I want to share a little bit about what’s transpired over this last year since I launched Metromom. It’s just one year ago that I put 1,000 letters into the mailbox setting them free for the world to hear about my exciting new launch.

I remember that it was one year ago because it’s the day that we were leaving for Martha’s Vineyard., and we always leave the week before July 4^th. At 4:30 in the morning, my daughter and I stood before a mailbox and said a beautiful prayer as we set these 1,000 letters out into the universe. I was letting my friends and family know my vision, and I was beginning a thrilling journey..

It’s interesting to reflect on the words I used to describe a Metromom – a “driven, evolving woman” – because I see how my business has been evolving from the very beginning. There have been a few major shifts (or maybe leap is the better word) along the way I’d like to share with you…

Leap #1 – Opening my doors to a wider community

In that letter I sent out a year ago I explained how I’d created an online community – The Metromom Direct Sales Association – for all women in direct sales businesses to receive training, promote themselves, and connect with other like-minded women. But within a month, I was receiving queries from women who were not in direct sales. They were approaching me saying, “I’m a graphic designer.” “I’m a realtor.” “I’m a coach.” “I’m not in a direct sales business, but I really love what you’re doing. I’d love to be a part of what you’re doing. Would that be possible?”

Another thing happened at this same time. I received a letter from the Direct Selling Association of Washington, DC. They were not happy with the association name I’d chosen – The Metromom Direct Sales Association. They thought I was infringing on their name. I spoke with my lawyer who said, “Kim, we probably could fight it, but is it worth it?” that was an eye-opening moment for me. I thought, “You know what? I really would love to serve entrepreneurial women in general.”

I happily gave up the name of The Metromom Direct Sales Association and swapped it for The Metromom Entrepreneur’s Association. The time had come to open my doors to a wider community of women.

Leap #2 – Acknowledging my voice as a mom

When I first launched Metromom, I had a male coach who said, “Kim, I don’t really get it. Every time you talk about your company called Metromom, you talk about women, but you never use the word ‘mom’ in the description. Why are you not using the word ‘mom’? Your company is MetroMOM.” I had excuses but no good answer at the time.

I soon realized that I can’t look at the world any other way than as an entrepreneurial mom. I have three kids and everything that I do is based on how I want it to work for me as a woman juggling my business and my children. My experiences are now colored through the eyes of a mother’s lenses. I don’t know how to do it any differently and more importantly I realized that I don’t want to do it any differently.

The truth is I don’t exclude women who are not moms from joining Metromom, but the voice with which I speak is going to be that of one who is a true Metromom, a driven mother looking to balance her work and family on her own terms. Once I stepped into that place, all of a sudden my writing was more fun and more authentic. In fact I was creating A LOT of content which leads to another shift…

Leap #3 – Time to become THE resource for mom entrepreneurs

About six months after going live my web designer approached me and said, “Kim, you know what? I know we just designed this great site, but I think it needs to change again. You’ve got so much content and so much available to these women, but it’s kind of hard to find. It’s buried within the site. I’d really love to see you feature more people in your role as a connector and get all your great resource material out in front.”

I had honestly never envisioned that. Who would’ve thought of me as the content queen especially when writing isn’t easy for me? With the help of my collaborative copywriter, I really had become a huge resource for content on marketing, mindset and motherhood. We set about to re-launch the site creating a much different, interactive, content-rich site than it was back in July of 2008.

Leap #4 – The “Get It Done Girl” emerges

When I initially launched Metromom, part of the vision for me was to reflect how much I enjoy connecting with other women. I felt really comfortable in my role as a great “connector”. Through some pretty great coaching I experienced back in February, I was also able to acknowledge that I’m also an incredible “implementer”. I really do get things done quickly.

I emerged from that coaching session as the “Get It Done Girl”. I stepped into that and owned it. All of a sudden I realized my language started to shift. A good friend of mine said, “Kim, I feel like your DNA has shifted, your whole posture has changed.”

With this renewed sense of confidence I was able to tackle some monumental tasks. The first one was implementing my site redesign. I didn’t know how to execute it but I had great clarity about the experience I wanted my visitors to have and I pulled together brilliant people who knew how to implement my ideas.

I was simultaneously putting together the Metromom Online Success Telesummit that went live in May. That event was a great combination for me as connector plus implementer. I gathered together amazing experts to provide the content I’d learned that my community of Metromoms really wanted and needed to support them in their business growth.

With these huge leaps you’d think that I’d settle into a groove. Not a chance! I have some great new programs I’m rolling out shortly because of a whole other shift I’ve recently taken. I’ll share more in an upcoming blog…

I’ve been able to move my company authentically in the right direction and serve that entrepreneurial mom because she is me. She is so many other women that I know and love. It’s easy to think of her and make sure I’m doing my best to provide her with content, resources and programs that serves her in a way that works for her.

As I relax this week with my family on Martha’s Vineyard I can look forward to another great year! A big thank you to all of you that have supported me along the way!

I read a really interesting article in the New York Times entitled “Direct Sales as a Recession Fallback.” According to this article many direct sales companies report rising numbers of sellers signing up. The spokeswoman for the Direct Selling Association said that’s typical in recessionary years. Why?

The article said people use their earnings to pay off debts or as a way to bring in cash while they — or their spouses — look for jobs. Also, if you want to start a home-based business, the start-up costs for direct sales are usually fairly minimal.

I believe direct sales to be a smart option in ANY economy. Here are the five reasons I see women drawn to direct sales as a career option:

1. MONEY – Direct sales gives us the ability to meet and establish our own financial goals – whether that’s a few hundred dollars a month or a more substantial income.

2. CONTROL – Direct sales allows us to control our careers. Instead of just a JOB, we enjoy something more meaningful. You can also work around your family’s schedule.

3. FUN – There are over 30 industries represented in direct sales, so there is certainly something to fit your interests – from books, to finances, to travel, to gourmet food, to wellness products, to scrapbooking… Many of us also love the chance to share our products through “parties” and gatherings.

4. BEING OF SERVICE – As women when we find a solution to a problem we naturally want to share it with others and direct sales helps us to do that while we make a profit.

5. PRODUCTS – Direct sales allows us to get our products at a reduced price and/or make a commission for sharing something we’d happily buy anyway. (Here’s an extra perk, products moved through direct sales, like jewelry, cosmetics or home décor items, are often considered recession-resistant because most are priced under $50.)

Why should you care about your reasons? Knowing what motivates you is a key factor in your success. Read more in my article Unique Home-Based Business Opportunity in Direct Sales.

Women in direct sales – please share what you DO and DON’T like about direct sales. Also, what impact on your direct sales business have you seen by the economic slowdown?

Honestly, I have made every single one of these 7 Deadly Sins. Thankfully, I developed “direct sales savvy” which has motivated me to share what I learned.

This is one of my favorite topics to speak about! Why? Because I realize that all someone in direct sales needs to be successful is recognize these “Seven Sins” and then make very small but positive changes. To hear my presentation, there are several opportunities coming up (some live, some virtual).

I’m looking forward to presenting live at two Women for Hire Expos:

· Work From Home Expo Dallas

• This Saturday, 03/21/2009
• 10am – 2pm
• Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre

· Work From Home Expo Atlanta

• 04/04/2009
• Saturday, 10am – 2pm
• Cobb Galleria

Women For Hire was founded by Tory Johnson –a truly inspirational entrepreneur with a passion for helping women be successful. If you’re looking for smart ways to supplement your income or you want to find an alternative to the cubicle and the commute this Women For Hire’s Work From Home Expo is a must-attend for you.

I’m also going to be interviewed about the “Seven Sins” at the upcoming teleseminar series for home party professionals – The Direct Sales SUPER Summit on March 22-April 4, 2009. This educational and empowering summit created by Lisa Young will give you a chance to learn from the very best in the industry.

If you want to learn more about the “Seven Sins”, you can also check out my action guide – The Seven Deadly Sins Women in Direct Sales Make and How to Avoid Them. Trust me – avoiding these sins is easy once you know what they are! The beauty of direct sales it that once you get your business headed in the right direction your successes truly multiply.

I highly recommend that you have your own website. It doesn’t need to be expensive but it does need to establish a relationship with your visitor – right away. Don’t be generic in your approach!

For example, I’ve noticed a lot of mom entrepreneurs who are in direct sales businesses have a "self-replicating" website. When I was just getting started with my direct sales company, I had a self-replicating website, but it was incredibly generic. Yes, it was a way to get in touch with me, but it wasn’t a way for anybody to get to know me.

If you do have a self-replicating website, you can still create your own site. It can be something with a catchy domain name or it can just be your name. In fact, the two websites can work together. You can first direct people to your own personal website and that can then link them to your company’s website.

"Come to this site to learn a little bit about me, who I am and why I do what I do. And by the way, click on this link to learn about my company’s products and how I can support you in learning more about those products."

If you already have a website, make sure it…

- Communicates who you are and what makes you unique.
- Is clear about the services you offer right on your home page.
- Reflects a design that integrates your style with what your target market likes.

Michelle PW wrote a great blog on How Your Personality Can Grow Your Business that you should check out, because no one wants a boring website!

Many people make a big mistake by investing a lot of time and money into creating a beautiful website and then they stop there. There are additional tools you need to utilize to maximize the benefits of your site…more on these MUST HAVE tools in my next post.

If you want to learn A LOT more about harnessing the power of your website you can learn more at the Metromom Online Success Telesummit. #mtmm09

This article is the first in a series about Online Success.

Earlier this month, I had a great opportunity to be of service as I hosted my first live event and I wanted to share the positive results enjoyed by everyone who participated. My intention in creating this event was to educate local women about various work-at-home opportunities (specifically in direct sales) and help them sift through their options.

Knowing the financial stress many women are feeling in this challenging economy, combined with seemingly endless work-at-home options, as well as a fear of scams many are paralyzed about what to do next. I wanted to provide a reliable resource of information.

Since I have so many connections with women I quickly assembled a panel of six women who have successful careers in a variety of direct sales businesses across six different industries. On February 1st we got together and the panel shared information about various direct sales opportunities – how they work, how they’ve made it work as mothers and how to get started.

Throughout the process of publicizing the event, I kept focusing on my intention of providing great information and education to women who really needed it. I really feel like we accomplished our goal.

Participants listened to candid stories on how the panelists moved from corporate careers to home-based with success. There was great “transparency” and truth about their challenges. They expanded their breadth of knowledge and now have direct access to the panelists for future conversations.

Panelists had the opportunity to meet 30 new prospective clients and partners, as well as the connections forged with the other dynamic panelists. They also learned from other panelists what they’re doing successfully in their businesses that they might be able to apply.

As for myself, I benefited as well, in a very big way. I had the opportunity to generate great local publicity for Metromom as a resource that supports women and also position myself for a greater national platform. I connected some great women together – which is always fun for me -and can now see what comes of those relationships.

Since I love sharing I’m working on another great educational opportunity for entrepreneurial moms on a nationwide level that promises to be BIG. Stay tuned for the details in my free ezine.

As women entrepreneurs in general (and those who may be in direct sales specifically) we often have to make presentations to potential customers and/or partners. How can you ensure that you’re putting your best self forward? What’s the best way to present yourself clearly and authentically? Learn nine presentation tips that will help you enjoy giving presentations and establish long-term relationships with prospects.

 

 How to Present Yourself and Your Business with a Clear, Authentic Voice [Metromom Podcast] [6:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Discover tips and advice on how to be successful – on your own terms – as a mom working from home, subscribe below to our FREE bi-weekly newsletter – Direct Connect.

As a gift you’ll receive a special report, “5 Surprising Secrets Every Mom Entrepreneur Must Know.”

These secrets are surprising because they challenge the status-quo on what it really takes to be successful as a mom AND an entrepreneur.

http://www.metromom.com/fivesecrets

The right kind of partners make all the difference when it comes to direct sales success. So how do you go about finding these ideal customers and partners? Learn the three steps to get yourself out in the world AND give yourself the opportunity to connect effectively.

Learn from some of the mistakes I made in my direct sales business – so that you don’t have to. Click here to learn more.

 

 Three Steps to Help You Find Direct Sales Partners [Metromom Podcast] [5:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Learn how women, specifically entrepreneurial moms, who account for over 75% of the direct sales force in the US, find direct sales to be a perfect fit for their unique circumstances and priorities.

 

 Top 5 Reasons Entrepreneurial Moms Love A Home-Based Direct Sales Business [Metromom Podcast] [6:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I’m seeing a frenzy within Twitter and Facebook to “amass” friends. Yes, it’s nice to have great groups of followers. However, can we really touch these “friends” personally? With how many do we end up forming a true connection?

Connecting with one person, when it’s the right person, can be the beginning of a relationship that blossoms and grows. These relationships are invaluable and require the right intention to grow. I prefer the “farmer”, versus the “hunter” approach in networking.

A farmer has a patient, highly visible approach to networking desiring collaboration and development versus the hunter approach of hit-and-run prospecting that’s more focused on closing and acquisition.
Farmers value…

1. Long-term Relationships
2. Nurturing
3. Growing
4. Collaboration
5. Building
6. Loyalty
7. Creating champions
8. Customer advocacy
9. Development

In today’s business climate, people–especially women–want to buy, but don’t want to be sold to. The farmer approach is an excellent long-term strategy if you want to build a loyal customer base. I appreciate that it allows me to watch the seeds of connection grow and blossom.