“We accept the love we think we deserve.”

— Stephen Chbosky

Above all, I hope you know that you are very much deserving of love. You work hard! And I value you deeply. But there’s something you need to hear, even if you’re not sure you deserve the harsh truth headed your way. This may not be the usual tone I take, but it comes from the same intention I always stand by: to help and support women business reach their goals and stay sane while doing so! I do it because I respect the hell out of the women who refused to settle for either work or parenting– one or the other. We want both, because our dreams are much more nuanced than some people gave us credit for.

But that’s a massive undertaking. You didn’t choose an easy path. Not only are there obstacles and unsure footing, but long stretches where there really are no road maps or signposts to let you know you’re still headed in the right direction.

There are days when you get so overwhelmed, discouraged, and frustrated– and as much as we’d like it to, the world doesn’t owe us a reprieve or consolation.

Creative entrepreneurism isn’t for the faint of heart, and motherhood even less so.

The one, absolute constant to depend on is your mindset. If you have the attitude that you will succeed and flourish, then you will.

If you spend time looking for something or someone to blame for not having the life you want, you’ll never get it.

I think this is something we all know, deep down. Whether we consciously acknowledge this truth is a wholly different matter. I don’t blame you for not wanting to hold yourself responsible when every day has a full set of responsibilities already assigned to you. Especially as mothers, when we wake up and go to sleep worried about the small, blossoming lives that we have the happy burden of nurturing, protecting, and shaping for their own successes.

Haven’t we always been told that we can achieve anything we set our minds to?

So why don’t we believe it?

If you want to meet someone to pitch your big idea or make a business connection, reach out to them. Don’t worry about what they might think or if they’ll turn you down. Deal with the actual events as they happen in the present, or you’ll anchor yourself in hypothetical disappointment.

If you want to start a website, log on to SquareSpace or Wordpress right now and just start. If you’re telling yourself that you need a concrete business plan, a web developer, and marketing team in place before you take the first step, you’re making excuses.

Happiness is a choice.

It’s comprised of the little ways we decide to view the world and all the situations we face. It’s seeing the value in negative experiences, but also wanting to improve them of our own accord. If your instinct is to wait for someone else to make you feel better, you’re depriving yourself of the pride and satisfaction that comes with being your own hero. The world doesn’t often take pity on those who actively choose not to help themselves– or others. So don’t wait for the world to offer you the opportunity of a lifetime, or for fate to decide it’s your turn to win. That outcome isn’t a matter of chance, but of working hard and insisting it will. Be a self-fulfilling prophecy in the best way.

Helplessness is a myth.

It’s a sickening emotion that we can fall victim to if we buy into its reality. There is always something you can do to make things better than they were before, even if there isn’t a precedent already set. How many success stories feature a person who, against all odds, shocked the world with a seemingly ridiculous idea? How many of the world’s greatest minds were told they’d amount to nothing– and had to believe in themselves when no one else would?

You can spend another year reading about these revolutionary underdogs in viral blog posts and 60 Minutes specials. Or you can tell yourself right now and everyday that follows, “I will see this through. I have big dreams and I will make all of them happen.”

It’s an intimidating prospect, no doubt, because it means that there’s no one else to blame if you fail. That’s why you have to remove that as a possibility. Change your inner dialogue until you’re your own biggest proponent and cheerleader and emotional benefactor. Ignore concepts like modesty and realistic-ness. You don’t have to tone down your goals or place boundaries on how far you can go and how successful you’ll be. You’re entitled to the world, and anyone who’s threatened by your ambition and confidence needs to be reevaluated.

Make 2017 the year you’ve never had before, and the one you’ll look back on as the start of a new era. Expect messiness and complications, but don’t fear them.

I agree that we accept the love we think we deserve.

I hope to always get the advice I need.

And I’ll always work for the life I want.

I wish the same for you.

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

Business ideas are super easy to come by. But what do you do with them once you have them? First - we have to take a look at what is happening in your business today. We have to know what’s going on and where to build from, and what works best for you.

Are you like me? Do you settle into an evening and think about the day that just passed? The future days ahead? This time of year, everyone - and I mean everyone - is thinking about the next year. Will it be more of the same? Or will change really happen? Will you do anything that is exciting??

There’s something about the holiday season that tells us to lapse on life and in business. But man oh man there is also a very strategic power movement happening too.

You know the quote “Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise”? Many entrepreneurs are doubling down today so they can hit the ground running tomorrow. Right now, they are doubling down.

I have had so many conversations like this lately, I want to get you started in the right direction.

First, let’s talk about IDEAS and what to do with them.

Business ideas are super easy to come by. Well, for me they are super easy to come by. I read like a maniac. I work with people in all sorts of fields and industries. I love having the insider knowledge of how businesses operate. I soak it in like others soak in US Weekly. My IT experience had me working with CEOs and CTOs of government agencies and Fortune 500s - even Fortune 100s. We were building kick-*ss systems to keep us safe and to protect our people abroad, to keep Americans healthy - like legit healthy, to help our Vets in very real ways, and yes to also manage hundreds of millions of dollars. Now I get to work with the most amazing entrepreneurs who are not shy about wanting to build build build in this online world. It’s a random combination, but nothing short of a whole lot of fun!

Where to Start? With your Deep-Dive -> Ideas and Needs -> and then your For What & Gut

You know in marketing when people tell you that you have to do the research on your ideal client or figure out your avatar. You nod your head and slightly roll your eyes saying, "yeah yeah, I already know that." Then, not until you have done that actual work do you realize how amazing and important that activity was?

Well, my first steps here are as important to follow through on as figuring out the ideal client and avatar is for the marketer.

First - we have to take a look at what is happening in your business today. We have to know what’s going on and where to build from, what works best for you.

When you take a deep-dive look into your business, you want to be honest. You want to go into the data and write out what is working, what’s not, and where the improvements need to be. How and where you need to improve your business in the current state. Look at your sales, presence, exposure (2 different things), and your purpose. At the end of your review, you will know where you are awesome - where you are rocking it! And quite frankly, where you have room for improvement. Within this review you will also get a clear understanding on what you want - what your ideas and needs are.

For example:

There is this amazing designer out that has an almost 7-figure business strictly through word-of-mouth referral business. 7-figures and no advertising whatsoever. What’s even more amazing is that this designer gets referrals from Billionaire to Billionaire (yes with a B) and from Celeb to Celeb. His work is as gorgeous as the clients are high-end. But get this, the man has no (none, zip, zero) social media presence. No Facebook page. No Twitter account. Has no email list. Has no outreach program. Crazy, right?

It’s so crazy you kind of love that, right?

But listen to this, he also knows he’s losing business because of it. He knows the “younger kids” look to see what he’s doing online and when they see nothing, they move on. He also knows that he’s missed client work and then even partnership opportunities because he has no presence. One of his designer friends, who has a decent social media presence, partnered with another brand to make window coverings.

Boring, right? Not so much.

Not until you hear those window coverings bring in over $10,000 / month.

FOR WINDOW COVERINGS.

That’s real money. That’s less clients you have to take on. Less time out of your busy schedule.

So, you start with an understanding of where you in your business currently, review and understand your needs and does this line up with your "for what"? When you have this information, you understand how to lay the foundation and where you need to build from. Make sense?

You understand how your business is currently operating. You know what you should do. Now what do you want to do? What are your natural extensions? What do your customers want? What do you want to do?

How oh how will you choose?

2 Ways:

1. You have to look at the numbers. There is no way around it. Numbers do not lie.
2. You have listen to what your gut is saying.

When we run the numbers behind creating a new project or product, we take a look at time, effort, materials, and marketing and we compare that against a conservative and an aggressive sales or impact outlook. You are in the business to make money. Will this effort and investment be worth it?

Where can find quick wins? Where do we want to be long-term?

Let’s say you’re thinking about pulling together booklets, notepads, and stickies! There are short term projects here and there are long term projects here.

When you look at the numbers - customer base? Conservative sales estimate? Margins vs investment? Is the initial design and maintenance worth it to you??

In the short term, this could bring in a few hundred to a few thousand dollars - more even. Is that worth it to you? Then thinking long term, is this a good tool to use for additional customer acquisition?

Could these new products drive traffic to your other products and services? What is the cost acquisition for a low cost product vs a high cost product? What conversion estimates can you determine from one to the other?

For example:

Maybe planners and scratch pads are not thrilling for you, per se, but what if I told you the one-time design and product has KILLER margins. You know there is a reason why you see so many pads and planners in the stores. What if I told you these low-cost items that are sold in the aisles at big box stores account for as much as 30% of their annual revenue and bring in the highest margins. There is a reason why when you’re standing in the checkout line that you’re surrounded by these goodies.

A real, specific reason. People want to BUY more.

THEN, not sure if this is of interest to you, but as an example, I know several specific people who market their lower priced items like the workbook / planner / stickies for revenue AND customer acquisition purposes. Planners and pads bring in revenue yes but they also help create new client relationships from which you can build. These women bring in decent monthly revenue from their products and then also use this as their starting point for a killer sales funnel for their more expensive products and services too. All in all bringing in 7-figures a year.

And then suddenly are you going to look at the sticky pad a little bit differently aren’t you??

(And now you know why I soak in business stories like they are an US Weekly!)

And if you still don't care, that brings me to my final point.

If you just don’t care, then you just don't care, and not a minute more needs to be spent on it... at this time. No effort or time will be worth it. This is when you have to go with your gut. This is when you have to be honest with what excites you, what doesn’t, where you want to spend your time and not.

Everyone has different business ideas, different goals and is coming from a different starting point. The quick wins are different for everyone. The long-term build is similar, but different for everyone.

That’s why I want you to 1) do a deep-dive of understanding into your current business 2) know where the ideas are 3) know what the needs are (from your data) 4) know what really excites you and for what you doing this work for.

Your information, your data, and your gut will tell you, if you listen to it, where oh where you should go next year!

Once you know where you want to go, you have to make room for it! Click here to sign up for my Make Room for Revenue 8 Step Checklist. You don't have to be 1 thing. Not at this stage. Not anymore.

An awesome Online Business Manager on your team will take your work from beige to bold in a matter of weeks.  You see, as I see it, there are 2 kinds of people out there - those who wear beige and those who live in and seek out color!  

Let me repeat, you either wear beige or seek out color.  A good OBM will help you seek out the latter vs settling on the beige.

If you're one that seeks out color - then this post is for you.  

Here's what I know.  You're an awesome cross between excitement and knowledge.  Everyone who knows you loves you. They love the work you do including the fun (and funny) that you put out.  Your energy all around is what excites others!  That coupled with your masterful skill in web design has referral after referral coming in.  

As far as I can tell, you have 2-3 launches on your programs a year, one big event and sure you'll take some 1:1 work when it comes in and when it's a good fit.

You team up with some friends to do the occasional promotion because - why not - it's fun to work with your girls.

AND now I see that you are building up a Video & YouTube platform.

You're a creative.  I get it.  I love it.  I love your work!  I'm not going to lie.

But here's a brutal truth too.  My brutal truth and I hope I am not pouring water on your fire of excitement.  But I am disappointed for you too.  Because from what I can see, you're really awesome, you do awesome work and now, next year is going to be more of the same.  

More of the same.  

YouTube?  Really?

What I want and am DYING to see from you is sooooo much more!  

You're bold not beige!  

Where are the gigs?!  Where are the products and partnerships?!  Where is your book??  Where is your speaking tour?  Where are your planners and post-it notes? How come you're not making Matt Lauer swoon first thing in the morning?!

I'm shaking my virtual head over here in sadness.  

The first thing I would do as your Online Business Manager is BURN THE BEIGE and shake you out of your own status quo.  

YouTube?  Really?  

NO!

You're bold! Not beige! 

You don't wear those dirty boring dingy nude bras do you?  NO!  You'd burn it I am sure!

Then why oh why would you settle your life and business on beige or boring?  

Okay.  Now I am opening your eyes.  Right?

Your eyes have needed to be opened.  You need to get excited again.  You need to think bigger.  

That was and is Step 1.  

Step 2 happens when I have you thinking about shaking things up, I want to hear about your out-of-reach "thing" that you rarely allow yourself to think about.  Together we will get out of you that very super fantastic awesome out of this world dream that you really want to work on but never go there.  AKA What do you want?  What do your dreams dream about?? Is it that book and speaking tour?  You having your own product with "in collaboration with" your favorite brand?  Hello American Rag - feature my style?!  Hellooo Jonathan Adler - we've got some great collab ideas!  Hellooo fun post-it notes!

Step 2 is crazy fun.  You start thinking bigger and dreaming up the awesomeness again.  Once we have figured out the most awesome ideas for you, then we start making plans!  These fun, crazy ideas build out your brand, get you closer to your own awesomeness, keep your peeps loyal and grows your business.  Grows your pockets with revenue too! 

So, um, YouTube?  What in the world does YouTube have to do with anything??

YouTube is just more of the same.   You don't want more of the same.  Do you?

When working with an OBM you will go through Steps 1 and 2.  Heck, truthfully, sometimes you can do this on your own or when you're at Happy Hour, a little buzzed and are dreaming with your best girls.

The problem is that more times than not, the next morning happens, you wake up thinking how fun that was.  Then you shake it off and continue on your day as usual.  

This is precisely why you need an OBM.  Enter in Step 3. 

A really good OBM will not only help you think bigger, they will bring to life the big dreams you dream of.  Instead of shaking off the Happy Hour as a fun night with the girls, your OBM will have a plan of action that next day for how you're going to make those G&T dreams come true.  Specifically, she would hand you the steps you need to take to write that book, create that product and make that partnership happen.  Then together we would work with your team to determine who will perform which activity, what needs to be researched / hired out and how, specifically, this action plan will be executed on.  Not to forget from within what timeframe.  She would orchestrate a step-by-step plan and activities the moves you and your team need to make last night's dreams happen. 

Let me repeat, a really good OBM will not only help you think bigger, they will bring to life the big dream you dream of.  They will show you how absolutely POSSIBLE this dream is. They will work with you and your team step-by-step to orchestrate the moves you and your team need to make your crazy dreams, not your boring, beige dreams, come true. 

Let's say, my darling, that you want to publish a book.  That is what you realllly want.  Then this awesome OBM would break it down the steps and tasks for you.  You want a book?  

Here's where we would start:

• What are you going to write about? 
• What are the goals of your book?  This matters because it will determine what and how we create it.  Is it worth trying to go through a Publisher or is it something we can Self-Publish?  Your goals determine which path here is best. 
• If you decide you want to get it published, then you need a "One-Pager."  This one pager is 7-10 pages long and will cover the gamut of information you need to present to a publisher.  What is the book, who is the audience, what the book's uniqueness. Why why why. 
• Then we pull a list of publishers
• And we start connecting with them.  Think 100 publishers in 45 days.  

From there within a very short period of time we will have you working on your book and the process started.  No more "I always wanted to write a book."  Now you are taking action and by the time Q1 is up, you will know be writing that sucker and know when it will be released!  Burn the beige! Go for bold!

Today, in your crazy busy life, there is space to do the work of the big dream.  You don't need to shake off the excitement as a Happy Hour with friends.  You can actually get working, as you are, to makes these things real.

It's your OBM's job to create the steps, hold your hand and walk you (and your team) through the process.  Beginning to end.  The OBM will create the plan and facilitate these conversations, day in day out until those connections, collaborations and creations are made.  

Tweet: Why You Need An Online Business Manager! http://ctt.ec/cdpdk+ via @ashleighblatt #entrepreneur

In real terms this means that everybody has a role.  Everybody has expectations.  Everybody and every task has deadlines. And everybody has help.  If something is not clear, we clear it up.  If a deadline is too soon, we push it out to a reasonable time.  If a hand is raised we ask and we answer.  Your team is excited again and they become accountable again.  Excuses disappear and commitments are made.

Real work gets done.  Magic happens. 

This Burn The Beige 6-month program will: 

• Give you the clarity on what it is you reallllly want to achieve or point it out to you if it's clear as day!
• Give you the actual steps (Steps 1, 2 and 3) you need to take to achieve those big, crazy dreams.
• THEN we will work these steps into your and your team's day.  We won't extend hours, we will focus the work. 
• Finally, just as important as the rest we will have regular conversations, in fact several times a week, to answer questions, get past hold-ups, hang-ups and any other randoms that prevent us from meeting our marks.  
• Within a matter of a month or 2 you will have real progress to the real stuff that matters to you and your people.

Burn the beige and go for the bold!  Get an OBM on your team that will not only push push push you to think bigger but to also put the steps and team in order to make that happen. 

I have 4 spots available beginning in January. Click here to secure your spot.  Burn the beige and go for bold! 

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

An Online Business Manager (OBM) is your partner-in-crime and your second set of eyes on your business. Sort of your entrepreneur mentor, if you will. They help you travel the muddled road of stuck to un-stuck. An online business manager helps get you to that promised land of doing less and making more. I bet you're wondering why you haven't you heard about this before?

What is an Online Business Manager?

They help you accomplish the things you don't have time for anymore. In order to grow your business, and add multiple streams of income you have to work in the big picture and out of the weeds of your business.  Yet, how does one do that when they ARE the business?  An online business manager will keep you focused on operating your business as a business.  Growth, revenue, profits and efficiencies are the only focus.  The OBM is the one to work with you, in your business, to help you specifically grow your business and to take advantage of all the opportunities coming to you.   Period. 

Does that make sense?  They help you maximize the opportunities in front of you, eliminate the waste and things always on your shoulder, eliminate the hold-ups and then also generate more revenue.  More and more revenue.  You get your shop set up so you can maximize.  

Where Most People Have Fears

It can be scary to hire an OBM.  All sorts of questions immediately arise when you think about bringing someone in to work with you.  

Most people have fears and don't know what to expect.

How will they really help?  Will this add more work for me? Is this another scheme?

Are you ready?

Are you organized enough to have someone come in? Will they really help?

Or will they make it worse? 

What if they want to tear apart what you have built?  What if they want to change ... well ... everything? Change who you are?  

What if they see what a terrible job I am really doing?

The fears are valid.  It would be scary to have someone come in and tell you all the things that you did wrong, are doing wrong.

Tweet: What it's like to work with a powerhouse OBM #entrepreneur #startup http://ctt.ec/12Yg7+

Where Most People Fall Down

Just like my kiddo learning to ride her bike, she is going to fall.  And you are too.  That's how you grow.  You fall.  You fail.  And you get up as fast as you can and try try again.  

So let me tell you where most people fall down in their business.  

1. Not taking advantage of real multi-income stream opportunities.  This happens all. the. time. Admittedly, it's kind of an easy oversight since you are often busy running your business and running your own life.  Adding more work doesn't sound like it's worth the extra effort.  Yet, effort is only temporary.  With the right team and system in place, the effort is minimal and the revenue potential is endless. 

2. Wasting so much time.  You're busy.  I get that.  So is Beyonce.  So is Bethenny.  So is Glennon.   So are Mariah and Ruth and Rosemarie.  It's hard to know where to focus sometimes. It's hard to know how to focus sometimes.  How did they choose?  How do they handle all of the same things coming at them as you have?  How do they cut the waste and hyper-focus on the the revenue and goals as they do?

3. Wasting so much money.  It's easy to throw money at a problem especially when you are out of time.  You just want it to work.  I get it.  So if you can throw money to help solve a problem, then you're going to do it!  I get it.  Absolutely get it.  But then... you realize that just throwing money at the problem won't change things. 

Truth be told most people fall in their business.  Being an entrepreneur, being a business owner is the hardest of hard and isn't for the weak.  The roller coasters are real.  Instead of merely surviving, how do you grow in such a way that you are thriving??

How I Work

I first get to understand the big picture.  What is happening.  What is slow to happen.  What are the dreams.  Then, I talk with your team to really understand what's going on.  No judgement. Just work.  This helps to create and then clean up your big picture.  

I take you out of your weeds and together we work backwards to "make it happen".   I cut the time wasters, return intention to conversations and hold people accountable.  Yes, I babysit too.  

Let me repeat.  I cut the time wasters, return intention to conversations and hold people accountable.  

I keep you focused and moving.  It's that simple and that hard.  

If it were really that simple, you'd already be doing it.  Your business would be generating revenue through multiple streams in an effective and efficient manner. 

That could all sound generic and "yeah yeah" but if you are not doing the work you want to do or if there is room for growth in your business, then you need to work on this here too.  In fact, I would argue you need to work on this first and foremost otherwise you are going to be spinning your wheels.  

You may say "I don't want to do that" it's wish-washy.  And haven't I already created the "big picture"?  

Thing is, you are not at your big dream goal because you want to be because you haven't done this work yet.  It's not easy.  It's not wish-washy.  It's specific work.  Direct and intentional.   Do you want to add multiple streams of income?  Do you want your days to be easier and your time to be used more efficiently?  Do you want to do the work you want to do?? 

What does it mean to "return intention to conversations"?  We are going to cut the email in half.  And cut the reliance on Slack.  Cut the IMing on Skype and texting - oh my!  We are going have real conversations.  Real conversations that will have a purpose behind it.  (Wait, what?) The conversations will either teach, inform or problem solve.  

And then guess what will happen after that conversation?  You will work.  Your team will work. And guess what else.  

You will accomplish.  

Why I Work This Way

For me, this work is a two-step process.  The first step is to understand what you are doing and why.  Once I know your WHAT and WHY, then the next step is as simple as implementation.  And remember implementations are my expertise!  

Just wanting exposure is not enough.  Just having an online presence is not enough.  What are you trying to accomplish?  For what purpose?  Once I have a clear understanding of the what then like a chess game I am a master at I see and know the steps it takes to get there.  Period.  

After I know what we want to do, I have conversations.  I hold and host the most effective conversations out there.  I like conversations, real, live conversations because I get to know you, I get to work with you and together we get to make promises to one another from which we will keep.  

Truly, this is how and where the magic happens.  Conversations, commitments and promises is how the work gets done.  

With that, anything is possible. 

I have only 3 spots available for the New Year.  Click here to secure your spot to add additional revenue streams to your business next year.

Michelle started with multiple gigs to earn pay off her student debt fast and not live paycheck to paycheck. Now, she has 1 gig. She incorporates multiple streams of income into her blog to get things done. Crazy Fast Growth!

This post contains affiliate links.

First, I literally just had an interview with Michelle Schroeder from Making Sense of Cents about her work, how she does what she does, her why, etc.  If you don't know Michelle, she is living this amazing life that she has chosen.  I mean, she sold her home and travels the country with her husband in an RV and blogs about Finances.  I think that in itself is something to be celebrated!

But here's the thing.  When I interviewed her, like, yesterday, she was making $70,000 a month pretty regularly.  That's what we talked about in the interview!  How in the world did she do that?? 

But did you see it? 

The reason for the update is because not only was she making $70,000 a month, but Michelle just earned over $40,000 additional for the month, pushing her monthly income over $112,000!

Aack!  Who does that?? 

And HOW?? 

First, you should understand a little about her.  Here are some excerpts from my original interview with her, and then there are some thoughts, which I have confirmed with Michelle on the big change. 

Can you tell me about your initial side businesses?

At one point, I had many side businesses. I used to blog on the side, mystery shop, babysit, take surveys, sold items on eBay, rented rooms in my home, entered giveaways, and more. Side businesses and jobs pretty much consumed my life, and I still worked full-time as a financial analyst as well.

I did all of this so that I could pay off my student loans more quickly and not be bound by a paycheck to paycheck lifestyle.

I'm so glad I found blogging, because it allows me to make a great full-time living, while also loving what I do.

What are your current revenue streams?

My only form of income now is through my blog. You can find the exact ways I earn a living in my monthly income reports. This includes: affiliate marketing, sponsorships and advertisements, and more. I do a little bit of staff writing every now and then, but not as much as I did last year.

One new form of income that I just recently started earning is through online courses. I just launched my very first course for bloggers, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing.

My monthly income totals around $70,000 a month. I expect to be earning $100,000 and above on a monthly basis by the end of the year.

What are your biggest lessons now that you are able to look back?

I thought that creating more websites would help me to increase my income. That was a huge mistake! I have since learned that when I am more focused, I am able to have much more fun with my business, while earning a better living. 

What advice would you offer out to someone else trying to have. it. all?

You can do it! Yes, it may take time and a LOT of hard work, but you can reach your goals. You just need to start.

But now Michelle has made $40,000 more?? HOW??

She created her own product. 

It's that simple and that hard. 

It always comes back to the product, and for Michelle, the additional $40,000 revenue was from her Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course. 

Which I actually bought in a heartbeat once I heard about it, because Rosemarie said I needed to! (And you know I just do what Rosemarie tells me to!)

Truth be told, within a few days of me taking her Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course, I made real cold-hard-cash-money for my own pockets!

What I love most is that the product works for her AND me. 

See, she has built this blog, this business, and has learned a few things or two.  Now she has finally decided to teach others how to do what she does. 

And I have to admit, as an entrepreneur mentor, I read enough business books and follow enough people to know that creating your own product is always the game changer. 

I look forward to the day that I am there, too.  When I have my own product. 

But I am not there yet.  I am okay with that.  I am too busy pulling the rest of ... life together. 

But in the meantime, I am more than happy to learn how I can just make some extra cash doing what I am already doing -- with a tweak here and there -- thanks to Michelle and her $112,000 lessons!

---

---

PS: You May Also Like These...

Being a mom is a great experience that brings along lots of love and loads of work.  No one doubts that nor do they argue with it.  It can become an overwhelming task on some days,  heck, some moments, and then there will be days when you’ll wonder what to do with the free time at your hand. Here are some legit ways you can work from home.

This post contains affiliate links.

Don’t we know you sometimes also want to earn a few extra bucks while also being able to spend quality time with your kids? It is more than true now, we do both.  No more stressing about balancing work and family, we can have our families, raise our families and have a side job too.

Here are a few things we look for:

• Plenty of quality time to spend with kids
• Have a feeling of self-reliance while doing so
• Feel independent
• Manage our household with the freedom to earn a few dollars too
• A job that doesn’t force them to shift things too much from your current life.  

One of the fastest growing options for the caring and loving moms these days, who also want to contribute towards the finances of the family are side jobs that don’t need their full-time involvement or being away from family and kids too!

Let’s take a look at some of the most promising part-time side jobs that can make us $2000-$3000 a month during when the kiddos are napping or at school.  It’s a way to use our time in yet another productive way and make us more independent while they are able to stand on their own two feet.

Virtual Assistant ($200 / week = $800 a month per client)

Chances are you haven’t given this amazing opportunity much of a thought. However, Virtual Assistants is one of those careers which come with amazing benefits at the comfort of working from home. It’s true that this was not much of a possibility until recently.  Thanks to the exponential rise in social media now virtual assistants are now among the most sought after professionals on the internet.  Their rates can bring in real money for your household and your pockets for a few hours of work.  

As a virtual assistant some of things you would be responsible for include:

• Schedule Meetings
• Research
• Send Emails Using Canned Responses
• Answering emails
• Data collection and analysis

The possibilities on how you can help are endless.  Find a solopreneur, a realtor, a blogger, a stylist, a jewelry maker, an Etsy or Amazon store owner and ask them if you can be of service to them!! Email them (yes! email them!) and ask if you can help!

If you can manage to 3 clients that are paying you $200 / week, that may not sound like a lot of money but at the end of the month you would collect for yourself, you can easily make around $2400 per month. That’s real money!  Made while you are working from home!
Now that sounds like a good opportunity, doesn’t it?

Monthly Payout - $2400 for 3 Clients

---

Proof Reading/Editing ($10-15 per post)

If you have an eye for errors or an ear for english, proofreading and editing posts may be a piece of cake for you. You need to proofread a pre-written blog and/or edit it if there are any mistakes. Most bloggers also have eBooks and Guides and Books coming out.  There is a lot one can do!  Try finding proofreading and editing jobs through Facebook groups or Freelance sites like Freelancer.com or Upwork.com.  You can earn around $10-$15 per post without much of a time commitment from you.  If a blogger writes about 8 posts per month and pays you $10 for each post that’s $80 of cash you didn’t have before for a few minutes of your time.  What if you had 3 clients??

Monthly Payout - $240 for 3 Clients

---

Set Up Blogging Tools

What if we tell you that you can earn hundreds of dollars with a laptop, an internet connection and no technical know-how?

I know if any of my friends came to me and said, how can I help?  I would direct them to the tools I am about to tell you and ask them to help me there.

This is especially good if you want to work on a project-by-project basis.  If you can spare just a few hours from your day and start setting up some of the tools, you would be in awesome, marketable shape.  Not only can you help one, you can help many.  

Start by watching some YouTube videos to learn the product.  Most platforms do not require you need to know anything about coding and are mostly quite straight forward.  Plus I promise you, if there is a question, it probably been addressed and a work around has been made.  Do one setup at a lower rate so you can physically go through the process. Once you learn a Tool, I cannot tell you how marketable and invaluable knowing these tools are.  Did I mention you don’t have to learn how to code or anything??  

• ConvertKit: It’s THE tool that most people who email you use.  It’s THE tool.  It’s an easy to use email marketing software that you can use to grow the audiences. You can start by charging them for the initial setup and offer an hourly fee and monthly maintenance fee.
• SumoMe: This is similar which can be used to grow a blogger’s email list.
• LeadPages:  Similar to ConvertKit and SumoMe, LeadPages comes with an exception that you can use landing pages, social media posts, text messaging and emails to collect leads and build customer contacts for bloggers.

These tools may sound tricky right now, but once you go through them, you’ll realize how many you can help.  Charge a set-up fee and then a monthly maintenance fee.

Set-up: $200; Monthly Maintenance; $65
Monthly Payout for 3 Clients - $795

---

Consider Blogging Yourself

Have you thought of having a blog before??  Do you know what it would be about?  It’s one of those really great creative outlets that most people are still confused by.  How does one make money from a blog??  Okay, there’s advertising and sponsored posts.  But now there’s great opportunity in affiliate marketing and creating your own products.  

I find most people fall in one other these categories when it comes creating a blog: you’ve always wanted to start one, you’ve started one, or you have never even considered the idea.  Whatever your situation, I firmly believe it’s a great investment, much less fun thing to do!

• Start by setting up your hosting for something like $4 / month on Bluehost.  
• I use SquareSpace as my tool to build my website which is something like $8 / month.  (And it’s an easy tool to learn - yet another marketable skill!)
• Get writing! Share and share and share!
• If you’re worried about traffic, there are plenty of thoughts out there on how to improve your traffic but you know me, you know me, I love Rosemarie Groner and her Pinterest Strategy Guide not a bad investment at all at $35.
• When you’re ready to your blog to a real income generating level, like Michelle Shroeder who makes over $100k a month, you can start by taking her Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course.  Affiliate marketing was her primary income source for the longest time.  

So there are many ways to generate multiple streams of income from having a blog.  Even if you decide not to monetize your blog directly, it’s a great placeholder for companies to see what you are up to, what your values are and act as an online resume.  It’s a great way to establish your authority as a freelancer and with time.

Monthly Payout - Infinite possibilities.  

---

Coaching/Consulting – Subject Matter Expert

There is a good chance that people often talk to you and seek guidance on a particular thing.  They may appreciate your style, the way you parent, how you manage your household or decorate.  

What I want to say is, if you have a skill that can make others’ lives better, then you should think about offering it as a service. Start by asking your friends and family if they would pay you.  Go to your local church or community center.  Put it out there in one of your Facebook groups.  
If you start at charging $100 a session, if you have 3 clients you are now bringing in $300 more than you were before!

Monthly Payout - $300+

---

I know we are busy with our lives.  I know our little ones take up all of our time.  I also know so many of us want a little bit more.  Start now.  Trust me, you can do these things you dream of without blowing up your life at home.

I'd love to hear from your experience and which idea you liked the most.  Let me know!

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

Do you love listening to Podcasts?  Or do you not really know what one is quite yet?? Let me make it easy for you.  It’s perfect for you -- the super-busy-always-running-around woman that you are.  Pull up the podcast on your phone, plug-in your headphones, and listen as you work out, do your errands, or even the dishes late night!  

CLICK on the LINK Below & Go!

OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast is via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

“Be confident your decisions because indecision is harder than once you made the decision and moved forward. We’ve learned to make decisions fast and then live with them.”

— Jacynda Smith

I first heard about the Tyme Iron from my hair dresser.  It’s this flat iron turned curling iron.  You want Lauren Conrad hair or Connie Britton hair, this is the tool to get that.  Then my sister-in-law met a whole bunch of their employees at a country music festival and was beyond impressed with how nice everyone working was!  From there, I wanted to talk with Jacynda.  How did her product come about?  How did she build this amazing company in such a short period of time?  I had to talk with Jacynda.  I am convinced and have started placing bets that she’ll be the next Sara Blakely, you know, the billionaire who invented Spanx?!

Here’s the other thing, aside from Jacynda being a mompreneur, which you know I connect with, this is not just about her, but this business is an all-hands-on-deck family-owned business.  Her brother is the Co-CEO, her husband is the CFO, her other brother does this, her cousins do that, and family friends are also heavily involved in making an awesome product an amazing business.  They have been specific and strategic.  There’s a lot to learn from our conversation.  

“Stop looking for your passion, instead follow your excitement.”

— Jacynda Smith

Here are a few things that stood out for me when learning about Jacynda and this company that is on. the. rise.  

4 Great Takeaways

1. Having Great Products

• They wanted a product that would last for 10 years.  If someone wanted to buy a new iron, it was because the paint had faded, not because the iron stopped working. 
• They started working with people in the industry who had experience and produced quality products beforehand.

2. Customer Service

• They wanted to give a Nordstrom-like customer experience.  No matter what the interaction is, they wanted the customer to walk away with a good feeling.  
  • Note: I am thoroughly impressed that they will Skype with you while you use the Tyme Iron to walk you through curling your hair!  I have never heard of a product company Skyping with you.

3 & 4. Empower Those Around You & Welcoming Challenges

• “The good thing about family (and working together) is you can put it real together.  We have all embraced that this is something we can build.”
• “In the beginning, challenges were daunting to me.  Now we welcome challenges.  What’s really helpful in a startup is to embrace challenges and experience new things.”
• “We try to empower everyone to be in charge of whatever it is they are great at.”  We look at it more as guiding or nurturing instead of being in charge.  We try to nurture everybody.  I know my ideas aren’t always the best.  In fact, most of the time they aren’t the best, we try to nurture everybody including ourselves.  We know we haven’t been here before.”
• Her brother kindly told her… “You’re going to have to learn to email if you are going to be a CEO of a company.” 
• “We don’t want challenges to drown you.  We call it moving piles. You’re moving one pile at a time.  Grab a shovel and start digging or start moving it.”

More Notable Quotes

• “We all worked for 2 years for free to build the back end of it before we actually launched the product.”
• “Be confident your decisions, because indecision is harder than once you made the decision and moved forward.  We’ve learned to make decisions fast and then live with them.”
• On Family-Owned Business - “You hunger for it when you watch your parents do that.”  
• “We don’t set hours.  Everyone is just hungry to succeed.”
• “Live your life like your grandma is watching over you and then you won’t have any regrets.”  -Jacynda’s Dad

The Interview:

We talked about so many different things:  

• Working in a family-run company
• Finding that right product to get behind and how they built it
• They worked for 2 years before launching
• Striving for Amazing Customer Service
• Her upbringing and how it prepared her for today’s business
• How they took their family business one step further and hired friends, too
• How they empower their team
• Hardest part of the business - so far
• Using your instincts
• How her kids are involved
• How she’s involved with her kids
• The fine lines in working with family and her husband (aka trying not be bossy!)
• Being Real
• The surreal moments
• What’s she’s learned
• The importance of decision making & trusting your instincts
• Forget finding your passion - find THIS instead

Links

• Hello Fresh

More from Jacynda

What did you want to be when you grew up??

• I didn't have a precise goal for when I grew up, but I did know I wanted to do something that was out of the ordinary!

What was your first job?

• Bussing tables at a restaurant where my Mom worked.

What are your go-to books and apps?

Books

• I love the Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson 
• Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer
• Good to Great by Jim Collins

Apps

• Facebook - of course
• Instagram
• Spotify
• IMDB
• Google
• and Pokemon GO because I can hunt for Pokemon on my trips for the kids, it's been great at keeping us connected:)))

What are your favorite gifts to give?

• Any well thought out gift:)))

---

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

Now that I am learning that so many of us are working on multiple projects, and building multiple streams of income, I wanted to know how one can earn a living freelance writing!  Ty Schmidt, a reporter turned freelance writer seemed the best person to ask! Below is what her vast experience has to say!

This post contains affiliate links.

By Ty Schmidt

When I was a little girl, I wrote in my diary every single day about heaven knows what. When I was 15, I started writing for a national, bi-monthly magazine written for teens, by teens. After having major knee surgery in 2012, I took to a personal blog and creatively chronicled my recovery. And in May of this year I took about as humongous a leap of faith as they come. I quit my job as a reporter for one of the largest newspaper corporations in the country to try my luck as a freelance writer.

Even more important than that, I wanted to be a mom to my two boys as opposed to the full-time zombie version of myself I had somehow morphed into.

So I made it happen. Kind of.

Because after juggling a full-time job and two side projects leading up to my departure from all of it, I was exhausted. I needed to just take a second and breathe a huge, restorative breath. The timing worked well; it was the start of summer and only a few weeks passed before I was suddenly an expert in the best splash pads and wading pools in the area. But it wasn’t long before I missed writing again, not to mention that checking account was desperately calling my name.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far about making a living from being a freelance writer:

1)     Believe in yourself.

I know it sounds cliché, but this was the first step for me as I started building what has become a relatively successful freelance business. I needed to flip off the switch in my brain telling me I wanted to “be a writer” and realize that I already was.

2)     It’s okay to take a breather.

Mine lasted a couple of weeks, and it was probably the best decision I’ve made (aside from quitting my job, of course). Money was tight, but I joked I was like Alanis in her iconic “Ironic” lyrics. “I’m broke, but I’m happy,” I told people. And for a while it was true. Then I knew it was time to get to work.

3)     Do your research.

Take some time to understand the different freelance writing options that are available out there. From Freelancer to Textbroker, there are tons out there to choose from. Each operates differently with unique ways of handling things like fees and work flow. Get to know which kind of platform works best for you and stick to it.

4)     Start branding.

Networking and marketing yourself has never been easier than it is today, with all things social media to thank. Develop a brand for yourself just like you would if you were starting up a company – because you are! The basics like Facebook and Instagram are a good place to start, but I found other resources like contently.com to be incredibly helpful as well. Contently offers you a place to organize your online portfolio in a succinct and easily shared profile, which is an incredibly valuable tool as you move forward with your business.

5)     Choose what works.

I was just so excited to get started that I registered everywhere, including Textbroker, Freelancer and Upwork. In theory, they’re all the same: you register, you browse for work and apply for jobs. In practice, it didn’t take me long to realize that was an unreasonable, unfocused and unmanageable technique. Instead, I settled on using Upwork as my work flow management system. Using Google Drive for file sharing purposes and Slack for communication purposes, everything else I do is managed through Upwork.

Benefits to using Upwork. Clients use the system to assign work, keep track of deadlines and issue payment. While the fees charged against the work are a downside, Upwork functions as a third party protector that facilitates payment. If a client refuses to pay for work, Upwork will defend you – a benefit I decided early on was worth paying for.

Tips on growing your Upwork business. Gaining momentum on Upwork is as easy or challenging as you make it, but the first and most important step you can take is to edit your profile to say you’re an English speaking native. At first, my profile simply stated I spoke English – not that I was a native English speaker. Within minutes of making that tiny tweak, I received almost a half dozen invitations to interview.

Choose your Upwork clients wisely. At first it can be tempting to take every job you’re offered. Yet that is what I would easily deem as my most painful mistake. The point was to make some extra money while keeping the real focus on raising my sons. The point wasn’t to get myself into a situation where I was working long hours on nights and weekends to keep up with the demands. You can afford to be choosey with the jobs you take, and you will be better (not to mention more sane) for it.

Communicate with Upwork clients your way. Upwork does have its own messaging system, but it’s clunky and a little more of a hassle to use than other apps, like Slack, which facilitates communication with multiple team members.

6)     Stay organized.

Deadlines are stressful despite being flexible in most cases. If you’re like me, your schedule will rely greatly on when (and if) your children are napping or go to bed. I’ve found it most helpful to build myself a work “schedule” that I try my best to stick to throughout the week. Sure, things come up. The boys both got sick and had to go to the doctor this week, for example, which threw a wrench into my entire work flow. That’s where staying organized pays dividends.

7)     Know your worth.

Understanding pricing can get complicated, especially on Upwork when you’re dealing with a sliding fee scale. However, do not let that stop you from figuring out what your time is worth and sticking to it. Because your business is worth it. You are worth it!

8)     Remember your “why.”

This is the last and probably most pertinent element to making a living as a writer while simultaneously being a mom. For me, being a mom always comes first. For me, my kids are my “why,” and nothing will get in the way of that. They inspire me on a daily basis with their silly antics and I wouldn’t trade my time from home with them for the world.

There are days. You know the ones. The days where you honestly feel like you might just pass out from chasing around two randomly hyper toddlers all day while trying to squeeze in a quick blog post (or three) and still remember to feed yourself something more than discarded Goldfish crackers or apple slices. The days when you literally count down the seconds until bedtime, but know it’s not quite the same because you need to work after the kids fall asleep.

I never thought about those kinds of days all those years ago when I was writing in my diary. And they happen all the time. But so do the good days. Like summer afternoons watching my boys splash around together at our favorite wading pool. Or when my older son tells me he loves me randomly after we finished reading “Little Blue Truck” for the millionth time. Or when my little guy said mama for the first times. I was there for all of those special moments because of the choices I’ve made. Those are the days that inspire me. Those are the days that remind me I’ve done the write thing.

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

In just a few months time, I have interviewed over 45 women and mom business owners.  The power behind these women are incredible.  These are everyday women working on side jobs, full-time jobs and all are focused on building while also living their very full lives.

With all of the women I have interviewed in The Power Squad Project. 

At first I will admit I was initially shocked to learn that most of the women, if not all, work on multiple projects at one time.  Actually, more often than not, this is the case. We are not locked into one boring position. 

In fact, many of us are are protected by multiple streams of income.

I have the best job ever and love love love that I get to talk with these amazing women on my podcast about the work they do.  Not only am I curious as to how they do they what they do but what they do.  I want to know everything from the most basic level!  

How did you get started? Why did you get started?  What exactly are you doing it??

In just a few months time, I have interviewed over 45 women and mom business owners and was initially shocked to learn that most of the women, if not all, work on multiple projects at one time.  Actually, more often than not, this is the case. 

I find that information sits really well with me.  

It's the new way we diversify.  

It's the new way we can try different things and see what we like.  

We are not locked into one boring position.  We are protected by multiple streams of income.  

We are challenged by different projects.  

We are able to build our community.  

Build our income.

Build out our lives.

Build. Build. Build.

Below is a list of the different jobs these wonderful women work on now or has in the recent past as just one of their gigs.   (Note: Where there's a link, they have been interviewed. The others without a link, the interviews have been completed just not published yet.)   Can you guess who each woman is??

1. How to Be A Freelance Writer Course Creator
2. Amazing New Curling Iron Maker
3. Chemical Free Stainless Food Container Maker
4. Graphic Designer
5. Building Manager
6. Co-Packager
7. Chocolate Maker
8. Article Writer
9. Jewelry Maker
10. Candle Maker
11. Stock Photography Photographer
12. Wedding and Family Photographer
13. Nature Journalist
14. Charity Event Planner
15. Baker & Dessert Maker
16. Blogger
17. Podcaster
18. Affiliate Marketer
19. Marketing Company
20. Purse Holder Maker
21. Waxing Company
22. Handbag Maker
23. Day care owner
24. Online Business Management
25. Project Management
26. Pilates Instructor
27. Health & Nutrition Consultant
28. Healthy Meal Delivery
29. Healthy Living Monthly Membership
30. Viral Video Maker
31. Video Production
32. Actor
33. TV Host
34. Event Planner
35. Media Production
36. Children's Label Maker
37. Life Coach 
38. Speaker
39. Poet
40. Workshop Facilitator
41. Stylist
42. Home Stylist
43. Subscription Box Maker

Each of these women take opportunity with their arms wide open.  As our businesses evolve so do our income streams.

This is how we, this is how they, make. it. happen. 

PS: You May Also Like These...

---

As an Online Business Manager, I hear it all! Everyone always tells me how they have no technical skills and couldn't even begin to imagine how to create a blog or a website.  They need help bringing their business ideas to life.

 To be honest, back in the day, it took a lot of work.  Wordpress makes my head spin.  I went from ugly site to ugly site as I tried my hardest to create something beautiful and meaningful.  

Then as a "creatives" with so many ideas, I popped in excitement when I really started to learn about SquareSpace and how easy it was to pull together.  That was I was looking for without even knowing it.  If only I could put my ideas there in, an inexpensive manner, to see what and where I really want to spend my time.  We don't start sometimes because just thinking of the process of creating it, whatever IT may be is so darn overwhelming.   That's what happens for me, at least.

Now you don't have to have any technical skills whatsoever.   All you have to do is 2 things and things only.  

1. Pick a Domain & Buy It

This is probably the most fun part of starting something.  It's the first step.   Yes, I am putting my idea out there.  I am locking it down.  I am choosing a domain name.  

How. fun. is. that?! 

Go no further than Bluehost.com to find your domain name and buy it. Enough said, don't put anymore thought into if you should or shouldn't - allow yourself to have the fun and pick your domain name.

Yeah, you may have to play around with spelling or adding adjectives (hint) but once you lock it down, you will be excited and have fun.  So don't forget to congratulate yourself on that one too! 

The thing is you can buy one or multiple domains for a small fee and feel out which one works best for you!  It's that easy.  Not even kidding.  Bluehost.

2.  SquareSpace It.

It cannot get any easier to create a website than SquareSpace.  I have tried Wordpress and I am now here to tell you that yes, Wordpress is good, SquareSpace is what most modern and most clean and most easy. to. use.

SquareSpace is so easy if you are getting married you can quick create a site.  If you need to put a resume online.  If you are starting something new and just want a place for people to go.  If you don't have anything yet but want that place holder to collect interest and emails.  You can create a Cover Page and a cover page only.  I think that is $4 / month.   One page and it gives you all the templates in the world.  No creativity, no technical skills are required just you taking the steps.

If you are ready for a little bit more, for I think $10 / month you can create an entire site.  The site can have a Blog and an About page.  It will help you create a contact form or display your social media. And just like that, your business idea is now a reality!

SIDE NOTE - HERE ARE A FEW RELATED POSTS TO KEEP YOU GOING...

• 4 Easy Side Businesses I Wish I Had Time to Create
• 2000 Instagram Followers in 2 months
• How to Start a Podcast for $12
• 3 Quick Ways to Surprise & Delight Your Customers

A Few Additional Thoughts on Building Your Blog

How long does it take to set up a website?  

Well, there are two types of websites you can create.  A single page "cover" page.  This is used as a placeholder or for very specific invitations etc.  Those take all of maybe 8 minutes to create.  And I am saying 8 to give yourself time to play around a bit too.  

The website itself?  Let's say you have a Home page, an About page, a Contact page and one other maybe that's a blog page or Product / Services page.  SquareSpace offers you about 30 different templates to choose from.  In each template there are About page and Contact pages.  You just have to change their wording to yours.  So you are starting with a clean, nice structure.  If you are focused and know what you want, then a few hours.  If you are still working out what you want then add on more.  It's not rocket science and I firmly believe you (anyone) can build a beautiful site.  

The other great thing is you can change anything at any time.  Get started.  Let me know if you need any help.  

What other costs are there?

None really.  You have to buy the domain for a few buck and you pay a monthly fee for the website.  You can choose to purchase photos for your site (directly from within the site) for a few dollars more or you can choose to use your own.  

Good luck!  Let me know how it goes!

FTC Disclosure of Material Connection: In order for us to maintain this website, some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally and/or believe will add value to readers.

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

Once you've started implementing your business idea, you need to start marketing. People need to know who you are. Exposure. Mom life and lengthy magazines do not go hand-in-hand. Precision and ease are key. Here's how you'll do it.

Disclosure: Yes, there are some affiliate links below, but as you can tell, I will only recommend things I actually use and recommend.  In fact, I have intentionally left off some products I have tried out but would not recommend.  Just sayin'.

I'll admit it. I am new to social media.  I had to do a deep dive in learning because I was so pumped up about my podcast, I wanted others to get the same benefits I was getting to talking with these amazing mompreneurs!

So, I had to learn about social media.  As much as we want our online world to be organic it is far more strategic than one would ever imagine.  So pick your platform.  

I love Instagram.  I am pretty pictures kind of gal.  If there is a quick quote for me to read, great.  If there is something cute, sweet, tasty or neat, I buy right into it.  I am a mom.  People magazine is too dense for me.  US Weekly?  I don't even know who those people are anymore.  But I like the pictures. 

Once I started learning how to expose aka promote my account, the climb started.  

(And don't get me wrong, I totally love to read.  But reading People, US Weekly, Facebook and Instagram are completely different than reading a great book.  I even wrote this post about how to be a mom and read again which you can check out too if you like.)

Okay, so with Instagram being my preferred platform, I took to learning all I could.  

First, Curated Photos are Key.  

Everyone says pic a theme and stick to it.  I could not agree more.  Even so, my style in the last few months has shifted.  I realize I am more one way vs another.  Can you tell by my feed?  Use the photos that you are attracted to. 

I was also introduced to PicMonkey around the time I started to get serious about working online.  It's the editing app to resize your photos, brighten them up, slightly correct them if you need to.  Add a filter or a bubble or some verbiage.  I lived on PicMonkey. 

PicMonkey also helped me creating my cover photos for my blog posts.  You can set the size you want (square for Instagram) and then add in verbiage if you want for a quote or to make a comment.  The filters are plenty and it's beyond easy to use.  Even for the non-techie like me.

Exposure Exposure Exposure

Remember my podcast interview with Rosemarie Groner??  She's from The Busy Budgeter and is making some serious waves.  I will never forget her words of wisdom, starting with stating something like "helping someone become successful does not take away from my own success."  She so right and absolutely lives those words.  She acts like a mentor as she keeps increasing her stamp on this world.  When I interviewed her near the beginning of the year she was 1 1/2 years into blogging and was hoping to make $8,000 for the month.  She surpassed that number by a zillion and now regularly earns $20,000+ a month from her part-time blog.

“No one is going to find your stuff. You have to put your work out there. ”

— Rosemarie Groner, The Busy Budgeter

She also made it crystal clear that you YOU had to be the one to put your work out there.  It's up to YOU to get your work published, your products found sought after.  If YOU don't do it no one will.  

And with that mentality in mind, I became a believer in finding and creating exposure.

How do you get exposure on social media??  You create it.  You engage.  

When you like someone's photo, that is exposure for your own profile.  

When you comment on someone's photo, that's exposure for your own profile.  

When you like someone's activity at one of your favorite places, that's exposure to your own account.

When you like photos from a specific event or hashtag, that too is exposure for your account.  

Adding a Place or Location to your photo, that is exposure for your account.  

Hashtags categorize your work and guess what else they do - they are expose your account.  

Actively "liking" a profile, a place and your favorite work in hashtags creates exposure to your own account.  Just like you would put out your blog post or your product and promote it, when you like something on Instagram you are promoting your own account.  

This is exposure.   You want exposure.  

You actively want to expose your work to your target market.  Expose.  Like. Comment.  Like. Comment. Like. Comment. 

Consistency

Consistency is hard, I am going to admit.  And there's a wide variety of opinions on how much to post.  There are people out there that think you should post 5x a day.  And there are others there that think 1 is enough.  Most people agree that posting photos 1-3x on a consistent basis is enough.  As far as I can tell there are two programs that allow you to schedule out Instagram photos and that's Hootesuite and Schedugram.  

Hootesuite is a program that allows you to review and schedule postings for all of the different platforms.  If you want one place to post from and one place to schedule from the free option allows you load in, I think 3 accounts.  If you have more than that you want to manage from Hootesuite, I again think the fee is $10 / month give or take.  Actually what I like about their set up is they allow me to see if I really will use / need the program before committing to a monthly expense.  

schedugram helped me this past month when i was busy with morning meetings or company.  i was able to schedule a few postings and not worry about letting my exposure and engagement lapse.  love it when i can be ahead in the game!

While I really like Hootesuite as a whole, for Instagram, I prefer Schedugram.   In Schedugram, I can see in calendar format what is going to post when.  I am a visual person and this really helps me.  When I started focusing on gaining exposure to my Instagram account I scheduled almost my entire week out.  It took me about 2 hours per week to do so and then I plan to add specific postings (like podcast specific posts) manually during the week.  

Now, as I am busier and busier, I use it as a tool to assist me when I know I am going to be super busy.  If I have back to back to back meetings I will try to schedule back to back postings so my account is not sitting that long, nor is my exposure dwindling.  With Schedugram, I can upload multiple photos at once and simply leave them in Draft mode too.  I have a bunch of quotes that I love and will scroll through them when I am looking for inspiration or the right post to set how I am feeling.  

 I really prefer this program for Instagram and can't believe so many people do not yet know if it! 

Special Treat: If you choose to sign up with Schedugram, will kindly give you and me a $5 credit to our accounts.  Just Use Referral Code: MOF. 

Training

With all this talk, there are people out there that have hundreds of thousands of followers.  There are people out there that have 10s of thousands of followers.  As I got into my research, I just wanted to know / had to know what these people were doing differently than I was.  

Oh! And it's important to mention that I also came across in my path some information about apps where you can BUY followers.  The descriptions on the apps are enticing and I downloaded one (maybe 2?) for like 1/2 second.  On one app, I was immediately hacked and on another app it was so weird how people with one or two followers (like a zillion of them) would become your fake follower.  Or something.   Once I figured out how big a scam that stuff was, I immediately deleted the app and accounts.  It was weird.  And that's also how I know I can look into any account and see if you / one is paying for scammy followers!

In any event, I still was / am trying to learn all about Instagram. I came across Alex Tooby's tutorials, she has one account @menandcoffee that has over 350,000 followers, so I figured she knew what she was talking about and I signed up!  Her in-depth Instagram course Infamous to Influential was the tips and tricks I think everyone else is doing - or should be doing.   I immediately saw improvement in my engagement.  I couldn't believe, I finally found the information I was looking for.  How do you actively expose your account and connect with your target audience??  How do you make progress strategically not slimy? Her focus is to teach you how to expose your work and connect with the people you want to.  Targeted.  Connected.  And real.  I would share, and hope I have throughout this post, some really key takeaways.  That said her courses are great if you are serious about wanting to grow your Instagram accounts.  Not kidding one bit.  

Iconosphere

Finally, to help track and manage comments and progress, there's Iconosphere.  

It's really fun to pull statistics that say you are on an upswing of 269% for this and 240% for that 109% for that.  And this was just at the beginning!  

One of my favorite features besides the great graphs is that it allows me to add in a few "competitors" to study and watch.  I can see what they are doing compared to what I am doing.  It's another set of analysis that helps along the way.  

I love Instagram.  It's my favorite platform.  I am a pretty pictures, in the moment, kind of gal and I am excited to see progress and engagement made. 

Hey - Have you checked out my Instagram account yet?  

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

---

Do you love listening to Podcasts?  Or do you not really know what one is quite yet?? Let me make it easy for you.  It’s perfect for you - the super-busy-always-running-around woman that you are.  Pull up the podcast on your phone, plug-in your headphones and listen as you workout, do your errands or even the dishes late night!  

CLICK on the LINK Below & Go!

OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

I met Veteran Blogger and Podcaster Jane Maynard from This Week for Dinner at the Mom 2.0 Summit this year and loved her immediately.  She is a mom, a mompreneur, a podcaster (!) and blogger. I knew immediately I wanted to talk with her on my own podcast and she didn’t disappoint.  Several things from our conversation stood out for me.  She talked about how her blog was her base or resume for getting her work in other areas.  How podcasting is at the ground floor of entry and why it’s got such huge potential.  Imagine what will happen when cars easily access podcasts?  Then, I loved, how she talked about Scruffy Hospitality, and where and how she prioritizes things for her family.  

Jane helped frame how the blogging world was shaped.  I have no doubt she’s “in” on how podcasting will be framed out too.  Actually, she helped me without even knowing it with her How to Start a Podcast post!

“Networking is really key to whatever business you want to start and tapping into the people you know and they know.”

— Jane Maynard

“It’s work, right? It’s work and pounding the pavement. That’s where the success comes from.”

— Jane Maynard

We talked about many things including: 

 - How she started out freelancing.
 - The power of networking
 - How you can still reach out and people *will* respond
 - How and why she started her podcast
 - How Storytelling Podcasting is "where it's at"
 - What will happen when technology and podcasting catch up with one
   another
 - Bloggers vs Podcasters - what the difference in followers means
 - Building good content on the ground floor
 - How she's a little more strategic with her podcast than she was with her blog
 - How she manages the different relationships
 - Where and how she spends her focus in terms of time spent
 - Why there's such a differentiation in time spent
 - Her upbringing and how that prepared her for her work today
 - How she manages her time, projects and family
 - Here's how I'm failing! - Ann Miura-Ko
 - Scuffy Hospitality

“I find I need to be flexible in my approach to make income.”

— Jane Maynard

Links

• SocialLuxe Lounge
• Design Mom
• Hostess with the Mostest
• BlogHer
• Ann Imig
• The Big Short
• Gimlet Media
• Startup Podcast
• Boston Mamas
• Sodium Girl
• Her interview with awesome Ann Miura-Ko
• Scruffy Hospitality

More from Jane

What did you want to be when you grew up??

• My dad had me trained to say "astrophysicist" when I was really little, which is pretty darn funny. I actually always wanted to be a teacher, from when I was tiny right up through college. I'm actually surprised that it never happened in the end. Maybe one day!

What was your first job?

• Boston Chicken, which is what Boston Market was called back in the day. I think more than anything I learned that I didn't ever want to work in restaurants ever again, but I sured did love easy access to mashed potatoes.

What are your go-to books and apps?

• Books? The ever-classic "How to Cook Everything" by Mark Bittman is the book I pull out most often. As for apps, I use IMDB all the time (embarrassing!). Podcasts, of course! Shazam gets a lot of use on my phone, too. What else? PhotoForge2 is my favorite photo editing app, although it is sadly no longer available for purchase. Oh, and Spotify! It's funny, I don't have any cooking or recipe apps on my phone!

What are your favorite gifts to give?

• Le Creuset butter crock is my go-to gift. I love that thing and love spreading its wonderfulness to others. High quality chocolate for baking is another favorite, usually Guittard products.

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

---

---

 

In full disclosure, this blog post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase from any of these links, I may make a little money. So thank you in advance for using these links as it adds a cushion in my accounts too! 

You need a podcast. Whether you want to share working mom tips, a passion for the outdoors, or share business ideas for women (like I do!!) you just need to start. Podcasting is absolutely the way of the future.  On demand is what we want and this is a powerful form of on demand radio.  Imagine, 2 years ago there were podcast but not even its own app.  2 years ago, 12 million people were listening to podcasts.  Now it's 17 million.  Imagine what it will be when cars have easy access to podcasts.  That's our future. 

In full disclosure, this blog post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase from any of these links, I may make a little money. Thank you in advance for supporting my dream work too!

It's a great time to get into podcasting.  Everyone is still learning, still growing.  They are growing together.  

I love podcasting and talking with my interviewees.  It's a way I can learn, connect and get inspired.  I have a few additional thoughts on other podcasts or how to expand my own but time will me get there.  

In the meantime YOU need to start one too.  Now is the time.  Below is what I did to get started.  

Have a Good Subject & One That You Love 

Okay okay who decides if the subject is a good one or not?  We don't really know.  But you most definitely want to have a topic that you enjoy talking about over and over and over again.   I once heard about a woman traveling the country to talk about the lessons learned from her brother's suicide.  What were the signs, the sadness, etc.  Then she realized how awful it was to talk about over and over and over again.  She didn't want to have her career spent reliving this tragedy.  

Point is, pick a subject you love to talk about.  

Set Your Format 

Will your you be talking on your own, will you be interviewing?  What type of schedule will you maintain?  Once a week or perhaps several times a week?  Set your format now, as best as you can, so your listeners will be ready and eager for the next episode.  

I knew I wanted an interview format right from the get-go.  I wanted / want to connect, learn from, be inspired by, build my tribe around women who have taken the leap.  I knew I wanted to talk with these amazing women right from the get-go.

Get Technically Involved 

If you want to try to have a podcast, you have to get your hands dirty.  I didn't know if it would "stick" so I was willing to learn, to do anything as long as I could keep the costs down at least until I figured out if the podcast was something worth pursuing.  

I knew I wanted an interview format and I was certain that some other interview based podcasts must accept people calling in.  I mean, Billionaire Mark Cuban, has been on podcasts, the interviewer must allow for people to call in from their phones.  I knew I wanted to make it easy for my interviewees to call-in.  If they are busy in their own lives, which I was confident they were, how easy could I make it for them to just say YES! and talk for 30 minutes.  

The Only Equipment You Need

Conference Calling Services

Really, that's all you need.  I signed up for a conference call system where I could record and download the call afterwards.  Actually I used a free conference calling service for my first probably 8 or 9 interviews.  Both parties would call into the conference line, I would hit record, and WA-LA game on!  After the call / super official podcast interview I would hang up, download the recording and begin editing.   That's it.  That's all you formally and officially need to record your podcast.  

It worked well for me.  

I switched from that service to Zoom because I was hosting video conference calls to such a degree that the paid monthly service was needed.  I think it's $15 a month.  If you have a need for video conferencing, sharing screens and recording of that it was and has been a really great service.  I am more than happy to pay the monthly fee for Zoom now.  It has saved me time and time again. 

Whether I am using it for work conference calls, for interviews, for video calls it is so helpful and the quality is top notch.  

Want to Step Up Your Recordings Even Further? 

Zoom's service has been a gem to me all around, no complaints and I still use it often.  For Mother's Day, I was excited to that my husband wanted to treat me to some upgraded podcasting equipment.  I mean, what mom doesn't want a microphone, headphones and a recorder for her gift?

Honestly, I was thrilled!  This is what I got specifically:

1. Microphone Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone
2. Windscreen Dragonpad USA Pop filter Studio Microphone Mic Wind Screen Pop Filter Swivel Mount 360 Flexible Gooseneck Holder 
3. Recorder Zoom H4N Digital Multitrack Recorder
4. Sony Dynamic Stereo Headphones - MDR-7506
5. SIM Card - 32 GB

It took some education from YouTube to really learn how to plug everything in together but when it did come together I was jumping up and down in joy!  I think this video was the one that started me off on the right tracks!

Record

Now comes the fun!  Record!  If you are solo or you are interviewing you need to record.  When I first started out I was so nervous and shaky.   I would honestly give myself pep talks but the truth learning how to run a podcast is like learning to ride a bike.  It takes practice and learning to be better and comfortable with it.  In the end though, recording the podcast is the most fun.  Especially if you have a really great guest!  It doesn't matter if you are using a free conference calling service or Zoom!  Have fun! 

Oh! And use your headphones from your phone to talk into.  No microphone is needed at this point, use those headphones.  Trust me, the sound quality is much much better with that added action.

Editing

Be prepared, there is nothing more humbling than hearing yourself talk for the first time.   Errr... .first few times.  But you've gotten this far, don't let fear stop you!

I needed an editing tool because the format of my podcast is interview style.  I wanted to add in an Intro and Outro (as I call it) at the beginning and end of each interview.  Then I also learned I needed to further edit after I got a sweet note from one of my best friends and most loyal listeners that I need to cut out some Ummms and Ahhhs.  

The editing tool I use, GarageBand, is the tool that came with my Mac computer.  I was pleased to hear many other podcasters stick with this free option too.  Once you get over the initial learning curve, it's a pretty great tool! Again, I studied YouTube for videos on how to edit a podcast and found a ton of information there.  It's easy to get sucked into the learning and there were so many to choose from.  Start with this video and go from there.  If you don't have a Mac or access to GarageBand, I have heard good things about Audacity.   I haven't tried it because the need just has not been there but in my research, this seems to be a program people talk about.

All of my saved files are on Dropbox of course.  Does anyone use anything else anymore??  There is no fear about losing files to a crashed computer.  There is no fear that my files won't be accessible.  I can pull anything from my phone, my tablet, my computer.  I can share.  I can do my work, save it to Dropbox and move on.  What else do you need?

Publishing

(Here's where I spent my money when I started out.)

Once your podcast is ready, you have to publish!  How fun!!  There are so many manners on how to publish actually publish a podcast.  Simplecast is the program I choose.  To me, it seemed simple and it did the job.  By this point, I had been to my eyeballs in research and learning, when it came time to publish, I didn't need anything fancy.  Just get the job done.  And I was willing to pay.  $12 a month.  Can't beat that right?? 

Find Yourself

You've done the work!  Now go listen!  How crazy fun and scary was that??  But you did it!   You crossed a big hurdle and did it! Congrats!

PS: You May Also Enjoy These Too...

---

---

I work from home.  My kids are around and are always asking for something from me.  I know I am supposed to be focused and totally present with them but the truth of the matter is if they are watching a cartoon, why can't I do some work too?  Or if they are at swim lesson, do I have to be 100% present?  Reality is, for better or worse, I am dying to get a few more things done when I am sitting and waiting.    

This post may contain affiliate links.

Don't shoot the messenger but here are a handful of things you can do to get more work done when you only have your phone a limited amount of time. 

1.  Make a quick phone call.  Seriously.

It's hard to make a phone call these days, right?  We are always so distracted and then as more time goes by we think the conversation has to be longer and longer.  But I find, I am actually making more phone calls now that I have in years.  It's easier and faster than texting or shooting a quick email.  It's okay if we haven't talked in a while, who said we have to stay on the call for a long while anyway?  We don't have to make up for lost time. 

So really, you can call your client, your co-worker, your mentor and say:

"Hey! I have 5 minutes to talk and wanted to get your input on XYZ.  Do you have time now?"  

Certainly the person on the other end will tell if you if it's a good time for them and then, take that moment.  Have your call.  Discuss your thoughts and ideas.  Right now.  

Plus, I truly think phone calls these days are "back".  It's easy to avoid and write.  Phone calls build relationships.  Relationships build businesses.

2. Edit photos for social media postings.

No one said the photos on social media had to be from that exact moment always.  Do we always live in these picture perfect environments?  And if you are a mompreneur, then I know you know about social media.  And there's probably always this feeling that you have to have more out there.  

So while you are sitting and waiting, go through and edit some of your photos.  Brighten them up.  Make them square.  Heart them.  

3.  Comment and connect with your people.

Review and comment on social media platforms that you are attracted to.  Comment and connect with the content creators that you admire and aspire to be like.   I know I want to build my tribe with like minded women.  I love it when people connect and comment on my work.  It's feedback and connection.  It's crazy to think that real relationships can develop over social media but the fact of the matter is not only is it possible but it's happening time and time again.   Imagine connecting with your people.  All it takes is reaching out...

4. Review your monthly / weekly goals.

I am going to assume you have goals well-established.  You have things you want to accomplish this month and you are actively working on them.  Right?  If not, then spend the 15 minutes or call me.  (Like now.)  

If you DO have your goals set then take a look at them.  Now.  The work that you are doing, the place you are spending your time, is it here?   Are you actively working to achieve them?  Where and how can you spend your time better?  Where and how can you be more efficient?  What needs to shift?  Where do you need help in order to get to your goals?

Do that.  Write that down.  Make your changes.

5.  Update Your To-Do List. 

Don't you just love a good to-do list?  Do you use Evernote?  I live and breathe by Evernote.  I can create, review and update my to-do lists on the fly.  They've even got checkboxes so when I am done, I can check my box and move on.  When I am sitting I like to go over and figure out what's next.  Is the work? Is it the grocery store? Is it the next kiddo activity?  Geez, even what's for dinner is always on the list!  Update your to-do list, figure out what's next. 

6. Calendar Block.

Yes.  Now is the time to put in your calendar when you are going to do those important, high priority tasks.  Block out the time.  Even if you don't use it as an exact science, it's helpful to see and know just what activity you have to do and what timeframe you have to do it in!!

7.  Pin Strategically. 

Followers and value count.  I hate to admit that and even say it out loud.  Well, the followers part, not the value part. But it's true.  If social media is a part of your business (and I almost can't imagine what business would be without it) then you must be online.  Pinterest is far more important now than it ever was and there is no better time than the present than to make your Pinterest profile that much better.  Pin pin pin.  

There's a whole lot more to be said about Pinterest and a whole lot of learning to be had!  I, personally, am following anything and everything The Busy Budgeter does!  (Remember her from one of my first podcasts?? She is making well over 6 figures on her blog in less than 2 years time!  Here's that podcast interview with Rosemarie Groner.)  And while we're at it, her working with me and her Pinterest Strategy CheatSheet has helped this site get tons and tons more traction.  

8. Email an old client. 

I have said it before and I'll say it again.  Following up and keeping a relationship going is what will keep you in mind.  Everyone loves to be thought of and you need nothing more than a quick email saying 

"Saw that XYZ was happening and it made me think of you.  Hope you guys are doing well and pressing forward.  Let's connect again soon."  

You have kept your conversation and more importantly, your relationships going.  That was 3 sentences that ultimately told your old client that you still cared.  What better way than to spend a few minutes of your time?

9. Read. 

You don't have to read a book.  You can if you want but you can also start reading more about the business things you want and need to do.  I cannot even begin to tell you how massive Pinterest is and how it truly is not just for pulling entertaining ideas together anymore.  I have learned and learned and learned so much, business-wise, from reading about what other people are doing from reading and researching posts on Pinterest.   

10. YouTube. 

If you want to learn anything and I mean ANYTHING YouTube is the place to go.  I literally learned how to physically podcast from YouTube videos.  When I talked with Deva from My Life Suckers, (you know the awesome viral video maker), she said she learned about video editing through YouTube too!  Want to learn anything - YouTube it!

11. Meditate. 

I love to meditate.  It has such a bad rap.  People think you need to sit there and magically make your mind go empty but it's simply not (always) the case.  I don't even know how one would begin to make their mind go empty.  I think my skin would start crawling and I'd have a panic attack or something!  Much less, if I was able to find a time for no interruptions, now I have to figure out how make my mind go empty?? 

Okay - so I get it.  I'm not interested in making my go empty.  Truth is that is probably for the expert mediators.  That's not me.  What does the beginner meditator do?  Someone like me? You get these amazing meditations that guide your thoughts in a positive uplifting manner.    Think about your dreams.  Think about your power.  Think about forgiving yourself.  Think about how this world is there for you to bring your best foot forward.  

My favorite meditation is this one.  It's 20 minutes and I will admit, I sometimes (cough) fast forward right to the good stuff around minute 8.   But imagine being guided to your best self??  Seriously what better way to spend 15 minutes?

12. Sit down and do nothing. 

You heard it.  Your body needs to rest.  Your mind needs to rest.  How can you be your best self if you are constantly running?  Put on some music and rest.  Sit down and do nothing! 

Wooops. I know I said I had 15 great ideas for working while the kiddos are distracted but truth is - this is where and how I focus my time.  I could make up another 3 more ideas but that would just be fluff - right.  When I have a moment to sneak a peak at my phone - here i my focus.  Truly.  

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

Do you love listening to Podcasts?  Or do you not really know what one is quite yet?? Let me make it easy for you.  It’s perfect for you - the super-busy-always-running-around woman that you are.  Pull up the podcast on your phone, plug-in your headphones and listen as you workout, do your errands or even the dishes late night! 

CLICK on the LINK Below & Go

OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.

“If I could find the information, I can figure it out.”

— Wendy Hively

Today’s conversation is no different than the others.  Well, a little different.  Wendy has a full-time job AND she runs her side business AND she has daughters that she is raising.  Charliemadison Originals, a beautiful jewelry line named after her daughters is growing, growing growing.  They have a substantial following on social media, wonderful supportive partners and a mission behind them.  

I love how authentic and real Wendy is.  She is a great example of how to start, how to proceed forward, how to maintain her current responsibilities (ummm keep her JOB as a scientist) and also work on something she, personally, cares about.

We talked about many things including:

• The evolution of her jewelry business
• From Etsy to her own shop - website
• Military Spouse Entrepreneurs
• Several Online Business Classes
• How her family helps her
• If I could find the information, I can figure it out
• Figuring out what works and doesn't
• The piece that she loves about business, the pieces she'd love to outsource
• Mentors
• How her family is involved
• How her work is the example for her daughters
• The mess that's in the background
• What she lets go of
• What lists she holds on to
• Doing what you like
• What she admitted she just binge watched!
• What they consistently do with the girls and as a family
• Her 1 List that helps her out most

Links

• My conversation with Cameron Cruse from R.Riveter
• R.Riveter
• MilSpo
• Flourish & Thrive Academy
• B School by Marie Forleo
• 21 Day Insta Course 
• Compliment

More From Wendy

• What did you want to be when you grew up? 

  • I think I changed my mind so many times when I was a kid, but I remember wanting to be a teacher or a veterinarian.

• What was your first job?
  • My first job after I graduated from college was working a laboratory for the Department of Defense.  As you know, I work full-time job in addition to my jewelry business and have worked for different agencies of the federal government since I graduated from college.  That was almost 25 years ago!
• What are your go-to books and apps?

  • I actually love to read, but I don't often have extra time to read non-business books.  There are a few books that have captured my heart of over the years - The Alchemist, The Red Tent, and Wherever You Go, There You Are.  The last one really helped me to love meditation and it's such a great book for beginners and those who think meditation is too difficult.

  • My favorite apps are Instagram, Word Swag, Afterlight, and Rainbow Love - all of them help me with marketing and graphics for my business.

• What are your favorite gifts to give??

  • My favorite gifts to give are those that have a special meaning, which is why I love to give my jewelry.  I am at the point in my life where I've just got too much stuff, so I look for gifts that help the receiver to feel special, to remember something special in her life, or to help her know how strong, beautiful, and loved she is.  My bracelets and necklaces are reminders each time they put them on, so they are my favorite things to gift.

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

---

In full disclosure, this blog post contains affiliate links which means if you make a purchase from any of these links, I may make a little money. So thank you in advance for using these links as it adds a cushion in my accounts too! 

As an entrepreneur mentor, I've coached thousands of busy mom's. I've discovered the #1 thing you need to be successful and why it's not too late to start now.

“I can give you a six-word formula for success: "Think things through - then follow through.”  Sir Walter Scott

We all have a lot of great business ideas, needs and wants.  Some of us seem to have all the luck and get all of their wishes fulfilled, while some seem to be satisfied with status quo and never achieve their dreams.  The difference between the haves and have-nots is the follow through. 

Last summer my girlfriend fulfilled a lifelong dream of living in Paris.  Without even really knowing it, this was one of my life-long dreams.  The difference is that she planned for her month in the City of Lights and she had the gumption to make it happen.  

“Follow through” is what makes the difference in making dreams (or even just cool stuff) happen.  We have great ideas, all of us; but what are you following through on?  What are you consistently working towards?  It may not be a month in Paris exploring the city; rather, it may be something simple.  Where you spend your time and energy is where you will find success.  Period.

Following through does not mean making one single attempt and then giving up.  If you are trying to land your dream client will you reach out one time and then think “well, I tried”.  No!  That wouldn't get your client for you! 

Jane Wurwand and her husband of Dermologica, the world’s number one skin care line, worked with 78 different technicians before finding the right product. 

Ariana Huffington, you know the Founder of The Hufffington Post, contacted 48 different publishers before getting her first book deal.  Following through is being passionate enough about your dream and goal to be consistent with the effort required to make it happen. 

Following through on your dreams and goals also means following up.  Here are 3 ways I follow up: 

1. The Friendly Follow Up

When I send a reminder email, text or call I actually state "This is your friendly reminder to xx".  I want the person that I am talking with to feel confident talking with me and not to feel guilty about not following through themselves.  I know that we all have lots and lots of things happening, we have many reasons we get sidetracked and I am okay with that.  I am simply reminding them to focus on me and my needs for the moment.  When the timing is correct, they will come back through.   Your friendly reminders will help keep your needs at the forefront. 

2. Putting a Process Behind My Relationship Management

Oh goodness, don't run away from the technical necessary evil stuff.  Just hear me out.

When I was younger, like 20, I would call my brother and sister-in-law on a regular basis "just to say hi".  I told them it was friendly message to let them know I was thinking of them, they didn't even have to call me back.  I would call them every couple of weeks or even months and on occasion, I would get a call back.  I do the same with my friends.  I am that loyal kind.  And I honestly don't get upset if you don't call me back.  I just don't take it personal and I keep it up.    I apply the same principles with my work relationships.  I develop meaningful relationships as I work next to someone and I want to continue that even when our work doesn't proceed forward.  

This past year as an entrepreneur mentor, my business started to get busier and busier, I am not going to lie, developing and maintaining relationships started coming at a faster pace than I have ever worked with.  I am pleased, of course.  I started using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool called Insightly.  The number of emails I am sending was getting out of control.  Even with loads of categories and folders, you / one can't organize the workload in an email system.  Then with the birth of the podcast, I am putting many interview invitations out there.  I needed a manner to help me remember who exactly I have invited, a reminder to follow up and a note to follow up after the interview has occurred.  Everyone I talk to, I want them to be connected with me and I them.  How do I manage it?  I keep track (not perfect track but good enough) of the people I am working within Insightly.  It's actually quite amazing.  What was that movie line? "Set it and forget it."  All the emails I send out to a particular person are saved under their contact information.  I can then categorize them which I sometimes do.  Ideally, I would do create this designation to say it's a Mompreneur on Fire contact or a Consulting Contact.  I don't - I just use my notes to remember.  Then, my favorite part, is to set up Tasks for when I need to follow up with them.  Then I can "set it and forget it".  I get a reminder in my email, as I choose, to let me know today is the day to send a quick note!  

I love it.  It makes my life that much easier.  I need the friendly reminders too!

3. Be Thoughtful (And Here's How)

You know there are studies that show how that pharmaceutical sales methods of bringing lunches and hosting dinners is directly related to the increase of a prescription drug sales.  It's not surprising.  The doctors learn more when the sales reps are around and are politely, kindly following up all. the. time.  

• Are you close enough to bring coffee?  
• Can you pop on over to just say Hi?  
• Can you shoot them a text or an idea?  
• Can you find them the drycleaner they were searching for?
• Can you recommend them to someone else?

Follow through on what you say you're going to do.  Follow through on the relationship.  Be that friend even when you are busy.  It's appreciated and will help you full circle. 

“When you get right down to the root of the meaning of the word "succeed," you find that it simply means to follow through.” – F.W. Nichol

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

---

Do you always feel like you are behind?  Like everyone is making progress doing things you think or dream about?  You want to get ahead, yet you always feel late to the game? As an entrepreneur mentor, it's my duty to share with you everything I can for you to be successful. Let's do this!

My own coach told me, "Honey, that is a game you are never going to win.  You are not late."  I kind of "yeah yeah'd" her, thinking I "should be" err... so desperately wanted to be further ahead in my goals and dreams than I actually was.  

In thinking about our conversation, I think she is right.  (Totally right.)  I get to put together the plans for what I will accomplish, when, and how.  I get to decide if I am late or not -- it's my own game.  Right?! 

Given that, I still very much want to move forward, actively, and continuously.  I personally found that by giving myself space to work, and by taking it step-by-step, I was able to get ahead like never before.  (Well, like before when I had all the time in the world and no kiddos pulling on my leg asking for another coloring page!) As an entrepreneur mentor, I want to share with you everything I can to ensure your success.

1. TACKLE ONE THING AT A TIME 

Before you can really get ahead, you have to know and decide what you want to do.  Sounds like a no brainer, I know, but when you have lots of ideas and lots of responsibilities, it's hard to nail down just that one thing.  I get it.  I have a hard time doing that, too.  Being a professional project manager, where I literally teach and help others implement their goals, I can tell you through and through, it is simply impossible to change every single thing you want all at once.  You have to decide where to focus, and that's a maximum of 3 things at one time.  Depending on your workload and responsibilities, it may be 1 thing at a time.  That's okay.  Step by step, you will get to the others, but first you have to decide which item you are going to tackle now.

Are you going to focus on getting those big dream accounts?  Are you going to focus on building your brand?  Are you going to focus on having dinner on the table each night?  Getting to the gym on more regular basis?  

Once you decide, then own it.  

2.  START AND STOP

Again, once you decide what you are going to tackle, what you are going to accomplish, you have to decide when you will start.  

Right now? Are you prepared for that?  Probably not.  

Heck, I gave up processed sugar as a test to myself, and before I could fully commit to when I would start, I suddenly had cravings for Trader Joe's bite-sized licorice that I had to get!  Random!  But I had to do it!  I was not prepared! 

(By the way, best decision ever to give up sugar!)

Point is, you need to get prepared.  Will you start in a week?  Tomorrow?  Pick a date.  Put it on the calendar.  Mark where you are, and what your starting point is. 

Then give yourself a stop date.  An arbitrary stop date.  In my podcasts with Rosemarie Groner, the Busy Budgeter, she talked about how she gave herself a year to make full-time money from her blog.  If it didn't work after a year, she was going to move on.  (She's killing it, btw.)

Give yourself a reasonable timeframe to accomplish what you are looking for.  Test the waters and commit. 

3. COMMIT

OMGoodness, I cannot tell you how many times people let go of their own commitments to themselves.  You know it's true.  We all do it.  In order to get ahead, you have to commit to doing what you set out to do.  The best and easiest way to do that is also to plan out how you are going to accomplish it.  Plan out how you are going to get started TODAY and for the rest of the week.  That's it.  Don't go any further that next week.  Truth is, part of your work will be learning.  When learning comes, the plan goes out the window.  

Commit today.  Plan for tomorrow and next week.  Then start doing. 

4. TURN OFF THE TV

When are you going to do this?  Do you watch tv? 

Good, I do, too.  I wish I could be that person where we didn't have tvs, but that's not me.  I have 3 shows I watch.  The Good Wife (sad it's actually over).  Scandal. (Silly I know, but I'm committed.)  The Deadliest Catch.  (My husband and I have been watching it since it started, what can I say, I'm a loyal person.)  Then if I need something mindless in the background, I watch Friday Night Lights from Netflix on repeat.  I have literally seen the show way too many times.  

But guess what -- that's it.  I watch tv, but I don't let tv consume me, either.  Typically I watch an episode of something with my husband and then I walk away.  With the tv out of my life, I have many more hours to give to my goals and dreams.  

Step away from the tv.  You'll thank me for it later. 

5. GO TO PINTEREST & YOUTUBE

OMGoodness.  Google is dead.  Google is sooo 10 years ago.  If you want to know, if you want to learn, it's all on Pinterest and YouTube.

Don't even "yeah yeah" me on this one -- just listen.  I had no idea myself until just a few months ago.

Want to know how to put together a podcast?  YouTube.  

Want to know what equipment you need to put together a podcast?  YouTube.

Want to know how to start a blog?  Pinterest.

Want to know how to create multiple streams of income online? Pinterest. Or Here.

Want to know how to do that and put a meal on the table at night?  Pinterest.  YouTube. 

Anything you want to learn or do, there is information about it on Pinterest and YouTube.  (And actually Facebook, too.)  Google is sooo over.  Trust me.  Keep the learning going and go where I tell you.

Actually, I am so serious about this that I have 2 guides that I am living and breathing and dreaming about when I sleep.  Pinterest Strategy Guide and Strategies Worth Sharing (for Facebook).  Seriously, 2 books to increase traffic by the thousands??  Worth it?  Ummm, yes!

6. CALENDAR BLOCK

I started calendar blocking just a few months ago and I simply love it.  It's not an exact science but what it does do is open up your eyes as to how much time you really have to devote to certain things.  

Immediately, the first things in the calendar are my girls' activities.  Most afternoons are booked solid with their activities.  That gives me mornings and evenings to add in.  When will I interview a guest for the podcast?  When will I edit the podcast and prepare the show notes?  When will I work on client work?  When will I hit the grocery store?  Make those returns I have to?  

Once I started putting tasks in my calendar, it was eye-opening where and how I was spending my time.  And with whom.  Was I spending my time with the people I wanted to vs the people I was actually seeing?  I was inadvertently and unintentionally setting priorities that way. Once I started calendar blocking, I really realized I could better control my time and make my activities align with my real values. 

Try it.  Just try it. 

7. SAY NO

Pick 3 priorities.  If a request comes in, then have NO at your forefront.  Remember, that is an option for you.  

It's okay to say no.  Actually, it feels amazing to say no.

No, thank you.  Not interested.  Not today.  Not tomorrow.  (Maybe next week.)  No.  

8. SAY YES

Have fun with YES!  Just say YES!  Let things change up.  Do what you wouldn't normally do!  Get out of that rut!  Allow the doors to open, breathe in the fresh air!  Say YES! and give it a shot!  You will get ahead more and more by just saying YES! YES!  I am open to that!  

Nothing is permanent.  If you cut your hair, it will grow!  If you say YES! then you get the experience of being open to the new experience!  Say YES!  Then next time, you can decide is this a YES! or a NO!

9. STEP AWAY FROM THE PHONE

It's too much.  To really get a break, to really get ahead, to really connect and move forward, you have to put the phone down. 

It's hard.  I know.  I have a love/hate relationship with my phone.  I hate it.  But I need it.  

Truth is, I don't need it all day every day.  Put the phone down and get back to work. 

10. BE KIND TO YOURSELF

You cannot get ahead without treating yourself well.  

I repeat.  You cannot get ahead without being kind to yourself.  

There are so many glorious and easy ways to be kind to yourself, so just do it.  

Recognize that you are strong and capable.  Treat yourself.  

All. the. time.

I realize this past year I mostly talked about my dreams, or even got angry about my unfulfilled dreams.  Without quite realizing it, I felt I had less time because I had my kiddos around and my charming, yet needy husband to take care of.  I felt my responsibilities were overwhelming me and preventing me from doing the things I dreamt of.  Perhaps that's true to a degree.  Or perhaps, I wasn't quite ready.  

But I'll tell you what, when I did get ready, when I did focus and turn off the tv, the tide shifted in my favor.  There has been so much learning this past year.  There's been a lot of highs and lows too, I'm not going to lie.  Yet, I realize, like my coach said, I was the only one who thought I was "late to the game" and I just had to focus on moving forward.  Was I committed?  Or wasn't I?  Was I open or wasn't I?  Was I willing to do the work?  When all my answers there were YES!, everything started to change.  

Start!  Take action!  Correct your actions and continue to move forward!

Good luck! Also, by all means, if you are working on getting ahead in your own life and want further explanation on any of these steps, please reach out to me.  I'd be happy to explain my process further if that would help you! 

---

In full disclosure, this blog post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from any of these links, I may make a little money. So thank you in advance for using these links as it adds a cushion in my accounts, too! 

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

---

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.  ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

Doesn’t it always seem like the customer wants “just” one more thing?  Heck, I don’t blame them. I do it myself.  Aren’t we trained to always want more?  Sometimes, even when we get what we want, it isn’t what we really need.  

So it’s no surprise that our customers want one more thing. 

One small thing. 

When you give your customers that one small thing they want ahead of time, they are not only surprised but they are excited to see what comes next.  That one small thing is big because it's big to them. These business ideas will keep your customers happy and increase your referrals.

This small thing is there to make them feel special.  And that’s the ultimate end goal, right? We want our customer to be excited with our delivery and to feel special. 

Now when reality sets in and when we have multiple customers who want multiple additions to what was promised, we can get to a place where we have added on tons of work, higher expectations, and lower profit revenue.   To me, “just” doing one more thing always ends up taking much longer than expected. 

So how do we manage both? Surprise and delight our customers and all of them?  This is the power of low-hanging fruit.  Low-Hanging Fruit: What is it?  There's always the core offering or product that you are delivering.  The low-hanging fruit is the thing that helps them that much more, it's something that would make it easier and nicer for them to use or achieve. 

Low-hanging fruit is something seemingly small, a minimal effort, but it provides a surprisingly big impact to the your client. 

Below are some things you can do to make your customer happy while not adding loads of work to you and your team:

1. Powerful & Friendly Follow up.  By checking in with your client you are keeping them engaged and in-the-know with how you care about them.  This could a quick email to them, a text or call.  Give your client an unexpected follow up and have them light right up. 
2. Send them a Thank You Note.  When was the last time you received a hand-written thank you note?  Spend the few minutes to tell your customers how appreciative you are to work with them.  Your client would be thrilled and feel appreciated themselves.  The impact and improvement on the relationship will be great.  
3. Proactively Give Them a Service They Would Pay For. Do you offer services by the hour?  If so, then during that appointment, add in 15 or 30 minutes just for fun.  Time is a commodity and something we all need more of.  Why not give some additional time? Won't your client love and appreciate that?!  

Bonus Steps:

1. Bring Them a Treat. Are you local? Who doesn't want a surprise afternoon coffee break?   The pharmaceutical industry relies on this practice and it truly generates sales for them.  They bring breakfast, coffee, sweet treats.  You're are getting in front of your client, face-to-face.  What better way to remind them you are there than being there?
2. Give Them a Recommendation.  Do you know someone who could use their services?  Do they do good work? Share the good will.   Speak highly of them and recommend them too.  Even write them a recommendation on LinkedIn.  That takes minutes but the effect and goodwill will only improve your relationships.

Making the extra effort for your client will grow the relationship leaps and bounds.   People admit there is always a better service or better price but they enjoy the comfort and loyalty of people they work with.  If you have a relationship where your customer is surprised and delighted, why would they not want to work with you??  Low-hanging fruit is one of the simplest ways to make your customer happy.  You're showing a customer that you are thinking of them when they are not there.  This thing that you do will require a minimal effort on your part but will make big impact to your customer.    

Your customer will be excited, feel special and be happy with you! You'll feel confident that they are there to stay.

Good luck!

---

PS: I Think You Will Also Enjoy These...

There are so many business ideas going through my head that it's hard to organize them! So, rather than let them go to waste, I want to share some of them with you. I look forward to seeing you grow! The possibilities are endless.

This post may contain affiliate links. 

1. Jewelry

There is some unbelievably gorgeous jewelry out there.  Those stackable bracelets, yep, I make them, too.  Those giant beaded necklaces.  Have lots of them hanging.  I don't know, I can't sit still.  When my husband watches boxing on Saturday nights, I pull out the beads.  I must admit, it's pretty, fun and easy.  Well, it's not as easy as you would think.  My husband thinks these suckers are our retirement and sat down this past weekend only to make 2 bracelets in 2 hours' time.  One, we will dismantle because it is just ugly.  The other, I am afraid to touch because he put his heart and soul into it!  

Here's what I would do if I had the time to really pursue selling jewelry.  

1. Order beads to your taste from Etsy and eBay.  Order lots, and a variety.  Also, you want to order them now.  They aren't that expensive but they come from all over the world.  So it takes time to get them in.  
2. While you are waiting for them to come in, head to Michael's to get some stretch thread in the jewelry-making section, and some Krazy Glue.
3. I would start an Instagram account, hashtag it appropriately, and see if there is any interest.  I feel like having the likes and followers will give credibility when going to boutiques.  Ideally, I would learn how to photograph them properly but I am not convinced it's necessary when you get started and don't have much time. 
4. Make a list of all the local boutiques, hotels, and wineries that you would love to work with.  Gather the names, addresses, and phone numbers of each place.
5. Call and set up an appointment for them to look at your jewelry.  Take your best work and go for it!  

2. After-School Yoga for Kids

After school, my kids always have activities.  Yet there is this time between after school and when they do their AYSO that they want to do something else.  They want to play or do something now that they are free from school!  Hooray!  Oftentimes, the school offers enrichment class but to be honest, I think it's people, experts in their fields, making the offers.  

What if I found a reputable yoga teacher and organized her to come in for an hour or so after school to take the kids through a gentle yoga program?  If the class is at school, and the school is willing, host the class at the school. That way pickup is not necessary until later.  Then have the kids sign up.

Approximately: $30/class.  If you have 10 kids sign up, that's $300.  Pay the yoga teacher and keep the profits.  Not bad for a little bit of work.  If everyone likes it, schedule the class regularly.

3. Accountability Program

We all say we need someone to light that fire under our behinds in order for us to really get something done.  My girlfriend is picking up her pace (training) so she can be a part of a faster running group.  A dad I know is riding a long bike race to raise money for a charity that is near and dear to his heart.  We all have that one thing that we want to do and think about.  I'll be your accountability partner and we never even need to talk. 

Get 10 people to sign up for $10, $20, or $30/week (2 coffees to them) for 3 months.  Send them a quick motivational text in the morning.  Or motivate them through Instagram.  Send them an email or simply follow up.  It takes no time whatsoever, but adds $400 extra a month in your pocket.  

4.  Closet Organizer

I don't know what's wrong with me but I love to go through other people's stuff!  It's so fun!  And I love to organize!  In a heartbeat, I can help someone out just by "going into action-mode" and watching their expressions.  

If you don't love it, out it goes.  

I am totally copying that amazing advice from the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.  Have you read it?  Anyone and everyone I know that has read the book has literally reported how it's a life-changing process.  

I have been through it, and I love it.  Who would not want to have the freedom that comes when living only with things you love? 

Problem is that most us need a little help.  We need a little nudge.  Why not have a good friend over to withhold judgment and help clean out?! 

Am I weird to love it?  I have a friend who paid someone $500 to help her clean out her clothes.  Her closet is amazing.  Her style is amazing.  She now only wears what she loves.  Sounded kind of expensive to me, but who am I to judge?  And she is always in things that make her feel good.  Sounds like a solid and healthy investment, actually.  So, if I had time, maybe I'd start by charging $250.  $250 to change your life!  Who doesn't win here??

There are the 4 business ideas that are on my mind.  I love what I do with Mompreneur on Fire, and that consumes the majority of my work.  If I had time, I would pursue the others.  Maybe you will and have some success, too!  Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

Update w/ 2 More Great Side Business Ideas

5. Blogging, Yes, Blogging 

If you asked me last year or even six months ago about the benefits and revenue sources that comes from blogging, I wouldn't have believed you.  Here's the thing that many people don't understand, you can make money from your blog.  You can create multiple streams of income from writing about the things that interest you.  

My family, even my husband, looks at me cross eyed when I try to explain the revenue and income sources from blogging.  In fact, majority of the bloggers I know will talk about how their family and friends don't understand what they do.  You don't even have to understand quite yet, you just need to start.  

HERE ARE 3 STEPS TO GET YOU STARTED:

1. How to Start a Blog When You Have No Technical Skills.  That was a blog post on its own. It's not a difficult thing to put together but there are maybe 10 steps involved.  I went through the entire process in the post. 

2. Then when you want to actually get serious about driving traffic to your site, this guide, is an amazing guide.  Literally, I use these strategies everyday and for months upon months now I am only seeing major traffic growth.  The big, I mean big, bloggers use these strategies too.  

3. THEN when you really want the income to come in you must learn more about affiliate marketing.  I cannot believe I went months and months and months and months without this information.  I cannot believe there are 20 year old bringing in 10s of thousands by these (relatively) simple steps they put in place.  Michelle Schroeder's Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course is not that expensive and has amazing tips on how to generate real income without having to do the whole ads thing.  Trust me on this.  It's ah-mazing!

6. Sell Stuff On Amazon

Think eBay, only better.

You do the fun part, finding product to flip. Then Amazon handles all of the details of fulfilling orders. It’s called Amazon FBA, for “Fulfillment By Amazon.” You ship the inventory to an Amazon warehouse, they store it for you, and then when a customer buys something, Amazon picks, packs and ships it; they handle any returns, too.

Think about all of the stuff you have lying around the house - from books to toys to kitchen gadgets - and how great it would be to ship it out and then cash out! If you could find 20 items at home that each made $10 in profit, that’s a cool $200 to start. And you hardly did any work!

If you wanted to put in a bit more effort, there are lots of stories of people who make six figures selling on Amazon, and most of them will tell you they do it with part-time hours. The Selling Family’s Amazon Boot Camp is a great place to learn step-by-step details about running an Amazon FBA business.

I'm curious - in the comments - tell me what ideas you have that you think would be easy to start and set up??

---

PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

---

Don’t really know what a podcast is quite yet?? Let me make it easy for you.  It’s perfect for you - the super-busy-always-running-around woman that you are.  Pull up the podcast on your phone, plug-in your headphones and listen as you workout, do your errands or even the dishes late night! 

CLICK on the LINK Below & Go

OR another easy way you can pull up the Mompreneur on Fire podcast via the Podcast App that is already. on. your. iPhone.  

“You do your best and if it isn’t perfect, believe it or not, people don’t actually care that much.”

— Deva Dalporto

You may or may not know the name Deva Dalporto from My Life Suckers but most certainly you have seen her hilarious video parodies like the one below that has over 7 million views on YouTube or this one that had me laughing out loud and has been watched over 9 million times. 

Deva graciously agreed to talk with me about all things mompreneur.  How does one even get started in a viral video parody biz?? How do you create this labor intensive awesomeness while also running a home and raising a family?  I don't know what I expected but perhaps it was a larger-than-life type personality but what I got was so much better.  Deva is kind and funny and most shockingly quite real.  Yes, she has highs and lows just like the rest of us and she's embracing this journey in front of her.  But what else?? The woman is busting her butt and I totally appreciate that.  Yes, she's enjoying it and she loves it but I give props to the hard worker too. 

That and I love the gift that she gives us.  Her genius is to give us laugther and lightness during some of the most stressful times out there.  I know I'm appreciative!

We talked about many different things here are just a few: 

• What her workweek looks like
• How she's doing the work she loves and kind of stumbled into it
• When and where she's not perfect
• How she keeps Zen
• Her mentors
• How her community has grown

LINKS

• Her daughter's parody The Momster Mash
• Her twenty one pilots: Stressed Out video (I snorted in laughter when I watched this!)
• Male Patterned Blindness 
• Jenn Mann - People I Want To Punch in The Throat
• Ilana - Mommy Shorts 
• Kim Holderness
• United Talent Agency
• iMovie
• Premeir Pro
• YouTube
• Canon C100

MORE FROM DEVA

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
  • An actress. I knew from as far back as I can remember that I wanted to act. There was never, ever anything else I wanted to do with my life. 
• What was your first job?
  • My first job was babysitting. And in the summer I worked as a production assistant on workout videos blow-drying sweat off of people's bodies between takes. In my years trying to be an actress in LA I worked every job out there. Waitress. Birthday Party Entertainer. Gardener. Overnight Transcriber. Caterer. Shakespeare Teacher. Dog Walker. You name it, I did it. And I still could barely pay my rent. 
• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • Cheryl Strayed's Tiny Beautiful Things is like my Bible. I reach for it whenever I need inspiration or a pick-me-up from feeling down. The only apps I really use are social media apps since I am on social media 24/7. Oh, and I recently discovered Door Dash. I use it to get food delivered when I'm shooting videos!
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • I love giving my girlfriends Sephora gift cards. Probably because I wish someone would give me one! 

---

PS. You May Also Like ...