For the complete show on working from home, listen to the archived version at
FieldProblems.com. This show was chock full of referrals to other websites, so the complete article is available as a sample Field Problem column online.

See it here: http://www.fieldproblems.com/Documents/Sample%20Field%20Problem%20Working%20From%20Home.pdf

I. Introduction: Tara and Star explain how they came to be work at home military spouses. There are a lot of lessons to be learned and it's not for everyone, so they share the joys and pitfalls. (BTW: Tara is having a girl!) You're invited to share your own successes and lessons learned on our Good Points message board. Just click FP Good Points on our homepage.

II. Discussion revolved around how to get started, dispelling common myths, effective search terms, direct sales opportunities, and what to watch for in order to not get SCAMMED.

   A. Just a few websites to get started...http://www.milspouse.org, http://www.msccn.org, and http://www.msvas.com.  

    B. "Networking" was the keyword for the day. Network to find yourself a mentor, find clients, and keep yourself abreast of the working world around you. Working from home can be isolating, so don't be an island! "You can't stop after you've laid out the welcome mat and declared yourself 'open for business'."

   C. On the horizon...For networking, continuing education, and business news, get yourself a login id/password at the new Military Spouse Business Owners Association (http://www.milspousebiz.org/work). For a complete review, look for a separate email...(Field Problem: SOLVED c/o Crooks & Henderson) in the near future. Also, take this time to forward the news of that coming review to someone you know who might benefit from membership in that organization.

III. Our personal go-to people: Kathie Hightower and Holly Scherer at http://www.militaryspousehelp.com. These ladies are known for helping spouses think outside the box using "possibilities thinking" in order to pursue a dream they otherwise would have abandoned because of the challenges posed to military spouses. Check out their website, their book (Help! I'm a Military Spouse. I get a life too!) and their articles in the following publications:

Married to the Military column in the Air Force/Army/Marine Corps/NavyTimes

Column on Mobile Careers in Military Money magazine

Your Dreams & Possibilities column at CinCHouse.com

Strategic Careers column at Military.com

IV. Crooks and Henderson's Good Point-- Working from home can be a challenge, and it is not for everyone. We believe that military spouses have what it takes to conquer that challenge. If you arm yourself with the right resources and information you can craft a wonderful, fulfilling career for you and your military family, one that offers flexibility and portability. More people are doing it than you think.

V. Next FPLive! will be April 11, 1PM EST. You can sign up for show notification at www.blogtalkradio.com/fplive or our homepage. Also, archived shows are available at Blog Talk Radio discussing FRGs, raising military children, and PCSing. Check those out and help others find us too!

                                                                   Thanks,  Crooks and Henderson

We wanted to remind you all to save the date for our next FPLive!

This month we will talk about working from home, something done by men and women alike these days. This is particularly a hot topic for military spouses because of the added challenges of being a sometimes single parent and one that moves frequently.

Crooks and Henderson will talk about frequent misconceptions, share ideas about how to start, and how to make it work for you. Whether you’re looking to sell your own goods, join a direct sales company, or simply fill another company’s need from your virtual desktop, there is something for you.

This month’s Field Problem is available at http://www.fieldproblems.com/fparchives.shtml and titled Working from Home. So, take a peek, print it out, and follow along.

Date: March 7, 2007

Time: 1300 or 1pm (EST)

Place: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/fplive.

Of course, that show will be archived too. But please do consider listening live; call in to 646-915-8787 or IM us at Yahoo ID FieldProblems.

In the meantime, visit our webpage and share your FP Good Points –knowledge you have about working from home. It’s easy to do and we welcome your comments… http://www.fieldproblems.com/GoodPoints/guestbook.php.

Thanks for all that you do,  Crooks and Henderson

(What is an FRG; why should I join; Fundraising ideas)

I. Introduction: In reference to our previous broadcast on Raising Military Families (January 2007), Tara reports on two new resources: Miracle Blankets debuting at AAFES soon and a Doula partnership program for military spouses going through pregnancy alone. "That’s the kind of stuff good FRG leaders and members bring to meetings--information that is useful and timely," Star said.

II. Field Problem Discussion: Tara and Star, in my husband’s unit they have a Family Readiness Group (FRG) and the leader has contacted me about attending meetings and fundraisers. I am a new military spouse, and I don’t know what FRG is all about. I thought about attending the last meeting she put together, but my husband says he would rather me not participate with the group because of rumors and other issues that he has heard about. Can you tell me more about what FRG is all about? Should I participate? Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Sarah Anderson, Ft. Hood, TX; Army

   A. Referenced websites about FRGs: http://www.myarmylifetoo.com & http://www.guardfamily.org & http://www.armyfrg.org & https://cp.army.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=15780 & http://www.hooah4health.com/deployment/familymatters/FSGhandbook.htm 

    B. Referenced websites for online networking (other than MySpace): http://www.militaryspot.net & http://www.military.com & http://www.hooah.com

   C. Fundraising idea: Bulk order books at a low price and sell them for a profit.

         1. Tara's Pick: Contact Elaine Dumler at http://www.Imalreadyhome.com for her books "I'm Already Home" and/or "I'm Already Home....Again"

         2. Star's Pick: Contact Janel Lange at http://www.stayingconnected.net for her book "The Treasure of Staying Connected for Military Couples"

   D. Crooks and Henderson's Good Point-- FRGs are a lot like PTA/PTOs. Information may be coming your way via your soldier (or child in the PTA/PTO example), but that information is only as good as the messenger. It may come to you late and sketchy, which could make the whole message irrelevant. So, it's best to be involved, get the information first hand, and make an effort to affect the process by becoming an engaged vital member. Listeners are invited to comment here or suggest a FP Good Point at www.fieldproblems.com/GoodPoints/guestbook.php.

III. Next FPLive! will be March 7, 1PM EST.

This month we have took off on MySpace.com/fieldproblems. We have fed our show to itunes and podcast.net. We re-vamped FieldProblems.com to include sample articles, a letter you can send your editors with a military readership in order to request that they carry Field Problems, and our 2007 Media package. We also celebrated a local insertion to Coastal Family's print magazine here in the Southeast GA region.

At www.CoastalFamily.com, click on our smiling faces, which they have proudly displayed on their banner to read our most current contribution. It so happens that it was..."

FIELD PROBLEMS Why Should I Participate in My Family Readiness Group?

Thus, the topic of February's show will be Family Readiness Groups or FRGs. Why do they exist and how can you support and participate in your FRG? Please consider joining us for February's show on February 7th, 1pm (EST) where will be discussing that very subject. Of course, that show will be archived too. But please do consider listening live; call in to 646-915-8787 or IM us at Yahoo ID FieldProblems.

We welcome all emails and would love for you to comment here at BlogTalkRadio. Let us know how you heard about us, what you think of the show and concept, give us some show ideas, etc. We are here for the military family. It is You whom we serve.

Thanks for all that you do,  Crooks and Henderson

(includes other resources for child rearing)

I. Introduction.

   A. Life is good for Crooks and Henderson: Tara is pregnant. Crooks and Henderson have been invited to do a Field Exercise (TM) at Fort Stewart. Their story has hit DefenseLink, America Supports You, CBS with future coverage planned elsewhere.

   B. Listeners are invited to comment here or suggest a FP Good Point at www.fieldproblems.com/GoodPoints/guestbook.php.

II. Field Problem Discussion

   A. Websites: www.OperationBabyBlanket.com & www.zerotothree.org/military & www.sesameworkshop.org/tlc & www.daddydolls.com & www.nmfa.org & www.militarychild.org & www.Imalreadyhome.com & www.militaryfamily.com & www.militarybrats.com

   B. Caller Heather asks, "How can I make sure my 1.5 year old remembers my husband when he returns next year?"   

   C. Crooks and Henderson share their favorite books for military children. Find them at www.fieldproblems.com/booklist.shtml as well as books for military spouses.

   D. Crooks and Henderson's Good Point—Solutions are not "one size fits all." You need to know yourself, your preferences, and your hang-ups to make the best decision about healthcare benefits, pay options, living arrangements (off post vs. on post for example), and child raising. That being said, rest assured, there is a solution for you, no matter what your Field Problem.

IV. Next FPLive! will be February 7, 1PM EST.

We welcome all emails and would love for you to comment here at BlogTalkRadio. Let us know how you heard about us, what you think of the show and concept, give us some show ideas, etc. We are here for the military family. It is You whom we serve.

Thanks for all that you do,  Crooks and Henderson

I. Introduction.

    A. Field Problems is one of many things in Crooks and Henderson's kit bag.

         A. From their Field Desk-- freelance writing to meet the needs of your publication

         B. Attend a Field Exercise-- practical applications of their suggestions at a post near you, in a workshop format

    B.  New Venues: www.Myspace.com/fieldproblems and www.coastalfamily.com

II. Getting to Know You Quiz (Holiday Version 2006)

     A. Crooks and Henderson get to know each other, share their Christmas traditions, and invite callers.

     B. Adrienne (Army Spouse) shares her favorite holiday memory.

III. Field Problem Discussion

     A. Crooks and Henderson share their favorite care packages

     B. Crooks and Henderson's Good Point-- We spend a lot of time thinking about how to stay in touch with our deployed soldier, especially during the holidays. That's why all the discussion around Priceless Packages and Tokens from Home. But, these ideas are great for keeping in touch with our families who we can't be with throughout the year. Try a twist on the Day at Home care package theme by including regional magazines, recipe books, or souvenirs from your local area. You can send this to your grandma, your parents, or your best friend who you've not been in touch with for awhile because of your PCSs and crazy schedules that don't allow for travel as much as it used to.

IV. Next show set for January 10th, 1PM (EST)

Please only use your first name, location, and number of years associated with the military. Do not use any names of your soldier, family members, or anyone else’s soldier or family members. This is not a place to “air your dirty laundry”, it’s a place to find solutions and or coping mechanisms to deal with military life. All calls are recorded and remain property of Crooks and Henderson for further training and information use on Field Problems.com.