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. 

“It’s not about networking and getting ahead, it’s about scaffolding and bringing people along with you as you make your own way.”

— Ann Imig

Imagine one day you are at a conference going from talk to talk, mingling and smiling, taking notes and doing your best.  And then suddenly you are in a room and realize you are soaking in every. word. spoken.  

You have found your people.  

You have found your tribe.  

Ann Imig, took that moment and built the Listen To Your Mother, a National Reading Series and Media Company production, that celebrates and validates all things motherhood and is hosted around Mother’s Day year now for the last 6 years.  Starting with a single show in Madison, WI, 6 years ago, this year, the show will be in 41 cities across the US, 2000 shows on YouTube.  And just recently Ann was awarded the 2016 Game Change of the Year for the IRIS Awards. 

In the conversation not only was I trying to soak in what she had to say, but I was a little nervous too.  Ann was kind and informative.  Real and knowledgable.

Below are a handful of things we discussed:

• When she feels stuck.
• What Blogging was to her in the beginning
• How being a stage actress prepared her for today’s work
• The seeds that were planted that began LTYM
• Authentic Connections & Authentic Collaborations
• How her production grew
• How being out of her comfort zone prepared her
• How luck and strategy helped her grow and a really great team
• How she almost did a reality show and DEB helped her without that…
• Who make the best producers
• How she makes it through her busiest time of the year
• What she doesn’t do with her business
• When she’s pulled off the miraculous
• Her mentors
• Her tribe.  Her tribe. Her tribe.

“Authentic collaborations really pushed me to be better.” - Ann Imig

LINKS

• BlogHer Voices of the Year
• Deb Rox

Update

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
  • A teacher-ballerina-actress-mom
• What was your first job?
  • I was a bus girl at a deli at age 13. I could barely lift the bus-tubs full of dishes after I cleared the tables.
• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • My favorite go-to book is Melody Beattie's "More Language of Letting Go" because I'm very clenched. 
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • I love giving gifts of jewelry, books, accessories--if I seriously consider keeping the gift for myself instead of giving it to the intended, I know it's the right gift.

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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. 

The conversation starts out with us belly laughing over the realities of being a mom, a business owner and taking on yet another task.  My goodness, Heather from Safe in the City was a real gem to talk with.  W e just laughed and laughed.  This former NCIS Agent turned her badge in so she could be with her kids more and also help women be safer around the country.  She gets thank you wherever she goes and if you ask me, should speak to every Sorority out there!  Heather is kind, real and funny AND as strong and authentic as they come.  

A few of the things that we talk about include: 

• Why we started the podcast belly rolling with laughter.
• Why her balance has been thrown off recently!
• How her personal WHY is the embodiment of her business
• The interesting dinner conversations at her home
• The trigger to make a change from a stable, pension position to an entrepreneur’s life
• How she came up with her idea for her business
• Her differentiator 
• How she got her first big sale
• How her husband gave support 
• Putting things out into the black and white world
• Taking a Leap to a J.O.B.
• The support system to take her through
• Her favorite podcast and business coach!
• Where she feels behind.
• Favorite resources

LINKS

• BizChix
• Meet Edgar
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Update

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
  • When I was growing up I frequently changed my mind about what I wanted to do when I grew up. When the movie Space Camp came out I was certain I wanted to be an astronaut, but I get motion sick fairly easily, so I thought that might not be a good idea. I actually went to college on an education scholarship. I thought being a teacher would be fun since they get summers off. But once I got to college, I realized I don't really like to deal with groups of children. Lol It took 5 major changes until I figured it out. So...I guess you could say I wasn't one of those kids who just knew I would be a Special Agent when I grew up. In fact if you would've told me the path my life would take I would have looked at you like you had two heads. :)
• What was your first job?
  • My first job was at Old Country Buffet when I was 14 years old. I was a hostess and "muffin lady." If you mean my first "real" job, I was a social worker for the Department of Children & Family Services in Cleveland, OH.
• What are your go to books and apps?
  • My two "go to" books are The Alchemist and To Kill a Mockingbird. They're both very inspirational and anytime I've felt lost in the world, they have reassured me I'm on the right path.
  • My favorite fun app is Bitmoji, it cracks me up! My "new to me" favorite app is Evernote. I struggled to understand Evernote for a long time, but now I'm addicted.
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • My favorite gifts to give are from Etsy. I love finding personalized original gifts and supporting other small businesses. 

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PS. You May Also Like ...

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. 

“Personal & professional development go hand-in-hand.”

— Cameron Cruse

“Personal & professional development go hand-in-hand.” - Cameron Cruse

Two running buddies became business partners with a WHY in mind.  Their passion and commitment here has led them down a great path also a deal with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank.  This week’s podcast, I talk with Cameron Cruse Co-Founder of R.Riveter a company owned and operated by military spouses.  Their WHY, to offer mobile income to the consistently moving military spouses, has led them all along.  Their beautiful hand-stitched bags are pieced together around the country.  I talked with Cameron not only excited for them for the deal they landed with Mark Cuban but also because the mission was simply amazing.  

 A few of the things that we talk about include: 

• How their WHY really helped them come this far
• How “jumping right in” paid off
• Their first big break
• How your personal & professional growth help each other out
• Learning about "Goal Setting Mentality"
• Finding the right person for the job
• Finding out what is most important 
• Putting themselves out there
• Hesitation behind Shark Tank and how they ultimately decided to go ahead
• How they celebrated the Shark Tank win - both publicly and privately
• What Mark Cuban is like
• A wish she could have done differently
• Mentors
• Books on her nightstand
• Favorite gifts to give
• Things Cameron simply doesn’t do

Links

• Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso
• Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
• Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't (Rockefeller Habits 2.0) by Verne Harnish
• Mini Polaroid

MORE FROM CAMERON

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
  • Depending on the day I wanted to be an artist or a teacher. 
• What was your first job?
  • My first Job was folding towels at a high end spa and fitness club, I also worked summers with my Dad in construction. 
• What are your favorite apps?
  • Basecamp for productivity + work. TED app for listening. 
• What's your guilty pleasure these days?
  • Doodling with my kiddos on the weekends + going to bed early on Friday night!

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“Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” – Peter Drucker

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What does it take to be profitable?? A lot of small business owners get started with an idea they run with and never create a business plan.  As much as getting a business started can be a leap of faith, knowing what it takes to be profitable is essential in setting expectations and achieving success.  When talking with the successful business owners during the interview series “How’d They Do It”, the business owners all stated that they wish they knew more about increasing profitability and maximizing return on investments (ROI) earlier in their startup stages. Profits are the bottom-line and are critical to you as the owner in the first years of operation regardless of your enthusiasm for the work.  

John, a consulting firm owner, mentions that he wishes he understood what it takes to be profitable earlier. Federico, the owner of a software development and systems integration company, uses his revenues and profits to re-invest in software, aiming for higher return on investments and profitability. 

Greg, a multi-millionaire and owner of three companies, has discusses how he is often approached to participate or partner in business ventures. 

What are his two requirements for starting a new business or partnering with someone?

 1) knowing how much it costs to get the first customers, and

2) that he never invests in something unless he is guaranteed 100% return for his money. 

Money being spent on hiring, training, operating and performing are all expenses that must be weighed and prioritized in terms of if the expense is revenue generating. 

These business owners didn’t start out with business plans but the majority, if not all, recognize the value of them and have gone back and have created one.  Davon, a multi-million dollar consulting firm owner discusses wished that he had tracked his money (expenses and revenues) from the beginning.  He also wishes he set higher goals for himself.

One valuable piece of information the business plan will provide you is: what it takes to be profitable.  

If success is comprised of a lot of hard work, luck and a leap of faith, and if most small businesses don’t last more than five years, then learning what it takes to become profitable sooner than later is a worthwhile investment of your time. 

Question: What does it take to be profitable?  

Answer: "Plain and simple, profits occur when revenue is greater than expenses. Additionally, the management of your revenue stream (aka cash) is vital for your business to succeed.  Remember that every expense out is an investment in your company.  Your employees, your contractors, your website, office and training courses are all an investment.  When deciding whether to make an investment, know what, when and how the revenues will come as a result of these investments."

Question: How much will it cost get your first customers?  How much will it cost to get your next customers?

A lot.  Whether it is sweat equity, cold hard cash or a combination of both, do your research and know how you will get your first customers and what it takes.  Hard work and persistence are required.  What else is required in getting your customers?  Knowing this information will lead you to better decision-making, better profitability and a high return on investment faster.  

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Whether your dream is to own a business that supports a healthy lifestyle or to live large, opportunities and sales are an important part of the process that will allow for your dreams to come true. How will you take your business ideas to the next level?

“I feel that luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” -Oprah Winfrey

Davon, the owner of a $10 million consulting firm, believes that “the money is going to come and the opportunity is going to come”, and what you do with both will determine the success that will follow.  He believes a big part of his success has happened because he has been able to make the most out of the opportunities that have come his way. 

“THE MONEY IS GOING TO COME” 

The natural question that follows is how does someone make the most out of a business idea??

1. Prepare For the Opportunity

Your experience, whether it is your life experience and/or your work experience, is preparation for opportunities to come your way.  However, experience alone will not generate the luck required in small business success.  Most small business owners agree owning a business is a lifestyle and that you are always working on it.  Making the most of your opportunities and business ideas is the result of hard work; you must continue to create offers and continue to learn.   As a small business owner, there is a requirement to continue reading and researching, formulating a plan, creating a product or service, delivering the offers and continuing to prepare for opportunities that will come.  This preparation is the beginning of the process in how someone makes the most of opportunities. 

2. Create an Opportunity

Many business owners state that they have created opportunities for their business growth by “pounding the pavement” and getting in front of their targeted customers as much as possible.  Trae, a successful business owner of a promotional products organization, initially started his business with a small list of clients and cold-called prospective clients to generate new leads.  Ralph Velasco, an award-winning travel photography instructor and international tour guide, generated new leads by offering photography classes for the local community.   Taking action by putting offers in front of their target client base is how business owners create opportunities and generate sales. 

It is also important to note that while a lot of time is also spent perfecting the plan, message and quality, business owners agree that the number one requirement in generating customers is generating offers.  By creating an offer to a potential client, you, the business owner, have the opportunity to generate income if the potential client says Yes! Or you have a chance to practice and test out your service, message and delivery.  Each offer presented is an opportunity puts you one step closer to your goals.

3. Recognize an Opportunity

Opportunities may be in right in front of you.  A majority of business is created from extending contracts on current clients or referrals from current clients.  Your product or service, if structured and messaged appropriately, may have a broader reach than you realize.  Use each opportunity as a possibility to grow your business.    

4. Maximize an Opportunity

When opportunities present themselves, make sure you speak up!  An opportunity comes and goes.  Speak up, present yourself and your product! Use the time to generate an offer or practice your skills.  When an opportunity arises, what will you have done with it??

Remember, Davon, the business owner that generated $10 million last year??  He thought one of the top places he was most successful was in making the most out of an opportunity.  What will you do?

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You know your project is going to be late, but your boss does not and worse yet, the customer does not know.  You laid your best plans and gave your best effort in telling everyone when you would be done.  You feel confident that you would have had enough time if you weren’t answering questions, putting out fires or attending meetings you didn’t know why you were attending. 

Hello – you have work to do! 

In the end, you finally sat down and realized, this work is going to need more time. 

And the worst part is - the due date is right around the corner. 

When you do your best, speak openly and honestly, it's respected.  It's appreciated.  It fosters engagement and a willingness to work together. 

So now you have talk with your client and boss that the project is not going as smoothly as you hoped.  What do you?

6 Steps - How To Tell Your Boss the Project Will Be Late: 

1. Determine what you can do on-time.  Can you do 50%? 80%?  Can you do all of the major work but not the nice and pretty stuff? 

2. Determine how much more time would you require to finish the entire thing.  And determine how much time it will take finish the core piece. 

3. Determine whose help, if any, you require to complete the project on time.  Is there someone else who can focus on other details while you hunker down?

4. Next, schedule a meeting for today with the person responsible for the delivery of this project.  That could be the Project Manager, your boss, your Client, the Project Coordinator; it could be a variety of people.  Don’t delay and spend days working on this knowing that you won’t be able to deliver. And if there is no free time on their calendar, walk to their office.  If they are out of the office – email, call, or tell them you require 5 five minutes of their time. (If you can’t get in the door, then that is another issue all together!)

5. In your meeting, in a calm, conversational manner, this is what you SAY:  

I need to give you an update on the project.  As I am looking at the work, I realize it is going to take me X number of hours to complete the task as it stands now and I will have a hard time delivering by the due date.  

I have determined that with X person’s help, we could work together and deliver on time.  Or without (name part of the project) I can deliver that to you on time.  

Where do you want me to focus my efforts? On completing the task with the new deadline?  Gaining assistance from X person and working together to complete the project on time? Or completing the task without certain bells and whistles?

6. Proceed as determined between you and your counterpart.  

I have seen many people panic, work unbelievable hours and run around like their head has been cut off because they are fearful of telling “bad” news to their boss or client.  

In my experience managing many large projects, 99% of the time people are understanding when you are honest with them.  Isn't that the most respectful trait?  

How many of us have started a project or task and once in it, realized that it is going to take longer than expected? Doesn’t it seem that everything you do takes longer than expected??  By working with your lead, boss, and customer on delivery dates as an active, moving piece on what can reasonably be delivered, you are not only managing expectations but forming a deeper working relationship with this group of vitally important people in your career. 

Now, I have given you the steps, the words even, to have the conversation.  

Practice if you need to, come in a manner of openness and good luck!

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If you want your business to be successful, you need to be setting goals and accomplishing them daily. With so much to do and so little time, priorities are a must. As an online business manager, I help keep things organized and keep everyone on task. Here's how you can apply my methods.

Love them or hate them status meetings and regular check-in will actually determine your project success rate.  

These meetings that we dread - actually get-it-done.  

If they are strategically held.  

When I am managing projects, I have several status meetings a week.  They can be 5, 15 or 20 minutes.  This is several meetings each week with my team, and one with the end client.  The team meeting is to review internal progress, answer any questions and strategize for any problems that have arisen.  The client meeting is to review accomplishments and discuss work-in-progress.  The client can answer any questions and set priorities for continuation. 

When a project is created, we know the scope of work is determined, a team is assigned, and a timeframe is provided.  If not, then we have a lot more to discuss, but this focus will be what and how baby steps and teamwork get you where you need to go.

The Only 3 Things You Need to Do in a Status Meeting:

1. Review the current and active week’s activities and goals.
2. Ask each team member’s progress on their tasks,
3. Ask if they need support and/or extra time.  

This information isn’t about micro-managing a team member or prying too much, it’s about knowing if we will get what we need done this week or not, if that person needs assistance, or if further changes are made.

• Once we have an understanding of how each team member’s workload is, I then either try to find assistance from within the team to help any overloaded members, or I make requests to the client based on feedback from the team.

Yikes! I know that last statement probably raises fear in a lot of people.  You mean talk with the client about the work, timelines, and productivity?? This leads me to discuss my status meeting with the client.

At least weekly I meet with the client to discuss Accomplishments and Work in Progress. 

Note: that my words are specific here.  I want to present Accomplishments as a regular thing to my client and to keep our accomplishments on their mind.  I want my clients to know all that we have achieved and not surpass it.  As they say, we want to acknowledge and celebrate wins.

• As I talk about our "accomplishments", note just about everything is an accomplishment.  I don’t hogwash things nor am I overly annoying, but I do communicate all of the project activity that is taking place. Me personally, I am a glass is half-full person.  I find that clients appreciate knowing, on a regular basis, the work that was involved in accommodating their requests. 
  • For example, you could communicate: “In order to put together this presentation, it took pulling information from 3 different locations, 9 different sources, organizing it, and formatting it so it will have the information we want to deliver.   It took a while but we got it done!”
• Also I discuss "works in progress". A client makes a request and you must deliver.  What happens when you finally get into your work and find that it will take twice as long as expected?  There are 2 reasons this could happen, you came across something unexpected, which causes the extra delay, or you are working on extra tasks.  It is completely fair to communicate to the customer what either has or is occurring.  
  • From there you can request them to confirm their priorities.  Do they really really want X if it takes (and costs) this much longer?  Or are there other priorities that can be shifted?  In my experience – no one has ever gotten mad because things aren’t what they seemed.  (One other rule here is: don’t start this communication when the deadline is there.  I address all this in another post.  Then the customer will rightly get mad.)

In the end, open and active communication with the team and client not only creates a deeper relationship but also actively helps you accomplish your goals.

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FINAL FINAL NOTE: 

If you are working primarily on your own these status meetings (or regular check-ins) are still quite effective.  What is the goal for the week?  What needs to be re-prioritized to get it done??

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As a business owner, you need to set priorities and communicate them with your team. This allows you to feel confident that your business will stay on track. Your customers and clients can be served without any major disasters. As an online business manager, I help women accomplish this every day.

There are many people who are constantly running around putting out fires and living the mantra “if it’s not one thing, it’s another”. Unfortunately, having to put out fires on a regular basis is not only energy-zapping and time-wasting, but it is also a money drain on your business.  The time spent on so-called fires takes away from the time spent on goal achieving, revenue-generating tasks for your company.  

Are you constantly putting out fires?  Do people come in your office or call you requesting immediate updates, help or answers?  Did the work need to be completed yesterday?

The need to put out a fire, a genuine emergency, in your office happens to everyone.  Having to consistently put out fires means something completely different: it represents a lack of priority setting and lack of communication.  

“The funny thing about firemen is, night and day, they are always firemen.”

— Gregory Widen, Backdraft

Priority setting is important in all businesses, but it is sometimes forgotten by the business owner. 

Setting a priority is when something (i.e. a goal) is deemed more important than something else.  What are the priorities in your office?  Who set them?  Why are these priorities higher than others? These are important questions to obtain answers to because when priorities are set and communicated, teams know what work will be focused on, what actions need to be addressed immediately and what changes can postponed for now.  

If you are consistently putting out fires, you are managing your world as it comes to you instead of managing your priorities.  To achieve success and fulfillment in your project, your goals, and/or your dreams, one must set priorities not only to have something to work towards, but also to have a scale to measure incoming work and distractions.  With a priority scale in place, when something new comes in, you can more easily determine where it fits into your task list for the short term, the medium term, or the long term.

Don’t forget to communicate your priorities to your colleagues, teams and customers.  Communicating the order of importance puts them in higher regard and keeps everybody focused.  

Always having to put out fires is a waste of valuable time, energy, and company money.  Working in a structured manner not only assists you in reaching your goals faster, but also allows the person and team to preserve their energy for a more balanced lifestyle. It's time to feel confident in your business again. 

Good luck!

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Let's face it. There is a lot to do and sometimes you don't know how or where to start. And yet, you still need to get things done! You need to feel confident in yourself and your business in order to be successful. You got this!

A is for Accommodation.  Stop accommodating everyone else now!

B is for Begin.  Begin now.  Whatever it is, you must start!

C is for Charge.  Take charge of the situation.  So many of us live passive lives – those who don’t get what they want.

D is for Do It Now.  What are you waiting for?  If you continue to wait, someone else will get it.

E is for Excuses.  There will always be excuses and 

F is for “Frankly my dear I don’t give a damn.” 

G is for Good for you.  Celebrate the good, move on from the rest.

H is “Heck I don’t know – but it’s still not going to stop me!”

I is Imagine the finish line.  You need it to get there.  

J is for “Just.”  It can never “just” happen.  Hard work is involved! 

K is for Killer.  That killer instinct that you have – is in there.  Listen to it!

L is for Labor.  You will have to labor to get it done.  Work is required, yes.

M is for Manage. Manage your activities against your priorities.

N is for “No.”  You are going to hear it.  Get used to it and get over it!

O is for Opportunity.  There is an opportunity in everything.  Everything. 

P is for Priority.  Set them.  Without it you will get lost. 

Q is for quick.  Nothing is quick.  Get over it.

R is for Resources.  Maximize your resources.  You have the help! Use it!

S is Strategize.  Strategize how you will get it done and work that strategy! 

T is Trust.  Trust in yourself.  You are good enough and you can do it. Period.

U is for Ugly.  Determination and competition can get ugly but you don’t have to. 

V is for Victory.  Celebrate them all!  Small victories win wars.  Celebrate each!

W is for Win.  You’re going to win, persevere and you will win!

X is for X-Ray.  (Not that creative, I know.)  BUT you can take an x-ray to your activities and look at the internal workings.  What do you see?

Y is for WHY.  Why are you doing this?

Z is for Zillion.  There are a zillion different ways you can go. Start with one.

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I have enjoyed reading all my life.  It’s probably one of those deep seeded recurring events that just seems natural to me.  My library visits with my mom made me a reader.  And then I had kids.  Life became overwhelmingly busy. Full blown mom life into effect. Here's how I find time to enjoy my passion for reading, and balance work and family.

This post contains affiliate links.

I’m a mom and I’ll admit it, I read!

I am a reader.  I have vivid memories of going to the library with my mom.  We’d meet this hundred-year-old, white-haired librarian who was excited for the adventure(!) I was going to have with this book!  Oh and that book!  And this one, too!  

I would literally walk out of the library with 15 books in hand.

I have enjoyed reading all my life.  It’s probably one of those deep seeded recurring events that just seems natural to me.  My library visits with my mom made me a reader.  

And then I had kids.  

Oh my goodness.  Nothing prepares you.  Reading becomes something you do in the middle of the night as you rock and feed.  People magazine now has too many words and US Weekly is too floppy.  So, there you have it.  My phone.  I am reading on my phone.  Thank you, Facebook.  

At least I can continue to be the multi-tasker I am always so proud to be.  Rocker.  Feeder.  Reader.  And scroller.  

And when that’s too much, I log onto my beloved Instagram.  (Who needs words to read?!)

Okay, but you see where I am going here.  I love to read, and for a long time reading was scrolling.  But a part me missed the deep stories and getting sucked into the story.  

Reading, for me, is not only taking me into another world filled with courage, love, and emotion, it’s a resting place from my over-active life.  

I get sucked in.  

Will the character have the courage to say the right thing?  

Oh no! It was misinterpreted! 

Hooray for a new day!  For forgiveness!  

For courage!

And I love a good historical fiction because for me, not only am I in the story, but I am being productive, too!  I am learning!

Do you remember White Oleander by Jane Fitch and when that first came out??  Ohhh how I loved it.  I still have the book because the memory of reading it is so fabulous.  

Be still my heart.  

And then of course, I have the memory of my beloved book club.  We actually started out reading the books.  We were young and mostly kidless.  We would pick a book each month and discuss.  We’d have some great conversations and debates, too.  As our friendships grew, the conversations about the book itself dwindled.  We would joke, because hours into our “book club meeting,” we would remember our “purpose” for being there!  So someone would dart their hand up, “Who read the book??”  And perhaps a 5-minute discussion would begin before we got sidetracked back to real-life matters.  But it was the books themselves that brought us together.  It was the books that opened our minds and let our voices be heard.  

So how, oh how, did I bring reading back into my life now that kids and responsibilities have skyrocketed?  I have tried everything. 

Below are 8 Ways I Get in My Golden Time:

1. Actually Sit Down & Read. It’s obvious, I know, but I sneak in times all over the place.  When my kids are in the bath and playing, I sneak into the other room and read a chapter.  When March Madness was on and my husband wanted to watch the games, I sat down and read.  When my kids were building forts in the living room, I snuck a chapter in here and there. 

2. Go to Bed Early.  I find I hate TV now.  I have one favorite show I must watch, but the rest I can take or leave.  If I’ve got a good book, I say goodnight and get in 20 or 30 minutes of reading.  
3. Audible.  I only have a few moments on my own in the car, but I just listened to this wonderful book and as I was going through it, I was looking for every moment I could to listen in.  The book, this book to be precise, just went by too fast!  I hear renting audio books from the library is great, too.
4. Kindle.  I LOVE to read from a real book with actual paper pages.  It’s like I am literally holding the story in my hands.  But reality of the situation is that sometimes my reading time is in the middle of the night when I can’t fall back asleep.  Or I am just dying for my next opportunity to read.  I can’t turn on the light so, yes, I turn on my phone and read from there.  
5. Facebook.  Yes, that counts!  I mentioned that before, I know.  But I actually follow my favorite bloggers (Some favorites are: Julie Cole, Under the Sycamore and Cup of Jo) and other magazines on there.  I read the news.  I get into the story, into the information, and am happy to have connected in this way.  
6. Middle of the Night.  You heard it.  I own it.  My kids are getting older but they still wake me up.  And they have it figured out to wake me at the exact right time.  My body has had enough sleep and I cannot fall back asleep!  It’s still pitch dark so instead of getting up, I let my body rest and read again.  If I get tired again, of course, I go back to sleep!
7. Blinkist.  Oh it’s this new app I am enjoying!  I have all these books I save in my Amazon Prime Wish List and Blinkist is the cliff notes version!  I get the enjoyment of knowing what’s really inside that business book I have to read in 15 or 20 minutes!
8. Tried-and-True. I mentioned how I loved reading White Oleander.  My other true favorite book is this epic story about Fancy.  It’s a Gone With The Wind of the West as I say.  I’ve given this book out dozens of times and just cherish every moment of it.  When I don’t want to risk the time and energy to give to a book that potentially won’t fulfill, I turn back to my tried-and-true.  

You see, there are many ways you can take a break from mom life to be a reader.  Yes, the days where you can sit for hours upon hours may be few and far between.  But chapters here and there will re-energize and re-engage you in this activity you remember. 

Your kids will appreciate you, and your mind will get to wander for a bit!

---

PS: You May Like These Too... 

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. 

“My big break was that I was let go from my job.”

— Christine Lantinen

Christine Lantinen was let go on a Friday, made a handshake business deal to buy out another company over the weekend and was making sales calls on Monday.  If that’s not awesome, I don’t know what is.  Since this time of taking over the 100 year old Maud Borup, Christine has shifted the chocolate company’s business model and now it seems there is no stopping her andtheir success and growth.  Christine was honored this past year as one of Ernest & Young’s Winning Women, something quite hard to come by.  Her style and talk of Maud Borup as a family business is quite inspiring.  

 A few of the things that we talk about include: 

• Where and how she saw opportunity for this business
• How she kept angel investors out of her businesses
• What it’s like running a business in a town of 2000. 
• How she spent her life in retail and how that prepared for her role today
• The roles her family takes in the business
• Money and Magic 
• Not being afraid of building a strong support structure.  
• The parents role in developing relationships between her children and grandparents
• What their kids think about the business
• Her weekend outlets.
• Switching the business’ focus, when and why
• Where she’s turned down business
• What she’d do differently in building the business
• Where they are now
• Continuously learning
• How “Entrepreneurship” is now a career and how things are different today
• Her inspiration
• When she gets nervous!
• Reaching out for help
• Her difference makers and what she tells graduating college kids

“What better person to drive your quality standards than mom, right?! ”

— Christine Lantinen

More From Christine -

• What are your favorite apps? 
  • Don’t really use them.   
• What books are on your nightstand?  Favorite all-time book?  
  • The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield.
• What's your guilty pleasure these days? 
  • Pamela’s gluten-free chocolate chunk cookie dough and the Vikings TV series on the History Channel.       
• What one item do you love that is less than $100?  
  • My margin calculator.  It cost $8.  I never attend a meeting without it.     
• What one item do you love to give that is less than $100?  
  • Smiles & Hugs…they are priceless. 

---

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How are you balancing work and family? What does balance really mean to you? More importantly, what should it mean to you?

“So find your rhythm, understand what makes you resentful, and protect it. You can’t have everything you want, but you can have the things that really matter to you. And thinking that way empowers you to work really hard for a really long period of time.” ―Marissa Mayer, president and CEO of Yahoo

To me, the word “balance” is a four-letter word. It’s a word that brings up negative thoughts, it’s a “bad” word and if my girls were old enough to understand, I’d likely tell them it’s a word that’s not allowed in my home. 

I cringe every time I hear someone say they are “seeking balance”, “need balance” or when I read about how to “achieve balance”. 

Goodness that one is the worst for me!

Yes, I get it.  Of course but really what we are saying is we need more or different in our lives.  I understand that we are looking for or needing something else and I am certainly not judging.  

I think it’s this linguistic nerd in me that knows they are seeking something real but it’s the word “balance”, I don’t understand or like.  To me trying to achieve balance is like trying to achieve the unachievable.  And here’s why…

When I think of “balance” I think of a seesaw.  In a seesaw, when you have equal weight on both sides the seesaw will then float evenly in the air. 

If you have the exact same weight on both sides and you lift them ever so carefully then you will have a perfect balanced seesaw. 

Hmmmmm… enjoy.  

Because who long will that last??  

How long will it stay afloat?  

A mere second.  A minute, if you’re lucky?

Or how about until someone sneezes or until the wind shifts. 

What if you put two kids who weigh the exact same amount on that seesaw.  What would happen?  Would it float?  

No!  

The kids would go back and forth back and forth back and forth.  Then one kid gets bored, jumps off and runs away.  

So let me ask you this.  

In the first example where the seesaw floated in the air, how was that perfect moment of balance?  

It was short.  

It was quick.  

It was dependent on perfect stillness.  

And it was dependent on which way the wind blew!

So to my point, if it is short, quick, dependent on all sorts of things why on earth would we want to achieve this crazy boring thing called balance?!? 

Why not have fun, go back and forth, back and forth, back and forth for as long as the other kid will play?? 

What if we put “family” on one side of that seesaw and “work” on the other side? When you focus on the family side, all your weight and energy is there and this side of the seesaw, the family side, falls to the ground while the other side, the work side, goes flying up into the air! Balancing work and family, is not a matter of perfection.

Isn’t that more accurate?  Isn’t that how life really happens?  

What happens when you are “all-in” and firmly focused on your family? 

What happens when you are “all-in” and firmly focused on your work?  

Or what if you are just sort of present with both?  Is that when the seesaw would sit evenly and then would you be perfectly balanced??

Do you want to live only half-in? 

No, of course not!

So, I ask again, why on earth would we want to achieve “balance” for ourselves??

Isn’t the goal here, rhythm?  Don’t we want to smoothly go back and forth, back and forth, back and forth in the reality of our day?? 

I say forget “balance”, it’s a four-letter word.  I root for “rhythm”.  With rhythm won’t we then simply enjoy the ride?

---

PS: You May Like These Too....

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 am the author of this book.”

— Julie Cole

Julie Cole is one of many Co-Founders for Mabel’s Labels.  She started the business with her sister and friends in their garage 13 years ago.  I wanted to talk with her about how you could start a business many hands in the pot.  After she said yes to the interview, my research showed she’s been blogging all over the place too and that made her even cooler in my eyes.  She writes blogs for places like the Huffington Post and Yummy Mummy and she shares a beautiful story and life message in Chicken Soup for the Soul.  Let’s not forget to mention she is doing this with 6 growing children too!  

But in the conversation, for me, a real shift occurred, she wasn’t just cool on paper, Julie is cool deep. in. her. soul.  I felt like she was my big sister talking directly to me giving me guidance, encouragement and know-how from the get go and not just in business or parenting but in life too. She’s that chill and that cool.  Just this week, the Mom 2.0 Summit released it’s IRIS award nominees and to no surprise, Julie Cole is up for Entrepreneur of the Year.  

I don’t doubt that you will enjoy this conversations much as I did.  A few of the things that we talk about include: 

• Difference makers in their business and lives. 
• Her awesome attitude
• What matters (and doesn’t) to her
• Choices she makes
• Mabel Label’s Cool Culture
• SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
• Importance for knowing your brand
• Sleep and routines - what it takes
• What it’s like with many bosses
• Mentors and inspirations

MORE from Julie: 

• Favorite Books?? 
  • All I read are business books!

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Summer can be difficult, as much I love being around my kids I have to admit, I am not used to this activity and energy level anymore. 

On top of that I need to mix in some work, some house, some kids and hello some me time too.  How and where does that happen? I've had a ton of mompreneurs share these working mom tips to get a few minutes of free time.

This post contains affiliate links.

1.  Coloring Pages

This is the summer of coloring pages in our house.  I either print out a zillion coloring pages for the girls or we create our own pictures and color on in.  I live and breathe by Washable Markers too.  I feel safe with them around.  I know if the kids get them on the sofa or bench then I can wipe them up.  I literally had red marker on my light green ottoman and sure enough - it came out!  Phew! Classic #momlife

We print pictures simply from Googling characters or seasons and then click on images and there are tons and tons of options for the kids.  They have fun picking out what they want to color.  I usually do 3-4 print outs at a time so they can just color away and I can work.  Or we will together design a picture for a guest that is coming along.  They design and color it.  It's a special treat for all involved.  

2. Workbooks

The girls love workbooks.  They love to color and make pictures for their next visitor or playdate.  Honestly, I Google their favorite characters, then I go to the Images link and hit print.

 

3. Sidewalk Chalk

My driveway is often covered with welcome messages and hearts and names of everyone we know thanks to tons and tons of sidewalk chalk.  I keep some in my car too and sometimes break it out at the park.   It's relatively mess free and let's them create create create!

4.  Shaving Cream!  

Don't look!! Let the kids run outside and DON'T Look!  How much fun would they have running around after one another with shaving cream?!  Let them scream and play and run!  Or have them play strategically and add some color to the shaving cream!  Let the kids make a mess and spray the hose - on them and the driveway - to clean up!

5.  Legos

Helloooo Lego!  And BRAVO! to them for finally having girl-based legos.  I mean - who doesn't love Elsa & Anna?  Now you can create a castle?? 

Even if you don't get this one no one has ever said they were bad to play with.  The kids create create create.  What better lesson than that?  

6. Sofa bed pillows.  

The girls love to make tents and forts.  They play family, they play doctor, they create offices and shopping plazas.  They knock on doors, they have doctors appointments and give shots.  3 Large Bottom Pillows a blanket and the corner of a room is all you need.  Not kidding when I say they have so. much. fun. 

7.  Library books

Let the kids sit down and read some library books.  Right now my girls are 4 and 5 1/2.  One clearly doesn't know how to read and the other is learning.  When we head to the library we do a mix of picture books and and early reader books for the kids.  They love to sit there, to try to read and even just make up the stories.  My little one will take her finger and move her finger along the words "reading" as she tells the story.  

8.  Magnatiles

Ohhhh the things you can make!  What kid does not love these things?  My sister-in-law (who is 35 years old) can even get sucked in to Magnatiles too!!  You can build castles and balls and so much more!  The kids love them and are so proud at the end.

9.  Stickers.  Hello!

Do stickers ever get old?  We buy them in bulk and make collages.  Stickers, stickers everywhere!

10.  Let them play in the bath

Assuming your kiddos are old enough they can play in the bath.   We love the LUSH bath bombs.  They make the bathtub a great bright pink.  They have toys and do each others' hair.  My kids would stay in the bathtub for an hour if I let them.  I sometimes sneak into the next room where I can hear them play and keep an eye on them while also catching up on things from my phone.  

11. Slip N Slide!

I remember a good ol' Slip N Slide as a kid.  We would spend forever outside on that thing!  We recently bought one of these this year for the girls. I am not even sure we set it up right and they just loved it.  Played and played they did!  What's with the water that makes the little ones so happy?! 

12. iPad or a kids tablet

The apps are endless.  As much as I try to limit screen time, I have to face facts that this is a new reality.  It's true with my phone, that I don't just use it for making calls but for taking photos, for answering emails, for being productive in all sorts of ways.  There are some really great apps for the kids.  My kids are currently loving EPIC and Homer.  They are both apps for learning and I am completely approve!  

Also - kind of crazy but my husband just bought a like-new (maybe last year's model?) iPad on eBay for less than $200.  And I have heard Amazon has these amazing tablets too. 

13.  Netflix

I love how on Netflix you can create different profiles and even set limits to them too.  The suggestions for the girls will never mix with the suggestions for me and vice versa.  I love the age limits too, which I think you have to set through the web.  But my girls are still young enough where I can block out cartoons I don't think are age appropriate yet.   Netflix is so handy and the girls often request that over the regular tv. 

14. Have them clean their room 

After the initial complaining and they get in a mood of wanting to help, they do a great a job in cleaning their room or playroom.  It's not perfectly straight nor is the bed but who cares?? The kids are doing something productive while giving you a moment's break.

15.  Good ol' fashion play outside

Outside!  Go!  Do your thing!  Be creative!  Get dirty!  I don't mind.  Set the timer and a create a challenge for them!  Keep the windows open if you need to listen in but let them go!! Let them play!

Enjoy!  Now what will you do with 15 minutes??

---

PS: You May Also Like 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. 

“When I finally reached the top of the ladder, I realized I was climbing the wrong ladder.”

— Vanessa Loder

Not long ago I was able to talk with Vanessa Loder, Co-Founder of Mindfulness Based Achievement.   She succeeded traditionally (think Stanford Business School, Private Equity Finance job) but wasn't fulfilled or very happy.  After diving into spiritual practices and leaning into her questions about her personal fulfillment, Vanessa put herself on notice and left her stable position for the literal unknown.  

In this episode, we cover several topics and stories.  Here are some of the things we talk about: 

• A bit about her business Mindfulness Based Achievement
• Process of leaving high powered finance position to taking an entrepreneurial path
• Initial steps in making her change - including what the "Reluctant Psychic" told her
• Why she skipped being very "traditional MBA" about her new business
• How she raised anxiety in ME for her!
• How her intentional focus drove her to her first steps of success and her new business
• The power of the coffee date!
• The evolution of her business(es) and how they've taken off in different directions she could have never predicted
• How her first big sale ended up devastating her and producing a lot shame.  (And how it turned out to be a blessing in disguise!)
• What's she's had to learn being an entrepreneur. 
• Creating a family, setting the boundaries and making the choices between running a business and being a mom
• How self care and support became essential in her life
• How she was able to work with no makeup, no real clothes to ease her way back into work after having her daughter
• The highest quality attention she can give her daughter
• What keeps her up at night
• Morning rituals and evening routines
• Her broad definition on what is a mentor 

“In order to make it (quitting her job with no plan) safe enough to do I had put some boundaries around it.”

— Vanessa Loder

Selected Links from the Episode

• The Instruction by Ainslie MacLeod
• Ainslie MacLeod
• Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
• The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks
• Evolution of a Job Hater by Kristen Wheeler
• Her column for Forbes
• Loop of Awareness Technique 
• The Hendricks Institute
• Their Free 10-Day Meditation Challenge

MORE FROM VANESSA

• What are your favorite apps? 
  • Insight Timer is great for meditations, I use it most mornings. You can use the chime bell to meditate in silence for any amount of time or find a free guided meditation (if you search my name "Vanessa Loder" you can even find a couple of mine!). Other apps I use....Lots of educational games for my daughter these days like "endless 123"  ;) 
• What books are on your nightstand?  Favorite all-time book? 
  • Nightstand:  my kindle with LOTS of books, currently re-reading Lonesome Dove. I keep Mary Oliver and Rumi poetry on my nightstand and sometimes quickly read a poem in the morning when I first wake up.
  • Favorite all-time book...depends for what. For people who want to find work they love, I recommend "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks. For fun, The Count of Monte Cristo
• What's your guilty pleasure these days?  
  • Honeymoon ice cream, chocolate laurel flavor.  
• What one item do you love that is less than $100? 
  • MyChelle hyaluronic hydrating serum for dry skin and tropical skin smoother (exfoliant that makes my skin SO soft!). great products.
• What one item do you love to give that is less than $100?  
  • Flowers.

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Did you hear Kalika on the Mompreneur on Fire Podcast??  

She was amazing.  Kalika owns a media company, a high-end tanning salon, she created the LuxeLink (you know that purse hook) and she's starting a company with her kids in mind.  If you haven't listened to the podcast, you can listen here.  She shared so much information and I know she is always on the move, so I asked her for an update and sure enough - she did not disappoint!  

Where are you with your Conscious Kids business?  

We set up a landing page and email address for the kids ConsciousKidsCo.com. The company was mentioned in an article in Entrepreneur magazine! 

We have our logo designed and packaging designed.

We are working with a mindfulness teacher to get training so the kids can work on their new app.

We met with a sound company to help develop music for the app

Kids take mindfulness classes at school too.

You mentioned you were working on 5 Foundations in the interview.  Where is that from?

Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin's book. It's actually only 4 not 5! Lol

I have been trying to get 8-10 hours of rest each night when I am not traveling (and also except tonight LOL), goal is to walk 10,000 steps at least 4 times a week - I usually go to the gym after work and walk on the treadmill while reading a book, we are moving offices so I have taken the opportunity to declutter, re eat and drink - I have been eating too many sweets! 😳 and am making strides to eat vegetarian - I still don't drink alcohol, I cut out cream and sugar in my coffee, I also don't drink Diet Coke any more! 😇

What are you eating habits?

This morning I ate a bowl of Quinoa Tabbouleh that I get from Philz Coffee -  I stock up on them at the office and usually eat the same thing every morning

We order from Blue Apron - a great service that delivers fresh ingredients to our home -  so I or my husband cook more frequently now (which is always a lovely treat)!

I sometimes eat donuts (which I know is horrible)! Donuts remind me of my mom because she would always bring donuts to the office - but my mom agrees I shouldn't eat donuts! Lol

I do forget to eat lunch at times but my husband (who joined the companies) usually makes me aware and or brings me food - we actually took a walk (three times this month!)  to get food at a local restaurant! Wow

What books are now on your nightstand? 

Currently reading Zero to One by Peter Theil

I recently read Brand Flip and 46 Rules of Genius by Marty Neumeier

Another great book I just finished is Daring Greatly (by Brene Brown)! Wow! What a life changer!

What is the gift you love to give away?

Flowers and candles.

Name something that is $100 or less that you love!

Hugs and kisses from my kids and hubby. 

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“I like to learn by failure.” - Alex Evjen

Talking with Alex from AVE Styles was like having a dream conversation for me.  This mom of 2 is so laid back and successful doing the work she dreams of like collaborating with iconic companies Neiman Marcus, Madewell and even Coca-Cola.  She is fashion stylist turned lifestyle blogger and the rare Official Pinterest Influencer.   Her style is not only top notch but you can tell her attitude is just same.  I had so much fun in this conversation and laughed along the way! 

We talked about lots to things!  Alex shares

• The distinct evolution of her business
• How she used "Fake It Til You Make It" to her benefit
• How her husband feels when changes are coming!
• How she manages her schedule and her time between family and work
• What she’s learned about her personality type and what this does for her business
• When she has asked for help
• Her mentors
• The kind of goals she sets.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST BELOW

OR DOWNLOAD IT AND TAKE IT WITH YOU!

Selected Links from the Episode:

• Pinterest
• Jessica Lively

Update: 

• What are your favorite apps?
  • I don't really know if I have favorites, but the ones I use the most are pretty typical: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, Waze, Fitbit, Dropbox.
• What books are on your nightstand?  Favorite all-time book?
  • Haha! I laugh because I haven't had any time to read these days. The most I read right now is The Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar and Goodnight Moon. I can't even recall my favorite book. That's so sad! 
• What's your guilty pleasure these days?
  • Re-watching Friends. It never gets old to me, and it always puts me in a good mood.
• What one item do you love that is less than $100?
  • GAP jeans are my favorite piece of clothing in the world. They always fit me well. I have them in every color.
• What one item do you love to give that is less than $100?
  • You can't go wrong with flowers and the Capri Jar Candles from Anthropologie.

---

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This post may contain affiliate links.

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.  

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

“You have to get your content out there. No one is going to find you, you have to put yourself out there.”

— - Rosemarie Groner

It was great fun to talk with Rosemarie Groner, (busybudgeter.com) and simply amazing to hear how this mom of two littles ones went from being a state trooper to owning and running a daycare and made the switch to being a professional blogger bringing in over $9000/month in just 2 years.  Oh yeah - and she does this working 10-20 hours a week.  

(UPDATE:  In the 5 months since this interview was completed, Rosemarie is now bringing in over $22,000 a month!  She has been a wonderful mentor and I swear by any advice she gives!  Her Pinterest Strategy Guide is nothing to joke about!  There is tons of ah-mazing and detailed information in there about how she does what she's doing! 

I heart Rosemarie so much so if she says do something, I will!  That said, she also recommended Michelle Schroeder's Affiliate Marketing Class and sure enough that was an amazing purchase too!  Plus it's fun to be "in class" with this super expert too!

In this episode, we cover several topics and stories.  Here are some of the things we talk about: 

• Her story going from state trooper to blogger
• Her daily routine
• Her favorite training tools
• What her husband had to say about her business (ad)ventures
• How she grew her brand
• A break down of her monthly income revenue sources (at the time the interview was taped)
• What she’s sacrificed
• A look at her schedule breakdown working 10-20 hours a week
• How she prioritizes her time
• How she feels about goals and goal settings
• Favorite tools
• Favorite social media sites and why

"My success doesn't take away from your success."

- Rosemarie Groner

Selected Links from the Episode:

• Living Well Spending Less by Ruth Soukup
• BoardBooster.com
• Bob Lotich
• Amy Porterfield

More From Rosemarie: 

• Did you meet or surpass your January goals of $8000 / month? 
  • I saw online perhaps so...- Yep! over $9,300! 
  • (UPDATE - She's actually bringing in well over $22,000 / month now!)
• You mentioned that you were meeting your Mastermind group to develop 2016 goals.  Can you offer an update to that? 
  • We went to a lake house in North Carolina and spent the week planning our 2016 goal and then working backwards to determine the action steps to meet those goals. 
• How much sleep do you get a night? What time do you typically go to sleep? 
  • Usually 8, but we have a baby that still wakes up several times a night, so now it's closer to 6. I go to bed at 10:30, wake up at 6:30, but I'm up several times overnight. 
• What's on your nightstand? Favorite Books?  Favorite podcasts? 
  • Anything teen sci-fi. Nick Loper- Side Hustle Nation is my favorite podcast. 
• Name something that is $100 or less and you love it? 
  • Vera Bradley Wallet keychains- I can stick my debit card and license in there and I don’t need to carry a purse. 

---

EVEN MORE ABOUT ROSEMARIE

Rosemarie is now making consistently $20,000 / month from her blog just a few months after our original conversation.  

She was amazing when I talked with her months and months ago.  Rosemarie has been a wonderful coach to the online blogging community.  She is the beloved go-to person over and over again.  She has this amazing Pinterest Strategy Guide that has helped increase traction on my site by the thousands.  Next, I heard she was all excited about this Affiliate Marketing Program.  If Rosemarie says it's good, I believe it! So, I have signed up there too! With her!! 

---

---

PS: You May Also Like 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 someone like me can do it, anyone can do it!”

— Kalika Yap

It was really nice for Julie and I talk with Kalika Yap.  Julie had met her years back and they made quick connection.  When we started pulling together a list of mompreneurs we wanted to talk with Kalika was at the top for her.  As soon as we started, I knew why!  Kalika has that type of energy you want to bottle and take home with you!  Personally, during the interview, I was a completely nervous but she was kind, authentic and a great combination of information and inspiration.   I simply love how she talks about her kids and involving them in her businesses and how now they are building a business of their own!  One day I hope to do the same for my own.   

Kalika is an accomplished entrepreneur currently running Citrus Studios an award winning design agency, managing Luxe Link the original purse hook that she created, she also runs a luxury waxing company in Hawaii and is starting a business with her kids.  On top of that she is on several boards including Entrepreneur Organization and has won many awards.  We were happy and honored she took time out to talk with us!

In this episode, we cover several topics and stories.  Here are some of the things we talk about: 

• Her first priority when she is scheduling things
• What she tells her kids about work
• A first things she tells her kids about business
• The impact of her kids involvement in the business
• Her energy and where she gets it!
• Which recent book triggered her to mediate
• What habits does she want to embrace
• Where she's putting her focus when it comes to her health
• Books on her nightstand
• The books on Julie’s nightstand!
• Favorite tools and apps
• What happened when her husband joined the company
• A little bit about her lawsuit - that has thankfully settled!
• What it’s like for her kids in her office

“Leaders are readers.” - Kalika Nación    

 

Selected Links from the Episode

• Thrive by Arianna Huffington
• Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
• Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling
• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
• Notorious RBG: The Life and Time of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
• The Silent Sister: A Novel by Diane Chamberlain 
• Zoom Video and Web Conferencing Service
• Basecamp
• Slack
• Joy
• The Big Short

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PS: You May Also Like... 

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. 

“It’s the perfect time to be a mompreneur!”

— Cassie Piasecki

"It's the perfect time to be a mompreneur!" - Cassie Piasecki

It was a few years yeas back when I first came into contact with Cassie Piasecki.  We were at a SMARTY LA meeting where the owner of Dermologica was talking to women business owners,  Cassie came out to make the introduction and my friend next to me nudged my leg stating she was the Leader at Large for SMARTY OC, where we lived.  She was beautiful in this power top and mini-mini only she could pull off.  She spoke of her experiences owning businesses, the good, bad and the nerve-wracking.  Her authenticity and vulnerability was as real as beauty and from that moment on, I was a fan.  

She talked with me earlier this year about being a mompreneur, becoming a mompreneur, how things are different today (since she has been an entrepreneur for nearly 20 years) and the very important things you have to manage along the way.   Cassie has owned several brick & mortars and now not only runs a medical business but is a pilates instructor to very high-end clientele, she is a nutrition consultant to models and women like herself who want to get healthy from the inside out.  And in her “spare” time she is caring for her family and writing a book.  

When I first thought to pull together the Mompreneur on Fire podcast, she was the first person I wanted to talk with.  I have done her fabulous Seven to Sleek program and I can't wait for Weekly Pep talk to come out on Sundays.  She is kind and her energy is sweet.  Combine that with a powerful business sense - how can she not be one to admire??

In this episode, we cover several topics and stories.  Here are some of the things we talk about:

• Her feelings about being a mompreneur today
• How she had her first brick and mortar business at the age of 18
• How her husband works for her and she came to open a medical business
• What every business owner has to be in control of
• How she invests time in learning and trains staff, the less glamorous stuff
• When she grieved
• The role of her spouse and family when she considering a new business
• Financially - what to always plan on when opening a business
• How to attract clientele before putting up the open sign
• Cool way she keeps her intentions at the forefront
• Daily rituals - including morning, working out, spending time with husband and settling in for the evening

“You, the business owner, should be in control of your money.” - Cassie

More From Cassie!

1.  Tools I Love: 

• I love a good payroll service.  My time is worth more than the time it would take me to run payroll. 
• I use PicMonkey to edit photos and for creating graphics for social media.  

2.  My fave apps:  

• Wells Fargo (I can bank from the gym!), 
• PicPlayPost for social media and
• YELP!  

3.  Books: 

• I just finished The Girl on the Train and it is every bit as good as people said it would be.  
• Eat Fat, Get Thin by Dr. Mark Hyman, my new food bible and
• Love*Style*Life by Garance Dore.  I met Garance in Paris this past fall and purchased her book at Le Bon Marche.  She autographed it for me after we had a nice chat.  Unfortunately, the book is written in French.  I just look at the pictures.  

4.  Something that I love that is less than $100: 

• the shower cap from Drybar.  It is plastic with a terry cloth liner.  The liner helps to lock out shower steam.  I have naturally curly hair but prefer to wear it straight.  This shower cap is a game changer. 

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