With so many doing this, it would seem apparent that this is a great way to escalate a business to next level. After all, if a person can set themselves up as an expert by publishing materials on certain subjects, others will obviously buy more, and revenue will skyrocket, right? This is not necessarily so.

While it is an advantage in some instances, it can be a disadvantage in other instances. There are parameters that need to be followed for successful publication, and there are certain requirements that must be met for successful publication.

The advantages of authoring and publishing are as follows:

1. An individual can set themselves up as an expert in a specific field of interest, thus enhancing sales and trust with clients and customers. If a publication is effective enough, and marketing done well enough, massive exposure will occur, and an individual can fast become a "semi-celebrity" in their chosen field.

2. A print book or e-book can drive intense amounts of traffic to a Web site, if a URL is included in publication. Publications are a well-known Search Engine traffic tool.

3. The revenue from a successful publication can itself be lucrative.

4. Backend sales can be made effortlessly, by including "mention" of other products/services within published materials.

5. Public relations are increased, with some authors and publishers enjoying extensive notoriety. When this occurs, oftentimes individuals will buy "any" and "all" subsequent follow up products that are produced by author and publisher.

6. Lucrative joint ventures can be established with solid publications. Many large sized print publishers and online publishers will give massive exposure to authors that produce a well-written, wide selling publication.

The disadvantages, however, do exist, and these are as follows:

1. Producing a quality publication is time consuming, at best. Materials need to be researched, written, and re-edited many, many times before publication can be released.

2. Producing a quality publication can be costly as well. Although field of self publishing has increased exponentially (the amount of software and services available now for self publishers is astounding), there are significant costs related to authoring and publishing of materials, i.e., publication software and services, marketing costs, research costs, editorial and layout costs, etc.

I've read so many articles lately about balancing your life - family, business, spiritual, health and wellness - all of it. Admittedly, I was determined to do same. Why not? There were all these power women out there, doing just that! Why couldn't I do it? I'll tell you why - once I realized what they were truly talking about, I didn't want it any longer.

Look, I love my home business and I wouldn't change it for world. However, if my family, friends and loved ones need me - this business gets put on back burner. I may be wrong in my line of thinking but that's one of reasons why I started a home business - flexibility. My time is supposed to be flexible. I like it that way. I love knowing that if my nephew calls me to ask me to run and give him a hug, I can do that! I love knowing that if I have a special family gathering coming up, I can go without clearing it with anyone. For me - people that matter most in my life, come first in my life - without question!

With that said, I still believe you should have a general guideline for your working hours. Specially if you're a work at home parent with young ones around. Otherwise you'll never be productive enough to get anything accomplished. If you want to spend time with your children during day, get some exercise, work, attend to daily chores, it's imperative you have an outline of a schedule. Just keep in mind that is just that - an outline. It is not carved in stone and it should allow you flexibility to deal with important issues as they arise.

• Write out a list of required tasks and break that down to monthly, weekly and daily lists. For example, if you do laundry twice a week - write down what days you'll do that. Write down your minimum required hours for work, grocery shopping, exercise routines, play dates.....everything.
• Write out your wish list of things you'd like to accomplish. Let's say you've been dying to join a health club, yet it's never been a huge priority - write it down. This is your list of dreams. If you want to take a painting class or you want to join your local Chamber of Commerce - write it down.
• Write down your household's schedule as it is right now. This may take a week to observe and take notes. You can't outline a new schedule until you are fully aware what your current schedule is.
• Invest in a nice, large daily planner. This is something you shouldn't be afraid to splurge on. Make sure you get one you like. I don't want you to cringe each time you look at it.

Now, we're going to amalgamate your lists into one schedule.