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Archive for the ‘Collaboration’ Category

Celebrate Mama! Why You Need to be There

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

CelebrateMama logo1 Celebrate Mama! Why You Need to be ThereTime is running out to register as a vendor or sponsor at the Celebrate Mama Festival on May 1st. This family friendly festival for moms of all ages and stages festival had more than 3,000 participants the past two years. If you offer a product or service for moms and/or their families, you’ll want to be represented here.

The goal of Celebrate Mama is to provide small businesses the opportunity to reach a large audience for a small cost. You register for the event and all of the marketing is done for you.

Here’s a sampling of what you can expect:

Advertising and promotion …

  • Washington FAMILY Magazine (already in the March issue), April and May issues
  • Our Kids
  • DC City Mommy
  • The Enterprising Moms
  • Giggles on the Go (full page ads in April and May issues).
  • Stroller Strides Montgomery County membership of over 300
  • Mommy and Me and Daddies Too membership (Mommy and Me events at Congressional Plaza and Rockville Town Square; over 3000 people total).
  • In addition, many Celebrate Mama vendors promote the event to their lists.

Who’s on board?

Along with the numerous TEM members who are returning to Celebrate Mama this year, here are some Enterprising Mom-owned businesses that have already signed on for the first time this year:

  • Buggy Bonnets
  • Handmade by Amanda
  • HealthQuest MD
  • Love Life Images
  • Preschool Palettes
  • Stamp 4 Life
  • Stella and Dot
  • Photography by Marirosa
  • Plus several friends of TEMs

General registration closes on April 2. While late registration will remain open for an additional two weeks, it will cost you more, so sign on today

There are many ways to participate:

  • Reserve a vendor table
  • Place inserts in goodie bags
  • Provide a performance or entertainment (this opportunity is reserved for registered vendors only)
  • Come as an attendee (free!)

LEARN MORE

You do not need to participate in a call in order to register for the event, so if you’re ready, go for it — contact Hillary directly!  She’ll be happy to talk with you and take care of your registration. Be sure to tell her that you heard about Celebrate Mama through The Enterprising Moms!

Carolyn
Chief Enterprising Mom
@EnterprisingMom |  @ApplyWithin

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Special Opportunity Targeting DC Metro Moms

Thursday, January 14th, 2010
Print CelebrateMama logo1 300x49 Special Opportunity Targeting DC Metro Moms

The Enterprising Moms is teaming up with Celebrate Mama! to share a special offer being made to first time participants in this fun family festival that had more than 3,000 last year! If your target market is moms, you’ll want to be a part of this event on May 1st.

There are many ways to participate:

* Reserve a vendor table
* Place inserts in goodie bags
* Provide a performance or entertainment (this opportunity is reserved for registered vendors only)
* Come as an attendee (free!)

Opportunities are limited, so act quickly for the best opportunity to secure a spot and to take full advantage of the extended marketing campaign over the next few months.

We’re having an information session via phone tonight at 8pm, so put the kids to bed and plan to join us to get the full scoop. A second telephone information session is planned for next Wednesday,  January 20th at 10am.

Get more details and register today!

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Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Learn more about this Enterprising Mom of three and owner/operator of Spill the Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House, the host venue for our upcoming Holiday Biz-aar on Wednesday, December 2nd. Come out and enjoy Donna’s wonderful hospitality along with one-stop shopping featuring a variety of offerings from local entrepreneurial moms.

mario and donna Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo

Name: Donna Memmo
Title: Owner/Operator
Business: Spill the Beans – Organic Coffee and Chat House
Location: Alexandria, VA

Type of Business: (B2B, B2C, B2G): B2C
Industry: Food Service
Product/Service: Coffee/Bagels/Pastries/Lunch/Dinner
Years in Business: 1

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals: Everyone!

Personally speaking

Home life:
My husband (and support system) Mario (above), my daughter, and two little boys and I live in Hollin Hall, a cozy neighborhood in the Mt. Vernon area of Alexandria.  We happened to find a property less than two miles from home, and are fortunate to work with and for her neighbors, friends, even her kids’ teachers and coaches!

Childcare situation:
My children are all school-aged, which was a requirement before we could embark on this adventure. My boys attend Ft. Hunt Elementary, which happens to be literally down the street from Spill the Beans!

Motivation for starting your business(es):
In this era of coffee house play dates, I saw a need for proper accommodations. Toys for the tots to play with enables mom an entire conversation or email written without interruption! I also saw a need for delicious foods without sacrificing quality or wholeness.

Greatest challenge you faced in starting your business?
Time is truly the greatest challenge. I love dealing with the public and pouring lattes for my
patrons, but am constantly trying to strike the balance between that and the management side of my work.

How you overcame it:
Still trying! I have been blessed with a super team, and they are all supportive when I need to “hide” in the office to churn out
a newsletter, plan an event or catch up on email!

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
Being with my kids almost as much as if I did not work….It’s also brought out a bond with my husband that was unexpected. We’ve joked for years that we never, ever agree on anything, but having the exact same goals for this business has finally put us on the same page!

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you
celebrated it:
Spill the Beans celebrated its One Year Anniversary this past Halloween! We had an all day celebration complete with entertainment … fun!

On your nightstand:
A notepad for when the wheels in my brain will not stop turning late at night. Three or four books which I have been trying to read since opening Spill the Beans … to no avail!

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
Blackberry and Google Calendar. I utilize the google calendar because I can manage all my calendars at once: sports, school events, Spill the Beans events, family appointments, etc.

Last purchase for self:
I honestly do not remember. Guess I should schedule a shopping day!

Favorite way to unwind:
Glass of wine with my husband.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
The support system! I love women helping women! This is what it’s all about!

Connect and learn more: Web Site |  Blog | Facebook

Contact: Spill the Beans, Organic Coffee & Chat House  |  703-780-3561

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The Enterprising Moms Holiday Biz-aar

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

spillthebeanslogo1 The Enterprising Moms Holiday Biz aar

Join us for The Enterprising Moms’ first Holiday Biz-aar on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 hosted by Spill the Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House – owned and operated by fellow Enterprising Mom, Donna Memmo.

The event is two-fold opening with a networking and shopping event for mom-business owners from 6-7 pm followed by a public holiday shopping event from 7-9 pm.

All will enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar while indulging in fun and convenient one-stop shopping, just in time for the holidays!

The purpose of this community-focused Holiday Biz-aar is to:

  1. Encourage the patronage of local small businesses
  2. Invest in and give a boost to the local economy
  3. Provide an opportunity for mom-business owners to build relationships while building businesses.

The Biz-aar will feature local entrepreneurial moms selling many unique and eco-friendly products lines, including:

  • children’s apparel and accessories
  • organic home organizational solutions
  • handcrafted jewelry
  • children’s hand-print keepsakes
  • artwork preservation solutions
  • creative stroller covers and more
  • botanically based skincare products
  • home goods and accents

    • Patrons will also be able to book sessions with a professional portrait photographer and a wine consultant.

    When:
    Wednesday, December 2, 2009
    6 – 7 pm    The Enterprising Moms Networking and Shopping Hour (Enterprising Moms: Registration Required)
    7 – 9 pm    Public Holiday Shopping Event

    Where:
    Spill the Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House
    Fort Hunt Centre, 1900 Elkin Street, Alexandria, VA 22308

    Spill the Beans, a locally owned coffee house with a loyal following,  embraces moms and tots and general community, offering free wireless access, some organic and healthy lunch and dinner options, loose leaf teas and beer & wine. Spill is also a frequent host of parties and community events. If you haven’t been, you simply must – and let Donna know when sent you!

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    The Enterprising Moms is Coming to Fairfax County

    Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

    TEM_Logo_ColorFairfax County business-owner moms shared a morning full of great ideas for fostering the growth of a community of The Enterprising Moms in the area during our Meet & Greet last week. We did lots of brainstorming and sketched out a path for moving forward that will foster a sense of community and provide opportunities to share, learn and grow. Planning is now underway. If you’d like to stay in the loop as things develop, please get in touch.

    And, save the date for our next gathering on Thursday, November 19th. Details and registration at The Enterprising Moms.

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    Member Spotlight: Angela Hazuda Meyers

    Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

    Our member spotlight now shines on Angela Hazuda Meyers, of Meyers Marketing Strategy and Standing Room Only Event Promotion. Angela facilitates our monthly Marketing and Communications Group Meetings and will be featured in the spotlight at our upcoming Coffee and Connections event on May 12th.

    mms1 Member Spotlight: Angela Hazuda Meyers sro1 Member Spotlight: Angela Hazuda Meyers

    Angela Hazuda Meyers
    President/Owner
    Meyers Marketing Strategy and Standing Room Only Event Promotion

    Type of Business: B2B. Conduct B2B, B2C marketing programs

    Industries: Marketing and Events

    Product/Service: Marketing (Strategic, Executional, Interim & Retainer) and Event Promotion

    Years in Business: 6 months

    Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:

    • Small–midsized businesses, non-profits and associations who need help growing their organizations.
    • Small-mid-sized organizations who don’t have enough funds or work for a full-time marketing director, but realize they need the function filled, or firms who have recently lost their Marketing Director and need a stand-in until they re-hire the position.

    Personally speaking …
    I am so sad to say that right now I don’t have much to fill in here.  I do a little knitting in the winter, I like to plan the kids parties with theme events and lots of fun activities, and I walk in the early AM with a group of women in the neighborhood and thoroughly enjoy my “adult time,” but other than that this is an area I am working on!

    Home life:
    I have a hubby of 5 years Patrick.  We have a romantic story of meeting, falling deeply in love, he quit his job a month after we met so he could be stateside (after knowing each other for only 2 weeks) then moving in directly with me literally after the taxi dropped him off at my house and getting engaged a year later on top of the Eiffel Tower – but sadly not much romance post kiddos! I have 3 wonderful children:  Grant (3.5 years old), Rhett (20 months old) and Charlotte (8 months old).  They are fun and keep me hopping, most days it’s wonderful and other days it’s a handful!

    Childcare situation:
    I have full-time, in-home care.  I attempted to go it alone without care, but with 3 under 3 at the time and now with them only 6 months older now, there was not enough quite time in the day to get any work done and not a quiet moment to talk to a client.

    Motivation for starting your businesses:
    A passion for marketing and helping other small businesses grow AND a desire to be more connected and present in my children’s days.

    Greatest benefit of running your own businesses:
    Flexibility.  I try to fit in a few events with the kids during the day each month, we walk to preschool and back and I have lunch with them at least a few times a week.

    Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
    I got 2 new clients for my business.  I called my hubby.

    On your nightstand:
    A notebook to jot down late-night thoughts and to-dos and a few children’s book, Oh and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die – But it hasn’t even been cracked open (I got it for Christmas) and I certainly haven’t scheduled a trip yet!

    The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
    Sneakers.  I love getting out a taking a walk or jog to energize or blow off steam.  I try to walk most days with the kids or at least get outside for a little fun.

    Last purchase for self:
    Blackberry

    Favorite way to unwind:
    Wine a little…

    Best advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
    My mom said – You need to start your own business.  After positions in various companies I was frustrated with an organization’s lack of vision, inefficiencies and inability to execute.  Many companies get in their own way on a regular basis and I want to help them advance.

    Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
    There are more than one BEST to this one…I love working for myself because I get to be involved with so many exciting businesses and work for a number of different clients, which is very fulfilling.  It’s an opportunity you don’t have when working for one company.  I also love showing my children how mommy works, getting them exposed to alternative work environments and in the future I look forward to them understanding that they can do whatever they want to do as they grow up.

    Connect and learn more:
    MeyersMarketingStrategy     |  Standing Room Only Event Promotion

    LinkedIn |  Facebook |  Twitter

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    Posted in Business, Celebrate, Collaboration, Connecting, Cool Tools, Environment, Family, Member Spotlight, Organization & Productivity, Productivity, Social Media, Technology, Work-Life Balance | No Comments »

    Marketing and Communications Group Meeting

    Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

    Date: Wednesday May 6, 2009
    Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
    Location: Stacy’s Coffee Parlor, 709 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA 22046

    If you are a professional in Marketing, Communications, PR, Graphic Design or a related field, join us at our monthly networking meeting. Each month this active and energetic subgroup of The Enterprising Moms meets to discuss issues specific to the marketing and communications field. We also discuss ways to increase new business, trade resources, address challenges faced by start-ups and mature ventures alike, work towards work/life integration, share client leads and more. We’d love to have you.

    This Month’s Discussion Topics:

    • Clients
      How much is appropriate to check in with prospective clients about potential work they offered you? When are you being responsive and proactive vs. being a pest? Do you refer clients if you can’t handle the project?
    • Contracts
      How do you handle contracts? Do people have lawyers? Templates? How do they know if contracts are legally sound? How do you afford a lawyer? How do you handle different rates with clients, or do you have 1 set rate? What are your payment terms? Do you enforce them?
    • Collecting
      Has anyone used Paypal to collect fees? Is there any way of enforcing a late charge if clients are late paying? How? What other collection methods do you use? What types of payment to you accept? Do you love your Merchant Services Provider? What do you do when a client just disappears–doesn’t return calls or cancels meetings? If there’s no money owed, do you try to end it formally or just let it go?

    No cost to attend, but registration is required: Details at The Enterprising Moms.

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    Special Offers for Mother’s Day

    Monday, May 4th, 2009

    In honor of Mother’s Day, The Enterprising Moms is compiling special offers being extended by members of The Enterprising Moms community. If you’re not a member, please visit The Enterprising Moms to join our online discussion group and learn about our Enterprising Events. As you consider gifts for the moms in your life, support a mom-owned business in the process. And, consider a special treat for yourself as well (or share this post with those who’ll be celebrating you!).

    And, if you have a special offer that you’d like to extend, please get in touch through The Enterprising Moms web site. Additional offers will be added as they become available.

    Enjoy!

    Health, Wellness, Skincare
    What: Choose from over 400 of Arbonne’s botannically-based health, wellness, and skin care products
    Terms: 35% off retail PLUS FREE shipping if you order by 5/31/09!
    Note:  Cheers to you….an Enterprising Mom! TEM members receive 15% off retail every day!
    How: Leave a comment below about what you love most about being an Enterprising Mom to learn how to take advantage of this offer.
    Thanks to: April Toman, Arbonne International

    Inside-Out Workout
    What:  Pilates session designed to connect mind, body, spirit. Works especially well for those who don’t have time to appreciate their bodies as much as they’d like to.
    Terms:  Free for TEM members. Offer expires 5/31/09
    How: Leave a comment below about what you love most about being an Enterprising Mom to learn how to take advantage of this offer.
    Thanks to: Lizette Ayala, Mind-Body Coach, Body Rules

    A Personal Attache
    What:  Personal Assistant Service for Women
    Terms: Enjoy 50% off hourly rate for TEM members during the month of May (offer expires 5/31/09).
    10 hour minimum purchase.  Includes in-home or offsite work and 50 miles of travel for errands.  Supplies and additional miles (.60/mile) will be billed to client.
    How: Leave a comment below about what you love most about being an Enterprising Mom to learn how to take advantage of this offer.
    Thanks to: Alicia Anderson, Attache Services, LLC

    Smart Mom Jewelry
    What: Teething Bling®, inspired by babies who like to tug on our jewelry, is the original patent-pending teething jewelry
    Terms: 25% off anything on our site.  No restrictions. Offer expires 6/30/09.
    How: Leave a comment below about what you love most about being an Enterprising Mom to learn how to take advantage of this offer.
    Thanks to: Amy Maurer Creel, Marketing Director, Smart Mom, LLC

    Custom Window Treatments
    What: Custom window treatments, including draperies and panels, soft shades (roman shades, flat shades, etc.) and top treatments (valances, cornice boards, etc.) for TEM members and their referrals only.  Includes a free one hour design consultation.
    Terms:  10% off. Design fees apply and are tailored to each project. Offer expires June 5, 2009
    How: Leave a comment below about what you love most about being an Enterprising Mom to learn how to take advantage of this offer.
    Contact: decorator@creativeeleganceinteriors.com  |  (571) 331-4801
    Thanks to: Paola McDonald, Creative Elegance Interiors, LLC

    Happy Mother’s Day!

    :: @ The Enterprising Moms ::

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    Productivity Makeover for Entrepreneurial Mom – Intro

    Thursday, March 12th, 2009

    mom phone toddler 150x150 Productivity Makeover for Entrepreneurial Mom IntroLife is pretty complex. With three young kids, multiple business ventures and no local family, some days it doesn’t take long for me to get overwhelmed by it all. Even when one is on top of their game, there are those cyclical things that come up and need to be addressed, like the winter cold and flu season, summer camp planning, school vacations and breaks. Some are predicatible and can be planned around, but others just spring up, like a snow day. And, without plans in place to address these things before the crisis arises, one can easily be thrown off course.

    In an effort to get ahead of the game, last year I read and implemented some of David Allen’s principles from Getting Things Done, which has a cult-like following in productivity circles. While I gained valuable tips and tools for getting some things done, because I’m time challenged, like most Enterprising Moms, I haven’t found the best way to integrate some of the more critical pieces of the puzzle.

    Enter Terry Monaghan, of Organizing For Your Life. I first heard about Terry when she was recommended on The Enterprising Moms‘ discussion list as a person who helps “working women increase their productivity and therefore their income by managing their time and cutting out the clutter and nonsense that bogs us down each day.” When I read about her, I thought she sounded like someone I need to meet. At the same time, planning was underway for a series of Enterprising Events and we decided to take a fresh approach to the typical business seminar/presentation — we decided provide a before and after portrait as applied in a real-life situation — a makeover.

    So, I got in touch with Terry and we’ve arranged to do a makeover on yours truly! I’m absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to work with a productivity guru who’s worked with corporate executives at Fortune 100 companies and solopreneurs, many of them business-owner moms, to help them ‘get more done in less time.’

    Our first session is tomorrow. Stay tuned updates as this process gets under way.

    ::  © The Enterprising Moms  ::

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    Two DC Area Enterprising Moms in the News

    Friday, February 13th, 2009

    female-handshake.jpgCongratulations to Enterprising Moms Trish Thackston, jewelry designer, and Donna Memmo, owner of Spill The Beans Organic Coffee and Chat House. The two were recently featured in the the Mount Vernon Gazette (Alexandria, VA) on February 11th. And, true to the mission of The Enterprising Moms (TEM), the two met through TEM and decided to collaborate with Donna hosting Trish’s trunk show fundraiser at Spill the Beans. Trish, an avid fundraiser, is raising money for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, in which she’s participated for the past three years!

    So, a round of applause to these two business savvy moms. In the spirit of TEM, support these fellow business owner moms by:

    Way to go, business savvy moms!

    ::  The Enterprising Moms ::

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