Today's Mompreneur

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Today's Mompreneur is Getting a Facelift
2007-06-26 05:20:00
I am currently working on the redesign of Today's Mompreneur. I will still be posting new entries, so stay tuned.
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Business Plan Check-up
2007-06-12 13:34:00
A few months back we discussed the importance of having a business plan. A business plan is not just for entrepreneurs who plan on having mega corporations. It is for anyone who is planning to start a business, home-based or otherwise. A business plan is a living and working document. Once you put it together, you don't shelf it. You go back to it to assess your target goals and milestones and to make modifications if necessary. A business plan is simply a roadmap to your business. So, if you have not yet started on your business plan or have started and stopped for whatever reason, make a commitment to yourself and your business to finish it. Look at my previous post on business plans to get information on the free interactive business planner. Good luck!!Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
More About: Business , Business Plan , Check , Plan , Sine

Work From Home Business Ideas - Part 2
2007-06-11 16:26:00
There are so many work from home business opportunities to take advantage of, but maybe you are still confused as to what you can do or maybe you don't see how you can actually earn a living working from home. Here's something to think about. What industry have you worked in previously? What types of jobs have you held? Which ones have you enjoyed the most? Answer these questions and I guarantee you will find a new home base business to start. Let's set up an example. Let's say you used to work as a meeting or event planner with a company. You can start your own event planning company. You've worked in that capacity before and you clearly have the skills, so why not start an event planning business. When setting up a home based business, you are simply transferring those skills you used for someone else at other companies to your own. It's that simple. If you feel that you don't quote have enough experience, read my earlier post on how to gain exp...
More About: Ideas , Business , Home Business , Business Ideas , Home

Need a Good Quality Inexpensive Printer? Url correction
2007-06-10 19:47:00
Getting your business cards, letterhead (envelopes if in your budget) printed is one of the first things you do after setting up your business. Many times, the local printer is TOO costly. For the last 5 years I have been using online printers. They are less expensive and they are faster in their processing and delivery. Here are a couple of my favorite online printers:48 Hour Printhttp://www.48hourprint.comPrint Pelicanhttp://www.printpelican.comAlways request a sample of their print jobs before actually using them. That is what I do and it gives me the opportunity to see and feel theh quality of their print work. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
More About: Printer , Good , Inex , Quality , Ality

Need a Good Quality Inexpensive Printer?
2007-06-10 19:43:00
Getting your business cards, letterhead (envelopes if in your budget) printed is one of the first things you do after setting up your business. Many times, the local printer is TOO costly. For the last 5 years I have been using online printers. They are less expensive and they are faster in their processing and delivery. Here are a couple of my favorite online printers:48 Hour Printhttp://www.48hourprint.comPrint Pelicanhttp://wwwmprintpelican.comAlways request a sample of their print jobs before actually using them. That is what I do and it gives me the opportunity to see and feel theh quality of their print work. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
More About: Printer , Good , Inex , Quality , Ality

Work From Home Business Ideas - Part 1
2007-06-10 19:36:00
Have you or are you considering working from home? There are several things you can do from home to make money. A lot of women who work from home work with companies as data entry specialists, customer service reps and researchers. The barriers to entry are fairly easy as these companies generally only require you to have a windows based computer with the up-to-date Microsoft Office package installed, an internet connection and a land-line phone. While this option may not be for everyone, it just may be the perfect solution for others. Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
More About: Ideas , Business , Home Business , Business Ideas , Home

Looking to Gain Expertise in Your Field
2007-05-26 18:59:00
Many entrepreneurs want to start a business, but feel they don't have enough experience to actually start the business and get clients. It is easy to gain experience in the industry of which you want to start a business. Let's say you want to start an event planning business, but you need to get a little more experience. There are several things you could do. Here are some ideas:1. Volunteer with your child's PTA to plan a fundraising event2. Register with meetingjobs.com and sign up to work a one-night only event3. Work part time at an event planning company as an apprentice4. Take a event planning certification course5. Buy a book on event planning and starting an event planning businessThere are several things to do to get more experience. So, put your fears to the side and start it up!!!!!
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Build a Strong Brand Identity for Your Small Business
2007-05-01 15:30:00
Your brand identity communicates a promise from your company to your customer. Your brand identity consists of your logo, business card, letterhead, website and all other marketing and advertising collateral. When a customer looks at your brand identity, what do they see? What is their perception of your company?You may run your business from your dining room table, be a company of 1 or only work your business part time. Whatever the scenario, your brand identity is still important. When a client looks at your business card or your website, they should never be able to tell or even get the perception that you work from home. What should stand out for them is how professional, trustworthy and stable you look as a company. In business, perception is everything. There is no guarantee, a potential customer will meet you before looking at your business card or your website, so it is important to make sure your brand identity is strong enough to stand on its own, without you.You can be a ...
More About: Business , Small Business , Small , Brand , Ness

Event Listing (workshop): Transition into a New Career
2007-04-28 00:18:00
WhenSaturday, June 23, 2007 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM WhereSpaulding Library5811 Old Silver Hill RoadForestville, MD 20746 ** Are you thinking of changing your job or career?** Do you send countless resumes to employers?** Are you a goal setter, a whiner or a winner?** Do you know when and how to begin to transition?This workshop will focus on core competencies to get you ready to transition.Review finances, resume building, mock interviews, communication and power tools.Take the first step! Wear ?blue? the power color of the day to this career development workshop.Sponsors: Brighter Visions Consulting Group, www.bvcgroup.org*For more information contact 301-789-1575 or email ngilmore@bvcgroup.orgHomepagehttp://www.b vcgroup.org
More About: Event , Workshop , Career , Works , Listing

Gone Too Soon
2007-04-19 13:33:00
Let us not forget the lives of those beautiful souls of Virginia Tech who were taken away from us. Let us keep their family and friends as well as the Virginia Tech community in our prayers. We are all one big family and we must embrace one another in time of need and tragedy. God Bless......Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
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Event Listing: Power Network Exchange
2007-04-18 15:05:00
The Synergi Group Power NetConnecting Exchange Spring Tour is coming to Virginia Beach, Virginia!!! DateSaturday, Apr 28, 2007Time1:30 pm - 4:30 pmLocationCourtyard by Marriott North3737 Atlantic AvenueVirginia BeachYou don't want to miss this great networking event, if you are: ** Looking To Make Powerful Connections ** Serious About Growing Your Business ** Understand the Value of Network ing ** Looking to learn and have a great time Experience PowerNetconnecting with like-minded women entrepreneurs!Here is what we have in store for you: 1. Experience our unique and exciting way of getting people to mix and mingle with ease 2. An opportunity to learn from other women entrepreneurs, share best practices and make new connections 3. Promotional opportunities galore 4. A chance to win fabulous prizes 5. A goodie bag filled with samples, discounts and freebies 6. Refreshments and beverages for your enjoyment 7. We will be just a few steps away from the beach, guests will enjoy scenic ...
More About: Event , Listing

Event Listing: First Annual Mother's Day Extravaganza
2007-04-18 14:49:00
"FIRST ANNUAL MOTHER'S DAY EXTRAVAGANZA" HOSTED BY: SPABUZZDateSaturday, May 12, 2007Time3:00 pm - 8:00 pmLocationRhythm and Rhyme Center9408 Center PointManassas, 20110 Celebrate mom, escape with your girl friends, or simply self indulge, at the First Annual Mother 's Day Extravaganza, hosted by Spabuzz. Join Spabuzz and over 20 exclusive vendors, at the Rhythm and Rhyme Center in Manassas, Virginia for a day of Beauty, Fashion, and Relaxation. Experience sheer bliss while Spabuzz technicians provide soothing spa services. Sip, Shop, and Relax at this event that was created just for you! Stilettos, Handbags, Accessories and more, our vendors will be show casing this spring and summer hottest items at discounted rates. The true Diva celebrates herself, but also supports the community. A portion of proceeds will go to "Rhythm and Rhyme Center" a center for our youth. The Rhythm & Rhyme facility provides a fun and positive atmosphere to encourage creativity in today's youth th...
More About: Event , Listing , Sting

The Importance of Business Card Real Estate
2007-04-17 16:09:00
Every business owner should have a business card, even if you are a work at home mom. If you are in business, you need a business card. The trick to business cards is making sure it is useful and eye-catching. We have already discussed the importance of having a solid brand identity, so now you need to transfer that onto your business card. What is the most important thing about your business card????THE REAL ESTATE...Here are a few suggestions on how to make the best of your business card real estate.1. Make sure your brand identity is reflected on your business* your logo, web address, company email and tagline (if you have one) should be on your card2. Don't forget to add your company's general information* mailing address, phone and fax number, etc3. NEVER LEAVE THE BACK OF YOUR BUSINESS CARD BLANK* This is very important. When business cards are left blank on the back, they most often get used as scratch note paper.* Instead of leaving the back of your card blank, try putting...
More About: Business , Estate , Card , Real Estate , State

Blogher Conference '07 - Will You Be There?
2007-04-11 04:54:00
To all my fellow Bloghers. The Blogher conference is coming up soon. I heard the last one was absolutely astounding and it was amazing to be a part of it. I encourage all Bloghers to attend if at all possible. They have some rather good sessions set up for the conference. Check out the Blogher site for more details on the conference program track. Don't forget to mark your calendars.....
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INC.Spire?s 8th Annual Business Plan Competition
2007-04-10 14:59:00
Calling all Today's Mompreneurs in the Northern Virginia area. I know some, if not majority of you are sitting on a business plan you wish you could get funded. Well, here's a chance to possibly get some money. "INCspire, the Incubator Program of the Greater Reston Chamber ofCommerce announces its eighth business plan competition, designedto showcase emerging business innovation in Northern Virginia."Here are the competition details:Visit www.INCspire.com for an application form.Deadline for applications:April 24, 2007, 5 p.m.Announcement:May 10, 2007Competition Flyer:http://www.restonchamber.org/images /added_images/pdfs/GS8.pdf
More About: Business , Business Plan , Spire , Petition

Living the Slash/Life
2007-04-06 05:29:00
I am an avid listener of podcasts. Mainly those that talk about entrepreneurship, marketing, podcasting, public relations and design. The other day I was listening to the Start Up Nation podcast and they were interviewing Marci Alboher, who just wrote a book called One Person/Multiple Careers and she was talking about living the slash life. Well, this totally resonated with me because I have been living the slash life for majority of my grown up life.What is the slash life? Living the slash life simply refers to someone who has multiple careers. For instance, I am a web manager/graphic designer, I have a blog/and am a contributing editor on other blogs, you get the point. Marci refers to it as the new model for work/life success. I would have to say I agree. People have always told me that I am always into stuff, that I can't sit still, I always have something going on or I have too much going on. The truth is, I like it that way. I get it honestly. My mom is the same way. She is a...
More About: Life , Slash , Lash , Ving

Clean Up Your Clutter
2007-03-28 14:17:00
Ok ladies, if you have been looking at piles of papers and have built up a lot of clutter, it is time to clean it out. In order to be productive entrepreneurs, we must be in a clear work zone so that our creativity has room to flow. When our space is cluttered, our minds are cluttered. So, make a commitment to yourself to carve out 3-4 hours this weekend to clean up your clutter and get organized. Sent via BlackBerry from T-MobileAdd to: | blinklist | del.cio.us | digg | yahoo! | furl | rawsugar | shadows | netvouz
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Quick Tip
2007-03-26 02:37:00
Start the year off right by keeping a good handle on your expenses. So when the next tax season rolls around, you'll be prepared. I found a great book that really breaks down taxes for home based businesses. I encourage all business owners to find a really good accountant because you never want to end up in trouble with Uncle Sam. This book gives you an understanding on what you should be keeping track of during the year and it will also allow you to ask the right questions of your accountant.So, check out this book and get tax saavy.Technorati ProfileAdd to: | blinklist | del.cio.us | digg | yahoo! | furl | rawsugar | shadows | netvouz
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The Lonely Entrepreneur
2007-03-24 02:02:00
Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely place to be in. Even if you are still working a day job and trying to get your business off the ground in your spare, it is still lonely. Especially when we are not surrounding ourselves with other like minded entrepreneurs.Taking part in networking groups or other business groups is good for the entrepreneurial soul. That is where we reconnect with people who are essentially on the same mission. Sometimes you need the extra dose of motivation, encouragement and human contact.A good place to start would be looking into your local women's business groups, any associations targeted to your business industry and meetup.com. I like meetup.com because there is a group for every kind of interest on there and if there isn't you can start your own group. That's what I did. I wanted to join a group of single mothers who were entrepreneurs in my area. I didn't see one, so I started my own and we are having a blast.So, challenge yourself and find a gro...
More About: Entrepreneur , Lone , Lonely , Rene

Don't Miss This Free Business Event
2007-03-13 13:40:00
Hello Mompreneurs,Microsoft's Annual Small Business Summit is coming up. It is a 5-day event that is 100% free. Yes, 100% free. These are the type of business events us single mompreneurs cannot afford to miss. Especially when, you can attend this summit either online or in person. That's right, You can participate in this summit right from your own computer.Here are the details:Microsoft Small Business SummitMonday, March 19 - Friday, March 23I have already registered and selected my sessions that I will attend online. I encourage you to participate in this event.
More About: Event , Free , This , Miss

A Word About Business Plans
2007-02-26 03:54:00
Usually when someone mentions a business plan, entrepreneurs cringe. Let's us not be afraid of the business plan. Let's embrace it. After all, it is the roadmap to our business. A business plan is a working document that will serve as a guideline and map to your business. Once you write it, it is not final, rather it is a work in progress. There are so many tools and samples out there, no one should shy away from completing one. As a matter of fact, as soon as one figures out what type of business they want to start, they should immediately get cracking on that business plan. It always helps to see things on paper. It gives you a better view of what's really going on.Here are some tools and sample to get your started on writing your business plan:Interactive Business Plan ner (free)Business Plan Pro ($99 standard / $199 premier)Sample Business Plans from Center for Business PlanningHow to write a business planAdd to: | blinklist | del.cio.us | digg | yahoo! | furl | rawsugar | sha...
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What Business Structure is Right for You?
2007-02-26 03:49:00
This can be confusing for most people. Here is a breakdown of the business structures that are available to you.Sole Proprietorship The simplest form of business in which a sole owner and his business are not legally distinct entities; the owner is personally liable for business debts. General Partnership A partnership in which there are no limited partners, and each partner has managerial power and untitled liability for partnership debts. Limited Partnership The limited partnership has limited and general partners. The general partners manage the business and are individually liable for the debts of the partnership. The limited partners are limited in the amount they can lose, by the amount of money they invested in the partnership. S-Corporation A corporation that is eligible, and does elect to be taxed under the Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. Basically, shareholders pay tax on the corporation's income by reporting their pro rate shares of pass-through items o...
More About: Business , Right , Ness , Structure , Sine

Welcome to Online Networking
2007-02-19 17:35:00
You already know you want to be in business or maybe you are already in business. It is time to get acquainted on the web. The web is a fabulous place to meet other entrepreneurs. There are some really good sites out on the web that allow you to join for free and connect with other entrepreneurs to network, share ideas, to find business partners or just to get your business out there. Even in your thinking and preparation stages, I would recommend joining the following networking sites:LinkedInStartupNationryzeDon't be afraid to get your feet wet. It feels great when you connect with other like-minded people.Add to: | blinklist | del.cio.us | digg | yahoo! | furl | rawsugar | shadows | netvouz
More About: Networking , Online , Come , King , Line

Name That Business
2007-02-19 03:14:00
Hopefully you all have figured out what type of business you want to start. If not, keep plugging away at it, but don't drive yourself crazy.I have always had trouble finding a good name for my businesses in the past. When my ex-business partner and I were trying to come up with a name for our event planning company, every single name we picked out was taken. It was so frustrating. I would also recommend that you do more than a local search on your chosen business name. Do a national search as well. You'll thank me in the long run. It would be a total nightmare to select a name, spend money on your logo, website and all other marketing materials, just to get a call or a letter from someone in another state saying that they legally own that company name. That means you have to start over at square one and that can prove to be very costly. So do that national business name search to avoid those kinds of situations. You can do a national business search online to get started.Superpag...
More About: Business , Name , Ness , Sine

Let's Get that Home Office Setup
2007-02-07 04:10:00
I find that setting up your home office is a great motivational tool. Once you get your home office in order, you will feel like you accomplished something major. Why do you need a home office? You need a space in your home that is dedicated to your business. Having a space is essential to you getting organized so that you can successfully get your business up and running.Ok, what do you need to get that home office going?FIRST - choose a place in your home to dedicate as your new home office. Once you do thatyou can move on to the next set of steps.Here is a list of things you will need to have a fully functioning home office:Hardware:A computer - If you don't already have one, I suggest you get a laptop. It is far easier to be able to travel and have your laptop with you. If this is not in your budget, don't sweat it. This is not a deal breaker. Just make sure your computer has a CD burner and DVD writer. You may have to provide large files to your clients.A printer, fax, scanne...
More About: Office , Home , Setup , That , Home Office

What Type of Business Should I Start???
2007-02-05 18:05:00
This is usually one of the first questions an aspiring entrepreneur asks. This is a good question, but is also one that can hold you back from actually getting started. DO NOT allow this question to keep you in the aspiring entrepreneur phase. At some point you want to put some action behind you aspiration.Here are some things to ask yourself and think about when trying to figure out what type of business to start.Tip #1 - What are you good at doing? Tip #2 - What do you enjoy doing?Tip #3 - What do you see yourself doing for the next 20 years?Tip#4 - What service have you been providing to people unofficially that can be turned into a profit-making business?Tip #5 - Is there a product that you are looking for, but can never seem to find that you feel you can develop?Tip #6 What do other people say you are good at and do you agree or disagree?These tips should provide you to tackle that question. I suggest giving yourself a timeline on working through these tips to find that answer...
More About: Business , Start , Star , Type , Should

So You Wanna Be An Entrepreneur?
2007-01-29 15:10:00
So you wanna be an entrepreneur? Well guess what? You can! If you think about it, most mothers are already acting as entrepreneurs. Most moms work full time while raising their children, we manage our household and our finances and we actively participate in groups for the support of our children. We already posses most of what it takes to start and run a business. So, my question is - what's stopping you? Why is the idea of becoming an entrepreneur still an idea? What fears are you facing? I know you ask yourself some of the following questions:How can I start a business while working full time and raising my children?Where am I going to find the money to do this?Can I really start and run a business on my own?Where do I start?These are questions almost every entrepreneur asks - it's normal. This blog will answer all of these questions and more and it will coach you through the launch of your business.So feel free to post questions, tips and advice.Mompreneur, this blogs for you!...
More About: Entrepreneur , An Entrepreneur , Anna , Rene