Lesley Pyle

April 3, 2023

The Perils of Mega Job Sites

The modern job search can be daunting and disheartening. With so many different online job sites, it’s hard to know which ones to trust and which ones will benefit you the most. Mega job sites, especially the free ones, can be a waste of time. They are often filled with irrelevant job postings sourced from outdated, unverified information. For businesses, they can be difficult to understand, hard to navigate, and nearly impossible to get a real person to help you.

Free Sites Are Teeming with Scammers

It’s no secret that free job sites can be full of scams. There are countless stories of people who have been conned out of their hard-earned money by an unscrupulous individual claiming to be an employer or recruiter. They may offer you an attractive job opportunity or a large sum of money for a small task, only to ask for personal or banking information. Even when the job or offer turns out to be legitimate, it can be difficult to assess the validity of the source.

If you’re looking for a safe place to search for job opportunities, then you should opt instead for a trusted resource. HireMyMom is a website dedicated to helping moms find legitimate work-from-home jobs and other flexible employment opportunities. We vet each and every listing, ensuring to the best of our ability that businesses are verified and trustworthy. On top of that, our database contains a wide variety of job postings so you can find the right fit for your skills and lifestyle.

You’re Just a Number

When you use a mega site, you become just another number in the sea of applicants. No matter how great your experience and qualifications are, you may have a difficult time standing out to an employer if they get lost in the thousands of resumes. Furthermore, your chances of standing out can be even lower if you don’t have an optimized resume or a well-written cover letter. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, and there are very few resources available to help you craft the best job application materials possible. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Not only do employers have to weed through thousands of resumes, but they also have to face scammers and fraudsters themselves.

At HireMyMom, we provide a platform with job seekers who are serious about finding great remote opportunities and not just pressing a button to apply for every job they see. Because of our subscription model, we typically attract quality candidates who are serious about finding great remote opportunities. And small business owners love that because they don’t have the time to sort through hundreds or thousands of resumes and on HireMyMom, they typically receive a very manageable number of applicants making the hiring process much less cumbersome. Plus, employers and job seekers alike can get in touch with a real live human any time they need help!

You’re Competing with Hundreds, if Not Thousands

Even if you have the perfect resume and the best qualifications, there’s still no guarantee that your application will be seen. With such a massive pool of applicants, employers can afford to be picky, and your resume may never make it to the top of the pile. Plus, employers often get overwhelmed and only take the first few people who applied to the listing when it went live, leaving several other applicants behind. The odds are even worse for freelancers. Most job postings on these sites only list opportunities for full-time employment, leaving freelancers out in the cold. Furthermore, with so much competition, it can be difficult to get noticed and your rate of pay may suffer as a result.

This isn’t the case with Hire My Mom. By using this site, freelancers benefit from fewer applications and more personalized attention. Rather than competing with hundreds of other applicants, your application will stand out from the crowd and you’ll get the chance to show off your skills and talents. Additionally, since we are a paid site, the job applicant pool is smaller giving our job seekers a better chance of getting hired.

It’s time to find the job or employee of your dreams! Let us know how we can be of help.

Written by Lesley Pyle

March 27, 2023

Overcoming the Fear of Hiring as a Small Business Owner

As a small business owner, the decision to hire new employees is an important one. It can also be intimidating and filled with anxiety. The thought of taking on the responsibility of providing wages and other expenses associated with hiring can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that hiring is essential for the growth of your business. Let’s look at ways to overcome the fear of hiring as a small business owner and how to make the process easier:

Define Your Ideal Employee

It is important to take the time to carefully define your ideal employee or contractor before you begin the hiring process. This means taking the time to think about what qualities and skills you are looking for and which of these would be most beneficial to your business. Make sure to consider qualities like team-orientation, communication skills, work ethic, dependability, problem-solving abilities, and any other unique traits or qualifications that are relevant to your particular business needs. You should also think about the type of personality that will fit best with the company culture you are hoping to foster. By taking the time to define your ideal employee upfront, you will be better able to identify qualified candidates who possess the qualities and skills that you desire.

Create a Plan

The key to success is to create a plan ahead of time so you know what to expect. Start by making a list of all the tasks required to hire a new employee. This should include outlining what tasks this job will entail, what specific skills and experience you are looking for in your new hire, taking this information to draft the job post, then deciding what questions to ask in an interview to help you find the best candidate. Once your job posting is live, make sure you’re organized with the applications you receive. Consider creating a spreadsheet that outlines each candidate’s qualifications and notes from the interviews. This will help you easily compare each applicant and make your final decision. Additionally, establish a timeline for when you plan to make an offer and inform candidates. Outlining your expectations ahead of time will help ensure everyone is on the same page and save you time in the future. Finally, if this is your first time hiring, you may want to consult an experienced advisor who can answer any questions and provide advice on the best practices for hiring.

Hire for Potential, Not Just Experience

You want to make sure you hire the right person for the job, but you may be afraid to take a chance on someone without a lot of experience. However, this shouldn’t stop you from considering potential over experience. When it comes to hiring for potential, start by looking for someone who is highly motivated and eager to learn. Ask yourself questions like, “Does this candidate demonstrate a genuine interest in the position?” and “Do they have any related skills or knowledge that could benefit the job?” This will help you identify people who might have the aptitude for the role, even if they don’t have all the necessary experience.

Also look for candidates who have transferable skills. Are there any abilities they developed in a previous role that could be applied to your position? A great example of this is a mom who has to stay highly organized managing her family which translates into a very diligent personal assistant that can keep your calendar on track. Finally, remember that even if someone doesn’t have all the required experience, they can still be successful in a position if they are willing to put in the effort. Investing in a strong training program and providing adequate resources will help bring inexperienced employees up to speed more quickly. Ultimately, don’t be afraid to consider hiring for potential instead of experience when it comes to filling positions in your small business. There are plenty of motivated and talented individuals out there who just need a chance to prove themselves. By taking the time to invest in them, you could find yourself with a loyal and hardworking team member.

Take the Time to Train Your New Employees

While it may be tempting to simply have a new employee start working without any training, it’s important to invest the time and effort in training your new team members. Training doesn’t have to take long or be complicated. A comprehensive orientation process can cover all of the basics and ensure that everyone is on the same page. You can also break down your training into smaller pieces and offer ongoing education on specific topics.

When creating a training program, be sure to focus on the basics and make sure all of your employees understand the core processes of your business. You should also ensure that new employees learn how to use the technology they need to do their job. Having an in-depth understanding of your products and services is also essential, so make sure to include this as part of the training program. Finally, remember that while new employees will likely need additional guidance as they get up to speed, giving them a strong foundation at the outset can pay dividends down the line. It can also be helpful to get feedback from current employees on what they wish they had known when they first started so you can incorporate this into your new employee training program.

Set Clear Expectations from the Start

As a small business owner, you need to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Before hiring someone, you should let them know what is expected of them in terms of work hours, job duties, and any other relevant information — you should also communicate this to the rest of your team. They can help you through the hiring process, which can act as a support group for overcoming anxiety in this area. It is okay to share with your current team your fears about onboarding a new member. Getting their perspective in this area can be extremely helpful!

Make sure your new employee knows exactly what is expected of them, so that there are no surprises or misunderstandings. Let them know that you are available to answer any questions they may have, and that you are there to help them succeed. Ask them what their goals are and how they plan to achieve them. By having these conversations, you can ensure that everyone is working together towards common goals. Finally, make sure to document your expectations in writing. Having everything in writing can help keep everyone accountable and make sure that everyone is on the same page. It can also serve as a reference point if there is ever any confusion about expectations or roles.

We understand that even with these tips the hiring process can be intimidating. We have resources available that can help! Our Small Business Concierge Service can help you with the entire hiring process from helping you create a solid job post, receiving and reviewing incoming applications and resumes, conducting interviews, presenting you with the top 2-3 candidates and even helping with the onboarding process if desired.

Or if you are interested in learning more about the hiring process on your own, we have a self-paced course called “Hiring Made Easy” that can teach you valuable tools to use such as what to know before you hire, what questions to ask during an interview and what the going rate of pay is for common roles. At HireMyMom, we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today if we can be of any assistance.

Written by Lesley Pyle

March 20, 2023

5 Spring Cleaning Tips For An Organized Home Office

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s time for a good old-fashioned spring cleaning! Whether you’re working from home or just need a decluttered workspace, organizing your home office is key. Beyond the usual dusting or surface wipe down, an organized space can help you focus and stay productive during the day, which is why we’ve put together some of great spring cleaning tips for you! You may not be able to complete all of these spring cleaning tasks in a day, so perhaps you schedule an hour or so a day until you can get your office cleaned and organized. The rewards will surely be worth it!

1) Create a Filing System

Start by gathering all of your documents, such as bills, receipts, and other important paperwork. Sort them into categories and then create separate folders or manila envelopes for each category. Label each folder clearly, so that you know what’s inside it and can easily locate it. For example, a filing cabinet may contain folders labeled “Bills”, “Receipts”, “Tax Returns” and more.

You can also create digital filing systems for your computer files. Sort digital documents, photos, and other files into folders on your desktop or hard drive. Create a separate folder for each topic or project and label it accordingly. This will help you quickly find the file you need when you need it. It’s also a good idea to back up your computer files to an external hard drive or cloud storage solution, just in case of a computer crash.

2) Go Digital

With the ever-increasing use of technology, it’s easier than ever to take advantage of all the available tools to help you organize your home office. Consider transitioning to digital storage solutions, such as cloud-based file sharing platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, for organizing your documents. Doing so will help you keep important documents more secure and easily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Not only is this a great way to save space in your office, but it also allows for easy collaboration with co-workers or clients, if necessary. Plus, you can put tip number one to use here too.

This also applies to other paper items you might have around your desk: sticky notes, calendars, etc. There is an app for everything nowadays, and they can truly keep you on top of your game. Create a digital calendar with reminders for yourself. Get a digital notes app to organize those random thoughts that pop into your mind. If you like to have things on paper, that’s okay! You can use paper and apps to declutter your space and stay organized.

3) Purge

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and get rid of things that no longer serve you! As you sort through all of your documents, be sure to throw away anything that is outdated or no longer needed. If you have paper files that you want to keep, consider digitizing them with a scanner so that you can store them electronically instead. Additionally, it’s also important to go through your computer and delete any files that are not necessary. When cleaning up your computer files, be sure to empty out the recycle bin as well to free up more space on your hard drive. Doing this will help you declutter and keep your home office organized. If deleting files scares you, put tip #2 to use and find a digital service such as iCloud where you can store your files in case of emergency but in a way that does not affect computer storage space.

This tip is not just for files, either. Take a look at your workspace. Are old, scribbled notes cluttering your desk? Are there a million old coffee cups scattered around? Pens littered everywhere? Get rid of things you do not need, and clearly organize what you do need. Create a dedicated space where you can only keep one coffee cup at a time so they don’t pile up. Use an old jar to store all your pens. Throw away those notes that no longer make sense, even though you wrote them.

4) Label Everything

To label efficiently, use a standard format for all labels (e.g. name, date, and category). Additionally, use different colors for different categories or items so that you can quickly identify what’s what. For digital files, use an intuitive system like tags or folders with labels that are easily searchable. We’ve all been in a situation where we are on a video call and asked to share our screen to show a file, but we do not know which file to pick because they are called something like “ABC 1” or “ABC 2”. Taking time to rename your files with easily searchable names is very important! Finally, make sure your labels are visible and easy to read so you don’t waste time searching for what you need.

5) Invest in Storage Containers

Investing in a few storage containers can go a long way in helping you achieve an organized and clutter-free workspace. Start by deciding what items need to be stored and find containers that are suited for the job. Plastic or cardboard file boxes are great for storing documents, while baskets or bins can be used to keep smaller items together. Make sure to label all containers clearly so you can easily find what you need when you need it. If you have limited space, consider buying stackable storage units to make the most of your available space. Once your containers are filled, place them out of the way but still within reach so you don’t have to search too hard when you need something. While getting your containers together, now is the time to dust and wipe everything down. Store it clean so it stays clean!

Digital storage containers are important too! Purchase an external hard drive and back up everything for the year on it. Label your drives by year and keep them in a waterproof container. This will clear up even more computer storage space, and it will ensure that things you do not need right at this minute are still within easy reach. As with tip number four, make sure you label everything on your hard drive so that it is easy to find later.

Remember, when you work from home you get to be completely in control of your work environment! Schedule a time in your calendar to work on cleaning up your office space. You will thank yourself in the future! How do you stay organized when working remotely? Share your tips with us!

Written by Lesley Pyle

March 13, 2023

10 Surefire Ways to Reward and Recognize Your Remote Team Members

As companies become increasingly reliant on remote teams, managers must be aware of the unique needs and challenges of their staff. Keeping team members motivated and engaged is essential for ensuring productivity and success. A great way to achieve this is by providing rewards for their hard work and dedication. It can be difficult to find ways to show appreciation when you don’t have regular face-to-face interactions. However, there are many creative and effective ways to recognize remote team members that can help foster a positive working environment and boost team productivity.

1) Celebrate Birthdays and Anniversaries

When it comes to birthdays, some options include sending a card with a gift card or cash bonus, a personalized message, or even a cake or bouquet of flowers. Celebrating work anniversaries is a great way to show appreciation for loyalty and hard work. You can make an announcement recognizing the employee, send a special gift, or give them extra time off. No matter what you decide to do, don’t forget to reach out to each team member individually to wish them a happy birthday or congratulate them on their work anniversary. This simple act will show your remote employees how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication.

2) Give Bonuses

This can come in the form of financial bonuses, gift cards, or even an extra day off. It is important to communicate clearly why the bonus is being given so that team members understand the value and appreciation behind it. Additionally, it’s important to be fair and consistent when giving out bonuses to ensure that everyone feels appreciated.

3) Give Paid Time Off

Paid time off helps ensure that they have adequate time away from work to rest and recharge, so they can come back refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. Giving your remote team members the freedom to take time off as they need it will also help foster loyalty and appreciation for their job and the organization.

4) Invest in their Professional Development

Consider enrolling them in online courses, webinars, conferences, and other educational opportunities. Additionally, consider setting up mentoring programs with more experienced colleagues or providing access to a library of books related to their field.

5) Send Swag

You can send swag such as branded shirts, personalized mugs, books related to the company mission, and other thoughtful items. It’s a great way to show that you value your remote team members and appreciate their hard work. Plus, it’s fun to open an unexpected package!

6) Offer Flexible Hours

Flexible hours can help to boost morale, create a sense of trust between the employee and employer, and reduce stress levels. Consider offering flexible hours that allow team members to work when they are most productive and creative, and let them take breaks whenever needed.

7) Provide Opportunities to Lead

Encourage your team members to take on more responsibility by giving them opportunities to plan projects, lead meetings, or assign tasks. This will show that you trust and value their capabilities while motivating them to excel in their roles. Celebrate their successes and reward them with additional recognition or bonuses.

8) Acknowledge Good Work Publicly

Show your appreciation by highlighting the contributions they’ve made and recognizing their hard work in emails, meetings or on social media. Doing this encourages employees to continue performing well and boosts morale among the team. It can also help create a positive team environment that is driven by success and recognition.

9) Hold Virtual Team Building Activities

Team building activities are a great way to bring your remote team together and foster stronger relationships. Host a virtual game night or movie night. Ask everyone to cook the same meal and eat it together over video conference. Have a themed party, like a costume party, where everyone shows off their best outfit. Or play charades, where one person acts out a phrase and the other players have to guess what it is. Whatever activity you choose, make sure it’s fun and entertaining for everyone involved.

10) Create a Virtual Book Club

Build stronger connections with remote team members by establishing a remote book club! Each month or two, choose a new book and ask those who want to participate to read it. Schedule a fun meetup to get people’s opinions and perspectives on the novel. This is a great way to learn more about each individual person through a fun activity. You can also rotate who gets to pick the book for the month. If books aren’t your thing, you could also do a movie club!

How do you keep your remote team motivated and rewarded? Share your tips with us!

Written by Lesley Pyle

March 6, 2023

8 Tips to Unplug and Enjoy Spring Break with Your Kids

Are you planning a spring break vacation with your kids? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of juggling work and family obligations. Taking time away from work is a great opportunity to relax and make memories with your children. However, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time to make sure you can truly unplug and enjoy the break. After all, when you work remotely, it can be hard to put your phone down. That’s why we’ve put some great tips together for you! Learn some tricks to get prepared at work to be able to fully enjoy and embrace the upcoming vacation and family memories.

1) Decide What Can Wait

Make sure to prioritize tasks and decide what can wait. Some things may need to be taken care of before leaving, but some tasks can wait until after you return. Start by making a list of all the tasks that need to be done, and then prioritize those tasks in order of importance. This will help you determine which tasks you can delegate or delay until after the break.

2) Let Your Boss and Team Know as Soon as Possible

You can start by talking to your boss and teammates about the dates you plan to be gone. If you have vacation or personal days available, this is the best way to ensure that you will get the time you need. Your boss may even suggest ideas to make the process easier, such as having someone cover your responsibilities while you’re gone. Keeping an open dialogue with your team will help make sure everyone is on the same page; it’s important to stress too that even though you might work remotely, you still want separation from vacation and work time.

3) Set an “Out of Office” Message

Letting people know you will be away on spring break is important. Setting an ”out of office’ message is a great way to do that. This can be done through email or by updating your voicemail. Make sure the message states you will be away and when you will return. This way people know they can’t reach you, but they can still reach someone else if they need help while you are gone. Don’t forget to turn off any automatic emails during the time of your vacation. This way you don’t have to worry about being interrupted by work-related emails.

4) Check in Only When Needed

When you’re on vacation, it’s important to find ways to unplug and truly enjoy your time off. One way to do this is to limit the number of times you check in with your work. This could mean limiting yourself to checking in only when necessary or at pre-agreed upon times. Try to get the most out of your break by focusing on quality family time, rather than worrying about work obligations. Make sure you let your boss and teammates know if and how often you plan to check in, so they know what to expect from you while you’re away.

5) Keep Your Phone out of Reach

This will help reduce temptation to constantly check emails and messages, and ensure that you don’t miss out on time with your family. Put your phone away in a place where you can’t easily access it, or switch it off altogether. If you need to keep your phone available for emergencies, set a specific time each day when you will check in with work. That way you can still enjoy the break without worrying about work related tasks.

6) Put Together a Daily Schedule

Creating a daily schedule is one of the best ways to ensure you’re able to unplug and really enjoy your spring break with your kids. This can help keep everyone on track and make sure that you’re all getting the most out of your time away. Come up with activities to do each day, from morning till evening. Be sure to include some fun, educational activities, some quality family time, and some down time for yourself. Scheduling out your days will help you stay focused and make the most of your break. Remember to also leave room for flexibility and spontaneity – it’s a vacation after all!

7) Set Some Ground Rules

First, decide how often you are going to check in with work, if at all. Make sure to stick to the rule you decide and don’t let it be flexible. Secondly, create a schedule for the day and talk about expectations so everyone knows what is expected of them. Finally, set some boundaries for yourself. Make sure to take some time for yourself throughout the day and make sure not to be too strict on the time you spend away from work. Ask your family to help keep you accountable as well.

8) Take Some Time for Yourself

Taking time off work for a spring break trip is a great way to unplug and enjoy quality time with your kids. However, make sure you take some time for yourself too! Dedicate some time each day for yourself so that you can relax and recharge. Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, pray or meditate or read a book. Taking some time for yourself will help you be in the best mental state to spend quality time with your kids during your trip. Remember, your trip should be a fun break from the daily routine, so make sure to make some time for yourself to enjoy it too!

What are your tips for getting ready for spring break at work? Let us know so we can share them!

Written by Lesley Pyle

February 27, 2023

Online Job Scams: How to Avoid Them

Finding a job online can be a great way to make some extra money, but unfortunately there are also plenty of scams out there. People who are looking for a legitimate job opportunity can end up falling victim to fraudsters and scammers. To avoid being taken advantage of, it’s important to be aware of the various types of online job scams and take steps to protect yourself. Check out the four tips below on how to avoid online job scams so that you can find the legitimate job opportunity you’re looking for.

Do Your Research

It’s important to do your research before you apply for any online job. Read online reviews of the company and any other information that you can find. Also, check to see if the company is registered with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This will help you to make sure the company is legitimate. Look into the background of the company and their staff. Try to find out as much as you can about them, such as how long they have been in business and whether they have a good reputation. You should also try to find out what kind of training is provided for the job, as well as how much support you can expect from the employer. Doing this research will help you to determine if the job is a good fit for you and if it’s worth your time.

Besides the BBB, visit the company’s website. Does it look legitimate? Is it up to date? Next, visit the company’s social media pages. While they may not maintain all their social pages, does at least one get constant updates? Do they have lots of followers? These are just a few things to look for!

Check for Red Flags

One red flag is when the job offer does not ask for an interview. Any reputable company or job provider will want to get to know you and your qualifications before offering you a job. If the offer comes with no strings attached, it’s probably too good to be true. Another red flag is when the position requires upfront payment from you. Legitimate jobs don’t require money from the employee, so any job requiring payment should be further scrutinized. Be wary of offers claiming to provide you with money-making equipment or materials in exchange for an upfront fee, as this is most likely a scam. Finally, be suspicious if the job offer promises high pay for minimal effort. If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, there is no easy way to make money online – anything that claims otherwise may be a scam.

Be Cautious of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

One of the most common tactics used by scammers is to offer you a job opportunity that seems too good to be true. If an offer promises an excessively high salary, unheard of perks, or other benefits that seem out of the ordinary, take caution and investigate the source of the offer further. If the offer comes from a reputable company or organization, they will likely make the offer with more realistic terms and conditions. If it is from an individual, be sure to research their reputation and any online reviews they have. If they have a sketchy online presence or negative reviews, it is best to avoid them and the offer they are making.

Additionally, be wary of any offers that come with a time limit. If they tell you that you have to accept the job within a certain timeframe or risk losing the opportunity, this could be another sign that something is off. A legitimate employer usually will not put pressure on you like this, so if you’re presented with this kind of situation, dive deeper and be careful moving forward.

Trust Your Gut

If something about a job offer doesn’t feel right, get more information before moving forward with it. No matter how appealing a job may seem, if you have serious doubts or suspicions, it’s best to walk away. Be sure to read the fine print. Pay close attention to any hidden fees or clauses that may be included in the job offer. Be wary of any agreement that requires payment in exchange for a job, as this could be an indication of a scam. You should also be wary of employers who are unwilling to provide references or details on what the job entails. Don’t be swayed by promises of high pay or unrealistic benefits. While some jobs may offer great pay and perks, don’t let these promises cloud your judgment. Do your due diligence and research the company thoroughly before accepting a job offer.

Trust your gut when it comes to online job scams. If something doesn’t seem quite right, take the time to do your research and make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth example of a scam, check out one of our latest blog posts HERE. Our goal at HireMyMom is to only list legitimate jobs and we do our best to research them before they are posted. If we find red flags or something that isn’t legitimate, it does not get posted to our site.

Have you run into a scam online recently? We would love to hear about it so we can help everyone stay diligent, safe and find great, legitimate jobs.

Written by Lesley Pyle

February 20, 2023

5 Tips for Making the Transition to Working from Home

Making the transition to working from home can be a daunting experience, especially if you have previously worked in an office full-time. Adjusting to the new environment and routine of a work-from-home job can be challenging, but with the right tools and guidance, the process can be made much smoother.

1) Set Up a Dedicated Workspace

When transitioning from an in-office job to working from home, it is important to create a dedicated workspace. This is the space you will be using to get your work done and should be comfortable and free of distractions. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, a desk with enough space to spread out your work, and adequate lighting. If possible, try to keep your workspace away from where you relax and sleep. This will help you stay productive and focused. Additionally, make sure you have the necessary tools for work: a laptop, printer, charger, etc. Having all of these items in one dedicated area will make it easier to stay organized and efficient.

2) Get Dressed for Work

Putting on clothes that are comfortable but still semi-professional helps signal to your brain that it’s time to start working. This doesn’t mean you have to dress to the nines every day; just throw on a nice shirt or blouse and some comfortable pants or a skirt. You don’t want to feel too relaxed at home that you can’t focus on the task at hand.

3) Set Office Hours

Establishing regular office hours will help you stay on task and provide a consistent structure for your day. Creating a schedule that works for you is key. Think about what hours work best for you and your family, as well as any clients you may have. Be sure to factor in lunch breaks, rest time, and other tasks that need to be completed each day. By setting office hours and sticking to them, you can help ensure your productivity is maximized. You may also want to consider setting aside specific times each week to reach out to colleagues or clients. Having weekly check-ins or video conferences with coworkers can help boost morale and stay connected.

4) Take Breaks

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work, so be sure to set aside time to step away from your computer and relax. Taking a break can help you reset, refocus, and restore energy levels so that you can stay productive and efficient while working from home. A few ideas for taking a break include taking a short walk, doing some stretching, listening to music, or even just getting away from your workspace for a few minutes. You may also want to make a schedule for yourself with dedicated break times to ensure that you are not overworking yourself.

5) Connect with Co-Workers

First and foremost, take advantage of online communication tools like Zoom, Slack, and Skype to keep in touch with your team. Scheduling regular check-ins with your coworkers will help you to stay up-to-date on projects and ensure everyone is on the same page. You can also make use of collaborative tools like Google Docs and Trello to track progress on different tasks. These tools make it easy for team members to collaborate even when they are working from different locations. Finally, consider setting up virtual “water cooler” chats or happy hours with your coworkers. It’s important to maintain good relationships with your team, so make sure to set aside time each week to connect and socialize with your coworkers. Doing so will ensure that you are able to create a productive work environment even when working remotely.

Have you already made the transition to working from home? Share your best tips with us on how you made the transition! Just starting to transition but still have questions? Reach out to our community and ask for help!

Written by Lesley Pyle

February 13, 2023

Loving What You Do: A Remote Worker’s Guide to Fulfillment

The combination of being a remote worker and a parent can be both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, you have the freedom to work wherever and whenever you want, but on the other hand, you are also responsible for managing your home and family life. It can be difficult to find a balance between the two. However, we know that you love what you do as a remote worker and as a parent! Sometimes life can be challenging, and you might lose sight of the “whys”. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to share some tips on how to re-discover why you love working remotely as a parent!

Tips for Finding Fulfillment as a Remote Worker

Do What You Love: Find what you are good at and what you enjoy, and follow that passion!
Take Breaks: Burnout is real and it is the number one killer of love for a job. Take breaks. Take vacations. Spend time with loved ones.
Change It Up: Doing the same thing day and day out can create a monotonous routine that you come to despise. Change things up sometimes! Add a new client. Do your schedule in reverse. Treat yourself to a coffee from your favorite shop and start your day a little later.
Try Something New: Changing your routine can be great, but if it’s still all the same things, you can get burnt out really fast. Challenge yourself to do one new thing per month! Maybe that’s a new project or something as simple as trying a different flavor of coffee.
Remind Yourself of Your WHY: Ask yourself: why did you start doing this? What drew you to this line of work? Take some time to revisit what started that initial spark.
Celebrate Your Wins: Even small wins should be celebrated! Pick one good thing that happened each day. This will help you to focus on the positive.
Create a Community: Surround yourself with people that encourage you on your remote work journey! This can be family, friends, or an online community like our Facebook Group where you can network with like-minded people.

Tips for Finding Fulfillment as a Parent

Take Time for You: Parenting can be demanding, and it’s easy to forget about our own needs when focusing on those of our children. Remember that taking time for yourself is essential for you to stay balanced and happy. Find time for a relaxing walk, a sunset moment of reflection, schedule time for your favorite activities or hobbies, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Make Time for Connection: Establishing strong, positive connections with your children is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a parent. Make sure you create opportunities to connect with your kids every day, whether it’s through play, conversation, reading, or other activities.
Set Realistic Expectations: As a parent, you want the best for your children, but it’s important to remember that you won’t always be able to give them everything they want. Be realistic about what you can do and set achievable goals to help them reach their potential.
Celebrate Small Wins: No matter how small the accomplishment, don’t forget to celebrate your children’s successes with them. It’s important to show them that you appreciate their efforts and celebrate the wins in life together.
Let Go of Perfectionism: Perfectionism can lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration when things don’t go as planned. Try to practice acceptance and acknowledge that parenting is an imperfect process.
Give Yourself Grace: Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. We all make mistakes, and it’s important to forgive yourself and move on.
Seek Support: Connecting with other parents can help you stay positive and motivated. Join a support group or find an online community where you can share experiences and offer support to other parents.

Spreading the Love

As you might have noticed, the tips provided above for remote work and parenting really mirror each other and go hand in hand. If you master one, you can definitely master the other! But remember, all things take time and there will be mistakes along the way. If you feel yourself losing your passion for either, take some time to figure out how you can recapture that again. As any parent can tell you, there will be days where you want to pull your hair out! But, there are also incredibly rewarding days that make it all worth it. The same can be said of remote work. Stay the course and show your work and family some love!

How do you keep your love for work and parenting going? Let us know so we can share your tips with our community!

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone — thank you for being part of the HireMyMom family! We truly love all of you and are incredibly thankful that you are here with us. Spread some love today and let those special people in your life know just how much you mean to them.

Written by Lesley Pyle

February 6, 2023

How to Manage a Remote Team Successfully as a Business Owner

As a business owner, managing a remote team can be a challenge. From establishing communication protocols to maintaining productivity, there are many elements to consider when working with a distributed team. If you’re looking for advice on how to get the most out of your remote team, then this blog post is for you. Here, we will discuss tips and strategies for how to effectively manage a remote team as a business owner, so that you can maximize the potential of your employees and ensure success for your business.

Create a Company Culture

A strong corporate culture gives your team members a sense of purpose and unity, which is key to building trust and promoting collaboration. To create a successful company culture for your remote team, start by defining your mission and values, and make sure they are reflected in all aspects of your work. Provide guidance on how you expect people to interact with each other, both online and in person. Encourage open communication, transparency, and collaboration. You can also take steps to make your remote team feel more connected. Consider holding regular virtual meetings or video chats to discuss projects and tasks. Establish a team workspace where everyone can share ideas and updates. Additionally, consider offering incentives such as recognition for excellent work or rewards for reaching goals.

Hire the Right People

You want to make sure that you’re selecting individuals who have the skills and experience necessary for the job. It’s also important to consider the types of personality traits and communication styles that will work well in a remote environment. To ensure you hire the right people, it’s important to take the time to develop a comprehensive job description that clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of each position. This will allow you to determine the exact type of person you are looking for. Once you have a clear idea of what you need, you can start your recruitment process. When interviewing potential candidates, be sure to ask questions that will give you an idea of how they will perform in a remote setting. Additionally, conduct a few rounds of interviews with each candidate to get a better sense of their knowledge and expertise. Finally, be sure to check references and do background checks to ensure you are hiring qualified individuals.

Set Clear Expectations

Your team should know exactly what you expect from them and how you want them to carry out their tasks. To set clear expectations, make sure to create specific goals and deadlines. If there are any policies or procedures that you want your team to follow, make sure to communicate these to your team. Also, provide feedback regularly so that your team can stay on track and make progress. When it comes to communication, be sure to specify how often you want to check in with your team and the type of updates you need from them. For example, do you prefer weekly status reports? Or would you prefer a daily check-in? It’s important that your team knows when and how to contact you. Finally, be sure to give your team an opportunity to ask questions and discuss their concerns with you. This will help them understand their roles better and build trust in the team.

Over-Communicate

Communication should be frequent and clear to avoid any misunderstandings or confusion. As a business owner, you need to be constantly monitoring the progress of each team member and staying in touch with them. This can be accomplished through video conferencing, group chats, email, and instant messaging. It is important to remember that remote employees often work in different time zones, so be aware of this when planning communication. Setting up a routine for regular check-ins and keeping an open channel of communication can help ensure that tasks are completed on time and that everyone is working together. Regular one-on-one meetings are also important to discuss expectations, progress, any challenges the team is facing, and successes they have achieved. This will help build trust between the business owner and team members, which can go a long way in ensuring a successful remote work relationship.

Use the Right Tools

As a business owner, you should invest in the best tools available that will help your remote team stay productive and collaborate. Here are some of the key tools for remote teams:

Project Management Software: Project management software helps organize tasks, assign deadlines, track progress, and keep everyone on the same page. Popular options include Asana, Trello, Basecamp, and Slack.
Video Conferencing Software: Video conferencing software allows remote teams to connect face-to-face, which can help improve collaboration and communication. Popular options include Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet.
File-Sharing Software: File-sharing software makes it easy for remote teams to share documents and other types of files with one another. Popular options include Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive.
Online Whiteboard: An online whiteboard allows remote teams to brainstorm together in real-time, even if they are miles apart. Popular options include Mural, Miro, and Stormboard.

What tips and tricks do you use to manage your remote team? Let us know so we can share with our audience!

Written by Lesley Pyle

January 30, 2023

10 Ways to Boost Your Productivity When Working from Home

Working from home can be a great way to stay productive, but it can also be difficult to stay motivated and focused when the distractions of home life come into play. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your productivity and make sure you’re getting the most out of your day. Here are ten ways to boost your productivity when working from home so you can maximize your time and accomplish your goals:

1) Set a schedule and stick to it.

Set a realistic schedule that allows you to balance your work and personal life. Make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to get all your tasks done, but don’t overbook yourself or you may become overwhelmed. Having a schedule also helps you avoid procrastination. Make sure you’re setting achievable goals for yourself so you don’t become discouraged. Break large tasks down into smaller, manageable pieces so that it’s easier to stay on track. It’s also a good idea to set regular deadlines for yourself so that you have something to work towards.

2) Set up a dedicated workspace.

Make sure the workspace is free of distractions, like televisions and other electronics. Designate a comfortable chair and desk that you can use to sit and work. You may even want to set up a filing cabinet or shelf to store important documents and supplies. Additionally, make sure your workspace is well-lit and has good ventilation. Not only will this ensure you have an inviting work area, but it will also help you stay productive and healthy.

3) Take breaks!

Allowing yourself to step away from your desk and take a break will help you stay focused, energized, and productive. Make sure that you get up and move around, grab a snack or a cup of coffee, and spend some time away from the computer. Consider taking breaks throughout the day or setting a timer to remind you to get up and stretch or meditate for a few minutes. When you come back to work, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next task.

4) Get dressed for work.

When working from home, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wearing the same pajamas all day, every day. While this might be comfortable, it can also be detrimental to your productivity. Getting dressed for work each morning is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. Putting on your “work clothes” will help put you in the right frame of mind and make it easier to transition into work mode. It’s important to find a balance between being comfortable and looking professional. You don’t have to dress up as if you are going into the office, but try to stick to items that you would normally wear to work. Opt for clothing that is comfortable yet still makes you look professional. This can be anything from an outfit you already own to something new that you purchased specifically for working from home.

5) Set boundaries with family and friends (and kids!).

One of the most important things to do is to set expectations for when you are available. It’s important to make sure everyone understands that you are busy during the day and not available for socializing. You can also put up a sign that says “Working from Home – No Distractions Please” to make sure everyone respects your space. If you have kids in the house, it’s essential to create a structure that allows them to understand when it’s time for work and when it’s time for play. Consider setting up a dedicated workspace for yourself that is away from the living area where they can play and engage in activities while you work. You may also want to set up a schedule or plan to have another adult take care of them during your work hours so that you can stay focused on your tasks. It’s also important to remember that everyone in the house has their own needs and goals, so setting boundaries can help everyone stay productive. Make sure everyone knows that it’s not personal, but rather just about managing time and setting expectations.

6) Stick to a routine.

Start your day with some sort of exercise or activity. Not only will this get you into the right mindset, but it will also help wake up your body and mind. This could be as simple as going for a quick jog or a more involved workout. Then, have a set time for breakfast and lunch, where you focus on refueling your body and taking some time away from your work. By having a daily routine and sticking to it, you’ll be able to stay on track with your work and create better boundaries between work and home. This will help you stay organized and productive while still being able to enjoy the benefits of working from home.

7) Avoid distractions.

Distractions are one of the biggest killers of productivity when you’re working from home. Whether it’s your cell phone, television, or other people in the house, there are plenty of things that can easily pull you away from your work. One of the best ways to avoid distractions is to designate a workspace for yourself. Make sure it is away from any places that can be distracting and make sure you don’t bring your phone or any other devices with you that can draw your attention away from your work. If you find yourself getting distracted by noise, consider using noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Listening to some relaxing music can help drown out any distractions. Also, be sure to turn off notifications on all your devices while you’re working, as they can easily pull you away from the task at hand.

8) Find a support group.

Working from home can be an isolating experience, especially if you are the only one in your house. To combat this, it is important to find a support group that can provide you with emotional and practical support when you need it. A support group can consist of other remote workers, freelancers, or even just friends who are in similar situations. Having a support group to lean on during tough times can be a great source of comfort and help boost your morale. Sharing ideas, encouragement, and advice with each other can help you stay motivated and productive. You can also use your support group as a sounding board to brainstorm solutions to any problems you may be having with your work or working from home. Having people to turn to when you’re feeling stuck can be invaluable. You can always engage with us on social media for support, and check out our Facebook group where you can network with other work-from-home moms.

9) Take care of yourself.

Exercise regularly, eat healthy, get enough sleep, stay organized, and take breaks! Remember, taking care of yourself is an essential part of productivity!

10) Reward yourself!

When you complete a task or reach a goal, think of something special you can do for yourself to recognize your hard work. This could be as simple as taking a few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, reading a chapter of your favorite book, or taking a walk around the block. Make sure to take the time to truly appreciate your accomplishments and give yourself the recognition you deserve. You can also set larger rewards for yourself at the end of the week or month. Whether it’s getting a massage, treating yourself to a special meal, or taking a day trip somewhere, rewarding yourself for reaching milestones will help motivate you to keep going. No matter how big or small, rewards are an essential part of staying productive when working from home. So make sure to take the time to recognize your hard work and give yourself the recognition you deserve.

How do you stay productive when working from home? Share your tips with us!

Hire My Mom

Legit work from home jobs

Author: Lesley Pyle

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5 Tips for Making the Transition to Working from Home

Loving What You Do: A Remote Worker’s Guide to Fulfillment

How to Manage a Remote Team Successfully as a Business Owner

10 Ways to Boost Your Productivity When Working from Home

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