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I caught up with a good friend recently. He’s someone I used to work with back when I was in sales. When I asked him how things were going (he still works with the same company), he wasn’t too cheerful.

“I’m miserable,” he said. “As a company, we no longer take
great care of our customers. And I’m no longer empowered to fix customer problems, which makes it extremely difficult when you’re working hard to build customer loyalty.”

I feel for him. Yet it’s these types of stories that remind me of how good I have it.

As a solo professional, I get to make the rules. I can provide excellent service and value to my clients. I don’t need to ask permission to make something wonderful happen.

I also set my own hours every week. I can work from my patio when the weather is nice. I can work out of a coffee shop if I need a change of atmosphere. And I don’t have to deal with a boss who discourages taking time off.

Yes, life is good when you’re a freelancer… and I’m thankful for that.

Coincidence? I Think Not!

In fact, I’ve come to the realization that the more thankful I am, the more great things I seem to attract.

Not sure how I discovered this. I only remember that one day I decided to add “gratitude” to my morning routine. Rather than focusing on the things I didn’t have, I began to focus on what I DID have.

A loving family. Good health. Freedom and liberty. A beautiful home. A wealth of opportunity.

Not long after that, my career took off. Things began falling into place. A few years later, I launched a freelance business. And I was able to leave my full-time job without missing a beat.

Those Guys Were on to Something

I’m not the only who believes in the power of gratitude. As I looked more into this, I found out that all the great thinkers, philosophers and prophets throughout history made gratitude one of the cornerstones of their teachings.

I realize that this may sound hokey to some. But I guarantee you that if you start making gratitude a way of life, things will only get better for you. You’ll attract more of what you really want.

And you’ll truly become a “wealthy” freelancer… in many more ways than just financially.

We all have much to be thankful for. So if you’re not doing so already, start expressing that deep sense of gratitude today and every day. And let me know how things improve for you.

Ed Gandia is a successful freelance copywriter, marketing consultant, speaker, coach and author.  An expert on the topic of successfully transitioning from employee to solo professional, he took his part-time freelance business from zero to a six-figure income in only 27 months — without sacrificing his paycheck or putting his family’s financial future at risk. 

Ed is the co-founder of TheWealthyFreelancer.com and co-author of The Wealthy Freelancer (Alpha Books).  He also recently established The International Freelancers Academy.

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Yes, I know. The majority (if not all) of you did not start a business because you love tax law and legal fine print. And in the flurry of supporting your current customers, working to add to your client base, taking care of your home and family, and finding some down time for yourself (remember down time?), it’s all too easy to put off the question of incorporating your business.

But as a business owner, the day will come when you inevitably will have to address the legal aspects of your business – and the sooner the better. And, fortunately, the process can be relatively painless and hassle-free. 

But let’s back up a bit. Let’s take a look at why you should incorporate in the first place. I talk to countless small business owners and freelancers who consider themselves too small to worry about incorporation. After all, you don’t have mazes of cubicles…you may not even have any employees. However, incorporation can still be a smart idea even for the self-employed graphic designer or wedding planner. And here’s why:

• It protects your personal assets: Once your business is incorporated, it exists as a separate legal entity. This means that the corporation (and not you, the owner) is responsible for all of its debts and liabilities. Of course, most entrepreneurs don’t start their business expecting to anger clients or default on payments. And most likely, you won’t encounter such problems…however what if a copywriter unintentionally plagiarizes while working on a client’s website? What if your major client fails to pay, making it impossible for you to meet your own obligations? Without incorporation, you, as the owner, can be personally liable in these situations, and this puts your own personal savings, retirement, child’s college fund all at risk.
• It can offer tax benefits: For some individuals and businesses, incorporating can help lower the tax burden. For example, through incorporation, a self-employed contractor could reduce her federal and/or state income taxes by avoiding self-employment taxes. And corporations may be entitled to additional deductions not available to individuals. Of course, specific circumstances vary, and you should consult with a CPA on your particular tax situation.
• It can change your outlook: You’d be amazed at how much adding three little letters (Inc or LLC) after your company name can change the way you approach and perceive your business. And when you’re working from home, you need all the reminders you can get that you’re actually running a business. Plus, marketing studies have shown that adding Incorporated or LLC provides a sense of credibility and trust with current customers and potential customers.

After “Do I need to Incorporate?”, the next question I’m usually asked is “What business structure is right for me?”  It’s a great question…one that I can’t necessarily answer here. But here’s a quick synopsis to get you on the right path: 

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): The LLC is very hot among small businesses right now, and for good reason. It’s a hybrid of a partnership and corporation. It offers liability protection, but with minimal corporate formalities (in a Corporation, you have to pass resolutions and file minutes whenever you want to make a change to the company…this isn’t the case for an LLC).  If you’re the sole owner of your business, the LLC is a great way to protect yourself without adding a lot of corporate bureaucracy. An LLC is considered a pass-through entity when it comes to federal income tax. This means the business itself is not taxed; rather, any business income or loss is reported on your own individual tax return.
• Corporation: The Corporation is the most common form of a for-profit corporate entity. There are actually two types: the S-Corporation and C-Corporation. Like the LLC, the S Corporation is also a pass-through entity for your income taxes. However, the C Corporation is not pass-through and for many small businesses, this can result in ‘double taxation’ where your Company is taxed, and then you’ll also be taxed on any profits/salary you draw from the business.

Unless your business is particularly complex, you should be able to incorporate your business or form an LLC online, without having to retain a business attorney. By working with a legal document filing service, you can represent yourself to create a legal business entity. And in the eyes of the law and IRS, your business structure will be just as valid than if a high-priced attorney sent in the documents for you. 

Of course, when spare seconds seem in short supply, legal fine print and paperwork aren’t exactly high on your priority list. But getting your legal ducks in a row can give you peace of mind and help you avoid any legal pitfalls in years to come.

Nellie Akalp, is the CEO and Founder of CorpNet.com, an incorporation filing service specializing in helping mom entrepreneurs in getting their businesses off the ground quickly and affordably. Whether you need help  incorporating, forming an LLC or filing a DBA, Nellie can help. To learn more visit: CorpNet.com.

An Interview with Jenny Reed

Jenny Reed is a travel specialist and owner of www.OurCruisePlanner.com, a travel resource specializing in cruise and land vacations to destinations worldwide.  In a recent interview, Jenny shared with me her refreshing view on owning a business, being a mom, and making it all work.  Read on to learn more…

Noelle:
What were you doing before you became an entrepreneur?

Jenny:
I majored in marketing and advertising in college and when straight into marketing for a publishing company afterwards.  I moved up the ranks from marketing assistant to marketing director before I decided to purchase a Cruise Planners franchise.  I decided to start a business with the hope that when my husband and I started a family, I could have a home office and some flexibility to be there.  We were always passionate about cruising, so a travel industry business really made sense to us.  

Noelle:
Why did you decide to purchase a franchise over establishing your own travel business?

Jenny:
We did our due diligence before starting our own business and in the end we liked the structure a franchise offered.  By purchasing a franchise, we got the right to use an established franchise name.  We also enjoy greater collective buying power by being part of a large group.  Plus, we get lots of support for our business needs like marketing and accounting.

Noelle:
What is an estimated cost to purchase a franchise like Cruise Planners?

Jenny:
If you are not looking for a brick and mortar travel franchise and you have no prior travel planning experience, I’d estimate the cost to get started is about 8-10k.   There are discounts if you have been in the business.

Noelle:
That sounds reasonable.  Tell me about your transition into the business?  Did you work at it full time from the start?

Jenny:
At first I did it part time.  I took some time to start building the business and to get comfortable with it.  I transitioned into a full time role within six months though.

Noelle:
What were some of your biggest challenges at first?

Jenny:
I’d say marketing was one of the biggest challenges.  But when I started the business, I also faced two unique circumstances.  First, my husband had just been transferred from Georgia to Minneapolis, so I was in a new place with a new business.  Second, my training was originally due to start on September 12, 2001 – the day after 9/11.  It was a real challenge to start a new travel business during such a difficult time in our country.  I’m extremely thankful to be here nine years later.

Noelle:
Wow – nine years is a life time as an entrepreneur!  That’s great.  Have you continued to move around since launching your business?

Jenny:
Yes, my husband and I have moved three times since we started the business.  The good thing is that this type of business is easy to move and it’s meant little disruption to my customers.

Noelle:
That’s great.  I really think one great benefit of owning a service-based business its portability.  I know when I moved from the east coast to Colorado two years ago, I was really glad not to have search for a new job! 

Tell me a little about how you market your business?

Jenny:
Well, it’s really a two-fold strategy.  Before I became a mom, I was a real social bug that did a lot of face to face networking.  So originally I built my business by networking.  However, after I had my son two years ago, I really had to switch gears.  I turned more to social networking.  

I still also do some traditional marketing like direct mail and I have a website and blog.  But much of my business relies on providing great customer service and securing repeat business.

Noelle:
How has the recent economic downturn impacted your business?  I notice on your website you offer some creative options like Job Loss Protection Coverage.

Jenny:
Last year our business was down by 30 percent.  That was average compared to what we were seeing in the industry publications.  We really had to get back to the basics and remember what we did when we first started out.  We watched our budget closely and we took good care of our past customers.  We’re now seeing an up tick in business and we are very thankful for that.  However, consumers have changed.  They are doing a lot more last minute traveling than they did in the past.  This makes business planning difficult for us, but again, we are thankful for the business.

Noelle:
How has becoming a mom impacted your role as an entrepreneur?

Jenny:
Well, once I had a child I really need to tweak my time management skills!  It’s very easy to feel unbalanced as a mompreneur.  You need to realize that every day is different and some will be better than others.  I try to schedule ‘work time’ and ‘time with my son’ everyday – after all I think the most important part of being a mompreneur is being a mom.  I find that everything falls into place when you have your heart in the right place. 

Noelle:
What great insight.  Too often I think we moms try to multi-task meaning we try to do our jobs and take care of our children at the same time.  I personally find that a real recipe for disaster.  I really like how you consciously schedule time for each role.

Jenny:
Yes it works for me.  Plus, technology today has really changed things for mompreneurs.  It can help you stay in touch with your business when you are out and enable you not to feel like you are putting aside one role for another.  It’s especially helpful to me in a business like mine where a customer can have an emergency at any time.

Noelle:
So true. What’s been your biggest surprise about mompreneurship?

Jenny:
Sometimes I really miss the social structure of my former job.  I liked knowing I had friends at work and seeing them every day.  But the upside of being a mompreneur is the flexibility.  Sometimes I am up working at 6 am and sometimes I sleep in and have breakfast with my son.  I no longer have a rigid schedule and it’s great.  Also, since I’ve become a mother – a whole new wonderful world has opened up to me.  It’s great to meet other people in my boat.

Noelle:
I bet it’s also opened of a new market for your – family travel.

Jenny:
Definitely, that is now one of my specialties for sure.

Noelle:
Do you have any advice for aspiring mompreneurs?

Jenny:
I’d say do your research.  Don’t jump into something feet first.  Do your research; hold a focus group; etc.  Also, remember that failures will happen, but they will make you stronger.  The flexibility is really worth it and you need to keep that in mind when things get tough.  If you stop seeing value in the flexibility however, then it might be time to reevaluate and make some changes.

Noelle:
I agree.  That’s great advice.  In closing, tell me about any resources you recommend for mompreneurs.

Jenny:
Well I really like www.themomentrepreneur.com.  I also read a lot of ‘mommy blogs’ – there are ones that offer advice on motherhood and others that offer advice on mommy businesses.  Twitter has also been great for me, especially now that you can make lists.  I’ve made some great connections worldwide on Twitter.

Noelle:
Thanks so much for your time today Jenny.  Please remind us where to find you when we are in need of a vacation!

Jenny:
You can find me at www.OurCruisePlanner.com or contact me toll-free on 1 866 532 7526.  Also, remember that there is no fee to use our services.  We get paid by the vendors we work with – so it’s free to pick our brains and get great travel advice!  Happy travels!

An Interview with Marla Murasko

For most moms, balancing a family and a business is tough stuff. When you add managing the needs of a special needs child to the mix, it’s hard to imagine it could all be possible! That’s why I was so glad to meet special mompreneur, Marla Murasko, who is successfully managing a business, a family and the needs of her special needs son while also building a network for others in her same situation. 

Read on to learn more. I have no doubt you’ll be inspired by her ingenuity and resourcefulness!

Noelle:
What were you doing before you became a mompreneur? 

Marla:
Before I became a mompreneur I worked for Johnson & Johnson in the sales and marketing department for almost 11 years. When my family relocated, I left Johnson & Johnson to become an administrative assistant at a preschool which I absolutely loved! However, I realized that my husband’s job was going to force us to relocate every three to four years and I wasn’t keen on looking for a new job every time we moved, so I began to look for ways I could do what I was doing from a home office.

Noelle:
How did your previous roles impact the businesses you run today?

Marla:
I carried over a lot skills from my former jobs to my current businesses. I learned a lot about marketing and sales being in the those departments. I also learned how to work with people and to address their needs effectively and efficiently. I also like to be creative and to plan things – like events and I enjoy coordinating projects.

Noelle:
What steps did you take in transitioning into a full time freelance virtual assistant?

Marla:
Well, I definitely took my time with the transition. Any big jump like this is scary – and it takes time. I did lots of research on the Internet and before I launched my own business, I actually found a job as a regional administrative assistance for a company based out of California that allowed me to work from home. This was great as I really got the chance to learn what it was like to work from home before actually launching my own business. I realized I could do it and so I did some more online research and stumbled upon the wonderful world of virtual assistants (VA). Then I started ExecuEssential Administrative Services.

Noelle:
Wow, it sounds like you have really spent your time researching the field and that you have a lot of experience in the area now. Are there some resources you can recommend for others interested in learning more about being a VA?

Marla:
Yes, I definitely did my research. Six years ago when I began looking into work from home opportunities, the VA field wasn’t nearly as established as it is now. I really had to look for information. Today there’s a lot more information on the field out there, but I recommend two sites. One is www.vanetworking.com. This is something I am a member of and find value in. The other site is www.vaclassroom.com. This is where I go to keep up with the competition. It offers plenty of great training opportunities. There are many great networking groups that you can join, and social media today makes it very easy to find the information and the training needed to become a small business entrepreneur.

Noelle:
Great! Let’s circle back to a few things you said earlier. You mentioned that your husband’s job requires you to move a lot. Have you been able to keep your clients as you’ve relocated?

Marla:
Well, yes and no. I have some long term clients that I’ve kept for years, but I have found that VA work is very project-oriented – which means clients come and go. I like this about the field because it means that you are always meeting new people and always working on new projects. In a traditional administrative role, that wouldn’t be the case. You’d work with the same people from 9 to 5 everyday and many of your tasks would be repetitive. 

Noelle:
What were the biggest challenges you faced in adjusting to owning your own business?

Marla: 
Owning your own business is fun and exciting, but it’s a lot of hard work.  You basically have to wear all the hats from marketing and sales to being your own IT department (computer person).  It takes a lot of hard work, time and dedication, and it doesn’t come easy.  It can take some people a long time to become “comfortable” working from home.  And the whole concept of social media can either hurt you or help you.  You have to invest and stay fresh with your skills and new technology to stay competitive.

Noelle:
Yes, I agree – it’s really important to stay current in your field, but this can be hard to do when you have limited time and resources. Has the investment been worth it?

Marla:
Definitely. As I stated before you have to have dedication and be really savvy in the “social media” world.  This takes time and money, but in the end, if done correctly, this can offer a real return on your investment.   

Noelle:
That’s great. I too have had to invest time and money in understanding social media. It wasn’t out there 10 to 15 years ago when I started my marketing career! How has mompreneurship impacted your role as a mother?

Marla:
It’s been wonderful. Being a mompreneur allows me to remain creative and driven.  It provides me a real sense of accomplishment. Plus, as a mom of a special needs child, it really gives me the flexibility I need to take my son to therapy, doctor appointments, school, etc. It would be very hard in a 9 to 5 environment to get the time off needed for all the therapy required. It’s very rewarding.

However, there are whole new set of needs that come up when you run your own business, and I don’t think people are aware of this when they decide to start a business from home!  You have to be extremely disciplined to succeed.

Noelle:
Oh, I couldn’t agree more. I think people think they are going to have a lot more free time when they start working from home, but in reality you take on so much more when you have your own business – I think you can easily wind up with less free time!  What in your opinion is the biggest time sucker?

Marla:
I’d say it’s promoting yourself. I can easily get the work done for my clients, but effectively promoting my business can be tough! When you have your own business, you have to be constantly promoting yourself which is a pressure you don’t have in a 9 to 5 job. 

Noelle:
Yes, it can be extremely draining, and personally I think its one reason many small businesses fail. Sales and marketing are a lot harder than people think they are! What words of advice do you have for other aspiring mompreneurs?

Marla:
Be realistic with yourself. Be clear on how much time and money you are willing to commit to your venture and be honest about the level of passion you have for the venture. You need to be true to yourself – if you’re just starting a business so you can work from home and your heart really isn’t in it – you will fail. There has to be a real passion and a real commitment.

Noelle:
Speaking of passion, tell me a little about your new venture, Special Mompreneurs^TM.

Marla:
Sure! Being a small business entrepreneur and a mother of special needs child, I have a real passion to empower other moms that are looking to start a business.  I have learned that getting advice and support from people who “wear the same shoes as you”, makes it is easier for you to be honest and more receptive, as you know they can relate to your everyday struggles.  So, as an advocate for special needs children, I have also become an advocate for the mothers who love and care for these children.  I want them to realize that they too can become a small business entrepreneur if that is a dream they want to pursue. 

Noelle:
Why did you start the group?

Marla:
I started the group because I found that although there were a lot of great networking groups for mompreneurs, these sites didn’t have what I needed from a ‘special mom’s perspective’. I wanted advice on how to manage my time and my clients while also dealing with the needs of my special needs child. And, when I went to sites focused on the special needs themselves, such as sites covering downs syndrome or autism, I wasn’t finding the information I needed from a business perspective.  When I didn’t find what I was looking for, I started my own site!

Noelle:
That’s great. What can members expect to find on the site?

Marla:
Special Mompreneurs^TM is is a “one-stop shop” online community of Mompreneurs, who have started their own businesses while staying home to care for a special needs child.  We provide inspiration, support and share our experiences both personally and professionally.  We respect and value each other.  Being a member of Special Mompreneurs brings real benefits.  You can come to one place, find information about special needs, network with other moms, and learn ways to run a business.  We provide an e-commerce shop of products, an e-learning campus and a panel of advisors that you can reach out to for advice.

Noelle:
I think it’s wonderful and I think you have stumbled upon an important niche. I am so glad to be working with you and the moms in your group!  How can other interested mompreneurs get involved?

Marla:
Go to my site at http://marlamurasko.com/special-mompreneurs/ and become a member.  We offer a 30 day free trial membership so that you can experience what being a member of Special Mompreneurs is all about before you join.

Noelle:
In addition to your site, what other resources do you recommend for mompreneurs?

Marla:
I have two that are my favorites.  One is the www.themomentrepreneur.com and the other is www.twittermoms.com.

Noelle:
Thanks so much for your time today Marla! I think you are a huge inspiration for other aspiring mompreneurs!

I understand that many moms choose to launch their own businesses so that they can physically spend more time with their kids. A lot of the moms I interviewed for my book, The Smart Mompreneur, felt this way and several commented that putting their kids in a traditional daycare setting of any sort would completely undermine this goal. I respect this viewpoint, but I also strongly feel that whether you’re looking to run a part-time or a full-time business, you can’t be successful if you constantly have kids screaming in the background, wreaking havoc and running into your office every five minutes!

The reality is that small children are not going to keep quiet during business calls or take naps when you want to get work done. So if small children are a factor in your life, you should start thinking about childcare options as early as possible. You should also be sure to factor any potential childcare costs into your projected monthly income and expense projections.  But, the good news is that when you work for yourself and have lots of flexibility, you can often get very creative and arrange childcare for a minimal cost or no cost at all!

When my first daughter was a newborn, I shared a nanny with another freelancer. This option afforded me an extreme level of care at a fraction of the traditional cost. Now that she is older, I’ve enrolled her in daycare three days a week. I found a great retiree that watches my younger daughter at her home while my older daughter is in school. She charges me less than a traditional nanny would since I bring my daughter to her home AND I now have my home office to myself three days a week!

This type of arrangement may or may not work for you, but I will say that these arrangements have consistently provided me with three days per week of quiet, uninterrupted time to focus on my business. On the days that my kids are home with me, I often check e-mail, schedule calls and complete urgent tasks during their naps, but for the most part, I try to limit my work to the days when I have reliable childcare.

Again, what works for me may or may not work for you, so I’m also providing you with a few other creative childcare options to consider:

Create a childcare co-op. A childcare co-op is basically a group of work-at-home parents that swap child-care duties. If you chose this option, keep track of the hours that you watch each child and make sure that everybody gets their fair amount of time. The benefit of this option is that you get free childcare. The downside is that you can’t work while you are watching other people’s children.

Organize a mom-swap. Instead of many people working together within a co-op, a mom-swap is basically you and a friend trading off childcare days. If you chose this option, make sure you set clear boundaries, so neither of you takes advantage of the other. It would also help if your kids get along well. If they don’t, this could be a nightmare.

Share a sitter with a friend. Have a sitter watch both of your children at the same time and split the costs. Here again, make sure that you communicate with your friend to avoid complications.

Barter services in exchange for child care. Pay the person caring for child with your services, rather then your money!

Locate an affordable mother’s morning out program. Many churches offer these programs, and you can enroll in more than one!

Regardless of the option(s) you choose, the bottom line is its important to be sure your children are cared for during the time you plan to work. Spread the word that you are looking for childcare and survey all your options. It may take some time and energy, but your investment will pay off when you find the best and most affordable childcare.

Do you have a creative childcare strategy to share?  Post your comments here!  I’ll also collate the information into a future post and send the mom with the most creative solution a $20 Starbucks card!

Lucky for us! When Traci couldn’t find just the right online networking group for her, she started her own site, The Mom Entrepreneur. Today this site is where mompreneurs in the know go for tips, advice and resources on balancing motherhood and running a business.

Read on to learn more…

Moms Helping Moms

An Interview with Traci Bisson

Noelle:
What initially led you to become an entrepreneur?

Traci:
I didn’t purposely set out to be an entrepreneur. In August 2000, the company I had been employed by for 5 years suddenly went out of business. This happened just 8 weeks after I returned from maternity leave – so the timing really could not have been worse. I was broke and unsure what to do but I had always loved to write and so I decided to try to make a go of being a freelance writer.

Noelle:
Wow, sometimes losing your job is the push you need to convince yourself its time to pursue a passion. How were your first months in business?

Traci:
It was tough at first. I spent my meager savings, a total of $18.49, on nice stationary from Staples and launched Bisson Barcelona, a freelance writing and marketing/public relations agency. I found a good niche to service – writers and authors – and ventured very deep into this industry. 

Things were pretty stable until 2008, when I began to experience a lot of financial difficulties. It was a scary time and I began looking for ways to network with other mompreneurs who might be experiencing similar challenges. But, since I had small children and really didn’t have the ability to get out of my house, I decided to focus on online networking opportunities.

Noelle:
What type of opportunities did you find back in 2008?

Traci:
Back then I found bits and pieces, of what I was looking for, but not the entire package, so I started trying to put together my own group of mompreneurs. I tried organizing a small local group, but that failed. I don’t think mompreneurs have the time to physically get together and that’s why networking online makes so much sense.

Noelle:
I agree. I was reading recently that mompreneurs are really unique in the way they network and support one another. I am not sure people fully realized this a few years back though, so I think you were a real crusader!

Traci:
Yes, I guess you could say that. In the last couple of years, more communities for mompreneurs have popped up, but I think we are one of the only groups doing things the way we do it.

Noelle:
Have you always been into networking?

Traci:
Yes! Before I had kids I was a networking queen, I would go anywhere, at anytime, and meet with anyone and everyone! But after kids, it just wasn’t possible. Networking events always conflicted with a feeding schedule or a bus schedule or something. Online networking worked for me, and I guess I knew it would work for other mothers as well.

Noelle:
What can mompreneurs find on your site today?

Traci:
It’s really grown. It started out as a blog, but now there is a networking group and a co-op shop as well as tons of other resources.

Noelle:
It’s a really great site and I have personally found it really useful. What has been your biggest challenge in starting your own business?

Traci:
Oh, there have been so many! Balancing motherhood and a business is probably the biggest, but I’ve also had to deal with breaking up with a business partner and incurring great debt, yet I’m still here! The most important thing is that you learn from your mistakes and that you get wiser about where you go in business. 

One important thing I learned as I went through some recent challenges is that marketing and public relations isn’t my passion. What I am doing with the mompreneurs is.

Noelle:
That’s great. I think every entrepreneur has an easier time when they are truly passionate about what they are doing. How has mompreneurship impacted your role as a mother? I think that there’s a myth that when you have your own business or you work from home, you will have a lot more free time.  What do you think?

Traci:
Well, I don’t think I have more time with my kids on the whole, but I definitely have more quality time with them. I also have a lot of flexibility, and that is great.

Noelle:
How do you balance motherhood and a business?

Traci:
I try to train my clients and pick the right ones to begin with!  It’s really important to have some structure. I have a message on my phone listing my office hours and indicating how long it will take me to return a call. That way my clients know what to expect.

I’m also really clear with my family – as to when they get me and when I need to be working. And, I am really lucky to have a great support group.  My husband, my brother and my mother all really help out.

Noelle:
Yes, support is so key. And if you don’t have immediate family nearby, like me, you really need to get creative in building out a support network.  What’s been your biggest surprise about mompreneurship?

Traci:
I am not sure there have been any big surprises, but I guess I’d say I was surprised by the overwhelming sense of freedom I felt when I left the corporate world behind. It felt like a huge sigh of relief to stop “working for the “man”.

Noelle:
Oh, I agree.  Some days I really can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to make a living and enjoy such great freedom and flexibility. Do you have any advice for aspiring mompreneurs?

Traci:
I say if you are interested in being a mompreneur, go ahead and take the leap of faith! It’s kind of like what you hear when you are thinking about having a child. You can’t really read all you need to know in a book and you can’t fully prepare for it financially. You just need to go for it. Street knowledge really comes in handy.

I’d also say be sure to find some local support groups and get some business counseling. It’s really important to have an external team of people you can check in with. 

Noelle:
Again, support really is key, especially when you are just getting started. I remember being full of self doubt when I was starting my business. I had some friends and colleagues that were real naysayers, but once I surrounded myself with the right group of women, women who had been there and done that, I began to believe I could succeed, and I did!

Are you seeing any trends in the market? If I am a mom looking to become self employed, where should I look?

Traci:
I’m seeing a lot of moms migrate to the virtual assistant industry. If you are a good multi-tasker, which many moms are, it’s an easy business to get started. And, based on your experience and knowledge, there is very likely a large target market for services.

I’m also seeing a great uptick in women getting into what I call “hobby businesses”. These are businesses you can start from home, like selling candles, Avon, or Send Out Cards. There is a whole system there and you are given great support and guidance. With all that structure its easy to be successful.

Noelle:
That’s a great idea. I so often think about service businesses being the easiest to start, I hadn’t really thought about hobby businesses. They really are great for moms!

In closing, tell me about some resources besides The Mom Entrepreneur, that you recommend for mompreneurs. 

Traci:
Well, www.themomentrepreneur.com, is my favorite of course, but I also like Laura Galloway’s site, www.mombizcoach.com. She is a great business coach. She also has a radio show and a bunch of great videos on her site. And, I like Heather Allard’s site, www.themogulemom.com.  She interviews a lot of great guests and features good business advice.  Finally, when it comes to navigating the social networking scene in general, I love Chris Brogan too, www.chrisbrogan.com. I love social media and he is a real thought leader in this area. 

Noelle:
Thanks so much for your time today Traci and thanks for all you do for the mompreneurs of the world!

Lately, I’ve been collecting ideas on how to build and market my own business, and I thought I’d start sharing tips on free marketing and educational opportunities on this site. Here are a few I noticed over the past week. Check back soon for more!

Have A Story You Want to Share With Other Moms In Business?
Maybe you learned something you think others should know, or maybe you are an expert in a specific area and want to share your advice with other mom business owners. Write for Marketmommies.com! We are looking for moms to contribute to Marketmommies.com. We already have a great group of moms already at work – but would love to hear your story. Email: info@marketmommies.com, if you are interested in contributing!

Is your company Buzz Worthy?
Do you have a product/service that you feel is filling a niche in the market? How is your product different from your competition? For my Daily Buzz free PR newsletter, I write a post every Tuesday called Buzz Worthy. I’m looking for companies to showcase so let me know if your company has the right stuff to be featured on Buzz Worthy. And it helps if you are a Daily Buzz member. Sign up at here and shoot me an email once you receive your first Daily Buzz by simply replying to it. And spread the word about Build-A-Buzz.

Win a Trip to the Super Mom Entrepreneur Conference & Expo
The Super Mom Entrepreneur Conference & Expo will be held on 10/30/10 in NYC at The New Yorker Hotel.  Whether you are an experienced mom entrepreneur, one who is just starting out, or a mom entrepreneur to be, this conference has got you covered.

In an effort to give more mothers an opportunity to experience the inspirational and transforming event, conference speakers and mom entrepreneurs Mindee Doney and Julie Pickens, the co-inventors of Boogie Wipes, are offering an all expenses paid trip to one lucky mom entrepreneur. All interested moms, whether they have a successful business, are a new start-up, or are thinking of starting a business down the road, are eligible to enter.

To be considered, visit the Boogie Moms’ blog between July 1st and September 1st, fill out the form and tell them a bit about your business or business idea, your goals, and how the Super Mom Entrepreneur conference would benefit you. The winner will be chosen by The Boogie Moms and will receive an all expenses paid trip, including airfare to the conference (from anywhere in the Continental US or Canada), lodging for two nights, conference registration fees, and two hours of business consulting time with Mindee and Julie, The Boogie Moms.

Accountant
Adoption Agency
Advertising Agency
Advertising Sales Representative
Animal Breeder
Antiques Dealer
Apartment Preparation Service
Artists’/Photographers’ Agent
Arts Festival Promoter
Association Management Service
Auctioneer
Auditor
Automotive Detailing
Automotive Loan Broker
Automotive Maintenance
Automotive Paint Touch-Up Professional
Band Manager
Bankruptcy Service
Bartending Service
Bartering Service
Bed & Breakfast
Bicycle Rental
Boat Maintenance/Cleaning Service
Book Indexer
Book Packager
Bookkeeper
Bridal Consultant
Bridal Show Promoter
Building Maintenance Service
Business Broker
Business Form Production and Sales
Business Networking Service
Business Plan Writer
Cake Decorator
Calligrapher
Career Counselor
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning
Catalog Retailer
Caterer
Childbirth Instructor
Child-Care Referral Service
Collectibles Broker
Collection Agency
College Application Consultant
College Internship Placement Service
Color Consultant
Commercial Cleaning Service
Commercial Photographer
Commercial Plant Watering Service
Computer Consultant
Computer Maintenance Service
Computer Programmer/Database Consultant
Computer Trainer
Concert Promoter
Consulting Engineer
Cooking Instructor
Corporate Art Consultant
Counselor/Psychologist
Courier Service
Credit Consultant
Damage Restoration Service
Dating Service
Day-Care Service (Child or Adult)
Desktop Publisher
Digital Imaging Service
Disability Consultant
Disc Jockey
Dog Trainer
Doll Repair Service
Draftsperson
e-Book Publisher
Efficiency Expert
Electrical Contractor
Employee Benefits Consultant
Employee Leasing
Engraving Service
Envelope Stuffing Service
Etiquette Advisor
Event Planner
Executive Search Firm
Fan Club Management
Fax-on-Demand Service
Feng Shui Consultant
Financial Aid Consultant
Financial Planner
First Aid/CPR Instructor
Food Item Manufacturer
Framing Service
Freelance Writer/Copyeditor/Illustrator
Gardening Consultant/Landscaper
Genealogical Service
Gerontology Consultant
Gift Basket Business
Government Contract Consulting
Grant Writer
Graphic Designer
Hairstylist
Handbill Distribution
Handyman Network
Home Business Consultant
Home Entertainment System Service
Home Health Care Service
Home Inspector
Home Preparation Service
Homeschooling Consultant
Image Consultant
Incorporation Service for Businesses
Insurance Agent
Interior Designer
Jewelry Designer
Knitting/Crocheting Instructor
Lactation Consultant
Laundry Service
Lawn Care Service
Lawyer
Licensing Agent
Literary Agent
Litigation Management Service
Magician
Mailing List Service
Makeup Artist
Management Consultant
Manicurist
Manufacturer’s Representative
Marketing Consultant
Massage Therapist
Meal to Go
Mediator
Medical Claims Processing
Medical Transcriptionist
Meeting Planner
Message Retrieval Serivce
Messenger Service
Mobile Paper-Shredding Service
Modeling Agency
Monogramming Service
Mortgage Loan Broker
Mover
Multilevel Marketing
Music Instructor/Professional Musician
Mystery Shopper
Nanny Service
Newspaper Delivery Service
Notary Public
Online Auction Consignment Service
Online Marketing Specialist
Online Message Board Manager
Online Retailer
Online Service Consultant
Outdoor Adventures
Outplacement Serivce
Paging Service
Party Planner
Personal Assistant
Personal Development Coach
Personal Instructor/Fitness Trainer
Personal Shopper
Pet Grooming
Political Campaign Manager
Pool Maintenance
Printing Broker
Private Tutor
Product Designer
Professional Organizer
Property Management Service
Public Pay Phone Service
Public Relations Consultant
Publisher of Personalized Children’s Books
Rare Book Dealer
Real Estate Broker
Relocation Consultant
Repair Service
Resume Service
Retirement Planner
Reunion Organizer
Roommate Referral Service
Rubber Stamp Business
Sales of Novelty and Promotional Products
Sales Representative
Sales Trainer
Seamstress
Secretarial Service
Seminar Service
Silk Flower Arranger
Small Business Consultant
Standardized Test Preparatory Services
Stock Photography Service
Systems Integrator
Tax Preparation Service
Telemarketing Service
Temporary Employment Agency
Ticket Broker
Time-Management Specialist
Trademark Agent
Translation Services
Travel Agent
Upholsterer
Used Computer Sales
Vacation Rentals Broker
Vacuum Cleaner Repair
Vending Machine Service
Videographer
Web Site Developer
Window Treatment Specialist
Word-Processing Service
Workers’ Compensation Consultant

Holly is a true inspiration for moms struggling to translate their traditional career skills into a creative service-based business.  She has successfully taken the important research skills she gained during her years as a nurse and converted them into a business that helps other women start their own businesses. 

Read on to learn more.

From Nursing to Networking

An Interview with Holly Reisem Hanna

Noelle:

How did you decide to start The Work at Home Woman?  What were you doing beforehand that led you to this idea?

Holly:

I didn’t initially start out wanting to be an entrepreneur.  Before my first daughter was born in 2007, I had a full time job as an RN Clinical Research Coordinator.  But, from the minute my daughter was placed in my arms, I knew that I would not be able to return to my full-time job.  I decided at that point to become a full-time stay a home mom. 

However, after 9 months as a stay at home mom I got motivated to find a way to make some extra money from home.  I started asking past employers and friends if there was any work that I could do for them while caring for my daughter at home.  My networking efforts paid off and in December 2007, I started working from home by completing marketing research, establishing joint ventures and working as a social network liaison for a small publishing company that a friend was working for. 

Noelle:

Wow. So ‘The Work at Home Woman’ website wasn’t actually your first business!

Holly:

Not actually!  During the time I spent looking for work at home opportunities I learned a lot of valuable marketing skills and became very familiar with the work at home market.  This knowledge motivated me to find a way to help other women and mothers find work at home opportunities, so I decided to create the ‘The Work at Home Woman’ website.  Today, I still do some work as a social network liaison in addition to running the site.

Noelle:

What a great idea you had!  The site is truly a great resource for women looking for work at home opportunities.  How long did it take you to put together ‘The Work at Home Woman’ website?

Holly:

It took me 16 months to launch the site.  I launched it on March 19, 2009 and I have been growing the business ever since.

Noelle:

Super!  You mentioned however that you still working part time as a social networking liaison.  I think it’s important that people realize you are essentially working two jobs at once while the site is in its start-up phase.  Sometimes that is what you need to do!

Holly:

For sure, but I’m passionate about building a career from this site and it’s worth the extra work.

Noelle:

How will you generate income from the site?

Holly:

I did a lot of research on how to make money with a website, and I think advertising and affiliate marketing are the best way to generate income from a website.

Noelle:

Well, that’s awesome.  Have you replaced your former income with your new businesses?

Holly:

I haven’t yet replaced my former salary, but I am also not working as much as I used to.  I have income coming in, and although it may not be as much as I want it to be, I think the most important thing is that I enjoy what I do!

Noelle:

So true! What has been your biggest challenge as a mompreneur?

Holly:

The biggest challenge is certainly having enough time!  I have a busy two year old to keep up with!

Noelle:

How do you manage childcare?  I know that’s a great concern to the aspiring mompreneurs I work with.

Holly:

I build my work schedule around my daughter’s schedule.  I always try to spend some time working before she wakes up.  I also do additional work while she naps.  However, as she gets older, her schedule continues to change, and I am currently evaluating a Mother’s Morning Out program that would give me set number of hours to work two days per week.

Mompreneurs with young children need to know that their children’s routines will constantly change.  It’s important to remain flexible and modify your work habits as you go.  

Noelle:

I agree.  What’s been your biggest surprise about mompreneurship?

Holly:

I’ve been really surprised that I don’t miss the social interaction I had during my former career as much as I thought I would.  My current business gives me the opportunity to interact with so many moms both online and in person.  I also really enjoy working from home.  I can get so much done in a short period of time without the interruptions!

One thing that isn’t is a surprise, is that I got rid of a major commute and I don’t miss that at all!

Noelle:

Ha!  I’m so glad to hear you don’t feel you are lacking social interaction as a work from home mom.  One of the things we mention in our book is that working at home can get lonely, but it’s great to see that you have been able to avoid that through aggressive networking.  Do you have any final advice for aspiring mompreneurs?

Holly:

Sure.  Now is a great time to start a work from home business.  There are plenty of great opportunities out there.  Some hot industries include virtual assistants, copy writers and social network marketing consultants.  If it’s your goal to launch a work from home business, do one thing to move that goal ahead today!

Noelle:

Thanks Holly!  I encourage all readers interested in starting a work at home business to visit your website today.