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 don’t take no for an answer. I am going to push until we can make it work.”

— Cassie Krygsman

When was the last time your kiddos got mail?  How excited are they when something comes and it’s for them?  Ever wonder - what am I going to do with the Littles today?  Of course you have!  Cassie Krygsman combined the joy and the problem into one solution with Curiosity Box a craft & activity subscription box for the kiddos.  

Genius, right?? 

My podcast guest Julie Cole (remember her from awesome Mabel’s Labels?)  recommended that I talk with Cassie as she is making waves in Canada.  With each turn she is winning award after award for her ingenious product.  Now she is giving back her (very little) extra time to help up and coming entrepreneurs.   

Today’s conversation you will learn about how she created the product, how and when she has shifted gears, how she pushes herself and who pushes her.   I really love both answers there.  How and who she works with.  Then how she utilizes a great cross between partnerships, mentors and accountability partners to achieve her successes and also giving back. 

We talked about many things including:

• Igniting & Start-up Mompreneurs
• How it's good to see other mompreneurs come together
• When going back to work and your heart changes
• Being open to shifting your business idea
• Who pushed her beyond limits
• Entertaining kids
• How being an entrepreneur can be lonely sometimes
• Developing partnerships and how it opened up other doors
• Their first big WIN
• Good old fashioned hard work - giving back & hard work
• How much & how little sleep
• Her upbringing and what her family taught her
• How do you push yourself?
• How her lists push her
• How she manages the day and how it's changed over time
• Where and when she turns off AND HOW
• Where has she changed her mind
• How her systems allow her to get things done
• Her mentors & accountability friends
• What's for dinner tonight?!

Links

• Elaine from Easy Daysies
• Maria from Mompreneurs 
• Julie Cole from Mabel's Labels

More From Cassie

• What did you want to be when you grew up? 
  • A teacher - this is my informal way of doing that without having to be in the classroom!
• What was your first job?
  • My first job was babysitting
• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • I don't have a lot of "go to" books. I'm kind of all over the place with my books that I read. Apps I love are Facebook, Instagram, Instacollage and my Nike running...lol
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • Of course a Curiosity Box ;) and then I love giving unique gifts based on that person's interest. I have a lot friends that have small businesses so I like to support local and see what can be custom made or bought for each person. I have given soaps, lotions, caramels, chocolates , and some direct sales gifts.

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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

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As much as I love to read, I admit that don't always make it a priority. Or when I do, I want to read what I want to read.  Now imagine getting 5-8 other moms together to discuss the same book.  If we all have young children, it is so hard to do!  Mom life just consumes all of our time so why not start a cooking club?!

When I lived back East, I was in a book club aka wine club.  Six of my girlfriends and I were in our 20s and it was BK, (Before Kids) where we had all the time in the world to be together.  

We started off reading a selected book each month and as our friendships grew we would still read the book but then would barely discuss it because we were so excited to see one another we couldn't wait to catch up on our real lives.  Occasionally though a book would draw us back for some deep and sometimes heated conversations.  Actually this book, I remember, was the most heated discussions.  Do not get me started. 

This idea is taken, lovingly from one of my most favorite people in the whole. wide. world.  Shauna Niequist.  Each month, Shauna and friends gather around the table for good food and plenty of conversation.   She says: 

“We don't learn to love each other well in the easy moments. Anyone is good company at a cocktail party. But love is born when we misunderstand one another and make it right, when we cry in the kitchen, when we show up uninvited with magazines and granola bars, in an effort to say, I love you.” 

With the girls by my side, my husband growing in his career, my parents passing, I am often bursting for an easy outlet of authenticity and connection.  Every book club attempt in the past years has fallen flat to cold and curfews.  It's harder to read even though I coincidentally, wrote another post about being a mom and finding the time to read again!  

In any event, when I first learned of cooking clubs from reading Shauna's book Bread & Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table  and I grabbed onto the idea and ran with it.  Actually here she discusses specifically right here how she runs her cooking club.  And it's brilliant.  

“The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to feel seen and heard and loved. It’s about declaring your table a safe zone, a place of warmth and nourishment.”

— Shauna Niequist

So to start your cooking club you need a few essentials:

1. Trusted friends interested in getting together on a regular night every few weeks.  

That may seem easy, that may seem tough.  Or maybe there is someone you would like to get to know better.  You know there are women you connect with and would love to see more of.  Here's your perfect opportunity to get to know them!  Make a list.  Make a meaningful list of women you want to deep dive with.  10 maximum.  

2. Invite but invite with rules and understanding.

Another woman I love and fellow Podcaster, Kristin Rogers just had a podcast with 5 of her friends about creating book clubs where they discuss pulling one together for themselves and even their kids.  It was quite a fun episode you can check out here!   What I love is how they were very intentional about the rules of their book club.  We, here, have established doing a cooking club vs a book club but setting the foundation applies everywhere.  

This is where you can invite people you love to see and those you want to see more of into the cooking club.  Now is also the time to be upfront with what you are looking for.  Connection,  yes but what else?  Consistency.  Not to have to spend a ton of money.  Will each person put in say $20 and the host will supply everything but the wine?  Maybe it's a good idea for you to work in teams and each team can rotate hosting.  That way responsibility isn't on one person.  How often will you meet?  Monthly? Quarterly?  When is best?  For breakfast? Lunch? Dinner?  Will others be invited in? And how?

3. Pick a theme.  

Yes!  Do that now!  As the host, you get to decide.

How about Breakfast for Dinner. Or Italian Night! Mexican!  Favorite family recipes!  Favorite EASY recipes!  Appetizers and Hor D'euvres!  There I just gave you 5 options to choose from.  Host your first dinner and then together you, as a group, can decide what you want to do next time. 

4. Pick some discussion points.  

The conversations can be heavy or light, as you wish.  Don't force it though.  Some questions that started our cooking club included:

1. Name one thing you learned today.
2. Tell us something that happened to you this week (or since the last we spoke) that I wouldn't know about nor know to ask about. 
3. What can you open up about without spilling your guts? 
4. Where have you succeeded today?  Where have you failed? How's mom life treating you?
5. And the ultimate, let's cut to the chase, question: "What keeps you at night?"

Is there something on your mind? Something you are trying to figure out?  Work out? Want more information about? Bring it up.  Make it your question.  You don't have to go into the deep deep history of why, you can simply ask for insight. 

5. Enjoy.  

There's fear and pressure and judgment all around us.  When pulling together a group there can be pressure to for everything to right and perfect.   Forget that.  Stop wasting your time there.  Focus your time on enjoying what you pulled together.  Make and create the connections.  Enjoy and enjoy and enjoy!

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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! 

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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! 

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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.

“There is power in the ripple effect.”

— Sheila Morovati

I am always really appreciative when a restaurant offers crayons for the kiddos.  To me, the restaurant is being thoughtful of not only the kids but they are also helping out the parents.  My girls love to break open the box and jump right into the coloring or activity provided.   This gives me a moment to get settled in for the meal.  Of course, we appreciate the crayons. 

And at the end of the meal I feel guilt arise as we clean up our mess and begin to leave.  What do I do with these crayons?  They are used, yes, but barely.  Do I leave them and let that go to waste?  Do I take them and look cheap?  Or do I really need 8000 crayons in my house?  So- I have restaurant crayons everywhere.  In the car, upstairs, downstairs, in backpacks and suitcases.  They are everywhere.  

And now you know why I, and so many others, love the non-profit Crayon Collection which was started by mompreneur Sheila Morovati just a few years back.  She took this waste, found that she too was overwhelmed with crayons at home and did something even better about it.  

Now Crayon Collection facilitates the giving of gently used and new crayons from restaurants (and anyone else who wants to collect them) to schools in need.  Schools that don't have or have enough crayons.  

Now Crayon Collection gives our own kids opportunity to collect and give back to their communities.  One boy loved the giving so much, he went without birthday presents and collected crayons for the other children.   It's a great easy way to give, give back and teach.  

I was thrilled to talk with Sheila about how she turned feeling guilty into a productive, honorable business. 

We talked about many things including:

• Her first steps to recycling this waste
• How they've grow step-by-step
• How everyone can give back and create change
• Where the advice came from to really develop
• Starting & working with volunteers
• Building a formal non-profit
• Volunteering your time
• Growing to fit the need
• How her own kids are involved
• The difference the kids are making and how they love it
• How her childhood experience that stayed with her and lead her to this path
• Where and what she's doing well
• Where and how she needs improvement
• How she stays focused and doesn't get distracted
• What the sign on her desk says
• Because she is a working mom - What's for dinner!

Links

• Make a donation to Crayon Collection

More from Sheila

• What did you want to be when you grew up?  
  • An astronaut
• What was your first job? 
  • File Clerk at a dental office
• What are your go-to books and apps? -
  • EWG app is my go to and I love any books that transport me and that I cannot put down i.e. The Sun Also Rises, The Fountainhead etc the list can go on and on.
• What are your favorite gifts to give??  
  • Massages

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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!

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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??

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PS: You May Also Enjoy These...

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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. 

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

When Kristin Roger's said she barely sees herself as a mompreneur, I had to shake my head.  I didn't see that one coming but now that I think about it, it fits.  It completely fits with how she lives her life. The little bit that I know and the parts that I soak in, I can see she lives an intentional and full life.  Yes, she's a mom, a wife, a homeschooler, a woman and friend extraordinaire.  She proudly boasts how she's a Master Moocher, knows how to "let it go" AND she manages several outside projects at a time.

For years now I have been following Kristin Roger's online journey.  Everything she posts online has real meaning and beauty behind it.  Every scene - she sees IT and captures the beauty.  Take a look at her Instagram feed - or just the snapshot below - it's beautiful.  I wanted to talk with her to learn and to soak it in.  What I got was so much more.  She REALLY IS that thoughtful and wise.  She sits with understanding and lack of judgment.  She knows her natural power yet presents it carefully. 

"It's so important not to compare to someone's else's journey when it comes to being a working mom.  

There are so many dynamics that lead to families making decisions that they do that it's so silly to look at somebody else and say "well look at all that she's doing" yet you don't know what she's given up for that or what's she's had to juggle...

or if there's a mom that doesn't have her hands in all these endeavors, it's like ohmygoodness it's because she's spending her time somewhere else that her family has values tremendously.  

And Bravo to her.

In addition to all that Kristin is a beautiful photographer including wedding, family photographer and stock photographer.  She provides nature journaling work, teaches online photography lessons at The Define School and just started her own podcast, AtHome06, with 5 of her friends.  

We talk about many things including:

• How her learning photography turned into a family & wedding photography business
• How life changes helps with business decisions
• Entering the Stock photography
• How she DOESN'T do it all and how she naps everyday!
• Her gauge for setting priorities
• What does she let go of?
• Learning how to say Yes & No to things
• Why it's important not to COMPARE and JUDGE
• Her mentors
• How she's a proud and master moocher!  (AND VERY IMPORTANT LESSON TO WHY)
• Summer planning
• Living with no regrets

All the images above are from Kristin's Instagram Account

“I will not give at the expense of my family.”

— Kristin Rogers

MORE

• What did you want to be when you grew up? 
  • When I was little I wanted to be a Veterinarian. : ) 
• What was your first job?
  • My first job was working at a Quicksilver outlet store, then I went into banking! (Oddly enough) 
• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • My go to books are typically theological or classic literature - My fav App are Instagram and Podcasts! 
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • My favorite gifts to give are ones I found specifically for someone at a consignment or antique shop.  Something unique and stood out to me as being for them :) 

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I love love love Kristin's photography and a close 2nd is Ashley Ann's photography.  I have been not-so-casually courting Ashley Ann to come on the podcast.  She has a beautiful eye, an intentional life and admits she sometimes is barely hanging on by a string.  

When I had kids, it was immediately clear that I would be taking a lot of photos and I wanted to learn.  My photos aren't as good as either woman but they moving along.  In fact, I get complimented more and more.  Knowing that photography would be a part of this blog post, I wanted to

Ashley Ann was so kind to offer a special deal for her SnapShot Photography class to the Mompreneur on Fire listeners if they should want to learn photography.  You're even taking better photos from your phone!!  

Get $10 off when register for her SnapShop Photography Class when you use Coupon Code: SSOnFire

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As a mom and a mompreneur, good quality friendships are the hardest things in the world to find.  I find I am consistently analyzing and judging (yes, kindly judging) where our time is spent and with whom.  I am a mom and am relatively new to town.  Making friends per say isn't the necessarily the hard part, I find making friends with people whose value systems are similar to mine to be the biggest challenge. Balancing work and family isn't an issue for women without kids, they don't understand the struggle.

A good, quality friendship in my 20s meant who could meet me for drinks after work or who was game for book club.  We would read yet barely discuss the books and found getting together as an excuse to have a fun girls' night out.  It was and still is a fun way to relax with some wine while the host gets to share their latest appetizer recipes!

Then when I had babies, I was lonely.  L.O.N.E.L.Y.   Lonely and unsure of myself, who I was anymore and then how in the world I was going to raise this baby!  Heck, I could barely, if ever get dressed myself, how in the world was I going to do good for this child??  Anyone who wanted to meet with me at the park or Nordstrom's was a gift sent from above and it gave me reprieve from my internal insecurities, woos, thoughts and wonders!

Yes!  I will meet you at the park!  Yes!  I will meet you anywhere. you. want!

Motherhood is this club you join the second you have babies.  When you talk with other moms  your first questions are - how many? how old? and how far apart?  This gives that starting place of understanding what the mom next to you went through when they had babies.  And you can ask away or just share stories of survival. Balancing work and family is hard, and those without babies just don't get it. 

And of course there are the birthing stories that ALWAYS come out.  It's something we moms must share.  It's how we connect. 

But now my kids are getting older.  Now, their kids are older.  Now at ages 3, 4 and 5 words matter.  Actions matter.

When a kid says they don't want to play with them anymore, that hurts.  When a little girl says "you're not my best friend anymore" at the age of 4, that hurts.  Maybe here and there it's okay because I don't know the circumstances around it. Yes, kids will be kids.  But when it happens everyday for weeks, whatever the circumstances are, my daughter is getting hurt.  When a boy says to the lunch table "let's not talk to her, she wears glasses", that hurts.  When a little girl says to another, at the age of 5, "I feel sorry for you" those are adult words she is bringing in.  Again, not that funny.

I don't know all the back stories or all the circumstances and yes, "kids will be kids" but when something happens everyday that doesn't align with your values or you don't see the mom stopping behavior you don't agree with.  What do you do?

It sits and naws in your stomach.  It naws in my stomach.  I wonder and worry about the things my kids are exposed to.  They are not allowed to watch Barbie and not allowed to watch even My Little Pony.  At this age, I am doing my best to protect them from the grown-up things they will certainly have to experience.  Can't I hold onto their innocence for as long as possible?  Heck, even with my grasp, they are exposed.  

The question is: what do you do?  How do you re-enforce value judgements you want to raise your kids with?

1. Listen to the Red Flags

I am quick to accept good intentions from the acts of my friends.  I am quick to believe they mean well and if something doesn't translate, then that's okay too.  I am not perfect, nor do I expect my friends to be either.  Perhaps the other mom doesn't know how to discipline.  Perhaps the other mom doesn't know how demeaning her actions are.  Perhaps that mom doesn't realize her little one is taking cues from her actions.  Perhaps the mom doesn't realize this is the starting place in building character.  

Red flag are just that.  We are quick to make excuses.  That's okay too.  When there are consistent little red flags, if the red flag is always there.  Listen to it. Sometimes, for me, there were BLARRING red flags and I was just loyal because that friend helped my loneliness in tough times.  

Yet once the red flags started impacting my sweet girl (and on a regular basis) I know I need to take action.  I couldn't ignore the differences in value systems.  I like to pretend differences didn't matter but when it came to raising my girls, nothing became more important.  And the red flags were there all along.  

I wish I listened sooner. 

2.  Use kind words but meaningful ones too. 

Keep with your own value system and use kind but meaningful words.  I have done my best and in my heart try to have the most meaningful conversation with the other parent.  Hurtful words from the little one can become consistent if not taken care of.  I looked to my friend, another mother, to take action and stop it.  Among other things I would say and have said is that the mother had to stop the hurtful behavior and even "nip it in the bud."  Was it that she watched Barbie at 4?  Was it that they had older girlfriends who were teaching older behavior?  I guess the reasonings don't matter.  The hurt has to stop.

Truth be told, conversations with kids are much easier than conversations with adults.  Kids take your word for it.  Adults have their own history, judgments and insecurities to manifest through.  You never really know if your intentions will be understood from the other side.  I have genuinely done my best to have easy, yet important conversations.  I had the conversation with mothers and conversations with my daughters.  

Words hurt.  

It's important to be nice.  

Just because your friend is saying these things doesn't mean it's okay to say.  

Her mother is going to talk with her.  

You have learned.  She hasn't, she's still learning. 

Over and over, I have had to have these conversations with my girls.  My words have always been kind but with meaning behind them too. 

3. Create Space 

When you have space from the situation you are better to reflect and make different decisions.  Sometimes, the mother is mortified at her child's behavior and takes immediate action.  Then in other cases, the mother has been defensive. Honestly, I can imagine if a mom had such a conversation with me, I would be mortified.  Mortified that my child was treating another kid poorly.  My kids are not perfect and I am sure this will happen.  I imagine that my child will be punished and I will hunt to no end to find a way to make it right.  And I can imagine that I would be defensive too.  

It's what you do going forward that matters most.  Create space.  

With space you have room to reflect on my choices.  With space you have a better opportunity to listen to what your soul and gut are telling you.  Does your little one need to spend time with others?  Or will the hurtful behavior not become a pattern.  Will a quick conversation be all that's required or even further conversations.  

You can't control how others are going to react to your requests but you can control how you react. 

I listen to the red flags now, all 800 of them, and am happy with the choices I make.  With space I am able to make clearer choices.  With space you have room to listen, to decide and take action. 

Perhaps, in your case, when you have space you will find you are overreacting.  You will find your values are a good match and the kids or the mother is simply having a bad day.  We all do.  Space, I believe, it a good way to step aside and observe what is really happening. 

4. Re-connect 

Re-connect with your kids.  With your family.  With your tried and true, trusted friendships.  With yourself.  

You did it.  You took action and now that should be celebrated.   Whatever your outcome, it was intentional and conscious.  Time will only tell how things will settle but at least you are putting your best foot forward, contentiously for yourself and your family.

Our kids are the most important things to us.  Even if we are distracted and working hard.  Even if we feel our time should be spent differently, I firmly believe that by kindly connecting your family to those whose values matches yours is of utmost importance.

Hard decisions become easy decisions when you know they are the right ones.

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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. 

“We second guess ourselves as women. Should I do this? Am I strong enough? Do I know enough? When everything in life that you need, when you open yourself up to the universe, it really will send you everything you need.”

— D'Shawn Russell

The thing I love about podcasting is the women I meet and have an opportunity to talk with like today's guest D'Shawn Russell from Southern Elegance Candle Company.  I am talking with mom who are often working from home and the craziest, most real things happen, like a dog we can’t control in the background or random beeps from the dead fire-alarm battery.  Yep, that one's me.  During today’s recording the postman came with certified mail and D’Shawn, my superior guest, squealed with delight!  I can't wait until you hear!

You can’t plan that and I certainly wouldn’t want to change it.  We are moms and a lot of us work from home.  We've got little ones in the background and dogs and all sorts of things thrown at us but we take.  We take it in stride and press forward.  Talking with D'Shawn was no different.  She organically started something that grew and grew where she finally went "I think I can do this. I think I can make a business out of this."  And I love her for it.  

I get encouraged by listening to women (and especially moms) and their power stories.  Today’s interview will make you happy and encouraged too.  There’s no doubt about that one. 

“It was a leap of faith. I have to learn every single thing every single day about business. It’s very, very challenging at times but it’s been great! ”

— D'Shawn Russell

We talk about many things including:

• How she hired a business coach
• Her fun interruption!
• About wanting more and taking a leap of faith
• About living a life without asking for permission
• Find one person to follow
• When her friends didn't understand how she found her support system
• How being a military spouse prepared her for being an entrepreneurship
• Her biggest challenges
• How she's putting systems in place to manage all things
• Typical days
• The consistent important thing that happens everyday.
• How and why she limits her 
• Her first big wins & how it changed her belief system in her business

“I don’t think any entrepreneur has a typical day.”

— D'Shawn Russell

LINKS

• R.Riveter
• Mompreneur on Fire podcast with R.Riveter
• Lucky Break Consulting
• Indie Business Network

UPDATES

• What did you want to be when you grew up? 
  • I wanted to be a computer programmer, but it was in the early days of computers and my mom wanted me to go with a "safer" career.  So, I became a math teacher instead.
• What was your first job?
  • My first job was a cashier at Wendy's and I LOVED it!
• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • Go to books: The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle and Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, All Life's Problems; Jack Canfield's The Success Principles for getting my mind right about business.  (Each of these books fundamentally and totally transformed my life on some level.)
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • My favorite gift to give is actually books! I think all my friends have received The Four Agreements.  Although, I love giving them, people are not so happy about receiving them.  So, I always add something handcrafted by a local artisan; pottery, jewelry, etc.

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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. 

Today’s podcast just warms my heart.  Kristen Littell from WeeWork For Good started with a mission in mind and that was to teach her kids understanding and compassion.  One family activity - of throwing her kids in the car - lead to another and another and another.  Her kids saw "the other side" and they all wanted to do something about it.  They wanted to help and so they started to organize pay-it-forward parties.  One event led to another and another and another.  This family activity grew and grew so many more could benefit from their generosity.  The community-wide activities then led to launching a non-profit and in this past year a for-profit business was created so that one hand can support the other.  

It’s what we all want, right? 

To teach our kids. 

and to work with Purpose.

Yet, how and when do teach those life lessons?  Kristen is leading the charge in helping us teach our children these oh-so-very important lessons. 

You’re going to love this podcast and hear what this mom of 5 is pressing to do. We talk about many things including:

• How punishing her kids became a family activity they all enjoyed
• When everyone gets excited what happens
• What it means to do the work you love 
• The process of building a Foundation and a Social Good Company so everyone can benefit 
• How her experience prepared her for today's business
• Her Mentors and whose most honest with her
• How she manages building a business and prioritizing her family
• What her days look like at home and at work

UPDATES

• What did you want to be when you grew up? 
  • I wanted to have my own business. At the time I wasn't sure what that would be but was always dreaming of the different things I could do and what that might look like if successful.  My Mom always said keep dreaming and you will eventually land somewhere.  It just took me a while. :)
• What was your first job?

  • My first job was cold calling for a Lawn Care company when I was 16.  Yes afraid to admit that was when text messaging, emailing etc.. didn't exist.  We would use a phone book and one by one make the calls. LOL think I learned how to take rejection at a young age but to keep calling/trying because occasionally someone would say YES.

• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • Right now most of my time reading is to educate myself on something to help WeeWork grow.  I read a lot of business and parenting blogs,  but when on vacation I'll take a quick easy book that I can read in a couple days.  One of my recent favorites is a book called 'Scarred Beautiful' written by a friend.
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • My favorite gifts right now are either a wine candle and a matching bottle of wine or LUSH Cosmetics bath products.  LUSH was WeeWork's first Corporate partner and empowered us to grow. I always want to support them and their brand and I love their products. My kids too!

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Mom life can get crazy and hectic, really fast. During the summer, the kids are home and you still have work to do! You need to keep them kiddos occupied and have a little fun, so what now?? In order to have a fun-filled summer, you need to get organized and remember not. to. panic!

Summer is here and are you afraid?  I am. I need to be productive.  I need to get stuff done!  

And yet my kids are out of school.  

Yes, they will be in camps here and there but they will be out of school. 

And yes, they understand that "Mommy works too." Actually they are quite good at being quiet when an important phone call comes in or I have to take a meeting.  It does take a moment of conversation to calm them down and get focused on coloring pages and stickers beforehand but that's okay.  And really at these times they only whisper for me to print out a Belle Coloring Page instead of demanding it over and over again.  Please tell me you get those distractions too!

But that's mom life.  I can't keep their little bodies still and I can't keep their little bodies quiet. Nor do I want to - frankly. 

So in order to have a fun-filled summer, I need to get organized and remember not. to. panic!

Here's the plan: 

Big Picture Planning.  

I am the type of person that needs to plan things out.  I am always jealous of the people that on-a-whim will take a drive up the coast or something like that.  Or go bowling on a Saturday.  I am always baffled and live in amazement at how they can do that.  Ummm, but don't you have to go to the store? Or have take your kids to soccer practice?  If I don't write down what and when we will do an activity, I promise you this, it won't get done.  

So I have made a Big Picture Plan for the summer.  This is what I want to do with my family.  This is what I want to do with my work.  And this is how healthy I want to live.  (Ugh - add in more workouts!) 

Calendar Blocking. 

Do you do it?  I just started, like, really started and find it is beyond eye-opening! 

I started by putting all the activities I need to accomplish for one week into my Google Calendar on Sunday as a placeholder.  Then I ensured all the girls' activities are in place and any prior scheduled meetings set in stone.  Finally, I distributed the activities placed on Sunday throughout the week.  I fill up my “free” time and calendar block out the activities I must complete.  

Oh. My. Goodness.  It's eye-opening. 

It's completely fascinating!  And admittedly a work in progress.  I will use the calendar as the resource it is.  I will schedule out what work I have and what I want to do with the girls and then  

Ordering. 

I have all but given up on cooking during the week.  I dream of family dinners and am happy that we get a few during the week but life is just too busy right now.  That's where I have thrown in the towel.  I have considered ordering one of those services like Blue Apron but we have allergies in the family, I am sure my kids will be picky and they need to eat on the fly.  Please don't judge, every now and then I return to my ideal life and envision my kids eat like the French Kids Who Eat Everything. But they don't.  Not this summer.  We are not there, quite yet.  

Anyway, so I order.  And I realize I don't have to order Chinese or Pizza.  I can order a salad.  Actually, my current favorite salad is from Fresh Brothers.  My kids can eat that or get pizza.  I always have Trader Joe's meatballs on hand and fresh fruit.  So, I am happy to order dinner during the week and make dinner on the weekends!

No preparation.  No worries.   

Hard-Core Prioritizing. 

Is it me or do you slightly roll your eyes when someone talks about prioritizing? Doesn't it kind of sound like that person has too much time on their hands?  I mean sure - we all know how to prioritize to some degree.  We all wake up, maybe do a workout, get the kiddos off and to school, start our workday, etc etc etc.  And we finish out the day as we always do.   Sure there's things we can do better but in general, it's a good life right?

I am there with you. 

Actually I love to "prioritize" because it gives me another reason to officially organize something else. Truth is more often than not LIFE gets in the way and my prioritized lists are out the window.  

That's the truth behind prioritization, right?

But here's the thing.  Or here's my thing.  I have learned, in order to accomplish anything, you must hard-core prioritize.  There must be some non-negotiables.  Just like any challenge you take on, if you are truly interested in making a healthy lifestyle change, then you will commit.  In my case, if I truly want to do X, Y, or Z no matter how busy or tired I am, I have to commit and press forward.

It's that simple and that hard.   Hard-core prioritization and setting some non-negotiables. 

Being Present & Having Fun. 

Okay, put away the eye roll.  It's true right?  We need to be present to find joy and to feel grateful.  That, I too have to remember, will be the difference maker in the summer.  

It's easy to get wrapped up in the day, the work, and what you have to get done.  

Again, I am guilty of it too.  

But if I take walks and shake off the energy.  If I smile even when it's forced, change occurs.  Joy comes in.  I want my family to know the good times as well as the hard work times.   So this is my plan to be productive, stay connected, all while balancing work and family.

I'm curious, what do you do to survive a summer?  How do you stay productive when there unlimited distractions?

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My primary job as an Online Business Manager and entrepreneur mentor is to get people working.   We need to cultivate our teams to do work that is internally satisfying and meaningful to each team member all the times but really that conversation can be left for another blog post!  What I know to be true is that a lot of the times, we aren't doing, we are delaying.  

Don't you hate it when you are working with a team of people, you have the conversations and think everyone is on the same page only to wait, wait and wait some more for the work to be completed?

In all the projects, large and small, I have managed, the same thing happens.  Everyone is in agreement and then as they go on their own with good intentions a distraction or higher priority arises and your work is put off.

We all start out excited but when the real work is required, we procrastinate.  

I am convinced it is in our nature to be this way.  Maybe it's our culture and we are attracted to the shiny objects always changing, always having a hard time focusing.

Here's the thing, I take this knowledge, that we are going to be distracted or shifted as a given.  I know we will procrastinate for whatever reason, I don't care nor do I judge, I plan around it..  

What I know to be true is that a lot of the times, we aren't doing, we are delaying.  

Why do we procrastinate?  Why do we wait?  Why does it take until the 11th hour to actually start the work??

Then it can be the worst managing over others who are dragging and delaying.  You feel like a mother nagging.  

OR you take a different approach.  

My most effective step to get work done is in a genuinely caring and helpful approach.  

In all the work I have done, I swear by the friendly and powerful follow-up.  

It has helped me cultivate relationships within my teams and clientele.  I have no doubt my products are stronger too because of the caring I go into a project.  

And sometimes, translating what we do into word format doesn't come across quite as nicely as you hope.  So I put together a brief video for you to follow along to. 

Following-up is brief, frequent and worthwhile. 

Good luck!  I'd love to hear what you think or how it went!  

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Whether you are just starting out gathering your business ideas, or are in full blown implementation mode...something is going to be difficult. As awesome as you are, you will meet a struggle. Don't worry, as your entrepreneur mentor, I'm gladly going to walk you through it!

Over the past two weeks I have talked with more and more people and felt a simultaneous sense of struggle AND a sense of power that we each have.  I have had conversations with people about their kids being sick, their parents being sick, them being sick.  I have talked with people about job losses and crazy criminals.  I have talked with people about being their own boss and crazy bosses.  Crazy customers too.  

All of this is great reason to get yourself thrown off track.  Absolutely!  And to be honest, It hits me the same way.   There is no doubt in my mind that knowing your vision and priorities, being committed to them, having this vision enter your life as often as possible (remember what I said about practice) great things happen.  I know it – I have seen it happen over and over and over again.  

But there is this undeniable force out that sometimes feels like it is meant to throw us off track.  Another example of this is the customer needing something completed bright and early Monday morning… and they first mention it Friday afternoon!   (Truth is – I have heard this TWICE -not once but twice!- in the past two weeks.)  Their weekend then becomes consumed with new requirements from their ultimate end customer.   

The black cloud, the force, the inevitable thing that is going to force you to get “off-track” is going to happen.  After hearing of all this news all I have been saying to myself over and over again – is that the hardest part of getting something done, is getting through the hardest part. 

The hardest part is getting through the hardest Part. 

The hardest part is getting through the hardest part.   

THE HARDEST PART IS GETTING THROUGH THE HARDEST. 

And the more I think of this, the more I think it is true.  Another example is that I have friends running the Army 10-miler and Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC.   I know they have been in training and I have no doubt about their finishing.  That’s not say their training hasn’t been hard and their hasn’t been commitment tested, but I am confident they have made it through the hardest part and will finish the races happily and successfully.

So whatever that “hardest part” is… fear, too much work, changes in expectations or all the above.  Maybe there is comfort in knowing that the Black Cloud does go away, that while the inevitable will occur – what’s needed sometimes is conquering this “hardest” part. 

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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.  

Jenny Keller learned how to bake when her little ones were just wee-ons and has since transitioned her hobby to a successful, multi-faceted business. One quick look at her website, JennyCookies.com, and you see Jenny pulls together loads of beautiful work.  Her work includes styling parties and desserts tables, hosting beautiful ladies lunches where women learn a great takeaway, she has a cookbook, has worked with plenty of celebrities and brands, like Neiman Marcus, Anthropologie and the lovable Tori Spelling. Her work is creative and beautiful in a very natural and authentic manner. 

Talking with Jenny was as easy and as it was fun.  It was like talking with an old friend and we talked all things business and family. We talked about many things including:

• How she ended up working with Tori Spelling and other celebs
• Where burnout lead her
• How she balances work and her business
• How her kids are involved in her business
• What she wants her kids to learn
• How her parents influenced her
• How she's developed relationships with brands
• Why she doesn't seek out perfection
• A great tip for up & coming Mompreneurs

LINKS

• Worst End of School Year Mom Ever - Jen Hatmaker
• Chatbooks

UPDATES

• What did you want to be when you grew up? 
  • I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up!  Now I can't even imagine that job! One day as a field trip chaperone and I'm exhausted... how do they do it??
• What was your first job?
  • My first job was at a local tanning salon.  Ugh.  What I wouldn't do to go back in time and take back all the "tans".
• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • I love Jen Hatmaker books, she's hilarious and inspiring.  Her recent book For the Love had me in tears.  My current favorite is Go-Giver.  Great read!  Favorite apps... I don't necessarily have favorite apps other than social media: Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and SnapChat.  After keeping up on all of those there isn't any time left for the others!
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • My favorite gifts to give are fresh flowers, beautiful home baked treats and indulgent items.  It's fun to spoil someone with something they wouldn't normally buy for themselves. 

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How many of us start the day and just go? From the moment we wake up, we feel like we are on the run and it could be bedtime again before we get a break. Our days are filled and we are in high gear. It can be especially hard for those of us who work from home. Kids, chores, deliveries- it's easy to see the crazy unfolding.

Here we go....

I’ve got to get dressed and ready for the day and I have the little ones too.  Get them dressed, fed and out the door.  

Oops, I forgot their lunch. 

And their jacket. 

Why doesn’t the little one have shoes?

Why am I getting a work call this early?

By the time the kids are in school, I am “in” for a few hours already!  

Frankly, I love it.  I love a busy day and I love it when I get a lot done too because I feel accomplished.  

When nighttime comes, I crash.  I either die into the sofa and watch some terrible show or I crash hard in bed.  My body needs to rest.  I love these days but they are hard too.  I am physically and mentally trying to keep ahead of the day. 

I think this is why I also love and sometimes prefer those nice, casual, low-speed kinda days when my mind and body simply float.  

Those days where I am just present.  My body and mind are relaxed and I can let everything go.  

Let’s face it, as a mother and business owner, I don’t have days anymore where I can just float.  But I realize, I don’t need days because I have moments.

I have lots of little moments throughout the day where I am settled and happy.  

And it’s these moments when I am comfortably settled in my day, I love them and hold onto them for dear life.  

The question is: how do I beat the crazy day?? This mom life has gone crazy! How can I feel accomplished and comfortably settled like from my low-key days? 

For me, it takes a lot of practice and a lot of resetting through the day, but a mere pause, a deep breath and becoming present changes the day like no other.   

Try this: 

STOP. 

Stop physically moving.  Stop right there in your tracks.  

Take a single deeeeeeep breath.  

Take a deep breath in and let it out ever so slowly.  

Get control of your thoughts, your moment, your energy, your day.  

Ask yourself what thoughts do you want to have?

Think to Yourself  

My day doesn’t have to be crazy.  

I have everything I need. 

My kids have everything they need.

Where I dropped the ball, others will help out.  They will be okay.

I can do this. 

I have so many gifts in front of me, right now.  

I’ve got this day.  

There are many fun, great things happening right now. 

Even if a little ugly pops up, that’s okay too, because I have all this other good around me.  

Lots of good around me today and right now.

Lots of good around me today and right now.

Don’t forget to breath as you stop and take in the world around you.  

Deep breath in, deep breath out.  

How can that 30 seconds not re-align your day?  When I am running around, I sometimes feel like I don't have a moment to breathe, and I have literally have to be doing many things at once just to accomplish what I need to in that moment.  Yet, there are these moments when I stop, take a breath, and reflect on how there IS a moment (or many) of this day that IS neat, cool or fun.  These quick moments or flashes of “being present” brings your intention back in the day.  As you are running from the first thing to the next take a moment and catch your breath.  Recognize the things around you and take it in.... 

That's it, one single step.  It's a loaded step. But you weren’t asked to spend more money or “outsource" as your could.  You weren’t asked to forget the responsibilities of the day and take time for yourself, which you could do too.  Or not do.  Nor were you told to add other items to your list and take a walk, or listen to your favorite music, even though those all help too. You can work from home and remain calm(ish).

There are loads of exercise and ways to do this but one of the quickest ways is to find your breath and take in the moment.  When I am at my craziest and busiest, “finding your center” and becoming “present" is arguably the single best way to improve your day, at that exact moment.  All day, everyday, within my crazy mom life, I have lots of little moments of joy, gratitude and happiness. 

What better way to spend 30 seconds??

Good luck!

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Update: I started doing guided meditations this past year and cannot speak anymore highly of them.  Life. Changing.

Here's my favorite!  Download it.  I *promise* you, you will love this meditation!

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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.  

Jessica Valant is a pilates instructor and a physical therapist.  She just sold her studios in Hawaii and is now focusing her time taking care of her little one AND running an online community and membership-based health program at HappyHourMama.com. I wanted to talk with her because she not only because I love the idea of an affordable health program (think workouts and food guides for the busy mom) and I love that she is a mom making it happen.  She’s transitioning from Brick & Mortar business to Online all with a kid in tow. 

My questions are endless but start with: What? How? Why?

Jess was great to talk with and I don’t doubt you’ll enjoy the conversation as much as I did.  A few of the things that we talked about included: 

• Her first product
• How she's taking advantage of traffic from YouTube
• How she saw saw a missing element in the market and created it
• What drove her to become entrepreneurial
• The FUN first experience in setting her own schedule
• How she’s transitioning her work from hands-on to online
• How to stay true to yourself while also branching out
• Her goals
• Her Sunday To-Do List (LOVE!)
• "White space" exercise
• Her mentors
• Amazing lessons learned about listening to oneself

LINKS

• Scoliosis Workout
• Pilates Anytime
• Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield
• Marie Forleo B-School
• Screw the 9-5
• Nikki Elledge Brown 

UPDATES

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
  • I saw the movie “Regarding Henry” when I was 14 years old and knew I wanted to be a physical therapist. Before that I wanted to be a rock star :)
• What was your first job?
  • First job - 14 years old - a hostess at Le Peep restaurant in Kansas City where I grew up. 

• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • Books - “The Fire Starter Sessions” by Danielle LaPorte, “Break Out!” by Joel Osteen, “Carry On, Warrior” by Glennon Doyle Melton
  • Apps - Word Swag, Pulsar, Bloglovin’, Mindbody (to find fitness classes!)

• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • I always give massages to my husband that I actually do myself.
  • I love giving girlfriends gift certificates for pedicures or something else to pamper themselves.
  • For grandparents I send homemade cards my daughter makes,
  • and at Christmas I always give homemade treats like cookies or spiced nuts

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A year ago today, my mother passed.  While she was not in the best of health, her passing was a shock.  I miss her, more than one could imagine.  As the year has progressed, I realize the good in her, more than I had before. I hope to emulate these characteristics too.

1. There is nothing you can’t learn, nothing you can’t do. 

I get asked all the time, where do I get my confidence from?  This was definitely a lesson from my mother.  She always told me “There is nothing you can’t learn, nothing you can’t do.” My mother was raised just outside of the MadMen/1960s era, when most women went to college, worked as secretaries, married and then settled down.  That’s not how things happened in her life and given the opportunity, I think she would have done a few things different.  She always talked about how maybe that would have been to attend law school.  She always wanted me to feel I could do anything.  I could be the CEO, I could go to Harvard, I could do anything but walk two steps behind a man.  Then as serial entrepreneurs, I watched my parents learn about many different things in order to create and make the most out of business opportunities.  She did an amazing job balancing work and family. Seriously, at one time they were experts in Wisconsin cheeses!  I learned from my mother, there is nothing I can’t do.  

2. You can always and easily make someone feel good. 

When I walked in the door to my parent’s house she would exclaim, “There she is!”  When my father walked in the same door she would exclaim, “There he is!” She would always put on fresh lipstick for us.  At Christmas time, your gift, no matter what it was, was the thing she had been waiting for, wanting, and needing.  And with all the gifts passed around, all the gifts were equally special.  Her smile to you and appreciation for your efforts was consistent, she was always happy to see you and always happy to hear from you.  She taught me that the simple effort of smiling when someone walks in your door, is day-changing for that person.  And no matter what the gift is, someone put their money, time and energy in getting it for you.  No matter what it is, it’s worth great appreciation, which is what you always got when giving to her. 

3. Anger and hurt only hurt you. 

A number of years ago, I got in a really big, unimaginable fight with my brother and sister-in-law.  I was very close with them and this thing that happened between us, as my mom said really “shook my core”.  As I processed through the hurt and anger she listened, she heard every detail, and she cried as I sobbed.   She took her time with me and my pain. She was on my side, in terms of rooting for me to feel better and giving me what I needed.  I don’t doubt she tried that with my brother either. In the end, in one of our last emotional conversations about this long-lasting disagreement, she talked with me how I had to find a way to let go of the hurt and anger and that I was only hurting myself.   It took a lot of work and the birth of my daughter to let it go but in the end, she was right.  Anger and hurt only hurt you.

4. You, too, can be your biggest cheerleader.   

Hands down my mom was my biggest cheerleader.  She was excited for me for everything I did.  Everything was an opportunity that I was going to naturally excel at.  (Really, she cheered you on in such a great manner, I never felt pressure either.)  Missing this part of my mom has been of the hardest.  When I sent her pictures of E’s nursery, she noticed every single detail and asked me about each of them.  Where did I get the pink and white striped shade for the lamp?  Where is the giant bear from?  How did I match the wall mural to the bedding so closely?  She was proud and excited for me and our upcoming arrival! When planning my little girl’s first birthday party this past year, it was mom who would have wanted to hear every detail about how the Birthday Banner coordinated so cutely with the high-chair banner, bibs and other decorations.  I miss my cheerleader but I hear her words and excitement as I continue on.  I, too, can cheer myself on!

5. It’s okay to be different, be yourself and not be perfect. 

I don’t know if it is because she was my mother, but she loved me just the way I am.  She never tried to change me, always embraced me, and was excited to see me, always.  No matter what.  I know I am different than others.  I know I am quirky and there aren’t many like me.  I know I am not perfect nor was she.  But she loved me and I loved her, just the way we were.  

I wish everyone a relationship similar to the one I had with my mother.  We weren’t perfect, we didn’t always see eye to eye.  Heck, we got mad at each other too.  But we mostly enjoyed each other’s company and loved each other very much. These are five things I have been thinking about in the year I have missed my mother.

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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! 

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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.  

"Rejection is Protection" - Diane Mizota

What do you do when you’re tired of waiting by the phone?  Well, you get up and go.  You figure out other things to do.  You light that fire.  You learn.  You proactively ask, help, do.  You participate.  You take “no” as data.  You grow.  Yes, you struggle too but you move, gracefully.  You plan.  You hustle.  You listen. to. your. gut.  

The podcast conversation with Diane Mizota (and all around hustler) was quick - boy was it quick- and insightful too.  She’s a content creator, a producer, a host, an actor, a dancer, and a “full-time working stay at home mom”.  She’s running her household, raising her boy, running to auditions, preparing client work and yes, hosting a style segment on Access Hollywood!

Diane has this storytelling capability that will make the time fly by.  We talked about many things but you will learn what she did to quit waiting by the phone: 

• Learned a new skill
• Act proactively and don’t judge a potential opportunity before it happens
• Started a small business
• A healthy way to look at rejection
• Ask your mentors to help
• About listening to what your gut is telling you

“Even the set backs have lead me to really great things happening.”

- Diane Mizota

LINKS

• Her Interview with Bruno Mars

Update

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
  • A secretary, Ricky Schroeder's wife and then a dancer.
• What was your first job?
  • Domino's Pizza.  I was employee of the month 3 times, thank you very much. 
• What are your go-to books and apps?
  • I'm reading Rice Noodle Fish by Matt Goulding in preparation for my trip to Japan this summer. On my phone, I'm all about FB, Insta, Snapchat on a good and Words with Friends.
• What are your favorite gifts to give??
  • I love giving gift baskets from the Broadway Baker- it's like you baked the goods yourself, only you didn't.  Pure Genius.

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