Meet the Enterprising Mom behind the Maryland Celebrate Mama! festival coming up on May 1st. Learn more about the event and why you should participate on our blog or by participating in an information session tonight, March 24th @ 9pm.
Name: Hillary Berman
Title: President
Business: Berman Events
Type of Business: (B2B, B2C, B2G): B2B
Industry:
Meeting and Event Planning
Product/Service:
Organization, planning and implementation of meetings and events
Years in Business:
7 years in business, 12 years in the industry
Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:
Anyone planning a corporate, non-profit, association or government meeting or event
Motivation for starting your business(es):
I was looking for the ability to choose my own work and the flexibility to have a family while still working.
Greatest challenge you faced in starting your business?
It is scary to go out on your own and not be sure whether the business will come. Taking the initial leap was the challenge for me.
How you overcame it:
I realized the benefits could outweigh the risk, lined up a few clients and then went for it! I haven’t looked back.
Greatest learning (as relates to business) to share with others?
I have learned to trust my gut. Although it is difficult to turn down business, there are some people you just know you’d be better off to not engage with – even if that means a little less business that month or that year.
Greatest benefit of running your own business:
The ability to choose my work and clients has been invaluable for me. In addition, the flexibility of being self employed serves my family well.
Personally speaking …
Home life (spouse/partner/kids/location/pets/etc.):
I have a husband who travels often (hence the need for a flexible schedule), a 6 ∏ year old son, a 4 year old daughter, and an aging dog. We live in Olney, Maryland and love it!
Childcare situation:
My kids are both in school (one in first grade in public school, one in preschool for the same hours her brother is in school). Twice a week, our once full-time nanny picks the kids up and takes care of them until 6:00 so I have two full days to work.
Greatest challenge in managing home, business, family, self?
My greatest challenge is finding enough time to get it all done. My husband travels often and I have my business and household to run, plus 2 kids to take care of.
How do you handle it?
I try to be organized and efficient about getting household/kid-related things done. For example, I’ll put in a load of laundry while I’m working, flip it into the dryer when I take a break, and get the next load started. This way, it is all clean by the time the kids go to bed (and my husband is home to help fold!).
Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
I am taking my marketing to the next level. After being in business for 7 years, I finally enlisted a web designer and someone to work on web content for the Berman Events website. I’ll celebrate when it’s complete!
Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
There are some people that wouldn’t even be happy in Disney World – you can’t take it personally.
The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
My blackberry, which I resisted getting for a long time. It allows me to stay connected to my clients while not sitting at my desk. My goal is for clients to not have to wait a full day to hear back from me, and this allows me to stick to that fairly well.
What’s the most effective thing you do on a daily basis to make it all work?
I think I’m still trying to figure out what that one thing should be! I try to step back and appreciate how lucky I am, and that my family is why I do what I do. It helps me focus and reenergize when I need to.
On your nightstand:
Lamp, alarm clock that plays music (I don’t like to wake up to beeping), a coaster for the glass of water I keep there at night
Last purchase for self:
A new blackberry when mine broke
Favorite way to unwind:
Get lost in a good book or get a pedicure.
Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
Other Enterprising Moms are a wonderful resource, with so many great suggestions and support. I value being in regular communication with others who understand my struggle with balancing it all, and trying to do it all well.
Connect and learn more:
Web Site: under construction…check back soon at www.bermanevents.com
LinkedIn: Hillary Berman
Facebook: only a personal page now, but will create a Berman Events page once my website is complete
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