patience with the customer, and vendors or suppliers because anything that can go wrong will.

Treat your customers and employees like you want to be treated.

Be patience have try to have money in the bank to fall back on, because you will be the last person to get paid.

Always be prepared to work, even if you have scheduled the day off, because even the most trust worthy employee has emergencys or will be sick. Then if you don't have to work that day, it is a bonus.

That's all that I can think of right off of my head, that I learned from having my own business.

I learned my tendancy toward frugality got in the way. I believe in delivering excellent customer service, which is really easy to do when it is with someone else's money. However, when it is my own business, all I can see it those dollar signs.

And there is a delicate balance between promoting your business (selling) and actually DOING the business. You can never do one too much.

Working from home is, I think, the hardest. The business is always there. It is always screaming for your attention. You can't get away from it.

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DH and I have a business that we are in the process of selling right now and I couldn't agree more with what ruthie said. The only thing I would add is that your attitude is the attitude of the entire business. You HAVE to be positive, kind, pleasant, hardworking, willing, etc. Your employees and your ENTIRE business will mirror you. (That is not to say that if it fails, you are a failure AT ALL.)

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