Name

Type of Business:  (B2B, B2C, B2G):  B2B, B2G

Industry:  Corporate Social Responsibility

Product/Service: Consulting services for companies and non-profits

Years in Business: 1

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:
Companies or non-profits looking to strategically create initiatives, programs, and marketing in any area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Motivation for starting your business:
Loved & missed the ability to collaborate with others to create lasting impacts for our world—but needed to balance work with my family life.

Greatest challenge you faced in starting your business?
A re-emergence of  my husband’s epileptic seizures —after having 2 seizures in 15 years, he’s had 7 in one year.  They started just weeks after I started my business, and have affected his ability to drive, assist in childcare and provide encouragement and support.

How you overcame it:
I am still overcoming it, day by day.  We’ve switched doctors and are pursuing treatments more aggressively, and have had some success already and hope for more.  However, accepting the situation, adjusting expectations, solving problems creatively, and having a wonderful community of women to support me has been crucial.

Greatest learning (as relates to business) to share with others?
Resilience is key—having confidence in your business and enthusing that confidence when things in your life or business do not go according to plan.

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
Focusing on what I love to do—and creating a business around it.

Personally speaking…

Home life (spouse/partner/kids/location/pets/etc.): Husband, GK, and Daughter, Ella, 2

Childcare situation:
Part-time childcare (I know I am SO lucky!), and childcare swaps with other moms.

Greatest challenge in managing home, business, family, self?
Managing the internal monologue about if I am doing “enough” in all of these areas.

How do you handle it?
Self-care (yoga, exercise, meditation), believing in abundance, and remembering that inputs are in my control; outcomes are not.

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
Reconnecting with a former collegue, also a consultant, who needs to offload some work—you never know what circuitous route you will take to get clients!

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
I think it applies to both, but given in the context of business.   Show up, give people something to remember you by (an experience or a token), and write handwritten notes as thank-yous.

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
I hate to admit it, but my blackberry.

What’s the most effective thing you do on a daily basis to make it all work?
Set a timer.  I work in 30-45 minute increments, and then give myself 10 minute breaks to do “family” activities on my task list that I create each day.  It gives my brain a break, and I get lots done!

On your nightstand:
Journal, a daily devotional, a CSR book or Parenting book

Last purchase for self:
Pedicure

Favorite way to unwind:
Exercise

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:  I love how it’s a secure place where one can discuss business AND children, and how the two intersect, collide, and dovetail at different points on the road.  I love how energized and empowered I feel after meetings.

Learn more and connect

Web Site |  Blog |  Linkedin |  Facebook

Related posts:

1. EVENT: Doing Well While Doing Good: Demystifying CSR Doing Well While Doing Good: Demystifying Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)...
2. Corporate Social Responsibility: 4 Myths Debunked! The following is the second guest blog post in a...
3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): What Does It Mean for Your Biz? The following is a guest blog post by Jane Meier...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Name

Product/Service:
Spoken with Authority offers small-group classes and intensive coaching sessions that develop the speaking skills professionals need to advance their careers.  It also provides interactive workshops and keynote addresses to companies and organizations that want to unlock the potential of their employees or members.

Years in Business:
Two

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:
Smart, motivated professionals who are comfortable socializing, but don’t know the best way to package and present their thoughts in formal or high-stakes speaking situations (like client pitches, briefings, networking events or job interviews).

Motivation for starting your business:
As a college freshman, I was forced to take debate as a requirement of my major.  After a humiliating defeat in my first debate round, I committed myself to becoming a great speaker and empowering others with communication skills.

After earning two degrees in communication, teaching public speaking to undergraduates and participating in Toastmasters International, I realized there weren’t any outlets for professionals, especially young professionals, to hone their speaking skills in a fun, fast-paced and results-oriented environment.

I launched Spoken with Authority because no one should feel anxious or tongue-tied in speaking situations, whether they’re formal or informal, in front of an audience of one or 1,000.  Sure, speaking with confidence is a career development issue; but it’s a quality-of-life issue as well.

Greatest challenge you faced in starting your business?
Becoming self-reliant with technology.

How you overcame it:
I switched to a Mac and signed up for a year of their one-on-one sessions.  It was the best $99 I’ve spent.

Greatest learning (as relates to business) to share with others?
Figure out what your good at and what you aren’t.  For the things you’re not good at, pay a coach to teach you how or hire a professional to do it for you.

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
Narrowing the focus of my work to what I do best and love most.

Personally speaking …

Home life (spouse/partner/kids/location/pets/etc.):
I live on Capitol Hill with my husband, Doug, and 19-month-old son, Finnian.

Childcare situation:
Finn is with our babysitter about 15 hours a week.

Greatest challenge in managing home, business, family, self?
Sticking to a budget.

How do you handle it?
Not as well as I’d like.  Speaking of which: if anyone out there knows QuickBooks and wants to trade coaching services, let me know!

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
I just booked and received a deposit for two, half-day workshops on communication skills in May for a regional engineering firm, which is a new client.  To celebrate, our family ate outside at our favorite Mexican restaurant on one of the beautiful evenings last week.

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
Network with people who can use or refer your service or product, not people who do what you do.

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
Digital camcorder so clients can see and hear firsthand their speaking strengths and areas needing improvement.

What’s the most effective thing you do on a daily basis to make it all work?
Sleep.

On your nightstand:
Woman at the Washington Zoo (a collection of profiles by Marjorie Williams)

Last purchase for self:
Two new pairs of my favorite running shoes – Asics Gel Cumulus.

Favorite way to unwind:
Running, hiking, biking and Belgian beer.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
Positive energy and can-do attitude I get from associating with other members

Connect and learn more:
Web Site |   Speaking of Speaking E-Newsletter |  Linkedin |  Facebook |  Twitter

Related posts:

1. EVENT: Say It Like You Mean It: Communicate More Effectively … Say It Like You Mean It: Communicate More Effectively with...
2. Speak your way to the top: Don’t give short shrift to your elevator pitch By Christine Clapp, of Spoken with Authority You’ve probably heard...
3. Member Spotlight: Dr. Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups Learn more about the mom behind Parenting Playgroups … Where...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Name: Rene Hackney, PhD.

Title: Founder

Business: Parenting Playgroups

Industry: Parent Education, Psychology, Children’s Play

Product/Service: Parent and Teacher Workshops, Preschool Play, Social Skills Groups

Years in Business: Six

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals: Parents of children birth to ten years old

Personally speaking …

Home life: Married 17 years with two daughters: Alicen 11, Claire 8

Childcare situation: They are home with a sitter summer mornings.  They are with me after school and with dad when I lecture.

Motivation for starting your business: I wanted to work for myself, make decisions as I go.  I enjoy teaching preschool and wanted to marry that with my education.

Greatest benefit of running your own business:  Can take my children with me as needed.

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:  We opened our second office.  No celebration yet, too early.

On your nightstand: Why Gender Matters, The Friendship Factor, The E Myth

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without: A toy – Facebook – love being in touch with so many friends.

Last purchase for self: Old Navy Flip Flops

Favorite way to unwind: Hot bath

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz): If there is trouble, speak directly.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:  Meeting others who overlap efforts.  I need to reach out more!

Connect and learn more:
Web Site | Blog |  LinkedIn | Facebook |  Twitter

Related posts:

1. Member Spotlight: Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups Learn more about the Enterprising Mom behind Parenting Playgroups ......
2. Parenting Solutions for Working Moms: Answers & Insights with Expert Dr. Rene Hackney Date: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 Time: 9:30 AM –  11:30...
3. Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo Learn more about this Enterprising Mom of three, and owner/operator...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

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

Related posts:

1. The Enterprising Moms Holiday Biz-aar Community focused Holiday Biz-aar unites mom-business owners to encourage the...
2. Holiday Biz-aar Thanks Thank you so much to all who participated in The...
3. Member Spotlight: Tammy Goddard, Bead on Through Learn more about inspiring Enterprising Mom, Tammy Goddard, of Bead...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Name:  Eryn Cadoff
Title:  Team Leader & Independent Wine Consultant
Business:  The Traveling Vineyard

Type of Business:  B2C and B2B
Industry:  Wine
Product/Service:  Free, fun & informative in-home wine tastings.  Online wine sales, wine of the month clubs.
Years in Business: 4.5 (business launch was January 2005)

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:  Anyone who loves wine and is over 21!  But to be more specific – my best potential hosts are people who love wine and like to entertain, and my best B2B customers would be anyone who needs to give client gifts (realtors; those in charge of corporate gifting for their company).

Personally speaking…

Home life:  My home life is crazy – just like everyone else who is an Enterprising Mom!  My husband, David, and I have 2 daughters.  Violet (age 5) is starting kindergarten, and Alana (age 3) is in preschool.

Childcare situation:  I stay home with the kids, and work my business around our family schedule.  I’m excited to have a little more time on my hands this fall with my oldest in kindergarten!  David works long hours, and usually isn’t home before 7pm, but is a very supportive spouse, so we have made our schedule work around his work and mine.

Motivation for starting your business(es):  Wine!  I had been in a direct sales/party plan business prior to joining The Traveling Vineyard.  When I heard there was a company with that same business structure but for wine – I had to start right away.

Greatest benefit of running your own business:  Adding to the family income while doing something I absolutely love.  It just doesn’t get better than that!

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:  I think the most exciting thing that has happened in my business recently is the fire that has been lit under some of my team members.  It’s really exciting to be working with people who are embracing their own opportunity with The Traveling Vineyard and wanting to grow their owns teams!

On your nightstand:  Bottle of water, a book about wine, and a mindless magazine (usually OK or Cosmo).

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:  My laptop!

Last purchase for self:  I splurged recently and got a really fantastic red dress at a local boutique here in Gainesville.  The store owner makes everything herself!  I love supporting local business…especially when I’m getting something of higher quality than I could elsewhere.

Favorite way to unwind:  Glass of red wine, piece of dark chocolate, and something on HBO (current addiction is True Blood)

Best advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):  It’s the simplest advice I’ve ever gotten, but still the best, as it can apply to your personal or professional life.  “Just Ask!”  It’s impossible to find new hosts, new team members, new business without ever asking for it – nobody can read your mind.  It’s impossible for anyone to know what you want if you never ask for it.  Sometimes the answer will be no, but you’ll never know if it’s a yes unless you ask.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:  The best thing about being an Enterprising Mom is the same thing I love about direct sales/party plan businesses.  We’re all in business for ourselves, but by supporting each other, we don’t have to be in business by ourselves.  Most of us are solopreneurs, independent contractors, etc., and having a group that you can ask questions of, bounce ideas off of, etc., is great for all of us.

Connect and learn more:
Web Site |  Linkedin |  Facebook |   Twitter

Related posts:

1. Member Spotlight: Marilyn Nowalk, Intelligent by Design Learn more about Enterprising Mom Marilyn Nowalk and how she's...
2. Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo Learn more about this Enterprising Mom of three, and owner/operator...
3. Member Spotlight: Dr. Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups Learn more about the mom behind Parenting Playgroups … Where...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Name:  April Toman
Title:  District Manager, Independent Consultant
Business:  Arbonne Interenational

Type of Business (B2B, B2C, B2G):  B2C
Industry:  Health Wellness/Network Marketing
Product/Service:  Botanically-based, health, wellness, skin care products for everyone….women, men, children.
Years in Business:  3

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:
Everyone is ideal really for the products, but especially people interested in botannically-based products that get results!  For the business, an ideal business partner is someone who loves the products and wants to earn an additional income by sharing the products with others.

Personally speaking…

Home life:
Married to Pete Toman.  Two beautiful children, Claire (almost 7) and Will (4).  I’m proud to be part of Team Toman (our nickname, if you will, for our family)!

Childcare situation:
Nothing routine except school.  I get sitters as needed and use preschool aftercare for my youngest 1 or 2 days/week.

Motivation for starting your business:
To have an income that would allow me a flexible schedule.

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
The flexibility!

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
Gaining a new client that I’ve also developed more of a friendship with…..another great benefit of my business is the personal connections I make while working!

On your nightstand:
Lamp, radio/alarm clock, skin conditioning oil (one of the Arbonne products….love it on my nails!).

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
My calendar….which is now exclusively paper.

Last purchase for self:
This is unusual, but I just went to Target for some new shorts.  My regular purchases for myself are more Arbonne products! 

Favorite way to unwind:
Going to the very QUIET and STILL library.

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
Hmm….that’s a tough one since I’ve heard so many.  But, I guess I’d have to go with “be as kind to yourself as you are with others.”  I believe that came from a great friend and coach, Carolyn Semedo-Strauss.  I tend to have very high expectations for myself and can be not so forgiving…..I remember this on the especially tough days when I, for example, don’t complete my list of 100 things to do and feel like I’ve done nothing.  I also try to focus on what I have done to prevent that feeling of “incomplete”.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
The friendships made with so many AMAZING WOMEN!!!!  I always get nuggets out of every event, encounter, email from this group.

Connect and learn more:
Web Site:  http://apriltoman.myarbonne.com
Blog:  Not there yet!
LinkedIn:  Yes, but don’t do anything with it really.
Facebook:  Yes
Twitter: Overload!!

[Photo by fellow Enterprising Mom Rebecca Weiner of Rebecca S. Weiner Photography]

Related posts:

1. Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo Learn more about this Enterprising Mom of three, and owner/operator...
2. Member Spotlight: Jane Meier, Full Circle Partnerships Today our member spotlight shines on Jane Meier, of Full...
3. Member Spotlight: Dr. Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups Learn more about the mom behind Parenting Playgroups … Where...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Type of Business:  (B2B, B2C, B2G): B2B
Industry: Staffing
Product/Service: Part-time and flexible full time staffing
Years in Business: 1.5 yrs

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:
Small to medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations looking to hire permanent or contract part-time or flexible full-time in a variety of fields, from CPAs and Accountants to Bookkeepers, Project Managers and Virtual Assistants.

Personally speaking …

Home life:
7 year old identical twin boys,  22 month old son, husband is software and management consultant

Childcare situation:
Belle View Elementary School & part-time nanny

Motivation for starting your business:
As a former investment banker and management consultant juggling twins and a more than full-time career, I knew there was a huge talent pool out there of women just like me who would trade any number of things, salary, title, etc, for just a little bit of flexibility so that they could gain a better work life balance. Smart companies and organizations are hiring these women (and some men) at very cost-effective rates to get the job done with lower overhead and risk.

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
Flexibility! Though I work harder than I have in my life I am absolutely passionate about this work. I know that we are doing good for both our candidates, who get careers that make sense with their family lives, and clients, who save money AND get high-quality work done. I’m able to have a big breakfast with my kids each morning, send them to school, get a little one on one time with the baby, work hard for 6 hours, get the kids OFF the bus for the crazy homework/dinner/bed hours, and then go back to work. By working when my kids sleep (5-7 am, naps, evening) and are at school, I am really getting the best of both worlds.

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
In the past month, I’ve been able to place a Virtual Assistant and Research Assistant with Michele Norris, host of NPR’s All Things Considered (and personal hero of mine). I found a Mandarin Chinese translator on 48 hours notice that is half the cost of a friends’ prior translating service, putting a stay-at-home to work on her own terms and saving this firm thousands of dollars each month. And I had my first threepeat business, placing a third resource with a high growth government contracting firm. To celebrate I joined an over 30 women’s soccer team, taking back some of the personal time I’ve given up for the business over the past year.

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
My iPhone, amazing, amazing tool

Last purchase for self:
Solo trip to Seattle

Favorite way to unwind:
Sitting on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book (current read: Melissa Bank’s The Wonder Spot)

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
Do the work you love, and the money will come.

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
This is the only group where I feel COMPLETELY at home, as every single member is having the same challenges every day, raising children and growing a business. There are women I network with, kvetch with, laugh with and ultimately, do business with.

Connect and learn more:
Web Site |  Blog

Related posts:

1. Member Spotlight: Donna Memmo Learn more about this Enterprising Mom of three, and owner/operator...
2. Member Spotlight: Jane Meier, Full Circle Partnerships Today our member spotlight shines on Jane Meier, of Full...
3. Member Spotlight: Dr. Rene Hackney of Parenting Playgroups Learn more about the mom behind Parenting Playgroups … Where...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Stephanie Greenwald
Owner and Creative Director, Greenwald Design

Type of Business:  (B2B, B2C): mostly B2B
Industry:  Graphic Design
Product/Service:  Branding and marketing collateral for companies, organizations, products and events.
Location:  Arlington, VA
Years in Business:  7

Ideal Customers/Best Referrals:  A company or organization that wants to present it’s identity or message with visual impact and clarity. Clients include small businesses, non-profits and corporations.

Personally speaking…

Home life:
Married with one son, 4 years old

Childcare situation:
My son is in his second year of the Arlington County’s Montessori Preschool program. I work while he is in school, which allows me about 25 hours per week. Additional hours are found after bedtime, during playdates, etc.

Motivation for starting a business:
I wanted to work for people who cared about the quality and impact of design and have a strong belief in their company or cause.

Greatest benefit of running your own business:
As a mom, I would say the flexible schedule. If I had a boss or co-workers in an office environment, I think I would feel guilty asking for so much time off for illnesses, field trips, etc. As a career woman, the greatest virtue is being able to say “no” to energy draining or time consuming clients.

Greatest challenge you faced in the past month (personal or biz) and how you dealt with it:
This past month,  we had a lot of illness in my family. Both my mother and husband were in the emergency room (for completely different causes) and have since had to make some big lifestyle and diet changes, my son and I suffered from a stomach bug, and just when everyone started recovering, my son developed pink eye. Dealing with the emotional stress and decreased work time was extremely difficult. I had to make quick decisions about what to put on hold, what to say “no” to, and what simply had to get done. I swallowed my usual “make no excuses, just get the work done” attitude, and sent out emails explaining my situation to clients and colleagues. Everyone was completely understanding, and I managed to cut my workload in half. I called on my design partner to help me out with the creative work, while I managed the admin tasks and art directing. I am fortunate to have a supportive mother-in-law, so she helped with a little childcare and much needed emotional support. I vented to my best friend (who also happens to be the aforementioned design partner) daily to ease the tension. Somehow, I made it through the tough part, everyone in my family is doing better, and none of my clients left me. Now, as soon as Spring Break is over, I can get back to work!

Greatest success you had in the past month (personal or biz) and how you celebrated it:
Somehow, amidst all the personal chaos, I landed a new client. Although I was hired for a small, low budget project, I think it will bring in new opportunities. The client is in the business of connecting local businesses with each other for mutual benefit, so I may have found a new cheerleader. How I celebrated? I literally danced a little jig. In my kitchen.

On your nightstand:
The Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman (A light read while life is too much to deal with), The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood (My bookclub choice that I need to read by the 18th!), and three fat Twilight books (to feed my love of the vampire genre)

The one tool, resource, or toy you just can’t do without:
My iPhone, hands down. Am I the only one who often feels the need to sleep with it?

Last purchase for self:
Cadbury eggs

Favorite way to unwind:
Simple things. Looking at the trees and sky, cuddling with one of my purring cats, vegging in front of the tv, sleeping

Be advise or tip you ever received (personal or biz):
A well-seasoned mom once told me to remember that nothing ever stays the same when it comes to kid’s habits. If it is a good habit, like sleeping through the night, don’t expect it to last forever. If it is a bad habit, like biting, back-talking, etc, it also won’t last forever. She said it usually lasts until you are just about at a breaking point (after trying all the usual remedies and advice), and then the habit miraculously disappears. She was so spot-on!

Best thing about being an Enterprising Mom:
Finally having peers that understand me!

Connect and learn more:
Web Site |  Blog |  LinkedIn |  Facebook |  Twitter

Related posts:

1. Member Spotlight: Marilyn Nowalk, Intelligent by Design Learn more about Enterprising Mom Marilyn Nowalk and how she's...
2. Member Spotlight: Christine Clapp, Spoken with Authority Learn more about this talented orator who’ll be presenting at...
3. Member Spotlight: Hillary Berman Meet the Enterprising Mom  behind the Maryland Celebrate Mama! festival...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.