A Mom Entrepreneur's thoughts on: #8 of 53 things to keep in mind if you want to become a better entrepreneur / professional

Continuation of a series: I'm currently sharing 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/


8. Try not to mix your family life with your business life.

 

This one is very funny for work at home parents. This seems like an impossible task…if you take in on face value. There is a good message here, though.

 

1. Do NOT mix your business finances with family finances. You should have separate accounts and then “pay yourself a salary” from your business account. Keep receipts separate and accounting separate. For heaven’s sake get quick books.

 

2. SET BOUNDRIES:
It is very very easy to work every day. Technology has created this world where we are always connected. I keep my work load light on Saturday and I never ever work on Sunday, with one small exception. If we are home, then I will only get on the computer if and when my kids are napping. Even then, moms, I recommend self-care or spouse/partner-care instead of business!

 

Even though my husband might be on his lap top in the kitchen in the middle of breakfast, he’s not really at breakfast. So, don’t think you can fool your family - just because you are in the same room doesn’t mean you are in the same room.

 

3. WHEN TO MIX:
If you work inside or outside the home, you teach your children valuable lessons. Here is where and how you mix business and family.

• Teach them about responsibility
• Teach them about having a passion
• Teach them about having their own interests outside the family
• Teach them about your values surrounding money

 

What do you think?  Remember to add posts.  Linkbacks are accepted and help you with SEO!!!!

A Mom Entrepreneur's thoughts on: #7 of 53 things to keep in mind if you want to become a better entrepreneur

Continuation of a series: I'm currently sharing 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/

"7. Don’t get too greedy… pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered. "


Not sure what to make of this rule. It seems there could be many interpretations. For myself, I’m going to think that I should go for it on my pricing but not too pricey. My husband is good at this. When he puts prices on his antiques he looks at several factors.

1. What is the price for the same or similar items, in the same market.

2. Undercut them but not by too much.

3. Be willing to negotiate. Americans don’t do this much, that’s why they get in trouble at when car shopping but, get into the habit.

4. Don’t get emotional or take it personally – be willing to do something or part with something for less – just don’t lose your shirt!

5. Remember your market and venue. My husband sells on craigslist. If he put his merchandise in a retail store, it would have a higher price but, on craigslist the prices HAVE to be lower.

Look at your services and merchandise -- Make sure you are competitive so that they aren’t going to another place to buy!

A Mom Entrepreneur's thoughts on: #6 of "53 things to keep in mind if you want to become a better entrepreneur"

Continuation of a series:  I'm currently sharing 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/

6. Around every corner lies an opportunity for you to sell something.
Every time you meet someone there is a chance for soft selling. Always try to find ways to let people know what you do. The best way to let people know what you do is to help people. Don’t always look at others as a way to sell or to help you. Build trust and you build trust with offers of help, free samples, or free advice.

Look for small ways to be visible. I see a ton of business women who email me and there is no information in their signature. Every email lets you put in an automatic signature. What should be in your email signature?

1. What you do?: i.e Real Estate Attorney 
2. How can I find out more?: i.e http://www.website.com/
3. How can I contact you? i.e. office/cell phone and email address
4. Can I have an example? i.e. www.blog.com  

That is just one way to possible sell on every corner  - don't miss it.
Cheers, Lorin

A Mom Entrepreneur's thoughts on: #4 & 5 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/

4. Learn from your own mistakes.
Making mistakes is not the worst thing you can do.  Do the same mistake twice means you are not paying attention.  Perhaps you are stubborn and just want to try again or you just don't get it.  Pay attention to mistakes and they'll take you further - use them as learning opportunities. 

This is good advice for business, spouse and family.
5. Learn from other people’s mistakes.
Don't ever think it won't have to you.  When trying something out ask others if they have tried it before.    People love talking about themselves and sharing so finding the answers are not hard. You might save yourself a lot of grief and money if you learn from others.

A Mom Entrepreneur's thoughts on: #2 & 3 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/


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

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/

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!