* If it's raining, stay inside and play a quick game with them—or read to them—or just sit and talk with them.

* IMPORTANT: during "their" time, resist urge to criticize them in any way.

* If no one is home, take that 15-minute break anyway to REST YOUR EYES and WRIST and BACK.

* Try NOT to sit down during this 15-minute period—your back will thank you.

* Take a walk—I just read other day that walking is absolutely best exercise for everyone over age thirty!

* Put on some music and dance—alone or with your kids—yes, even with your husband!

* Anything else that you can think of that doesn't continue to put a load on your eyes, your wrist, or your backside!

Besides allowing more time for your family, you also will benefit immensely from this plan by resting your own body, and you will return to work refreshed and more alert.

What this small break means to them is immeasurable—for one thing, they know you will be available shortly, and so they will tend not to interrupt you during your "on" hour—especially if you take time to explain "program" to them at beginning.

If they understand WHY you need this time .. . If they feel you really would rather be with THEM ... If they see you making a real effort to take some of your time just for THEM ... THEN they will begin to see big picture.

THEY will feel better and less hostile toward computer, and YOU will feel less guilty about spending precious time online.

So when you first start to implement your plan, be sure to sit down with whole family and tell them that:

* The computer is just a way to talk to other people and make money for family.

* You realize that computer is taking up some precious time that you would rather be spending with them.

* You know that they feel that they are bothering you every time they need to interrupt you, and that they don't like having to feel that way.

* You have come up with a plan so that you can work without interruption and still spend time with them.

You will have their undivided attention, believe me.

And after you have explained "the plan" to them, get off on right foot and tell them that you're going to start with THEIR time, and then spend next 15-20 minutes doing just that.

DON'T set timer for THEIR time—it's just not good psychology!

BUT do stay aware of time, and when it's "computer" time, be gentle, but firmly retreat to your work station ... set precedent ... and set timer!

Respond to your prospects as they write in. Answer each email or send a thank you for each survey responded to with a personal email of your own. Personalize any and all outgoing communication. You may even add a personal touch to auto responder messages. Let your customers know you are there to help. If your product is solution to their desire, all's better. But if you need to refer them elsewhere, don't be afraid to find where to send them and do so. Your reputation as an honest, sincere businessperson will grow as a result.

When you make sales, be sure and thank your customer personally for their purchase. Here's a great opportunity to make "back-end" sales. Offer them coupons or special prices on your other products. Ask for questions or concerns and a testimonial from your customer. They will no doubt tell others about you and your high level of trust.

These are just a few steps on pathway to online community and trust. As your knowledge and skills improve, no doubt you will learn more about this topic. But do look for ways to foster trust in your prospects and customers. In so doing relationships with them develop that will improve your online efforts over and over.