Work at Home Mom Profile 1.27.2006
Name: Lori Reed Tilt
Age: 41
Home: Canton, GA (Metro Atlanta area)
Email: lori@tiltmarketing.com
URL: www.tiltmarketing.com
Family's Names and Ages:
Lee 39
Emma 6
Ethan 3
Job Title:
Marketing Consultant and Owner of my own firm - Tilt Marketing
Job Description:
I help small and mid-sized businesses with marketing, business development, strategic planning and public relations. I charge clients on an hourly basis.
How I Started My Business:
I started "consulting" after my first child was born because I couldn't bear to leave her all day. In the beginning, I only worked with one client at a time for about 15-20 hours a week. I would visit their office once a week and do the work from home.
After my second child was born, I took some time off from consulting and tried my hand with an established multi-level marketing company. Even though I sold over $10,000 worth of products in a year, recruited 8 other people, conducted multiple fund raisers, and was named best new rep in my district, I still wasn't able to make any "real" money. (While I hear that MLM's work well for some people, the experience didn't pan out for me.)
So, when my youngest child turned two, I decided to restart my consulting practice. I got my first client by doing some volunteer work. From there, the clients came from networking and by referral. I was amazed by how many people needed my services and were glad to have a part time resource.
My Typical Work Schedule:
After getting my kids to school, I usually run some errands and do a couple things around the house.
Then, I try to work from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. I have five regular clients, so in order to avoid over committing myself, I develop a schedule for each week and layer their assignments on it. Once I reach capacity for the week, I try to "roll" projects into the next week. This has worked out well, with the exception of one week when EVERYONE NEEDED something the same week. (I simply had a few late nights and made some extra money!)
I do most of the work via computer and phone. I do a lot of writing and research and use the internet extensively. I try to limit meetings in their offices and keep my clients nearby to cut travel time.
About 4 p.m., I pick up my kids. They play and do homework while I make dinner. For us, it is a good balance.
Because I take each project on an "a la carte" basis (charging hourly for the work I do), I truly feel I've found the best possible career for this stay-at-home mom. I'll be able to put Madeleine's needs first and still meet all my deadlines. Freelancing is a supremely scaleable profession, with minimal book-keeping and paperwork. Best of all, my existing clients keep referring new ones, so advertising costs are low.
What I Love About My Job:
I get to do marketing work that I am absolutely passionate about on MY TERMS. I also get paid well. When I have a slow day, I don't have to ask for a day off, I can just go shopping or pick up the kids early.
Challenges I Face:
Some of the work I do is not "billable" to a client, such as attending a Chamber of Commerce meeting or doing general research to keep my skills sharp. I have to watch the time I spend doing those activities to keep my earnings in line with my goals.
Tips and Advice:
Many small businesses need skilled assistance on a part-time basis, but often don't advertise those positions. To test the waters, start asking around in your community to see if your skills are in demand. Don't ask people for a job initially, but rather ask for their suggestions and advice. Ask about their business and how they fill certain needs so you can formulate your strategy.
If there has been a long gap in your employment, you might want to consider doing a little volunteer/pro bono work just to refresh your skills and make new contacts. Try to network with other consultants offering the service you wish to provide; many will see you as a resource and a potential source of referrals, so they will be more likely to help you than you might imagine. Search the internet for articles and tips, you might be amazed by what you will find.
Once you have done your homework, try approaching a couple businesses about assisting them. Try to keep expenses to a minimum until you have established a paying client. Once you get going, you may want to consult with an account, attorney, etc. to make sure you are doing everything to protect your interests. Starting your own consulting practice requires some time and energy, but can be a rewarding and profitable venture.
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