Archive for January, 2010

Just because you decide something has to change in your business or you finally decide to actually take the steps to change doesn’t mean you know how to do it. It is learning, then, putting the knowledge to work that leads to change. There are eight stages to learning to change. Use them as a framework and you will begin to see the transformation.

1. Resisting change. I began talking about going into business for myself for five years before taking the appropriate steps. I resisted change for a while. I refrained from learning and doing what was necessary to start my own business. Complacency and ingratitude for my many gifts, and being creative without driving changes were limiting my success.

2. Accepting change and new values. Eventually, I knew I needed to accept the value of freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. I needed faith and courage to replace my fear, and gratitude to become proactive.

3. Reflecting and self-dialogue. This stage leads to making decisions and taking action. It can last days, weeks, months or – in my case – even years.

4. Demonstrating values in behavior. Freedom and responsibility were the two main values for me. In this stage, it is normal for the behaviors demonstrating the values to be done inconsistently. For me, that meant that my marketing efforts were inconsistent. Thus, the results were inconsistent. This is part of the learning process. Experience moves knowledge from the head to the heart and always involves some missteps.

5. Evaluating oneself. I developed a system for tracking my business activity and monitoring each aspect weekly. This data was a way of evaluating my performance against my goals. What mattered was not whether I hit my goals, but that I was doing the activities and process. Monitoring my activities kept me motivated, which in turn, kept me on track for developing my business.

6. Developing supportive relationships. I developed supportive relationships with people who could help me learn and support my development. I was helped by colleagues who served as my coach and mentors. I developed relationships with clients and prospects. I developed relationships with people less experienced then me who I could coach and mentor. Through these relationships, I evolved and grew. As a result of my personal growth, my business grew.

7. Increasing knowledge and understanding. This stage is a natural progression from the previous six. Knowledge and understanding will eventually come.

8. Performing behaviors consistently. Finally, the change is complete.

If you’re ready to make the change take the necessary steps by signing up for the Business Baby Shower Contest, and be connected and committed to creating something great.

We are very excited to announce that the first 200 applicants in the Business Baby Shower Contest will receive two special gifts.

The first is a free download of the popular book PR in Your Pajamas by Elena Verlee (value of $29), and the second is one-month of free access to Care4Hire.com’s database of care providers (value of $34.99).

GIFT #1: 

pr-in-your-pajamasWritten for busy moms by PR expert and serial entrepreneur Elena Verlee, this short ebook will have you confidently doing your own publicity in just an hour.  Find out how her simple, practical tips and savvy know-how helped attract a ton of media attention, customers and a buyer for a mompreneur business in just nine months, all due to the power of PR.

 

GIFT #2:

c2_newCare4Hire.com’s database is designed to assist families in finding a quality babysitter, housekeeper, tutor, companion/eldercare, pet sitter and miscellaneous care such as a personal assistant, gardener, party planner, etc. for their specific needs and requirements and offer caregivers an enjoyable employment experience.

If you are one of the first 200 to apply, you will receive a confirmation email with a special link to these two free gifts.

GOOD LUCK!

What Are You Doing Mommy?

Jan-18-2010 By Lucinda Cross

Many times we get so consumed with our businesses that we don’t actually communicate to our family members, especially the little ones, about what we are doing and why we are doing it. There is a lot of doing going on and not enough explaining.

A simple explanation can cure some of the distractions because family and little ones will understand that Mommy is helping someone become better. Part of the Business Baby Shower concept is to help you as moms and women understand that it is the little things that count. If we could just get some support, an explanation, or just Stop, Look and Listen at what we do and why we do it, it would help us continue to burn the entrepreneurial fire.

It is important to pull yourself away from the busi- ness of the business and look at the little things that count like reading a book, having a conversation with a peer, or getting support you need from a fellow friend. All of these help tremendously when it comes to moving on and moving up in your business.

If you are one of those busi-moms who is smothered in busi-ness, it is time to take a step back and look at what little things you have pushed to the side that can either make or break your next season in business. Will you celebrate Christmas in April? Or will you have winter in June?

It is time to reward yourself by taking a look at your business and see what little things you can’t do without in your next season. Make sure you sign up for the Business Baby Shower Contest to start your season greetings with Christmas in April.

The esteemed panel of judges for the Business Baby Shower Contest have been finalized. We are very excited and honored to have these entrepreneurs partner with us to review entrants’ applications and videos. Please visit The Judges page for a complete biography on each judge.

tamara-monosoffTamara Monosoff  is the Founder and CEO of  Mom Invented®, a dynamic company with the mission to… “Inspire, Inform & Boldly Promote Courageous Women in Business” and “Celebrate the creativity of moms by launching innovative Mom Invented® products around the world.” With over 15 years of experience in corporate communications and program management, Tamara combines strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit with being a Mom. For more information, click here…>

stacey-kannenbergStacey Kannenberg is an author, publisher, motivator, consultant, spokesperson and MOM. She is also the Founder/CEO of two publishing companies: Cedar Valley Publishing and Stacey Kannenberg Unlimited, an imprint of Cedar Valley Publishing. As the “Get Ready to Learn Mom”, Stacey is a nationally renowned education expert and award winning author with an expertise in children’s education, and “Mom-entrepreneurship”.  For more information, click here…>

andrew-morrisonAndrew Morrison is the founder of Small Business Camp – an entrepreneurial training, coaching and marketing services firm. The company delivers an intensive 2-day program that allows the participants to walk-in with just an idea and leave with a marketing plan, public relations strategy, money-making website, direct-mail campaign and 90 days of follow-up coaching. For more information, click here…>

To learn more about the Business Baby Shower Contest and to enter, visit www.businessbabyshower.com.

Lara Galloway

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Tune into to the WoMEN: What Mom Entrepreneurs Need Teleseminar Series with Lara Galloway of the Mom Biz Coach on Tuesday, January 19th for an interview with Traci Bisson from The Mom Entrepreneur and Lucinda Cross from The Corporate Mom Dropouts. They will be joining Lara to discuss their new joint venture the Business Baby Shower Contest.

This is a show that you do not want to miss! Here are the details:
 
EVENT: WoMEN Teleseminar Series: Business Baby Shower
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, January 19th at 12:00pm Eastern
FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast — it’s your choice)
 
TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK HERE…>