God has given each of us talents and gifts that we can use to trade for the money, goods, and
services that we need to help sustain us and our families. Throughout time, women have always
used their individual talents in their own ventures-- either to sell use for barter. However, with the
onset of the industrial revolution, more and more people became employees of someone else,
which subdued,somewhat, that drive to have one's own venture. The security of a paycheck has
provided comfort to many. We now face uncertain economic times where job security is no longer--secure. Many are re-positioning themselves to take the risk to get out and use the gifts God has
given to start their own home businesses. But as guidance may be needed to move ahead, where
do they start?
Meet Laurie Neumann, a business coach whose passion is to help others find the right type of home business that fits their interests, gifts, and lifestyles.
Joan: Laurie, to start, tell us about your own home businesses.
Laurie: I started out owning an online Christian bookstore. I loved it! I owned it for about a year, however, then the company ran into some financial problems and had to temporarily shut down. At that time, I started my current business, a home business website. I started it because, as I was looking for home business opportunities, I realized there was so much information out there, and much of it was scams. I wanted to help people avoid those and provide a place where people could come, relax, and find legitimate solutions.
Joan: So through this, you found you really enjoyed helping people find a home business suitable
for them? And is that why you became a Certified Biblical Coach?
Laurie: Yes. I received certification through the Biblical Coaching Academy, where we use coaching principles grounded in the Word.
Joan: Laurie, what got you interested in business coaching? Why is it such a passion for you?
Laurie: I think because of my own personal story. I went through some things a while back that left me in a deep depression. I feel God used my home business to give me a new outlook on life; something to look forward to and become involved in, yet still offered flexibility and time off when I needed it. It really helped me, and I want to offer that to others, whether they are dealing with emotional struggles, financial difficulties or physical limitations. Or maybe they want to be home with their kids. I got to do that – stay home and home school my kids and am so thankful for that. I see home businesses as a way to help people do that.
I have always been an advocate of creating strong families, and I think having a business at home is a help with that. Especially if you can involve some of your family members in it.
I also feel that God has given us all certain gifts and talents that we are to use. When we do, we will be honoring God and will also derive purpose and fulfillment from our work. A home based business can offer ways to do just that.
Joan: Yes, I can see how having a home business can play a part in strengthening families. It used to be families did work together more. Kids were trained from early ages to prepare to 'take over the family business", whatever that was. Skills and knowledge were passed down from generation to generation. Tell me, what do you find is the biggest problem people have in getting started in finding a home business that suits them?
Laurie: I think sometimes it’s just taking that initial step. Getting past the fear of getting burnt and knowing what and where to start. I know, when I have researched businesses, you can go on a wild goose chase, going from one site to another, until pretty soon, all the information becomes muddled together. Some people give up at this point out of frustration.
Joan: Well, with your in depth research of various online businesses, you've done the legwork to save others that frustration. After one has decided on a business to pursue, why is it important to have
a business coach?
Laurie: I think having a coach is important for a few reasons. First, accountability. It's easy to put something off if we don’t have someone to report to. I have to fill out a report every week for my coach, and I know I think more about what I do and spend time on, knowing I”ll have to put it on the report.
Next, encouragement. Sometimes, we get frustrated or “stuck.” It’s so helpful to have someone
else to “vent” to, and then get their perspective on things, and help in moving forward.
Sometimes, we are so involved in our situations that we can’t see clearly. Our minds get bogged
down with so many issues, that we can become confused, overwhelmed, and as a result, don’t
take any action because we don’t know what to do. A coach can help you sort all that out, and
prioritize.
Joan: I wholeheartedly agree. Having a business coach can save you a lot of time and angst,
while helping you stay focused. I've benefited tremendously from my own business coach.
In today's market, it's important to not only have accountability, but also the objectiveness
a business coach can give.
Laurie, what is your contact information?
Laurie: My site is at http://www.christianhomebusinessconnection.com. My email is homebusiness@frontiernet.net
God has given each of us talents and gifts that we can use to trade for the money, goods, and
services that we need to help sustain us and our families. Throughout time, women have always
used their individual talents in their own ventures-- either to sell use for barter. However, with the
onset of the industrial revolution, more and more people became employees of someone else,
which subdued,somewhat, that drive to have one's own venture. The security of a paycheck has
provided comfort to many. We now face uncertain economic times where job security is no longer--secure. Many are re-positioning themselves to take the risk to get out and use the gifts God has
given to start their own home businesses. But as guidance may be needed to move ahead, where
do they start?
Joan: Laurie, to start, tell us about your own home businesses.
Laurie: I started out owning an online Christian bookstore. I loved it! I owned it for about a year, however, then the company ran into some financial problems and had to temporarily shut down. At that time, I started my current business, a home business website. I started it because, as I was looking for home business opportunities, I realized there was so much information out there, and much of it was scams. I wanted to help people avoid those and provide a place where people could come, relax, and find legitimate solutions.
Joan: So through this, you found you really enjoyed helping people find a home business suitable
for them? And is that why you became a Certified Biblical Coach?
Laurie: Yes. I received certification through the Biblical Coaching Academy, where we use coaching principles grounded in the Word.
Joan: Laurie, what got you interested in business coaching? Why is it such a passion for you?
I have always been an advocate of creating strong families, and I think having a business at home is a help with that. Especially if you can involve some of your family members in it.
I also feel that God has given us all certain gifts and talents that we are to use. When we do, we will be honoring God and will also derive purpose and fulfillment from our work. A home based business can offer ways to do just that.
Joan: Yes, I can see how having a home business can play a part in strengthening families. It used to be families did work together more. Kids were trained from early ages to prepare to 'take over the family business", whatever that was. Skills and knowledge were passed down from generation to generation. Tell me, what do you find is the biggest problem people have in getting started in finding a home business that suits them?
Laurie: I think sometimes it’s just taking that initial step. Getting past the fear of getting burnt and knowing what and where to start. I know, when I have researched businesses, you can go on a wild goose chase, going from one site to another, until pretty soon, all the information becomes muddled together. Some people give up at this point out of frustration.
Joan: Well, with your in depth research of various online businesses, you've done the legwork to save others that frustration. After one has decided on a business to pursue, why is it important to have
a business coach?
Laurie: I think having a coach is important for a few reasons. First, accountability. It's easy to put something off if we don’t have someone to report to. I have to fill out a report every week for my coach, and I know I think more about what I do and spend time on, knowing I”ll have to put it on the report.
Next, encouragement. Sometimes, we get frustrated or “stuck.” It’s so helpful to have someone
else to “vent” to, and then get their perspective on things, and help in moving forward.
Sometimes, we are so involved in our situations that we can’t see clearly. Our minds get bogged
down with so many issues, that we can become confused, overwhelmed, and as a result, don’t
take any action because we don’t know what to do. A coach can help you sort all that out, and
prioritize.
Joan: I wholeheartedly agree. Having a business coach can save you a lot of time and angst,
while helping you stay focused. I've benefited tremendously from my own business coach.
In today's market, it's important to not only have accountability, but also the objectiveness
a business coach can give.
Laurie, what is your contact information?
Laurie: My site is at http://www.christianhomebusinessconnection.com. My email is homebusiness@frontiernet.net