As an entrepreneur it’s so important to have a network of people you can turn to when you have questions. By getting other people involved in your business success, you’ll not only get answers to your questions, you’ll be inspired by their ideas.

You truly empower yourself when you involve people that will both cheer you on and provide valuable knowledge – people who can show you the “how”.

What if you don’t feel like you have enough people in your life that can give you the support you need? This is a big issue for mom entrepreneurs because we’re home alone and it’s difficult to find the business support we’re looking for. I believe there’s no need to go it alone as mom entrepreneurs are very generous in their support.

I recently had a Metromom in my community approach me on the side and say, “Kim, I’m really struggling. I have a full-time business and a direct sales business that is just not where I want it to be. Times are tough economically, and it’s just not working as I want it to.”

This woman opened herself up to me in a very vulnerable way. Because I understood her situation, I was able to connect her with other women I believed could support her. One of these women got her to think about something professionally that was completely out of the box.

This new idea caused me to say, “Aha. I can make another connection for you.” Together we were creating a spider web of new connections for her. It was such a glorious experience to watch and realize she had tapped into a handful of other people who could provide great support for her.

This story really emphasizes the importance of opening up to others to find the right answers to your questions. You might feel vulnerable admitting that you don’t know the answer but what better way is there to get support?

For myself, by asking good questions and finding the right people to support and help me find the answers, I’ve been able to move my business forward at a much quicker pace. Don’t underestimate your ability to get your business moving forward. With the right support, you can be empowered to be truly successful on your own terms.

Women are starting businesses at nearly 3 times the rate of men. Women want their business to fit in with the rest of their priorities and values in life. This podcast celebrates the feminine way of doing business and highlights communities that support the unique way women launch and run a business.

 

 Women Entrepreneurs – Doing Business in a Feminine Way [Metromom Podcast] [5:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The beauty of an entrepreneurial business, is that there is a direct connection between your personal growth and your business growth.  Many work-at-home moms feel guilty even thinking about putting themselves first, so their needs are always relegated to the backburner. You can’t afford NOT to invest in your personal growth as an entrepreneur and even as a mother. Discover ways to invest in your personal growth that will help you achieve dramatic results in your business growth.

 

 Mom Entrepreneurs – Personal-Growth Means Business-Growth [Metromom Podcast] [5:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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.

Metromom is looking for stories from busy mom entrepreneurs who give by donating their time, money and/or energy to an important cause.

Please share the following details in your response:

* Details regarding your business
* When it was established and what you do
* How many children you have and their ages
* Details regarding your cause and why it’s important
* Share what inspired you to get involved
* Explain how you find the time to give when you’re busy caring for children and running your own business.

Selected stories will be highlighted on Metromom’s website, interviewed for podcasts and/or Metromom Blog Talk Radio. Metromom is also looking to promote national coverage for mom entrepreneurs who give.

Please email your response to metromomgives@metromom.com and put “Metromoms Who Give” in the subject line.

To learn more about us, please watch the 3-minute video about who a Metromom is and also visit us at www.metromom.com

When you consider what’s going on with the economy, it’s very easy to focus on your own individual needs as you feel the stress of hard times, especially if you’re not generating the income you’d like and you’re in a place of fear. When you step out of your own personal focus and begin asking how you can be of service to others, everything in the universe shifts and you embark on a path to much greater success.

I’ve noticed that during various times in my life – when I was internally focused (and in a fearful place) – others around me felt my desperation, which was not very attractive. As I grow and become more aware, I when I am able to turn my attention to how I can be of service to others, and let go of my own concerns, (regardless of what’s going on for me personally) everything shifts.

Instead of focusing on “What’s in it for me?” – take the focus off of yourself. Shift your focus to “What am I going to GIVE?” Watch your energy shift into a positive place regardless of your own struggles, financial or otherwise.

What’s even better is with the right focus you CANNOT FAIL. When you’re authentic and have an intention to truly be of service, you end up winning by establishing or maintaining great relationships. These relationships can benefit you in so many ways in the future -through referrals, future business or just the value of a solid friendship.

If you’re struggling financially, let go of focusing on that desperation and instead focus on who you can serve. You’ll be amazed at the shift in your energy and the positive results will inspire you to continue. Please share how being of service has benefitted you in ways you never imagined.

*This content is based in part on Sin #7 in the Guide, The Seven Deadly Sins Women in Direct Sales Make… and How to Avoid Them. Sign-up for your 7 Week Action Guide.

At the beginning of December, my husband lost his job, right before the holidays and right as my business was getting off the ground. He felt grief, stress, feelings of shame and embarrassment and fear. I felt great compassion, a desire to support, and strangely calm, believing and trusting we’d be okay.

It had definitely been his salary (and some savings) that have gotten us through the start-up phases of a business that fills my soul and that I know deep in my gut can have a huge impact on so many.

Fast forward to January and my resolve broke. Fear and doubt crept in. The more I felt the fear, the more fearful things showed up. The more I focused on my bills, the more they showed up. My focus turned from my big vision to the piles of bills, fear of spending, worry about providing for my kids and overall huge anxiety. I was sleeping (if you could call it that) 3 hours a night. I wasn’t present with my kids nor was I caring for myself properly or having much fun.

The final straw came a few weeks ago. I’d flown out to Arizona to meet with my mastermind group. I arrived at the car rental counter and learned that my license had expired. “Don’t worry miss, we’ve got a connection to a guy who handles high risk situations.” Within moments I was whisked away in an unmarked car to an off-site lot to pay 4 times the price of my original rate because I was so “high risk”.

When I got into the car, I called a good friend. Once she picked up the phone, I completely lost it. Weeks of fear just poured out.

After pulling myself together, I reached into my bag and pulled out my iPod and had the full audio from The Secret saved. (I don’t even recall putting it there.) Listening to the messages I typically live by (but clearly hadn’t been this month) I was reminded how I’d completely let my thoughts go in the wrong direction.

In that moment, I was reminded that it’s only me that can control my thoughts. In that car ride, I shifted.

I started focusing on what is going right, what I do have (which is so much) and what I am building. Has my husband gotten a job? No. But each day we focus on what we’re grateful for. I take charge of the thoughts I allow into my head and I forge ahead in building my dream and move a bit closer each day.

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

Did you know that nearly 3/4 of all mothers are in the labor force? What about the fact that women start 70% of new businesses? How about this fact: the buying power of moms in the U.S. tops $2.1 trillion annually.

Mothers as business owners are a fast growing segment of the working population. And we come with a special set of circumstances. We want freedom to be with our families while contributing financially. (And let’s not forget trying to squeeze in personal time to care for ourselves.)

There simply isn’t TIME to learn all the skills necessary to get an entrepreneurial business up and running FAST…unless you learn from someone who’s been there already.

It’s more important now than it’s ever been to find the shortcuts to being a Metromom! Join my friend and fellow Metromom MaryPat Kavanagh and I for the groundbreaking Savvy Mompreneur Telesummit, which starts Monday, February 16! This is definitely something you won’t want to miss.

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