All IMers that have kids; make sure you know this!

31 replies
This is true even for those who aren't parents, but I think it's even more important for parents...

OUTSOURCE!

I know that you would do anything for your kids, most of you work on IM late into the night specifically to provide for your kids. So I understand that when you think about outsourcing its "Why should I pay someone $xx for ten articles when I can do them for free in 2-3 hours?" 2 reasons.

First: As a business owner, hopefully you know more than the person writing your articles. While they're writing your articles, you can be doing something more complex; your time is worth more.

Second: If you're a parent, it might help to think of it this way: "I'm going to make money off of the articles, I'm paying $xx to spend an extra 22-3 hours with my kids/spouse/dog/whatever" because REMEMBER your goals!

If I ask what your goal is right now, most will say 'to make $x,xxx a month' You know what most won't say? "to make $x,xxx a month working only 40 hours a week" You should always be trying to make MORE money with LESS of your own time.

Think of it like this: If you sleep 8 hours a night, eat 2 hours a day, work 10 hours, and spend an hour driving, that's 21 hours! That only leaves 3 hours to get ready for bed, spend time with your family, etc. ALWAYS try to reduce the time you spend.

Keep it in mind!
#imers #kids #make
  • Profile picture of the author D Joseph
    Thank you so much for posting this. Sometimes I find myself stressing out to get all the work done with only so many hours in the day, littles one clamoring for attention, etc. Outsourcing truly is a parent's best friend!
    Signature
    Need PLR? - Grab a $5 PLR content pack today!
    Halloween 2012 PLR~~~~~~~~Local Marketing PLR
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758263].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author pyles
    Haha outsourcing has saved me, it cut my work load down and profits as well for now, but with taking care of my kid (dog) it helps a ton.
    Signature
    --------------
    Click the link above for an amazing ebook writing service,trust me, I know!
    --------------
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758381].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Si_P
    We have a baby on the way, so i will definately be trying to outsource as i dont want any of my precious time that i want to spend with the baby, be spent working on writing articles!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758390].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
    Even if it cuts down on your profits, your hourly rate is increasing because you work less :-)
    Signature
    FREE 500 word articles, PM me for yours!
    (4 days only!)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758396].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AndyBlackSEO
    That's true. I don't want to wake up one day and find that my kids are all grown up and feel that I've missed out on that part of life. That time of life is precious and no amount of money can bring it back. That's why I am changing the way in which I work by altering my work timetable so I can spend more time with my family... especially with the summer coming up.
    Signature
    [FREE SEO TOOL] Build 29 Effective, High Authority Backlinks that Will Increase Your Google Rankings in 2020... CLICK HERE ...
    ... Instant backlinks that can get you results within 24-72hrs.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758397].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MJ Sterling
    I never thought I'd see someone on an Internet forum telling me I need to be a better parent.

    Just messing with ya man.

    I have my own solution though.. work while the kid is at school and don't when he is at home.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758401].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Floyd Fisher
      Originally Posted by MJ Sterling View Post

      I never thought I'd see someone on an Internet forum telling me I need to be a better parent.

      Just messing with ya man.

      I have my own solution though.. work while the kid is at school and don't when he is at home.
      And what do you do when they are on vacation?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759247].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MJ Sterling
        Originally Posted by Floyd Fisher View Post

        And what do you do when they are on vacation?
        The absolute bare minimum, maybe I'm lucky, the business runs on autopilot so 'work' for me is developing new sites.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759398].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jazbo
    I have a baby on the way, and I am fully intending to outsource. Just as soon as he/she is old enough to type for pocket money...... ;-)
    Signature
    CONTENT WRITER. Reliable, UK-Based, 6 Years Experience - ANY NICHE
    Click Here For Writing Samples & Online Ordering
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758433].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
      Originally Posted by jazbo View Post

      I have a baby on the way, and I am fully intending to outsource. Just as soon as he/she is old enough to type for pocket money...... ;-)
      Mine is 5 months old, pretty sure he can mow the lawn in june :-p
      Signature
      FREE 500 word articles, PM me for yours!
      (4 days only!)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758453].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Leslie B
    Originally Posted by ArticlePrince View Post

    This is true even for those who aren't parents, but I think it's even more important for parents...

    OUTSOURCE!

    I know that you would do anything for your kids, most of you work on IM late into the night specifically to provide for your kids. So I understand that when you think about outsourcing its "Why should I pay someone for ten articles when I can do them for free in 2-3 hours?" 2 reasons.

    First: As a business owner, hopefully you know more than the person writing your articles. While they're writing your articles, you can be doing something more complex; your time is worth more.

    Second: If you're a parent, it might help to think of it this way: "I'm going to make money off of the articles, I'm paying to spend an extra 22-3 hours with my kids/spouse/dog/whatever" because REMEMBER your goals!

    If I ask what your goal is right now, most will say 'to make ,xxx a month' You know what most won't say? "to make ,xxx a month working only 40 hours a week" You should always be trying to make MORE money with LESS of your own time.

    Think of it like this: If you sleep 8 hours a night, eat 2 hours a day, work 10 hours, and spend an hour driving, that's 21 hours! That only leaves 3 hours to get ready for bed, spend time with your family, etc. ALWAYS try to reduce the time you spend.

    Keep it in mind!
    I can't agree with you more. I am in the lucky situation that my income isn't needed to provide for our family. I just provide the extra's, so I can cut somewhat in my profits.

    On the other hand, I still try to do as much as I can myself, because I'm a bit of a control freak. As I don't want to cut into the time I spend with my kids, I seem to be sleeping less every day. Last night I barely got 3 hours down. Guess it's time to look for some people I can trust to outsource some boring tasks with.

    Leslie
    Signature
    Taking it one day at a time!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758470].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
      Originally Posted by Leslie B View Post

      I can't agree with you more. I am in the lucky situation that my income isn't needed to provide for our family. I just provide the extra's, so I can cut somewhat in my profits.

      On the other hand, I still try to do as much as I can myself, because I'm a bit of a control freak. As I don't want to cut into the time I spend with my kids, I seem to be sleeping less every day. Last night I barely got 3 hours down. Guess it's time to look for some people I can trust to outsource some boring tasks with.

      Leslie
      You better sleep tomorrow young lady! Although truth be told, I've been awake 20 straight hours, and I'm not going to bed for another 15. Ah the joys of teething :-D
      Signature
      FREE 500 word articles, PM me for yours!
      (4 days only!)
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758488].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Leslie B
        Originally Posted by ArticlePrince View Post

        You better sleep tomorrow young lady! Although truth be told, I've been awake 20 straight hours, and I'm not going to bed for another 15. Ah the joys of teething :-D
        Now, the only person that can call me 'young lady' and gets away with it is my mom

        And I can still remember the joy of teething myself. I was still working outside the home at that time and putting my first steps into internet marketing. At least those hours awake were spend worthwile. I finished through a lot of ecourses during those nights with one of the kids on my arms.

        Leslie
        Signature
        Taking it one day at a time!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758498].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author jodamy
          Not only is it good for the kids to be able to spend more time with you, it is good for your business. Once you see the quality and difference between your thoughts and articles, and the pros thoughts and articles, you probably won't hesitate to do it again.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758539].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jon Tees
    Try living with adult family members who in many respects are like overgrown kids. It can be even more distracting at times. Many times they fail to grasp the concept that you are busy and are actually working (as opposed to goofing off.) When they live with you, you can't just up and move to another place nor can you really kick them out.
    Doing anything where you can work less but make more is a huge plus especially when there is alot of competition for the PC.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758531].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    So Articleprince,

    Is the name just a coincidence? Do YOU outsource articles?

    As for your kid, ever see "the ringer"? I'm not saying it WILL happen, but.... Hopefully the 5yo bit was a joke. 8-)

    Steve
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758547].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
    I don't outsource articles; I outsource proofreading and submission :-)
    Signature
    FREE 500 word articles, PM me for yours!
    (4 days only!)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758614].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author adamv
      Originally Posted by ArticlePrince View Post

      I don't outsource articles; I outsource proofreading and submission :-)
      The link in your sig is going to a parked domain right now. Just a heads up.
      Signature

      Get a professional voice over for your next audio or video project at an affordable price -- I will record 150 words of text for just $5.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758634].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jon Tees
    I remember a time when this was alot less work. Of course the reason for that is there was less competition. With more people being fired, laid off or simply leaving 9 to 5 jobs to pursue the gold rush that is internet marketing, and home business.Competition has gotten stiffer and more intense. I still remember a time when you didn't have to write 7 to 9 (or more) articles or post countless classified ads and having it be a gamble whether or not all that work would pay off. It used to be as simple as offering someone something that they wanted and/or needed and having them buy it from you. Work that you did was pretty much guaranteed to pay off. Now you really have to stand out from the pack which isn't easy as in the eyes of potential buyers everyone is similar if not the same.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758644].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      A big question, too, is are you WITH your children WHEN you are with them?

      I had many of the best conversations with my sons - and learned more about what they were thinking - during drives in the car and days of shopping and running errands. I could give them 100% attention with no distractions except keeping the car on the road.

      Every car I see today with parents/children seems to contain a parent on a cell phone. I go into stores and see children walking behind a parent - who is on a cell phone. That child riding with you is a real person - part of you - with things to tell you. Put down the damned phone and interact with your kids.

      I have a friend who condemns women who leave children in day care - she's a rather self satisfied stay-at-home mom. Her children are with her every day - and she is texting and talking on her cell phone constantly. So what's the point?

      2 hours a day of undivided attention seems better to me than 6 hrs of a parent too busy talking to listen.

      kay
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      ***
      Live life like someone left the gate open
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758661].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    Ahhh .. the idealism of new parents. I remember those days.

    I have another one on the way as well. Should show up some
    time next week to make five kids. But at the very time that
    kids need attention is the same time they also need MONEY
    to keep them clothed, housed and fed. I've NEVER met a
    parent with grown kids who didn't wish that he had spent more
    time with the kids.

    Life has its seasons and there will always be a clash between
    the kids and making a living except you are born rich. A simple
    solution is to learn to live on less.

    -Ray Edwards
    Signature
    The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758711].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
    I'm well aware that it's somewhat idealistic, but I think it's a valid point. Besides being a VERY young parent, I've also had 3 heart surgeries and 'died' 7 times. I understand the 'we have so little time here' concept extremely well... I just know from the people that ask me questions that a lot of people spend 4 hours a day following the $47 ebook they bought and lose track of time. That's all :-) Obviously, you have to pay the bills.

    But if you can work less and make the same, why not do it?
    Signature
    FREE 500 word articles, PM me for yours!
    (4 days only!)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758726].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Then
    OK, I'm leaving my PC now... That's all for me tonight... Going to spend time with my kids now...

    Thanks for the reminder, pal.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1758819].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bigdaddy99
    Now that my kid is old enough to do work around the house (12 year old boy) Not only is he able to do chores, but I've also been able to pay him to help out on some of my online tasks - specifically I paid him to proofread an ebook for grammar, punctuation, and misspellings.
    So, he was able to practice his English and make a little walking around money, and I got some in house proofreading done!

    I agree though, that family should come first - however, the occasional work together doesn't hurt either

    Thanks!

    bd99
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759178].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author money2k
    Great thread. I have 2 little people myself. A 4 year old boy and a girl who will be 3 in April. I work full time and then I get home and work an additional 4-6 hours. The goal is the work at home full time so I can spend more time with my family. It is very hard sometimes juggling home/ work/ family, but I am moving on. As far as outsourcing I am at a point where I have to do most of the workyself as i cannot afford the outsourcing. Hopefully when my website is launched and is making me some $$, then I can change the way it is. I do play with my kids as I work.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759234].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mac the Knife
    Yep, awesome thread. Yesterday, I had to stay at home with the kids and while I did have to do a BIT of laptop work, nothing makes them happier than when I shut down teh ole computer and we can just play...I am fully intending to get my business as leveraged as possible in 2010 so I can spend as much time with the kids as possible. My oldest is 8, and in a few years, she will rather spend her time with her friends than me...I have to take advantage of the time while I have it...

    Thanks for the post, it is ALWAYS great to have someone remind us to put things in perspective

    Mac the Knife
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759300].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Marhelper
    Very timely, thanks. I have 3 little ones at home and struggle with guilt due to working so many hours. As with most things, there is balance and sometimes I am off kilter. I take this as a reminder and thanks again.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759382].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Erica Leggette
    This is a great post. I work on IM while my 6 yr old daughter is doing her own thing or playing with her friends, sleeping or whatever. We spend alot of our time together after school/work and on weekends. I have this thing with being able to joggle alot of different things at once. What I really want to reward her and myself with in the near near future is the hours/day I spend at my 9-5 job but I really wish I could outsource that! LOL Like right now, I am in the pantry of the department I work at doing my thing. When I get home, we are gonna do homework, play, eat dinner, and I will still work on IM.

    It's exciting learning how my own efforts can create a better quality of life for my baby and my family. I want to outsource different aspects of my business but for now, I don't really understand fully what is expected of a successful internet marketer so it's better for me (since this is what I am thriving to be)to learn what a person like this is suppose to do and understand before I begin passing the torch. I am going to outsource some articles and link building but only to clone my own efforts not to replace.
    Signature
    Be easy.


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759451].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cma01
    I thought this post was going to be about outsourcing to your kids. My 9 year old has a blog and I'm thinking about teaching her how to do backlinks

    Seriously though . . . good reminder.
    Signature
    "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."
    ~ Plato
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759473].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
    Ha my little brother does all of my proofreading and writes articles for my sites, but this post was just to remind people to close the computer every once in awhile. I know times are tough and you have to provide, but even one or two nights a week where the computer is just off can make a huge difference in everyone's mood for the week. Glad everyone likes the thread :-)
    Signature
    FREE 500 word articles, PM me for yours!
    (4 days only!)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1759511].message }}

Trending Topics