Editorial Tips

In last week’s newsletter I promised some more tips about how to use an editorial as a marketing tool. Typically, an editorial is used to express an opinion on an issue, or some type of reaction to current events. An editorial can inform, promote, commend or sometimes entertain.

If you feel exceptionally educated on a topic and it has a timely connection, you can write an editorial and submit it to publications.

First, choose a topic. Are you the head of a non-profit organization that funds volcano research? Then the recent volcanic ash in Iceland provides you with the perfect opportunity to write an editorial. Your topic must be relevant and newsworthy and you must be educated about the topic.

Second, do your research. If your company offers an herbal alternative to aspirin, make sure you have studies and stats on hand that will back up your argument. A piece that is not heavily based in fact will most likely never be published.
Third, write your editorial in a style that is clear and direct. Make sure you give plenty of examples and illustrations in your writing. Be honest and thought provoking. In general, follow news writing style by sticking to the point and avoiding over-dramatization.

Happy Friday and happy writing!

/by

Celebrate with us!

You may not have realized {it’s kind of snuck up on me too} but Market Mommy will turn one on June 1! This past year has truly flown by!

As you can imagine, I would not let such a significant date pass by without a party. So, in addition to our exciting site expansion and redesign, I’m throwing Market Mommy’s First Birthday Extravaganza here at The Blog! The entire month of June is going to be a blast!
There are several ways you can get involved. First, we are putting together an AWESOME prize package for one lucky mom entrepreneur. This package already totals over $500 and we’re just getting started. Do you have a product or service that would be useful to a mom business owner? We’d like to include it in our prize package, contact me for details! We’re especially looking for advertising space :>)
Do you have a great product, but it’s not necessarily aimed at women business owners specifically? We’d still like to feature you and your product on The Blog. We will be hosting various giveaways throughout the month of June, so contact us to get yours scheduled!
And, the entire month of June The Blog is going to be packed with guest blog posts. We are going to have posts on a variety of topics, including 5 Must Haves on Your Facebook Page, Affordable Child Care Options, How I Run my Business for Next to Nothing, and much more! Are you a veteran blogger that would like to write a guest blog post for our Extravaganza? Contact me with your topic idea today!
The fourth option, is just to come, hang out with us, enter some giveaways and have a good time! I hope to see everyone here. We are excited about our first birthday and hope you are too! Thanks for your support over the past year, we appreciate it!

/by

Free Inspirational Teleclass!

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur but just haven’t taken the plunge? Then “Excuse Me, your dreams are trapped!” is the teleclass for you! This FREE, three-part teleclass series will teach you how to go from inaction to inspired action!

In this FREE teleclass series, you will learn:
• What’s holding you back
• How to harness your emotions to power your dreams
• Leading edge techniques to release resistance and increase focus like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), working with the subconscious and third eye meditations
• The secrets of success from those who are living their dreams

When you sign up, you will be eligible to participate in live calls, hosted by experts. Can’t make the call? Sign up anyway and listen to the free recording!

Classes meet from 7 – 8 p.m. (EDT).
May 4:: The Writing on Your Wall – Is it Holding Your Dream Hostage?
Hosted by Cindy Selvaggio, Tapping Heals
May 11:: Giving Yourself Permission
Hosted by Vanessa Lowry, Connect 4 Leverage
May 18:: Preparing for Launch
Hosted by Linda Cassell, CPCC, Quantum Leap Coaching & Training

There will be a bonus call on June 8 with Angela Lussier, author of “The Anti-Resume Revolution.”

Simply visit Quantum Leap Coaching & Training to register for the free series.

/by

Contests Coming to a Close

We’ve been so busy around here the last week or so with our Think Spring! Blog Party that we may have lost track of some of the other great things going on in April for mom entrepreneurs!I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about a couple things that are coming to an end this week. First, the awesome Blogoversary giveaway at Living My MoMent ends on Friday. Check it out, if you haven’t already. Abbey is giving away over $1600 in prizes to celebrate her first blogoversary. And, I’m happy to say that Market Mommy and Announcements Galore are participating and have donated some great prizes of our own :o)

Also, The Business Baby Shower will end on April 30. This unique contest will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes to three lucky mom entrepreneurs. The prizes and media coverage being given away total over $20,000. You definitely don’t want to miss your chance to win that loot! Market Mommy is proud to be a sponsor of The Business Baby Shower! Visit and submit your entry today!

/by

Think Spring! Blog Party:: The Winners

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Think Spring! Blog Party, we appreciate your support! We will be planning another fabulous party for this summer, so if you have a business you would like to promote {For FREE} please contact me asap and I’ll put you on the list!

Here are all the lucky winners from last week’s party! Congratulations ladies! And, a special thanks to all of our fabulous mom businesses that donated the terrific prizes!

250 Custom Business Cards from Market Mommy:: Heather
Month of free advertising on Market Mommy {website and e-newsletter}:: Leilani
A Turn Back Time Capsule sample with three days Celloxylin Skin Care , one day Lifeoxylin Elixir and two days Sugar Beet Crystal/Papaya Enzyme Microscrub from Apriori Beauty:: K
Winner’s choice of a set of Ficklets from Ficklets:: Julie
$30 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower:: Susan
$10 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower:: Shannon
$10 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower:: Nicole
One bag of My Homemade Organic Granola and one 1/4 Lb. nut cluster from Nicole’s Homemade Treats:: Krista
Gift certificate for 50% off one online item from Heather Hill Clothing:: Leilani
Island Coconut Oatmeal Soap from BellaHoney Body Care:: Susan
Facial Mud Masque from BellaHoney Body Care:: Krista
A punch out mini guitar pick charm from Metal Pressions:: Julie

If you haven’t received an e-mail yet, you will shortly!

/by

Think Spring! Blog Party:: Metal Pressions

Who:: Elisha @ Metal Pressions
Business Established:: Seven years ago.
What she does:: Metal Pressions handcrafts the finest personalized silver and gold jewelry. For as long as Elisha can remember she has been dabbling in all things crafty. Her forays into the handmade crafts and jewelry world started back in her college days with custom designed oil lamps that she sold to local shops. As time went on her horizons expanded into other types of crafts like stamping and scrapbooking. Around 7 years ago she was introduced into the world of hand stamped and handcrafted keepsake and photo jewelry by a close friend. Her skill and expertise developed quickly as did her passion for making beautiful jewelry.

At the time her full time career limited her to practicing her craft as a part time affair or, as her husband likes to describe it, an accelerated hobby. Like many other hand made jewelry designers around the country, the crossover from part time hobby to full time work came when Elisha left her career to raise her children. In her spare moments she somehow found the time to grow her business.
How she finds balance:: We don’t. It’s all one big blur. All kidding aside, this is a full time affair for me and my husband so we can share the responsibilities of family and work to get it all done.
Her best advice:: 1% inspiration & 99% perspiration. That’s our formula.
Get it now:: 30% off anything on the site. Use coupon code: MMP30 . This coupon will be limited to the first 10 people to checkout. And, it will expire 4/30/10.
What they are giving away:: A punch out mini guitar pick charm {chain not included} with any of these shaped cutouts.
Play and win:: What is your favorite mom-related inspirational quote?

To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.


Extra Credit::
You can earn an extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.

/by

Think Spring! Blog Party:: BellaHoney Body Care

Who:: Anayansi Matles @ BellaHoney Body Care AND she’s on Etsy!
Business Established:: 2008
What she does:: BellaHoney Body Care seeks to introduce consumers to spa experience in their own home. Our products are naturally-focused and made with the finest butters, bath salts, olive oil soaps, and organic soaps combined into products that pamper the body and soothe the soul. Utilizing natural and pure ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, macadamia nut oil, and organic avocado oil. My line of products consist of handmade products; Body Scrubs, Cold Process soap/French Milled, Facial treatments, etc.

I started my business because my daughter and I suffer from dry skin and tried different products that did not really agree with our skin. After trying different brands and being tired of spending money on overly priced skin care products, I decided to create a line of Natural Body Butters that people can afford and also great for your skin.

How she finds balance:: It is a little hard balancing family life when a have a full time job besides my business. But making handmade products is my passion and I love it so there is always time for my business.
Her best advice:: The one advice that I have for other mom business owners is stay positive and continue to be strong.
Get it now:: Safe 10% from www.bellahoneybodycare.com on any purchase of $10.00 or more by using code: BLOGPARTY2010.
What they are giving away:: Two winners! Island Coconut Oatmeal Soap AND Facial Mud Masque.
Play and win:: What is your favorite ‘flavor’ of French milled soap?

To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.


Extra Credit::
You can earn an extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
/by

Think Spring! Blog Party:: Nicole’s Homemade Treats

Who:: Nicole Varrenti @ Nicole’s Homemade Treats

Business Established:: I opened my Etsy shop in August of 2008 with one product, my granola. Then in March 2009 I decided to add other products that I make/sell locally and advertise.
What she does:: Go Ahead and Indulge! Nicole’s Homemade Treats is an LLC operating out of New York State. All my products are prepared in my fully licensed kitchen. (NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets) I am a stay out mom of two lovely little men! Zachary and Gabriel. They are the joys of my life and make my days brighter! Candy making, it is a great stress reliever and creative outlet for me! Selling my products locally and online is a fun and rewarding endeavor!

I make only all natural, preservative free products, and use as many organic ingredients as possible. My products may not have the shelf life of store bought products, no worries! They won’t last very long! The packaging products I use are considered “green” because they are made using recycled products, or come from ecologically conscious companies. I am really conscious about who I purchase my products from – the majority come from local companies, farms, and shops, however if that is not possible I buy from companies that are known to be eco-friendly/green themselves.

All my products are made in small batches to preserve the taste and quality of the product, and to ensure that there is no waste. I hope you enjoy eating my “treats” as much as I like making them!

How she finds balance:: I do not know the answer to that. I just do! I am a very organized (or anal as my husband says) person so I guess that helps!
Her best advice:: Find what you like to do and do it well! If you are going to do something go all the way and do your best. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and sets a good example for your children.
Get it now:: Promotion: Free 1/4 nuts cluster with any purchase over $5.00 (a $3.25 value) Code: MMNUT AND/OR 15% Off any order over $25.00 (excluding shipping) Code: MM15OFF Please place code in notes to seller upon checkout. Discount will be refunded.
What they are giving away:: One bag of My Homemade Organic Granola AND one 1/4 Lb. nut cluster
Play and win:: Please visit my shop and tell us your favorite treat and why?

To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.

Extra Credit::
You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
/by

Think Spring! Blog Party:: Heather Hill Clothing

Who:: Heather Lanker @ Heather Hill Clothing
Business Established:: Started my business 8 years ago after I had my first daughter. It has changed through the years but currently I sell online and own the Heather Hill retail store.
What she does:: I sell handmade children’s clothing (ages infant to sz.8) online and at my retail store. Also, online there is an option to design your own clothing using our web dolls…really fun to do with your kids! We’re on facebook too!
How she finds balance:: Now that my kids are in school things are easier. I do draw all my patterns, grade them, sew and design all of my clothing. I can do this now that I have a storefront. It has a back room where I have all my sewing machines and equipment, so I work here now. I used to work from my home which was more challenging because work is always there. I felt like any free time I had I needed to work. With separating the two it’s easier leaving things at the store.
Her best advice:: It’s ok to not know what you are doing! Just keep moving forward and make decisions to help grow the business, most mistakes will help your business get better.
Get it now:: 15% off your entire online order through April ‘10. Just shoot me an email letting me know you are a reader and I will refund the difference through Paypal.
What they are giving away:: Gift certificate for 50% off one online item (design your own included)
Play and win:: What is your favorite accessory at Heather Hill?

To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.

Extra Credit::
You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.

/by

Think Spring! Blog Party:: Ficklets

Who:: Ros Guerrero, owner and inventor @ Ficklets

Business Established:: We launched Ficklets in 2007 and received our patent in 2009.

What she does:: Ficklets are patented interchangeable charm huggers for eyeglasses, the first of its kind in the marketplace. They’re designed to adorn eyeglasses in a fresh, fun way to help kids feel more comfortable in their glasses; it’s also a way for adults to jazz up their ordinary frames. With over 100 designs, Ficklets gives plain, tired glasses a quick, affordable update offering versatility – options to change out your eyewear look depending on your interest, outfit or mood. To learn more about how we got started, please visit us here: http://bit.ly/9STxaP.

How she finds balance:: It’s a challenge to create a “balance” {the ever elusive endeavor} in both family and work, so I put my efforts in juggling and managing both the best way I can. A major reason I can work the business is my husband’s concerted efforts. My husband is instrumental in helping create a healthy family and work environment – he picks up where I leave off. For the most part, we’ve made some tradeoffs in terms of family & home duties, so I can focus most of my energy to building Ficklets. We work very hard to develop a mutually beneficial family and business teamwork environment because we understand the end goal and mission is to build a business that would provide our special needs daughter a quality life long after we’re gone.

Her best advice:: ACTION… do something everyday for your business to move you towards your end goal. Be a perpetual inspiration seeker – this will help keep you in forward movement. Embrace social media & connect with other women entrepreneurs for inspiration, education & camaraderie.

Get it now:: 20% off purchases – code MM at check out.

What they are giving away:: Winner’s choice of a set of Ficklets.

Play and win:: Who/what was the direct inspiration behind Ficklets?

To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.

Extra Credit::

You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.

/by