I used to belong to a Group called Linked In Bloggers. I figured that if I read a little, I’d learn a lot. Over 500 members with about 20 participating. You wouldn’t believe the threads. A dozen or more emails on the same topic arguing stuff that I didn’t care about but obviously should. But every once in a while, an email came that was interesting and I typically followed through quickly. Here’s one:
—–Original Message—–
From: LinkedinBloggers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:LinkedinBloggers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Wendy Piersall
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 5:44 PM
To: LinkedinBloggers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [LinkedinBloggers] Input from work at home bloggers – and an interview request
Some of you may be following my mini identity crisis on my blog. I’m happy to report that crisis has been the catharsis for creativity and I posted about the new-ish direction of my eMoms blog today.
I requested input from my readers today on what is their biggest challenge is as they work from home – specifically the personal challenges (such as procrastination, focus, insecurity, etc.). The post can be found here: http://emomsathome.com/blog/2006/07/20/finally-a-decision-on-my-business-position/.
I’d like to ask this group as well for your input on your own challenges if you work from home. The specific obstacles will be the topics of a series of upcoming articles on my site.
**Also, if you are a successful work at home entrepreneur – mom or not – I would be interested in interviewing you for my site. Please contact me privately with a short bio if interested.**
Wendy Piersall :: eMom
www.emomsathome.com
emomscommunity.ning.com
The eMoms at Home Blog
I responded with:
From: LinkedinBloggers@yahoogroups.com [mailto:LinkedinBloggers@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rick Roberge
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 7:18 PM
To: LinkedinBloggers@yahoogroups.com
Cc: aminion at comcast dot net
Subject: RE: [LinkedinBloggers] Input from work at home bloggers – and an interview request
Wendy,
I thought about commenting on your blog, but thought that it might be inappropriate. So, I’ll reply here and let you ignore or use at your discretion.
In 1986, I started a collection agency in my home. Holden Hills Country Club is my back door neighbor. I used to sit on my back deck, overlooking the 16th green while I was talking to clients and/or debtors. My sons came home after school and we’d play catch in the back yard, basketball in the driveway, or soccer moves on the golf course (depending on the season). In 1991, we bought a house at Goose Rock Beach, had high speed installed and upped the minutes on my cell phone and my clients became accustomed to hearing waves in the background. I have 100’s of clients. I’ve taken their calls in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, as well as Disney World in Florida, ski resorts in Utah, New York City and other places that my cell phone has rung. My clients have never been concerned with the “sounds” in the background, only whether they were happy with my service or not. My family learned that it was better to lose me for a few minutes than for 12-15 hours at a time.
So, if the dog barks, the kids cry, dinner boils over, remember……….”It’s better than commuting and service the daylights out of your clients.”
Rick Roberge
Note the amount of time between her request and my response.
Today, I received this:
—–Original Message—–
From: Wendy Piersall
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 2:00 AM
To: ‘Rick Roberge’
Subject: RE: [LinkedinBloggers] Input from work at home bloggers – and an interview request
Hey Rick, sorry for the delayed reply!! By all means this would be fine to add as a comment on the site!! J
I love it!
Wendy Piersall :: eMom
Note the amount of time between my response and her request. I unsubscribed from this group on 8/3 and honestly, I don’t miss it and at this point, if Wendy wants my words on her blog, she’s gonna have to put them there.
The lesson: Don’t ask for anything unless you really want it.
RainMakers & Sales Rock Stars 