No one was more surprised than I when my home-based business took off almost 15 years ago. Secretary? I thought I was just making a little extra money by writing a few resumes and letters every once in a while. Not for a second did I consider myself a Secretary - or ever believe I’d have to act as my own secretary. Answering phones, processing correspondence, billing, collections, A/P, A/R, scheduling appointments, greeting/meeting clients, power lunches, brainstorming sessions.

As my business grew, so did the demands from my clients. Spreadsheets, databases, newsletters, brochures, business plans. Talk about take-off! My fingers were flying across the keyboard as fast as the work came in. I had to learn and grow with my business, making sure every detail from my record keeping to the client’s finished products were covered. There were just not enough hours in the day. It was hectic but great fun and very rewarding.

After the birth of my third child, something had to give. It was either my sanity or the business. Not wanting to lose either, I had to make some changes - and fast. I thought I was fairly organized, but learned rather quickly that with a growing family and a growing business, I had to cut corners to save time any way I could. Giving up control of some aspects of the business was the first step, but always wanting to stay in control, it was hard for me to give up any portions of the business.

At first, I turned business away. With constant financial demands, this wasn’t really practical. Any parent with teenagers knows what I mean. The clothes, chauffeuring, dates, dances, sports, school supplies. The list is endless. Being strong-willed but weak-hearted, I said yes more often than not. Soon, I realized that, in order to survive, I needed help.