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Archive for the ‘Resources’ Category

ISO: Perfect Handbag or Tote

Friday, January 15th, 2010

white purse 150x150 ISO: Perfect Handbag or Tote

As an Enterprising Mom, I’m usually prepared for just about anything, so I need a lot in a handbag. I’m on a quest for the perfect handbag – though, as I tell my kids, perfection does truly exists, except, perhaps in nature (and chocolate). But, I do have an ideal in mind.

Do you have one you love? If so, do tell.

I have a good idea of what I’m looking for and have included some specs below. If you know if a bag that fits, please leave a comment below with a link to where it can be found if you know it.

The Particulars …
For daily use, needs to accommodate:

  • ~ large wallet
  • ~ planner
  • ~ a book or two
  • ~ bottle of water
  • ~ the little things (chap stick, pens, keys, glasses, phone, etc.)

Important features:
large opening and not one that gets more narrow at the top
something with lots of pockets to keep things organized

Bonus features:

  • ~ can accommodate a laptop on occasion (not a deal breaker)
  • ~ color or patterned interior (to be able to find things more quickly)

Does it exist?

Thanks!
Carolyn ~ Chief Enterprising Mom

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Calculating Your Hourly Rate

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

Whether you’ve been running your mom-owned business for a while or are just starting out, it’s a good idea to take a look at your rates periodically to make sure that they sill make sense.

Are they in line with what the market will bear? How do they compare with the rates for like products or services in a similar market? Do they need to change or stay flat based on current economic conditions?

Are you charging enough to cover basic expenses? Are you charging enough to meet your earnings goal? Do your rates need to be adjusted based on changes in the factors used to calculate your rate?

Where does one begin?

The handy Hourly Rate Calculator by FreelanceSwitch is one good place to start. This online tool takes users through a four-step process where one answers questions about business expenses, personal expenses, number of billable hour and desired earnings. Based on responses to these questions, the tool calculates the ideal hourly rate and the break-even hourly rate.

The tool is intended to be used as a guide. The results are direct result of the figures you enter, so the more detailed you are in calculating the figures that you enter into the tool, the more helpful the result will be.

So, go ahead and give it a try and let us know how the results compared with what you are currently charging, if you’re already in business, or with what you were thinking about charging if you’re just starting out.

Got a cool tool or process for calculating rates? Tell us about it!

::  © The Enterprising Moms ::

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Resources for Maryland Entrepreneurial Moms

Saturday, February 7th, 2009

biz planFor entrepreneurial moms out there with businesses in Maryland …

If you live in the Rockville area, check out Rockville Economic Development, Inc. They offer a variety of workshops and seminars, many of them free on developing a business plan, writing a business plan and presenting a business plan (and more!).

They also have a business plan competition coming up. Entering a business plan contest is a great way to get feedback on your plan from a variety of objective perspectives. Scroll down through the listings on the homepage for the link with details.

:: The Enterprising Moms ::

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International Franchising Expo

Saturday, March 1st, 2008

If you’re exploring different options for starting your new venture and are in the DC metro area (or have been thinking about visiting) you may want to check out the International Franchise Expo. Taking place the week of April 11-13th, the conference offers the chance to explore hundreds of franchising opportunities, attend educational seminars, and network (of course!).

Franchising is one way to own your own business without starting from scratch and without having to do everything on your own. And, franchising can present less risk than other business startup options. Because someone else has already developed a business with systems that work, a franchisee can get started with fewer growing pains.

But, as with all types of business ventures, there are advantages and disadvantages to owing a franchise. You should investigate all aspects thoroughly before diving in. The expo offers a place to explore.

If you do check out the expo, please stop back and let us know what you thought.

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