For several blogs going forward, I'm going to share with you my thoughts on a great blog post: "53 things to keep in mind if you want to become a better entrepreneur." by Neil Patel. His blog Quick Sprout is a must read. The original list is here: http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/08/07/51-ways-to-become-a-better-entrepreneur/
2. Accept criticism, no matter who gives it to you.
Do you live in a town that has statues of historical people? Some of them are well known, like Martin Luther King Jr. and George Washington to the more obscure Stevie Ray Vaughn (he’s in Austin, TX on Auditorium Shores, a blues player of influence in the music industry). What they have in common is they were criticized! Did they cower and decide not to go for what they believed in???
I’m ready for more woman statues out there!!!! Criticism makes us stronger. Listen to those that don’t like you or don’t like what you are about. They will tell you think your friends will never tell you. It might hurt and make us not want to move forward but if you use the information wisely it will make you stronger and better!
If you are not getting any criticism and it’s only “what at great idea.” You are not talking to the right people. Get honest feedback – this is the only way to grow and improve.
I like that Neil, says “no matter who gives it to you.” I got it good from my 4 year old the other day and I deserved it. You never know where the good ideas are going to come from. I even get mother advice from a friend who has no children. You scoff? She’s got nieces and nephews, she’s smart and she observes. Don’t think she doesn’t know a thing or two. Sometimes people the farthest away from the situation will have the freshest eyes.
3. Never stop networking.
You will not be able to ride a tide for long. The best surfers get out there over and over and over again because the tide does roll in. You have to make connections – fresh connections on a regular basis or your business will wave on into the shore and wither away. There will be a time after a start up when you can relax because part of your business will be referral but you can’t sustain a business this way. You might not have to market and network as hard but you do have to keep it up. Even Coke and Pepsi still market and advertise.
You have started your business but you never know who you are going to meet! If you decide to not network then you might not meet that special someone who would partner up with you and take your business to a multi-million dollar business!
Don’t like to network? Tough. You can’t avoid it. Sitting in your office or at your kitchen table is not meeting people.
Don’t want to go out in the evening because of your kids? You don’t have to do the evening events. There are plenty of lunch dates and breakfast groups. You can start an EPMA chapter that meets in the morning after the kids go to school.
Think of networking as always taking an opportunity to talk about business. For example, that Tupperware party you’ve been invited too? Perhaps the hostess will give you a moment for everyone to introduce themselves and you can also introduce your business.
NEVER GO OUT WITHOUT BUSINESS CARDS!!!!!!
Wishing you continued success,
Lorin
Monday, November 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Mom Entrepreneur's thoughts on: #1 of 53 things to keep in mind if you want to become a better entrepreneur
For several blogs going forward, I'm going to share with you my thoughts on a great blog post: "53 things to keep in mind if you want to become a better entrepreneur." by Neil Patel. His blog Quick Sprout is a must read. The original list is here: http://www.quicksprout.com/2009/08/07/51-ways-to-become-a-better-entrepreneur/
Today: Rule #1 - It's a doozy so I made this entry all about number one.
1. Don't let your emotions cloud your decisions.
This is one of the funniest things I've seen! Women and moms especially are notorious when it comes to emotions. HELLO??? Can anyone say hormones!!! I think women are at a disadvantage when it comes to keeping our emotions in check, its part of our nature. I wouldn't want to do without them, though, because it's what makes me a woman and a mom. We need to be savvy so we can use them to our advantage.
First guilt is so prominent with mom entrepreneurs! We feel guilty when we are busy working because we should be with our kids. We feel guilty when we are with our kids because we should be working! It's a no win situation...or is it? Perhaps we are better at setting boundaries when it comes to working too much.
Anger is another prominent emotion. Depression is very common and for women we display our depression with the inability to control anger. If you can't control your anger, get help.
I think what Neil meant when he wrote that rule was that we need to think with our heads and don't make rash decisions. What you want and what you need are two different things sometimes. As mom entrepreneurs, we really need to be cognizant of "the state of rationalization." I know that sometimes I don't make the right decision because I "just want something." Later, I might regret it but, I won't beat myself up over it. Learn and move on.
Don't just do things because you think it'd be the nice thing to do or it's cool or it seems fun - make sure it makes sense for your business, your family, your friends or yourself! Do the research and weigh the costs. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be too proud.
PS - Regina Bonolo is my coach. I mentioned her on my Time Out video this week. Here is her website: http://aspirehigher.biz/
Today: Rule #1 - It's a doozy so I made this entry all about number one.
1. Don't let your emotions cloud your decisions.
This is one of the funniest things I've seen! Women and moms especially are notorious when it comes to emotions. HELLO??? Can anyone say hormones!!! I think women are at a disadvantage when it comes to keeping our emotions in check, its part of our nature. I wouldn't want to do without them, though, because it's what makes me a woman and a mom. We need to be savvy so we can use them to our advantage.
First guilt is so prominent with mom entrepreneurs! We feel guilty when we are busy working because we should be with our kids. We feel guilty when we are with our kids because we should be working! It's a no win situation...or is it? Perhaps we are better at setting boundaries when it comes to working too much.
Anger is another prominent emotion. Depression is very common and for women we display our depression with the inability to control anger. If you can't control your anger, get help.
I think what Neil meant when he wrote that rule was that we need to think with our heads and don't make rash decisions. What you want and what you need are two different things sometimes. As mom entrepreneurs, we really need to be cognizant of "the state of rationalization." I know that sometimes I don't make the right decision because I "just want something." Later, I might regret it but, I won't beat myself up over it. Learn and move on.
Don't just do things because you think it'd be the nice thing to do or it's cool or it seems fun - make sure it makes sense for your business, your family, your friends or yourself! Do the research and weigh the costs. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't be too proud.
PS - Regina Bonolo is my coach. I mentioned her on my Time Out video this week. Here is her website: http://aspirehigher.biz/
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Self-Esteem and Business
A very interesting thing happened to me this week and I want to use it as learning event!
As, you all know, I do the Mom’s Time Out video. As a marketing tool, I send the video to my twitter and Facebook accounts. On Monday, a friend of mine posted a comment on my Facebook after my video post that said, “A vision statement – how visionary.”
This sent me reeling! I was so embarrassed. If my friend thinks my video is silly, are there others that don’t speak up??!! I was beside myself. I was just crushed. His opinions mean a lot to me, I truly respect the success he has made for himself.
My first instinct was to send a sarcastic comment back but I thought that didn’t seem professional. I’ve always taught people that if an email makes you upset don’t do anything until you’ve had time to cool off. So, I cooled off and decided to look at it from his point of view.
My friend and I have a teasing kind of relationship. We are always ribbing each other about this and that. I realized that he was just doing and saying things he always says. The difference this time was that instead of making fun of my personal life, (which is ok!), he picked something I did professionally. He probably really didn’t think my video was silly, he just wanted to say hi and that he watched it.
Then, I got very bothered by the fact that I was bothered by it. I decided to send him an email because I did want to address it. I asked that he refrain from teasing me on professional posts because others might not understand our friendship or the comment. I also admitted that my self-esteem isn’t always the best when it comes to my professional life.
I feel confident in my personal life so, I’m comfortable with being teased with my kids or how I look. However, career and business are different for me. Naturally, he told me it wasn’t meant that way and he would remove the comment. He also, gave me a compliment, which felt good even though I forced it on him by obliquely asking: “Do you think my posts are silly?”
I felt good that I addressed the situation. It shows growth on my part. In the past, I would have jabbed back, or made some self-deprecating statement and suffered quietly. Instead, I decided to own what I feel and address it with my friend. My self-esteem took a boost and I ended up with a very productive day!
Next time someone says something that makes you question yourself, have the courage to talk to them about it. Don’t wallow in self-pity. You might have misunderstood or they may just not know how to give good criticism, or as in my case, they meant to harm at all. Make sure you are open, honest and friendly about it and not accusatory so, that you can have productive conversation that lifts you up!
As, you all know, I do the Mom’s Time Out video. As a marketing tool, I send the video to my twitter and Facebook accounts. On Monday, a friend of mine posted a comment on my Facebook after my video post that said, “A vision statement – how visionary.”
This sent me reeling! I was so embarrassed. If my friend thinks my video is silly, are there others that don’t speak up??!! I was beside myself. I was just crushed. His opinions mean a lot to me, I truly respect the success he has made for himself.
My first instinct was to send a sarcastic comment back but I thought that didn’t seem professional. I’ve always taught people that if an email makes you upset don’t do anything until you’ve had time to cool off. So, I cooled off and decided to look at it from his point of view.
My friend and I have a teasing kind of relationship. We are always ribbing each other about this and that. I realized that he was just doing and saying things he always says. The difference this time was that instead of making fun of my personal life, (which is ok!), he picked something I did professionally. He probably really didn’t think my video was silly, he just wanted to say hi and that he watched it.
Then, I got very bothered by the fact that I was bothered by it. I decided to send him an email because I did want to address it. I asked that he refrain from teasing me on professional posts because others might not understand our friendship or the comment. I also admitted that my self-esteem isn’t always the best when it comes to my professional life.
I feel confident in my personal life so, I’m comfortable with being teased with my kids or how I look. However, career and business are different for me. Naturally, he told me it wasn’t meant that way and he would remove the comment. He also, gave me a compliment, which felt good even though I forced it on him by obliquely asking: “Do you think my posts are silly?”
I felt good that I addressed the situation. It shows growth on my part. In the past, I would have jabbed back, or made some self-deprecating statement and suffered quietly. Instead, I decided to own what I feel and address it with my friend. My self-esteem took a boost and I ended up with a very productive day!
Next time someone says something that makes you question yourself, have the courage to talk to them about it. Don’t wallow in self-pity. You might have misunderstood or they may just not know how to give good criticism, or as in my case, they meant to harm at all. Make sure you are open, honest and friendly about it and not accusatory so, that you can have productive conversation that lifts you up!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Happy Labor Day, BusiMoms
A poorly written blog with a few random thoughts on labor; forgive me! I just couldn't help myself!
Labor Day has a whole new meaning to me now that I'm a mom! Two labors, two daughters.
The other births, that I've labored over - my two companies. www.thelegalappeal.com & www.epmassociation.org
My companies and my children are "labors" of love.
Some days I just don't want to be a mom and some days I don't want to be a business owner but, I labor on...
My children and my businesses are the fruits of my labor.
I could go on but, I won't. How do you think of Labor Day???? Share your thoughts.
Cheers,
Lorin
Labor Day has a whole new meaning to me now that I'm a mom! Two labors, two daughters.
The other births, that I've labored over - my two companies. www.thelegalappeal.com & www.epmassociation.org
My companies and my children are "labors" of love.
Some days I just don't want to be a mom and some days I don't want to be a business owner but, I labor on...
My children and my businesses are the fruits of my labor.
I could go on but, I won't. How do you think of Labor Day???? Share your thoughts.
Cheers,
Lorin
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Unitentional Entrepreneur
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
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, 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
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