Yes, I'm a self-proclaimed addict of The Apprentice. I must have my weekly dose of The Donald, Caroline, George and some angst-ridden hopefuls vying for the top spot. My husband likes to say he doesn't like the show. But puzzlingly, he always seems to be around when the theme music comes on - if not within those first three distinctive bass notes, then definitely by the time the O'Jays are singing.

So just why do I like watching? After all, I'm a work at home mom who was burned by corporate America twice - once in a round of layoffs and again when I created a database my company was going to pay an outside consultant a nice sum of money to develop and I got zip for it. Is it that I want to live vicariously through the contestants? Am I subconsciously yearning to re-enter the corporate world with all of its office politics? Do I enjoy watching the contestants with bad interpersonal skills make horrible blunders and applauding those who excel due to their talent and people skills? Or, do I simply like the way Mr. Trump touts everything he touches as the best? Well, a little of all those things I guess. But, I mainly like watching it because it affords an opportunity to learn from other's mistakes - and successes.

The skill set required for a top executive with "Trump-worthy" caliber is essentially the same for a work at home mom that owns her own business. And on top of that, you've got to be able to apply those skills to your family. Some examples: Time management - deciding what can be done during the ever-so-precious nap time People skills - calming a loud child during a business call that you had to take Creativity - creating a new craft project to occupy your child during that call Budgeting - not giving in to your child's wishes for everything he sees in the toy aisle Conflict Management - peeling apart two toddlers fighting over the same toy Organization - this can be as simple as having a place for your business papers that's out of the reach of inquisitive little hands

If only one of these skill sets is lacking, you can risk being unsuccessful and wind up in your own personal "boardroom", trying to figure out what went wrong. However, it's not too late to try to get your act together. Some Apprentice contestants who have had their weakness identified for them (albeit on national television) were given the opportunity to make necessary changes in their performance. Perhaps in the end they didn't win the top spot, but they came out of the experience wiser, and as a result, better poised for success. Some didn't seem to learn from their mistakes, as revealed in their cab drive monologues. Perhaps they still experience a measure of success, but their inability to identify their weakness will always limit them.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Ask your husband, close friends and relatives what they think your strong and weak points are. Tell them not to be afraid to be honest, and then don't get upset with them! Thank them for their honesty. Then, join a local work at home moms network where you can offer advice in your strong areas and get advice for the areas where you need it. If there isn't one in your area, there are many great networks on the Internet - just use a search engine and do a search for the phrase "work at home moms help". Try one or two out. If one doesn't seem to be a fit for you, try another.

My suggestion for Mr. Trump? Have an episode where the contestants must create and host a two hour playgroup for ten children and their moms. Then, have the moms rate the results. Whichever team gets the highest ratings wins. Now that's a true test of talent!
About the Author

Angeline Schell, Small Business Owner & Coach http://www.livewellathome.zoomshare.com

Angeline Schell worked in Corporate America for years, earning promotions and various performance awards. She decided to work at home after becoming a mom and does freelance writing alongside her main business of setting up wholesale shopping accounts and coaching fellow work at home moms. She lovingly manages a household of one husband, two toddlers and a cat.