Did you become an entrepreneur on purpose? I did and didn't. I've been trying it out over the course of my career but didn't get serious about it until last year when I got laid off. I have always assumed I would be on my own. I just didn't think it would be so soon. The average age of new entrepreneur is 50+ and I'll only be 41. (On Wednesday!)
I've been reading a lot about the idea of the intentional or unintentional entrepreneur. I find the term "unintentional" kind of funny. It's as if someone thrust us onto the CEO/Founder/President platform without our consent!
I can tell you I haven't started my companies kicking and screaming with regret but, I have found it stressful. But not as stressful as being rejected by a few dozen companies! A few of my friends and acquaintances are considering an entrepreneur idea because they are having a hard time just landing a job.
Another friend is a stay-at-home mom who's kids are school age now. She been out of the work force for awhile now and knows the job market is crammed full of talent. She's going to try direct sales. I truly hope she does well!
I'd love to hear from you!!! What's your story?
"Are you an intentional or unintentional entrepreneur? And why?"
Cheers,
Lorin
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Challenge Question! Time Management
Hi BusiMoms,
The most covered topic when it comes to WAHM's and mom's who work outside the home is:
TIME!
All my clients want to manage their time better, our members want to manage time better and I work with my own coach on time management issues, too!!!
My questions to you all:
"What's your best trick or tips for time managment?"
There are a million books but I'd love to hear some tried and true methods that you acutally use and put into practice. I'll post all answers on our website. If you want to be noted as the author and your website/blog. Put it in the comments.
Cheers,
Lorin
The most covered topic when it comes to WAHM's and mom's who work outside the home is:
TIME!
All my clients want to manage their time better, our members want to manage time better and I work with my own coach on time management issues, too!!!
My questions to you all:
"What's your best trick or tips for time managment?"
There are a million books but I'd love to hear some tried and true methods that you acutally use and put into practice. I'll post all answers on our website. If you want to be noted as the author and your website/blog. Put it in the comments.
Cheers,
Lorin
Monday, June 15, 2009
School Vacation Time - AHHHHHHHHHHH!
Hi BusiMomsTM,
If you are like me, you now have kids home from school for the summer. Or you will soon. Summer can be a busy time.
Today is the first day that I have both kids home at the same time for a regular extended period. It is difficult to work and have children around all the time, who think you are here to service their every need. Well, to some extent, I am. Both of my kids are under the age of 4. Much to their credit they are self-sufficient when it is not a good time for me or they are getting into something they shouldn't be getting into. Then there are the times that I'm doing 12 things at once and they need me to take their shoes off. (They are both capable of doing this on their own.)
I wish I had a magic formula for dealing with kids and business at home but, I don't. Below are some suggestions for older kids. I did not create these. Dr. Patty Ann, the relationship expert on www.metromom.com wrote them. Plus, the last idea is from Debbye Cannon, the business mom mentor www.businessmommentor.com
"1. Set boundaries and realistic expectations for both yourself and your children. Children at 9 & 7 years old do not really "understand" that your work is important to you , they only "know" that your work is important to you. Big difference. Therefore, set boundaries and expectations for their behavior that accurately reflects this situation. Take all requests for food, drinks, bathroom breaks, etc. before going to work.
2. Use Humour. Let them know prior to a scheduled call that you are about to get on a call where national security is at stake and any interruptions will risk our nations security -or something that comes across as very funny to them but helps get the point across that you really cannot be interrupted. Humour allows you to reach your goal of uninterrupted time via a more easily heard manner than some ominous threat. Kids will probably think the humour you use is corny, but they will get the message.
3. Be creative. For example, you might have a bag of treats, surprise toys, etc., outside your door with the hope of stopping them dead in their tracks on their way into your office.
4. Finally, and I can hear all the other so-called experts screaming "No"! at this , but I live in the real world - use BRIBES. That's right, bribery works with kids, just like flattery works with women (and don't deny this girls). Desperate times call for desperate measures so use bribery accordingly.
5. A final thought - kids might find it a little confusing that "work" is at "home" for mom; especially if daddy "goes" to work. You might want to get their impression [on] this discrepancy. Just a thought."
And from Debbye Cannon: "Last week I was working w/ a Private Client in the U.K. who has a 6 yr old son. Same sort of thing with interruptions. We had him make a two sided "stop and go" sign, laminated and hung on her door as a signal lite."
My office is upstairs and I've told my kids that if they want something they have to come upstairs to ask, they can't just yell at me from the bottom of the stairs. Many times, it's not important enough for them to walk up so that has been helping.
I hope some or one of these suggestions might work for you. PLEASE send any other suggestions, tricks or tips that have worked for you and I'll post them on our website!
Happy Monday and I hope you have a successful week. Good luck if you have kids home!
Cheers,
Lorin
www.epmassociation.org
If you are like me, you now have kids home from school for the summer. Or you will soon. Summer can be a busy time.
Today is the first day that I have both kids home at the same time for a regular extended period. It is difficult to work and have children around all the time, who think you are here to service their every need. Well, to some extent, I am. Both of my kids are under the age of 4. Much to their credit they are self-sufficient when it is not a good time for me or they are getting into something they shouldn't be getting into. Then there are the times that I'm doing 12 things at once and they need me to take their shoes off. (They are both capable of doing this on their own.)
I wish I had a magic formula for dealing with kids and business at home but, I don't. Below are some suggestions for older kids. I did not create these. Dr. Patty Ann, the relationship expert on www.metromom.com wrote them. Plus, the last idea is from Debbye Cannon, the business mom mentor www.businessmommentor.com
"1. Set boundaries and realistic expectations for both yourself and your children. Children at 9 & 7 years old do not really "understand" that your work is important to you , they only "know" that your work is important to you. Big difference. Therefore, set boundaries and expectations for their behavior that accurately reflects this situation. Take all requests for food, drinks, bathroom breaks, etc. before going to work.
2. Use Humour. Let them know prior to a scheduled call that you are about to get on a call where national security is at stake and any interruptions will risk our nations security -or something that comes across as very funny to them but helps get the point across that you really cannot be interrupted. Humour allows you to reach your goal of uninterrupted time via a more easily heard manner than some ominous threat. Kids will probably think the humour you use is corny, but they will get the message.
3. Be creative. For example, you might have a bag of treats, surprise toys, etc., outside your door with the hope of stopping them dead in their tracks on their way into your office.
4. Finally, and I can hear all the other so-called experts screaming "No"! at this , but I live in the real world - use BRIBES. That's right, bribery works with kids, just like flattery works with women (and don't deny this girls). Desperate times call for desperate measures so use bribery accordingly.
5. A final thought - kids might find it a little confusing that "work" is at "home" for mom; especially if daddy "goes" to work. You might want to get their impression [on] this discrepancy. Just a thought."
And from Debbye Cannon: "Last week I was working w/ a Private Client in the U.K. who has a 6 yr old son. Same sort of thing with interruptions. We had him make a two sided "stop and go" sign, laminated and hung on her door as a signal lite."
My office is upstairs and I've told my kids that if they want something they have to come upstairs to ask, they can't just yell at me from the bottom of the stairs. Many times, it's not important enough for them to walk up so that has been helping.
I hope some or one of these suggestions might work for you. PLEASE send any other suggestions, tricks or tips that have worked for you and I'll post them on our website!
Happy Monday and I hope you have a successful week. Good luck if you have kids home!
Cheers,
Lorin
www.epmassociation.org
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
5 Helpful Hints to Better Communication in Writing
Miscommunication happens all the time. A lot of it can be laughable. Most often, however, conflict or issues will arise. Some of it can be detrimental to your business or family!
Recently, I wrote an email to my EPMA colleague, Mary Ann and some dates got mixed up because I did not write clearly what I was trying to say. It was interesting because my first reaction was, "She didn't read what I wrote." But that really wasn't accurate. Even though what I wrote was clear in my head, it didn't come across clearly to her. My bad. Before I said anything I looked at what I wrote from her point of view and it was NOT clear at all. I apologized instead of blaming. Luckily, it was not serious and we could laugh about it.
In communication, it is BOTH parties responsibility to understand the message but most often there is blame. Either we say, "you didn't tell me" or "you don't listen/read." Both are right and both are wrong.
Now, I am not the best writer. I consider myself a good writer but by no means am I an excellent writer. I aspire and work on it constantly. Being a good communicator is the utmost important in business. It showcases your credibility. If you communicate poorly then you are seen as less credible in the business world and vice verse.
Today, with the sheer amount of writing that we do, whether it is emails, blogs, websites, brochures, case studies or old fashioned business letters - your abilities are on display.
Happy communicating and before you blame others for not listening or reading - make sure you are clear in YOUR writing or talking.
Cheers, Lorin
http://www.epmassociation.org/
Recently, I wrote an email to my EPMA colleague, Mary Ann and some dates got mixed up because I did not write clearly what I was trying to say. It was interesting because my first reaction was, "She didn't read what I wrote." But that really wasn't accurate. Even though what I wrote was clear in my head, it didn't come across clearly to her. My bad. Before I said anything I looked at what I wrote from her point of view and it was NOT clear at all. I apologized instead of blaming. Luckily, it was not serious and we could laugh about it.
In communication, it is BOTH parties responsibility to understand the message but most often there is blame. Either we say, "you didn't tell me" or "you don't listen/read." Both are right and both are wrong.
Now, I am not the best writer. I consider myself a good writer but by no means am I an excellent writer. I aspire and work on it constantly. Being a good communicator is the utmost important in business. It showcases your credibility. If you communicate poorly then you are seen as less credible in the business world and vice verse.
Today, with the sheer amount of writing that we do, whether it is emails, blogs, websites, brochures, case studies or old fashioned business letters - your abilities are on display.
- First and foremost. Make sure your sentence structure is correct, especially watch for any misplaced modifiers (i.e. "Last night I dreamt I shot an elephant in my pajamas. Why he was wearing my pajamas I'll never know.") and typing their or there for they're, etc.
- www.drgrammar.org is a great website to help when you are writing. It is a collection of FAQ's regarding grammar and spelling.
- I also recommend a writing class - for many of us it's been several years since we last took a class in writing and it's not like a bicycle, there are many things we forget if we don't practice. Look to your local community college for a class or workshop.
- For goodness sake, PLEASE have someone proof read important documents that you hand out for marketing or to sell as a product. I recently received some training materials that has typos and missed words! I paid almost $1000 dollars for the materials! (She's an attorney, too!)
- The most important, however, is remembering to be clear and concise. Less is more.
Happy communicating and before you blame others for not listening or reading - make sure you are clear in YOUR writing or talking.
Cheers, Lorin
http://www.epmassociation.org/
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Work-At-Home Work Schedule
I'm not supposed to work on Friday's. It's a rule I've been trying to institute into my schedule. Friday's I'm supposed to don my mommy/maid hat. I'm not doing to good of a job. I always to a little bit of work on Fridays.
I really like what I do so much, that I'd rather blog, write, work on email, coach etc. than do laundry, clean the litter box, vacuum and mop. Who wouldn't?
A cleaning person is going to be at the top of my list...as soon as I stop being so frugal. Which is an ironic statement. Those that truly know me, know that I'm not really frugal. I aspire to be frugal so, I find areas with which I'm OK with being frugal. Right now, I'm OK with cleaning my own house, poorly too, I might add.
Back to my "not working on Friday's" topic. I'm currently trying to multi-task which is not working. It never does. I managed to get a load in the wash but that was a couple hours ago and it still sits there while I type.
You might wonder why I'm making myself crazy over it and why I'm even instituting this rule.
Corporate America did this to me!
In my previous job, I LOVED it. I had a great time, I worked hard and I felt I was living my life's purpose (to some extent). However, every Friday after I got off work, I would get off the train from the city, walk up the giant hill at my station while thinking: "Why on Earth do I spend FIVE days at work and TWO days at home with my children?" And that's how it went, Friday, after Friday, after Friday until I got laid off.
Now, that I'm in more control and even though I should be putting massive amounts of hours to get the EPMA relaunch going sooner rather than later - I'm going to do it on my own terms. That means I have to take Friday's off.
On the lucky side of things - It's currently nap time so kids aren't loosing out, I'm about to eat my lunch, this doesn't have to be long and I just had a nice time sharing.
I love being an entrepreneur.
Have a great weekend everyone! I'll get back to work on Monday. I promise!
Don't forget to visit our not-yet-new website - We hope to launch new one the 11th! http://www.epmassociation.org/
I really like what I do so much, that I'd rather blog, write, work on email, coach etc. than do laundry, clean the litter box, vacuum and mop. Who wouldn't?
A cleaning person is going to be at the top of my list...as soon as I stop being so frugal. Which is an ironic statement. Those that truly know me, know that I'm not really frugal. I aspire to be frugal so, I find areas with which I'm OK with being frugal. Right now, I'm OK with cleaning my own house, poorly too, I might add.
Back to my "not working on Friday's" topic. I'm currently trying to multi-task which is not working. It never does. I managed to get a load in the wash but that was a couple hours ago and it still sits there while I type.
You might wonder why I'm making myself crazy over it and why I'm even instituting this rule.
Corporate America did this to me!
In my previous job, I LOVED it. I had a great time, I worked hard and I felt I was living my life's purpose (to some extent). However, every Friday after I got off work, I would get off the train from the city, walk up the giant hill at my station while thinking: "Why on Earth do I spend FIVE days at work and TWO days at home with my children?" And that's how it went, Friday, after Friday, after Friday until I got laid off.
Now, that I'm in more control and even though I should be putting massive amounts of hours to get the EPMA relaunch going sooner rather than later - I'm going to do it on my own terms. That means I have to take Friday's off.
On the lucky side of things - It's currently nap time so kids aren't loosing out, I'm about to eat my lunch, this doesn't have to be long and I just had a nice time sharing.
I love being an entrepreneur.
Have a great weekend everyone! I'll get back to work on Monday. I promise!
Don't forget to visit our not-yet-new website - We hope to launch new one the 11th! http://www.epmassociation.org/
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
When Family Visits During a Launch
There are many times when we do not have the option to say "No" to visitors. Usually this means family. My husband's Aunt is visiting and I love it when she comes. My girls just adore her and she always plays with them! She is a very interesting woman who has been working VERY hard the last 5 years on getting a center built in Afghanistan for children and widows. I'm amazed by her tenacity and determination in fund raising and in construction in a foreign country. I'm very proud to be related to her!
She's in New York to see us and timed it with a fundraiser that she is sponsoring.
The hard part about her visit and this is true with all visitors to my house - I want to make sure they have what they need, they are entertained and are having a good time. This can be stressful enough when we are not busy but add a launch and it becomes even more stressful.
There are many steps we can do to help the craziness and anxiety that can result --
She's in New York to see us and timed it with a fundraiser that she is sponsoring.
The hard part about her visit and this is true with all visitors to my house - I want to make sure they have what they need, they are entertained and are having a good time. This can be stressful enough when we are not busy but add a launch and it becomes even more stressful.
There are many steps we can do to help the craziness and anxiety that can result --
First, plan ahead and know that you will be limited on what you can accomplish when you have visitors.- Pare down your to-do list and limit clients as much as possible.
- If you can reschedule, do it. Most people are understanding and flexible.
- Put in your gratitude journal that it is wonderful to have family and friends who care enough about you and your family to visit!
- Negotiate up front about expectations on their visit. If you have clients let your visitors know when you have to work with them. Make a calendar or list for them. They won't remember nor, do they have to remember. And your visitors are very understanding!
- Remind yourself as to why you are an entrepreneur - for the flexibility! It's amazing how inflexible we are when it comes right down to it - even though we SAY we want it...we most often have a hard time putting that flexibility into practice.
- If you start to stress out, journal your thoughts. It is an easy an quick thing to do. Stream-of-consciousness-writing. Just blurt it out. Once it's on paper you can get the feelings out and figure out what you want to do about it - choice 1: be upset about something you can't 100% control OR choice 2: Take a deep breath and enjoy the time you have with them.
The people in our lives are so very important. If you were on your death bed tomorrow, would you say, "I wish I spent more time working?" Be grateful for the time. It's sometimes hard to find the positive but not that hard! As an entrepreneur or sales professional you have to be an optimist or you will never make it!
As for my Aunt-in-law...I'm enjoying my visit with her and doing whatever I can to help her with her fundraiser. It's more fun and a nice break! My stuff can wait a few days!
(This week's video is about Toxic People and it is not about my Aunt!)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
BusiMom Blog Launch
Hi BusiMoms,
It's interesting, when you launch a company, that there are many learning curves. There are small learning curves and large learning curves. One of the biggest for me, is technology. This blog is a learning curve! I know enough to get myself in trouble but not enough to do it all on my own. The trouble part is that I'm trying to do all the website work myself to save money. We are a small start up and a non-profit. Until we get going, there isn't a whole lot to go around. I end up spending a lot of time learning so that I can do it myself...for free. There are good parts and bad parts to learning curves.
Remember this: Time is Money!
1. Do you know enough to not waste time? I feel I can get myself into trouble but I try to ask for help as much as possible. This is not typical for me. I'm one of those that will sit with a puzzle for hours until I figure it out. I don't have time to do that now. I need to ask for help and I'm starting to do that.
2. Are there easier alternatives...for now? Sometimes we need to have patience. At this point, re prioritize and ask yourself, "What do I really need to make my client/customers happy?" or "What do I really need right now to be able to market myself."
3. Refer to a "to-do" list before you launch/open for business. Make sure you have your product and that you can deliver. Everything else will be done if you keep it in sight.
4. Don't let details be an excuse. I can sure get caught up in minor details, that I forget the big pictures. I can also be good at say that I can't do this or that because of this other thing. Get going on that product and when you start making some money - improve.
5. Launch small. If your learning curve is super great, don't promise what you can't deliver. Just be what you can be for now. The "big" can come later.
6. Prepare. Nothing says that you can't start pricing experts to help you when you have the money. The first thing Mary Ann and I will do when we start adding members is hire a web designer and maintainer!
The good part about learning curves is that I'm know very familar with web design, hosting, some html and other stuff - the great thing about that is I can talk to an expert without sounding like a complete idiot. We'll be able save time in the future because I understand more.
The other learning curve is accounting. I'm just doing my best and hoping that any mistakes are fixable! And I'm going to try real hard to not hand an accountant a box of receipts at tax time!
If you are launching and have any good tips. Share them with us! I hope you follow our blog - we're going to put tricks, tips and ideas up here on a regular basis. Plus, I'll share the BusiMom's Time Out on Monday's.
Cheers, Lorin
Founder, CEO
Entrepreneur & Professional Moms Association
http://www.epmassociation.org/
It's interesting, when you launch a company, that there are many learning curves. There are small learning curves and large learning curves. One of the biggest for me, is technology. This blog is a learning curve! I know enough to get myself in trouble but not enough to do it all on my own. The trouble part is that I'm trying to do all the website work myself to save money. We are a small start up and a non-profit. Until we get going, there isn't a whole lot to go around. I end up spending a lot of time learning so that I can do it myself...for free. There are good parts and bad parts to learning curves.
Remember this: Time is Money!
1. Do you know enough to not waste time? I feel I can get myself into trouble but I try to ask for help as much as possible. This is not typical for me. I'm one of those that will sit with a puzzle for hours until I figure it out. I don't have time to do that now. I need to ask for help and I'm starting to do that.
2. Are there easier alternatives...for now? Sometimes we need to have patience. At this point, re prioritize and ask yourself, "What do I really need to make my client/customers happy?" or "What do I really need right now to be able to market myself."
3. Refer to a "to-do" list before you launch/open for business. Make sure you have your product and that you can deliver. Everything else will be done if you keep it in sight.
4. Don't let details be an excuse. I can sure get caught up in minor details, that I forget the big pictures. I can also be good at say that I can't do this or that because of this other thing. Get going on that product and when you start making some money - improve.
5. Launch small. If your learning curve is super great, don't promise what you can't deliver. Just be what you can be for now. The "big" can come later.
6. Prepare. Nothing says that you can't start pricing experts to help you when you have the money. The first thing Mary Ann and I will do when we start adding members is hire a web designer and maintainer!
The good part about learning curves is that I'm know very familar with web design, hosting, some html and other stuff - the great thing about that is I can talk to an expert without sounding like a complete idiot. We'll be able save time in the future because I understand more.
The other learning curve is accounting. I'm just doing my best and hoping that any mistakes are fixable! And I'm going to try real hard to not hand an accountant a box of receipts at tax time!
If you are launching and have any good tips. Share them with us! I hope you follow our blog - we're going to put tricks, tips and ideas up here on a regular basis. Plus, I'll share the BusiMom's Time Out on Monday's.
Cheers, Lorin
Founder, CEO
Entrepreneur & Professional Moms Association
http://www.epmassociation.org/
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