Market Mommy:: The Blog

Ziptask:: Outsourcing Made Easy

2012-05-23T01:55:21Z

If you are running your own online business, chances are you’ve needed to outsource some work. If not, you most likely will need to at some point. According to statistics, hiring online contractors has increased 100 percent just since 2010. There is a new service that makes this outsourcing easy and hassle-free.

Ziptask saves you time and money and allows you to effectively grow your business by delegating smaller projects to the right freelancers. No more searching, hiring and training contractors. Ziptask does it for you.

Submit a job. Submit jobs to Ziptask by dragging and dropping files and typing instructions.

Approve estimate. Ziptask will send you an estimate to approve. The entire job will not exceed this amount.

Ziptask makes it happen. They find the right worker, hire them, monitor and manage their work. They will only pass along questions to you when absolutely necessary.

Ziptask sanity check. When the work is done, Ziptask will perform a sanity check to make sure it is legit. They make sure they’ve done what you asked them to.

Receive completed files. You receive an e-mail with the completed files. If you have changes, you can re-open the job and send over the changes in one click.

With Ziptask, you can send almost any type of digital work, from research and proofreading to presentations, Excel sheets and more, off to their global network of top-notch freelancers for completion. Watch the short, informative video here.

Ziptask makes outsourcing easy. There is no interviewing, no interaction via phone or chat required, no emailing back and forth, no language barriers, no hiring or firing, and no management oversight by the customer required. The customer can send projects to Ziptask within seconds, a Ziptask employee assesses the work, assigns to the hyper-specialized worker appropriate for the project, and quality checks the files when completed. No other competitor in the world has a system such as this.

Request a free consultation or sign up for a free trial period now.

Mommy Monday:: STC

2012-05-21T13:51:39Z

Sherrie Tennessee founded her spa Management company, Sherrie Tennessee Consulting – STC in July, 2011. The services she provides include consulting services for those starting or growing a business in the beauty and wellness industry. “In addition, I also teach continuing education courses to massage therapist and spa management courses as an adjunct at various colleges,” she said.

Like others, Tennessee sometimes finds it difficult to balance work and family. “It has been a challenge finding the balance between being an entrepreneur and up until this month a stay at home mom,” she said. “I make the most of nap and bed times, plus I use my support system to switch off child care and allow time for me to work on the business.”

Tennessee prides herself on strong time management skills. “I think that time management is key to success. I have a time chart breaks down my day in 30minute increments. I put in the must do-first; grocery, laundry, work, quality time with family. Then I put in the other items that need to get done, including writing, posting, and creating new leads, it really helps to keep me on track.”

She is encouraging when talking to other aspiring mom entrepreneurs. “My advice to other mom entrepreneurs is to not be afraid to follow your dream. I feel as a mom we are already super hero or she-ro as I like to say. Why don’t we share our talent with the world and earn a living as well?”

For marketing, Tennessee utilizes social media and word of mouth to advertise. She also has a writing blog where she features stories about the companies she has worked with.

STC can be found online, or Tennessee can be reached via e-mail.

How to Grow Your Social Media Numbers

2012-05-17T13:04:07Z

Questions from Kara at Maids on the Run

Answers from Shara at Mommy Perks

Q:: What is the best way to grow your numbers on Facebook and Twitter?

A:: I have written numerous articles about Facebook and Twitter. Here are some of them:

Helping you succeed

Facebook tips

Twitter tips

How NOT to use Twitter

Q:: What type of info do people want to follow?

A:: This really depends on what you offer, your gifts and talents, your passions, your audience, etc. I would suggest that you not post information based on what you think others will want to read.

Post information based on what you know and love and do – and let the ‘right’ people find you and then keep them engaged. You currently run a business that offers cleaning services and help for those in need. I would certainly be writing about those things, if I were you: cleaning tips and ideas, top ten lists for your favorite cleaning supplies or cleaning methods, home made remedies for green cleaning solutions, fund-raising ideas that involve cleaning homes (a new fund-raising idea for schools, perhaps?), charity news and updates from your business, families you have helped (no names needed), ideas for kids who want to clean the home for their parents or grandparents, “start your own cleaning business” tips, articles that quote some of your employees and what they enjoy most about helping others (the people they clean for who have a sick family member, etc), your favorite cleaning toys for kids who love to clean (my toddler son loves to help us clean!) and so on.

There are so many fun and informative articles at your fingertips. Take advantage of that for SEO!

Q:: Are giveaways a good idea to get numbers?

A:: Are you running lots of giveaways?

Are you considering a giveaway or review for your business?

Q::If you are blogging, what is the best place to connect with other bloggers?

A:: There are many sites available that connect bloggers. Here are a few:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss has a background in education, early childhood, special needs, freelance and marketing. She owns various websites including: Mommy Perks, Kids Perks, Personal Child Stories, Early Childhood News and Resources and Pine Media (co owner). Shara is an active member of her town charity group and a Library Board Member. Learn more about her at Mommy Perks.

Mommy Monday:: Rebecca Nash Photography

2012-05-15T18:40:32Z

Rebecca Nash is the mom behind Rebecca Nash Photography. She started her business on a part time basis in September, 2010. When she moved to London, Ontario last year, she began pursuing it full time after receiving funding through the CYBF (Canadian Youth Business Foundation) in late March 2011.

Her business has multiple facets including wedding photography, portrait photography and fine art photography. “I am also a proud member of the Artisan Group (a celebrity gifting organization) and will have my new line of stationary with Fine Art Images on display in the 2012 MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gifting Suite and in the Celebrity Swag Bags at the same event,” she said.

Celebrities will be receiving a portrait case trimmed in ribbon from Rebecca Nash Photography this year. Inside a set of 4 4”x5” blank note cards with fine art photos on the cover, corresponding envelopes, a biography card and a gift certificate for a full set of 12 note cards and envelopes of the theme of their choosing. More than any repeat business, Nash hopes to receive photos of celebrities holding her new products to use on her website and in promoting the new line of products.

As part of her fine art photography, she is also collaborating with another local artist on a touring gallery exhibit in honour of the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The exhibit is still in the creation phase but the hope is to have it ready to tour North America in early 2013.

Nash said she finds balance by implementing regular hours for work, family, and me time. “Everyone can understand what's happening and when. We have special nights for the family too, including movie night and board game night every week that we all look forward to.” She said, “It makes it easier for everyone to focus and respect the time frames.”

Like me, she’s also a big fan of to-do lists. Each week, she prioritizes the list into what must be done immediately, what should get done soon and what will get done sometime. “Then, I use the prioritized to-do list to block in tasks that must get done first and then work the way down the list for all the hours you have available for work. Use a timer to keep you on task and within your time frames!”

Nash encourages organization when talking to other mom entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. For marketing, she utilizes her website, celebrity gifting, social media, bridal shows and local publications most often.

Rebecca Nash Photography can be found online here.

Making Events Work for Your Business

2012-05-10T16:22:55Z

By Amber Davis

To be successful our businesses must grow! To achieve growth we must find new and innovative ways to market our products and meet new people! Events can be one way to do both!

An event can be as simple as an open house or as elaborate as a Home and Garden Show! I have done both, as well as, other event types that fall in the middle of these spectrums. Most recently I attempted my first large scale event. A home and garden show with over 40,000 attendees. What an amazing opportunity for growth! In order to determine if an event is worth your time and money you must consider a few things:

What is the traffic flow and does it fit with your target market?
What is the expense vs. traffic flow and amount of time the event is being held?
Do you have the resources to handle the show?

In my case, a Home and Garden show fit my business about 50%. My products consist of three basic lines – a thermal line, a purse line and an organizational line. For this event my target market would be people looking to organize their home or life! Making my display focus on this concept would help draw attention to my products. I included all my product styles in the display but my core line of organizational products was my main focus.

Secondly, this event was by far, the most expensive I have ever undertaken but with the help of two team members I was able to split the cost and hours needed to work. This was helpful considering the initial investment was so large and having a family of 6 sometimes my hours away need to be carefully considered. The cost then for me would be 50 % booth rental, all my supplies, my door prize and my time. All in all I was very excited going into the event and worked hard to prepare my literature, recruit packets, hostess packets and products display!

Finally, I felt I did have the resources to handle the large show! My home company provides a ton of training, literature and items needed for the show. Combine that with my 17 years in Direct Sales and I was ready to work the floor!

BRING ON THE SHOW!!!

Once the show hit I was ready! I worked 11-9 day 1 and never ate, drank or sat the entire day. My belief is people won’t feel your approachable if your slouched on a chair in the back of your booth shoving food in your face! I wanted to be ready and approachable for any possible leads! Being from a small farm community I really need to meet new people away from the cornfield I call home! This show was my ticket!

Day one went very well. I had several strong leads for parties, orders and one recruit lead who took home one of my fancy packets!

Day two also went well. I worked 11-6 that day followed by tear down. Needless to say I was exhausted!

I am not an aggressive sales person by nature, nor will I ever be. A wise person once told me “If your friends cross the street when they see you coming your doing something wrong”. I kept that mentality when doing the show. Trying to be approachable but not pushy. Not sure it was my best method as my girls booked 10 firm shows on their days!

I love watching people at events! There are so many different personalities out there! The Type A who barrels into my booth and starts doing her own demonstration for her friends and family! They shy observer who won’t come near me or my booth with a ten foot pole but will look and stare for a long time! To name a few! Knowing how to talk to and approach different personalities is helpful in situations like these! NEVER PRE-JUDGE! You know nothing about this person, their life or the circumstances leading up to this moment! This person could be your next top seller, biggest buyer or strongest hostess leading you to many, many more in home parties! Simply stick to your plan and ASK EVERYONE! “Hi, have you heard of Thirty One? Would you be interested in hosting a show?” Hi, have you heard of our company? Did you know it’s a Christian based company and our name is based on Proverbs 31 and you can be your own boss for $99” Find the conversation starter to fit the situation!

THE FORTUNE IS IN THE FOLLOW UP!
Now the show is over and the key is to follow up with any leads I have.

Any phone numbers who marked “Yes” or “maybe” on their slip will be called. So far, one home show booked in a neighboring community, one catalog show packet mailed, one order and one recruit packet sent! Plus many messages left!
Any e-mail addresses will be added to my monthly Thoughts, Talks and Trends letter. This will share specials and product ideas with them monthly.
ALL postal addresses will receive a postcard from me.

The other thing I have done for the month following the show is set up a Home and Garden show party on my site for any attendees to place orders through. This will help me track my income vs. expense from the show.

My experience with the show overall was very successful! Since our company is relatively new in the direct selling industry many people have never heard of it. That itself is very helpful and the fact that we are not even close to our peak in the direct sales lifecycle is amazing! I am still working on the follow up and feel like it will take a month before I can evaluate the true success. My strong lead fell through but LOVED the recruit packet I gave her and plans to duplicate it in her direct selling business! That makes me smile! My favorite part of direct sales is leadership and motivation to my team members! I love watching them grow and achieve their business goals!

My best wishes to you in choosing an event that works for your business!

Amber Davis is a 17 year direct sales associate with The Lonagberger Co. and currently director for at Thirty One Gifts. Holding a degree in business administration and marketing, she previously worked in the business industry. After the birth of her second child; family took priority over work and she left her full time position. Now a mother of four, she believes firmly in direct Sales and the endless opportunity it provides! "I can't imagine ever returning to a traditional 9-5 job," she said. She firmly believes in doing what works for your family. She helps her husband on the family farm and writes her own blog: Adventures in Farm Life. This, she said, is a work in progress and mostly serves to share family photos. In her free time she loves to travel and enjoys volunteering.

Book Review:: How to Love Your Labour: One Woman’s Journey from Freaking Out to Fearless Birth

2012-05-03T15:43:40Z

When I was asked to review a book about birth, I quickly jumped at the chance! A bit of a birth junkie myself; I’m intrigued by the birth process and the stories of those that experience natural childbirth. In her book, Tracey Rose details her journey from being fearful about birth, to her completely painless natural childbirth using hypnosis.

While I haven’t experienced a painless birth, or used hypnosis, I’ve read quite a bit about the subject and completely believe it’s possible. Rose talks a lot about her education process and how she learned the risks of cesarean sections, induction and medicated birth. I too went down this path of self-education. Unfortunately, my own journey came after an unnecessary c-section.

The results were somewhat similar though. Like Rose, I came to realize I wanted the most healthy and best birth experience possible for not only me, but my baby. I share Rose’s opinion that the best is the most natural. She lists the many side effects and risks associated with surgical and medicated birth. This is great because many moms, especially first-time moms aren’t aware of the potential complications.

Rose admits in her book that medical intervention is sometimes necessary, and she’s grateful that it’s available when needed. I share those sentiments. However, birth is a natural, physiological process that a woman’s body is designed for. One of my favorite quotes that Rose uses in the book is:

“I think one of the best things we could do would be to help women/parents/families discover their own birth power, from within themselves. And to let them know it's always been there, they just needed to tap into it.”

John H. Kennell, MD

In the book, Rose details her experience with childbirth education classes and how she was able to prepare mentally and physically for the labor and births. She acknowledges the strong role that emotion and fear play and the process of eliminating these fears and fully embracing the emotion.

For example, when using hypnosis for birth, different words are used. Contractions become surges and pushing becomes breathing the baby down. The different word choices help the mother envision a peaceful experience rather than one filled with pain.

Rose gave birth in Australia, so I think there are some minimal differences between the hospitals and medical systems here in the US. Rose depicts her story extremely well. The possibility of a painless birth excites me. Although I don’t expect to have any more children, the book has definitely inspired me to further research hypnosis if I did. If you don’t believe that a painless childbirth is possible, I encourage you to get Rose’s book and learn about the method first-hand. You won’t regret it. Knowledge is power!

The book will be released next week, {you can purchase it here} but I do have one free copy to giveaway! If you’d like to win it, comment here with tell me why! To earn extra entries, like Market Mommy on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, like Natural Childbirth World on Facebook or follow TraceyRoseLive on Twitter. Please leave a comment {including contact information} for each completed task. The giveaway will end on Thursday, May 10 at 11:59 p.m. EST and we’ll draw a winner via random.org.

Lovable Labels Review & Giveaway!

2012-05-01T15:52:29Z

I was contacted earlier this spring to review an awesome Camp Pack from Lovable Labels. The pack included:

15 Sticker Labels
40 Slimline Labels
12 Shoe Labels
72 Press n' Stick Clothing DOTS™
2 Mini-Metal Tags {two 4” silver ball chains incld}
12 Square Labels

And, I was able to choose which design I thought my daughter would most enjoy. I was very impressed when the pack arrived. It seemed like A LOT of stuff! Between school, the babysitter’s house, gymnastics, swim class, tee-ball, my kids are in a lot of activities and take a lot of stuff a lot of places. So, this was perfect!

Now, I can label all of my daughter’s belongings, with cute tags! I am especially excited about the clothing dots and shoe labels. She really loved the mini-metal tags, which are perfect for her backpack. The labels are all high-quality and really stay put.

This product is valued at $44.95 before taxes and shipping and seems to be worth every penny, to me. My daughter is already asking to label all of her kindergarten supplies for next fall!

In addition to providing me with a pack to review, Lovable Labels has graciously allowed me to giveaway a Camp Pack to one lucky Market Mommy winner!

Good luck, here are the official rules::

There will be 1 {one} winner of this giveaway. The giveaway will officially end on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST, just in time for camp season! The winner will be chosen by random.org and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. This giveaway is open to Canadian and US residents only.

To enter, go to the Lovable Labels website and leave us a comment here telling us which of their amazing products is your favorite! After you comment here, you can earn extra entries! {Please leave a separate comment for each, including contact information!}

Like Market Mommy on Facebook
Like Loveable Labels on Facebook
Follow Market Mommy on Twitter
Follow Loveable Labels on Twitter
Tweet this for daily extra entries: WIN a Camp Pack from @mylovablelabels and @marketmommy The #giveaway is here http://tinyurl.com/7j5p7pe
Sign up for the Market Mommy rss feed
Sign up for the Market Mommy free e-newsletter

* I did receive a free camp pack from Lovable Labels in order to write this review. However all opinions contained in this post are my own.

Mommy Monday:: Early Lingo, Inc. and Certified Tax Coach

2012-04-30T17:56:35Z

Because of some mis-communication, we have two wonderful Mommy Monday businesses to share with you today!

Caryn Antonini is the mom-founder of Early Lingo, Inc. The company offers animated and live-action videos to teach a child (ages 6 months to 6 years) the basic foundation of a foreign language. The company launched in January, 2011.

The first six DVDs of the series are available in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin Chinese, with more languages and titles to follow in 2012. This past holiday season, a six DVD box set in all languages was released and has proven very popular.

When businesses are new, they require a lot of time and energy. “Given that I have a new start-up, balancing work and family can often be a challenge!” Antonini said. “I feel like I'm always "working" though I do create balance by making time for myself and sticking to it. I do the same for the time I spend with my two-year-old and my husband. When I'm with them I'm completely present. With another baby on the way, this is very important!”

She encourages other mom entrepreneurs to ask for help when they need it. “Don't be afraid to ask for help and make sure you get what you need, whether it be free time, help, or even emotional support,” she said.

Marketing strategies used for Early Lingo, Inc. include social media, advertising, PR and tradeshows. You can find Antonini’s business online at her website, and on Facebook and Twitter.

We're also featuring Dominique Molina, mom and owner of Certified Tax Coach, today. She started her business in February, 2009 and since then, the business has grown to 200 members across the country.

Certified Tax Coach provides professional designation for tax planning specialists including education and support services and connecting small business owners with this network so they can pay less tax through proactive planning!

Molina admits that balancing work with family is a juggling act! “I use as much "found time" as possible ie: folding laundry while I'm waiting at sports practice, taking conference calls in the parking lot waiting for school pickup, and meticulous scheduling,” she said.

Her advice to other mom business owners is to be present. “It doesn't matter if you are physically there with your child, if your mind is thinking of all the million things you need to get done between work and home, the time is not quality,” Molina said. “I use meditation to "reset" my day when my brain has taken off and I need to be present with my family.”

To market her business, Molina most often uses media and PR along with strategic partnerships with accounting professional organizations and networking to grow her business.

Mother's Day Tribute & Giveaway

2012-04-24T01:01:44Z

With Mother's Day just around the corner, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to highlight some awesome mom entrepreneurs! Check out these fabulous women and their great businesses, then be sure to enter our giveaway below! We'll be giving one lucky momma a $100 Amazon card! AND, Mimi and Moi has graciously donated a beautiful 3-photo charm bracelet, valued at $115! Two awesome prizes and plenty of ways to enter!

Moms must have great tools and techniques to effectively manage a household and, as a Clever Container Consultant, Lisa Taylor is making it happen! Lisa dons scrubs by day and loads up Clever Containers by night, all while keeping her faith, her kids, and her husband her top priorities.

Home is where the heart is! If you must work, work from home.
Work with a Team of Moms. No Selling, No Inventory, No Parties, NO RISK!
Safe, Simple, and Solid Home Business. Have more time freedom and create financial security.

You can have the best of both worlds!

A gift that will keep on giving Mother's Day and beyond! Photo charm jewelry is very special due to the personalizing process. I get to know my customers a bit more, and the recipient forever has a cherished keepsake designed especially for her.

Good Luck!

The giveaway will end at midnight on May 14 and the winner will be chosen via random.org.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Judging the S.T.A.R. Mom Entrepreneur Awards

2012-04-20T01:01:14Z

By Mindee Doney

Yes, it was an honor.

Yes, it was fun.

Yes, I learned about some uber cool, fun products and services Moms had created.

And, Yes, I picked up some insight I can apply to my own business.

All good stuff but none of those things were the true reason I really enjoyed judging the Mommy Market S.T.A.R Entrepreneur awards. Honestly, what inspired me above all else was the obvious, out loud passion driving hundreds of everyday Moms to say NO to housework and wiping butts all day and YES to living a full, beautiful life. Life as an educated woman, business owner, wife, daughter, friend, sister and Mom.

All 65 Mompreneur stories I read and websites I visited clearly came from a Mom who made a distinct choice to make motherhood a part of her story but never the place where her life’s purpose starts or ends. Every woman was committed to her family and her children and also very committed to herself too. It was remarkable and life changing for me to see story after story of courage, empowerment and confidence for these Moms who wanted to do more, be better and truly grab life by the tail.

In 1987 they made a box office hit movie about a Mom who dared to work!!! My how things have changed! Mompreneurs, Mommy Inventors, Mom-Owned….whatever it’s called, the truth that us moms can do more and be more, is catching on like fire. I will cheer and cheer for every moment a mom realizes she can be a present, awesome Mom and still pursue her desires in relationships, businesses, writing, creating, dreaming or just LIVING as the woman she was before her baby BOOM!

Congratulations again to Jessica at HopeFull for winning the competition with such a big heart, a solid business model and a fantastic brand. Cheers to every Mom out there who does not settle for Motherhood alone when her heart and spirit craves for more.

Be Well, Peace Mamas…

Mindee Doney: Author, Inventor (Boogie Wipes®), Idea Consultant.Tired of chasing her kids runny noses, Mindee herself ran with an idea she had for a saline infused nose wipe she called a Boogie Wipe ®. In 2007, she partnered with Julie Pickens and by 2011 grew her concept, to $12 million in sales, with distribution to 50,000 retail locations in 8 countries. She managed all PR, marketing and branding herself and landed Boogie Wipes® on the Today Show, The Big Idea with Donny Deutch, Good Morning America, in People Magazine, The NY Times and countless others. She is the author of Get your Own Juicebox – Confident Moms raising Capable Kids (May, 2012) and consults an exclusive group of start-ups through her company Juice Box Consulting.