TOPIC: Systems and Support to Simplify Your Entrepreneurial Life

Running small business can be tricky. When most of us start out, we focus on making whatever it is we offer and then finding someone to buy it from us. But the exchange of money for product or service is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making your small business successful.

What happens behind the scenes is critical, especially for mom entrepreneurs, whose number one challenge is finding enough time to do it all. That’s why successful mompreneurs create systems that help save their precious time.

On tonight’s #MomBizMondays, we’re going to discuss those critical business systems that make our lives run more smoothly. From branding to bookkeeping, from managing your time to managing your privacy,  let’s figure out what works best during #MomBizMondays.

Tonight’s #MomBizMondays Twitter Party is all about the systems and support that make being the “Chief Everything Officer” of your household and your business a whole lot easier.The UPS Store, is a proud sponsor of January 16th’s #MomBizMondays Live Twitter Party at 10pm (est). Thank you to @TheUPSstore for sponsoring tonight’s twitter chat and providing everyone who participates the chance to win one of three $25 gift cards and one $50 gift card to The UPS Store!

WHEN:

Monday, January 16, 2012

TIME:

EST 10:00pm to 11:00pm

CST 09:00pm to 10:00pm

MST 08:00pm to 09:00pm

PST 07:00pm to 08:00pm

SPONSORED BY:

The UPS Store – We Love Logistics

Let The UPS Store handle the logistics of your business and home office. From printing your business cards and brochures to managing your mail delivery, look to The UPS Store for help. Run by small business owners who understand the needs of mompreneurs, your local The UPS Store is probably right down the street!

Be sure to connect with Becca and Brandon who tweet from the @TheUPSStore twitter handle. They’re friendly and always ready to answer your questions!

All of us at Mom Biz Coach and Mom Biz Retreat are grateful to have the support of The UPS Store since they have partnered with us to make the Mom Biz Retreats 2012 happen! Watch for a separate post detailing all the great support our premier partner is providing us.

 
HOSTS:
 
Lara @MomBizCoach Website: Mom Biz Coach FaceBook: Mom Biz Coach

Shelagh @BizTrainHer Website: Practical Mum FaceBook: BizTrainHer
 
TWITTER PARTY MODERATOR:
 
Melissa @TimeOutMom Website: TimeOutMom FaceBook: TimeOutMom

PRE- PARTY PROMO TWEETS:

We look forward to you joining us Monday night. We would love your help in promoting this chat your communities. Feel free to copy and paste the following tweets to help promote the Twitter Party.

RT @MomBizRetreat – @TheUPSStore shares successful biz systems and chance to win giftcards! – Join #MomBizMondays tonight 10pm ET http://ow.ly/8tX0d

RT @MomBizRetreat – #Mompreneurs: What systems make ur biz successful? Join #MomBizMondays & @TheUPSStore 10pm ET http://ow.ly/8tX0d

RT @MomBizRetreat – @MomBizCoach @BizTrainHer @TimeOutMom will share the importance of  biz systems at 10pm ET #mombizmondays http://ow.ly/8tX0d

TWITTER PARTY HASHTAG:

#MomBizMondays

LINKS:

MomBizRetreat – http://mombizretreat.com/register/

TheUPSStore – http://www.theupsstore.com/Pages/index.aspx

AGENDA: SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT TO SIMPLIFY YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL LIFE

RT @MomBizRetreat - QUESTION #1: Do you work at home, or an office, or your local coffeehouse? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #2: If you could simplify a system in your business, what would it be? Marketing? Bookkeeping? Paperwork? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #3: Do you use a graphics designer to help you with your branding and marketing online and offline? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #4: How often do you create new marketing materials? Same or different materials for each event? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #5: Where do you get your marketing materials and business cards printed? Local? Online? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #6: If you work from home, do you give out your home address as your business and contact information? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #7: Running errands for biz and home takes a ton of time. Do u do this as needed, everyday, or scheduled wkly? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #8: Do you actively seek out local entrepreneurs and businesses to work with in your community? #MomBizMondays

PANELISTS:

Lara Wellman twitter: @larawellman website: Lara Wellman Consulting

Prerna Malik twitter: @themomwrites website: The Mom Writes

Melissa Stewart twitter: @MelissaOnline website: She Owns It Blog

PANELISTS + ATTENDEES:

Please be sure to you Twitter Party hashtag #MomBizMondays at the end of every tweet so everyone may follow along in the conversation even if you are not following that person specifically. Please retweet all questions. It would be great if you were able to share your answers to each question. Connect with others at the party and say hello, chat with others, & remember to HAVE FUN! Also be sure to share links to your websites, blogs, and FaceBook pages too! We love sharing! *If you meet some great like-minded people at tonight’s twitter party, be sure to follow them so you can connect afterwards!

TOPIC:

I have an amazing friend named Mary who is one of those girlfriends I always turn to when I need advice about certain things. She’s my go-to gal for things like: “What should I wear to my husband’s company Christmas Party?” or “I need a simple appetizer that’s cheap and easy to make, but looks like I spent hours doing it,” or “What can I do to nix the struggle I’m having with my son to do his math homework every night?” Mary is the mother of five kids and the bread-winner for her family. She’s an amazing cook, phenomenal gardener, and as best I can tell, doesn’t need sleep. In short, I admire her a ton and have benefited from her support on many occasions.

Mary is not an entrepreneur. She works full time for a company, which requires her to travel on occasion. But her abilities to run a family, run a household, and get dinner on the table every night (even on the nights she’s out of town) fill me with awe. One day around 10 years ago, Mary gave me one of the most poignant bits of wisdom I’ve ever received. I was sharing with her how frustrated I was as a new stay-at-home-mom that my husband didn’t get me, didn’t understand my life, had no idea what I was going through . .  that general sense of disconnectedness many of us feel when we become mothers.

She listened patiently as I whined on and on. Then she grabbed hold of my hands, looked me in the eye and said: “But honey, your husband is NOT your girlfriend.”

I was a bit confused at this response. What could she possibly mean? Of course, my husband isn’t my girlfriend! Those are totally separate things! I shot her a dumbfounded look and waited to hear what she would say next.

Mary explained to me that I was making a mistake expecting my husband to relate to me on certain things that my girlfriends would easily understand. She pointed out that this had nothing to do with how great my husband is, but that I was mis-matching certain topics of conversation with the people most likely to get out of them what I was putting into them.

As soon as she said it, I realized how right she was. Mary totally gets me.

I have spent a lot of time over the years trying to talk to my husband about things that my girlfriends are much more interested in. When I first had kids, I wasted my breath trying to tell my IBM friends all about the joys of motherhood and how amazing it was to watch this little human do absolutely nothing but sleep for hours on end. And when I started my business, I chattered endlessly about it to my parents, brothers, sisters and extended family, who would listen for a bit before gently changing the topic. In each scenario, I remember feeling that I was intruding somehow, taking up their time with something that was of great importance to me, but not to them.

The point of this long ramble is that we all want to be understood. We want others to be able to acknowledge what’s important to us, and if we don’t get that support and acknowledgment, we feel bad. We may start to doubt ourselves. We may start letting go of our dreams or goals, and we might let our fears take over.

As a mom entrepreneur, it’s hard to find people who have been where we are and who know what we’re going to go through next. Heck–it’s hard to find people who understand why we even WANT to run a business when running a family is such an all-encompassing (and all-important) role.

So think about who in your world understands all that you’re up to.

Who can you talk to about babies that won’t sleep, or how frustrated you feel about having no time or energy to exercise?

Who understands why you’re doing this business, and why it’s so important for you to do it, even if it’s hard?

Who in your world can you invite over for a playdate, who can enjoy watching the kids play while you pick each others’ brains for business development or marketing strategies?

The job(s) we do as mom biz owners are tough ones, Ladies. We need support. We need champions.

Let’s get online and talk tonight during #MomBizMondays about the things that make sense to us.

Tonight’s #MomBizMondays twitter party is all about Girl Talk–why and how to connect with the right people to support you as a mom biz owner.

Come prepared to chat about the stuff that matters to you, but that your friends and family might not understand. Ask for some help on a big idea or question related to your home, family or business, and get ready to receive some incredibly helpful advice (and virtual hugs) from women who GET YOU! And of course, be prepared to share your wisdom with all your friends.

The MomBizRetreat is a proud sponsor of January 9th’s #MomBizMondays Live Twitter Chat

WHEN:
Monday, January 9, 2012

TIME:
EST 10:00pm to 11:00pm
CST 09:00pm to 10:00pm
MST 08:00pm to 09:00pm
PST 07:00pm to 08:00pm

SPONSORED BY:
Mom Biz Retreat Weekend Getaways for Mompreneurs

***Seats are still available! We’re 18 days away, and the excitement is building! Hurry and grab your ticket now and save $100 off the ticket price with this coupon code: CHICAGO100. Register and details here: http://mombizretreat.com/register/ ***

This party is sponsored by Lara Galloway, @MomBizCoach6363636363 and Shelagh Cummins @BizTrainHer3030303030, co-hosts of the Mom Biz Retreat. The Mom Biz Retreats are mompreneur getaways that offer women the chance to unplug from their daily routines and responsibilities. They get business coaching and expert consulting to plan, develop, market and grow their business during 2.5 days of intensive workshops. And as a reward for all their hard work, the mom entrepreneur participants treat themselves to private Wake Up Yoga Classes, spa treatments, exquisite meals, delicious wines, and the chance to connect with other women who think talking business and family makes a really good time.

HOSTS:
Lara @MomBizCoach6363636363 Website: Mom Biz Coach FaceBook: Mom Biz Coach
Shelagh @BizTrainHer3030303030 Website: Practical Mum FaceBook: BizTrainHer
Melissa @TimeOutMom4545454545 Website: TimeOutMom FaceBook: TimeOutMom

TWEETS:
We look forward to you joining us Monday night. We would love your help in promoting this chat your communities. Feel free to copy and paste the following tweets to help promote the Twitter Party.

RT @MomBizRetreat – Time for some “girl talk” for mompreneurs! Join #MomBizMondays tonight 10pm ET http://ow.ly/8ngl3

RT @MomBizRetreat – #mompreneurs: Does your family get ur business? Join #MomBizMondays 10pm ET http://ow.ly/8ngl3

RT @MomBizRetreat – @MomBizCoach @BizTrainHer @TimeOutMom will share the importance of “girl talk” at 10pm ET #mombizmondays http://ow.ly/8ngl3

TWITTER PARTY HASHTAG:
#MomBizMondays

LINKS:
MomBizRetreat – http://mombizretreat.com/register/

AGENDA: THEME = WHY GIRLFRIEND TIME AND TALK MATTERS FOR MOMPRENEURS

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #1: When is the last time you went out with your girlfriends and what did you do? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #2: What stops you from having more time with your girlfriends? Money, Time, Guilt? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #3: How are girlfriends different when sharing than your spouses/partners? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #4: How are other mompreneur friends different than just your regular girlfriends that are not business owners? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #5: What kind of goals do you have in 2012 for more girlfriend time? How are you going to make sure this happens? #MomBizMondays

PANELISTS + ATTENDEES:
Please be sure to you Twitter Party hashtag #MomBizMondays at the end of every tweet so everyone may follow along in the conversation even if you are not following that person specifically. Please retweet all questions. It would be great if you were able to share your answers to each question. Connect with others at the party and say hello, chat with others, & remember to HAVE FUN! Also be sure to share links to your websites, blogs, and FaceBook pages too! We love sharing! *If you meet some great like-minded people at tonight’s twitter party, be sure to follow them so you can connect afterwards!

MomBizRetreat Tweets

No laundry? No kids? No cooking? No cleaning? Weekend away with like-minded women? #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://ow.ly/8ngtk

Kids driving you crazy? Family not understanding you? Struggling in Business? We help. #MomBizRetreat #MomBizMondays http://ow.ly/8ngtk

The best gift this holiday season? A weekend away to work on and build your business. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://ow.ly/8ngtk

#Mompreneurs – don’t hide behind your computer feeling lost and lonely. We can help. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://ow.ly/8ngtk

I bet your moneymaker doesn’t involve carpooling and dusting. Come and learn how to manage it all. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://ow.ly/8ngtk

Stop struggling with your business. We help you create a clear and definitive path for your business. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://ow.ly/8ngtk

RELEVANT ARTICLES

SOURCES:
www.MomBizRetreat.com
www.MomBizCoach.com
www.BizTrainHer.com
www.TimeOutMom.com

TOPIC: Social Media Power Tools for Busy Mompreneurs

Welcome back, Mom Biz Owners! Hope you took some time off to enjoy your friends and family over the holidays. Here at Mom Biz Coach, we “go dark” during the holidays and are just now re-surfacing and re-connecting with our online friends. It’s time to kickstart the #MomBizMondays Twitter party tonight to talk about how to use some of our favorite power tools to make the time we spend on Social Media more productive.

Are you frustrated trying to “keep up” on Social Media? Feel like all your tweeting, posting, tagging and friending isn’t giving you the results you want? Maybe you created some new goals or revised your business plan to work on building your visibility and credibility to your target market this year, but you’re not sure how to do that? (What’s that? You haven’t updated your business plan lately/ever? Then you better get your ticket PRONTO for the MomBizRetreat Chicago so you can get it done!)

Tonight’s #MomBizMondays twitter party is all about great tools to make the time you spend on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other networks as powerful as possible. Learn how to curate and serve great content to your target audience that keeps them coming back to you for more! We’ll be talking tools and strategies tonight, including:

Hootsuite
Crowdbooster
BufferApp
SocialOomph
and many more!

Come prepared to learn some tricks and tips from seasoned Social Media pros who can share ways to help you grow your business in 2012 by leveraging Social Media to attract your ideal clients! And of course, be prepared to share your wisdom with all your friends.

The MomBizRetreat is a proud sponsor of January 2nd’s #MomBizMondays Live Twitter Chat

WHEN:
Monday, January 2, 2012

TIME:
EST 10:00pm to 11:00pm
CST 09:00pm to 10:00pm
MST 08:00pm to 09:00pm
PST 07:00pm to 08:00pm

SPONSORED BY:
Mom Biz Retreat Weekend Getaways for Mompreneurs
This party is sponsored by Lara Galloway, @MomBizCoach and Shelagh Cummins @BizTrainHer, co-hosts of the Mom Biz Retreat. The Mom Biz Retreats are mompreneur getaways that offer women the chance to unplug from their daily routines and responsibilities. They get business coaching and expert consulting to plan, develop, market and grow their business during 2.5 days of intensive workshops. And as a reward for all their hard work, the mom entrepreneur participants treat themselves to private Wake Up Yoga Classes, spa treatments, exquisite meals, delicious wines, and the chance to connect with other women who think talking business and family makes a really good time.

HOSTS:
Lara @MomBizCoach Website: Mom Biz Coach FaceBook: Mom Biz Coach
Shelagh @BizTrainHer Website: Practical Mum FaceBook: BizTrainHer
Melissa @TimeOutMom Website: TimeOutMom FaceBook: TimeOutMom

PANELISTS:

Mariah Humphries – @MariahHumphries – http://about.me/MariahHumphries
Manon Leroux – @sociallysavvy4u – http://savvysocialsolutions.com/

TWEETS:
We look forward to you joining us Monday night. We would love your help in promoting this chat your communities. Feel free to copy and paste the following tweets to help promote the Twitter Party.

RT @MomBizRetreat – We’re talking Social Media Power Tools tonight! Join #MomBizMondays tonight 10pm ET ow.ly/8gb7B

RT @MomBizRetreat – #mompreneurs: Be a power user of Social Media. Learn tips tonight! Join #MomBizMondays 1/2 10pm ET ow.ly/8gb7B

RT @MomBizRetreat – @MomBizCoach @BizTrainHer @TimeOutMom will be sharing their fave Social Media secrets Mon 1/2 10pm ET #mombizmondays ow.ly/8gb7B

TWITTER PARTY TWEETGRID LINK:
[to be provided shortly before the start of the party]

TWITTER PARTY HASHTAG:
#MomBizMondays

LINKS:
MomBizRetreat – http://bit.ly/uzBN17

AGENDA: THEME = SOCIAL MEDIA POWER TOOLS FOR BUSY MOMPRENEURS

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #1: What is your biggest frustration with social media?

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #2: What do you need social media tools to help you with?

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #3: What is your favorite social media manager?

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #4: How much time do you spend a day on social media?

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #5: What tips can you share about the best way to find more clients on social media?

PANELISTS + ATTENDEES:
Please be sure to you Twitter Party hashtag #MomBizMondays at the end of every tweet so everyone may follow along in the conversation even if you are not following that person specifically. Please retweet all questions. It would be great if you were able to share your answers to each question. Connect with others at the party and say hello, chat with others, & remember to HAVE FUN! Also be sure to share links to your websites, blogs, and FaceBook pages too! We love sharing! *If you meet some great like-minded people at tonight’s twitter party, be sure to follow them so you can connect afterwards!

MomBizRetreat Tweets

No laundry? No kids? No cooking? No cleaning? Weekend away with like-minded women? #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

Kids driving you crazy? Family not understanding you? Struggling in Business? We help. #MomBizRetreat #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/uzBN17

The best gift this holiday season? A weekend away to work on and build your business. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

#Mompreneurs – don’t hide behind your computer feeling lost and lonely. We can help. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

I bet your moneymaker doesn’t involve carpooling and dusting. Come and learn how to manage it all. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

Stop struggling with your business. We help you create a clear and definitive path for your business. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

RELEVANT ARTICLES

SOURCES:
www.MomBizRetreat.com
www.MomBizCoach.com
www.BizTrainHer.com
www.TimeOutMom.com

TOPIC: Minimize your work time, Maximize your output this holiday!

Over the holidays we move from the regular schedule to the chaos schedule – no childcare, no regular routines, no structured work time.  Instead of getting lost in what we CAN’T get done, let’s focus on what you CAN get done over the holidays!

So how can you minimize your work time and maximize your output this holiday season? Join us as we talk about strategies for dealing with the holidays and making your work enjoyable instead of overwhelming. This is a time of year to spend time with your family, and take care of yourself… and we can help!

We want you to be armed with as many systems and supports that we can share to bring you some sanity and success for your Mom Business in 2012. We get the struggles, we get the frustrations, we get the “pull your hair out” days. We have been there and done that – and still do some days! But there are steps you can take to set yourself up for a successful new year. We want to share some ideas and talk about your ideas for your business in 2012. Moms: Stop being martyrs and get help, ask for help, and share your advice!

The MomBizRetreat is a proud sponsor of December 19th’s #MomBizMondays Live Twitter Chat

WHEN:
Monday, December 19th, 2011

TIME:
EST 10:00pm to 11:00pm
CST 09:00pm to 10:00pm
MST 08:00pm to 09:00pm
PST 07:00pm to 08:00pm

SPONSORED BY:
Mom Biz Retreat Weekend Getaways for Mompreneurs
This party is sponsored by Lara Galloway, @MomBizCoach and Shelagh Cummins @BizTrainHer, co-hosts of the Mom Biz Retreat. The Mom Biz Retreats are mompreneur getaways that offer women the chance to unplug from their daily routines and responsibilities. They get business coaching and expert consulting to plan, develop, market and grow their business during 2.5 days of intensive workshops. And as a reward for all their hard work, the mom entrepreneur participants treat themselves to private Wake Up Yoga Classes, spa treatments, exquisite meals, delicious wines, and the chance to connect with other women who think talking business and family makes a really good time.

HOSTS:
Lara @MomBizCoach Website: Mom Biz Coach FaceBook: Mom Biz Coach
Shelagh @BizTrainHer Website: Practical Mum FaceBook: BizTrainHer
Melissa @TimeOutMom Website: TimeOutMom FaceBook: TimeOutMom

PANELISTS:

Mariah Humphries @MariahHumphries
Rebecca Nash @RNashPhoto

TWEETS:
We look forward to you joining us Monday night. We would love your help in promoting this chat your communities. Feel free to copy and paste the following tweets to help promote the Twitter Party.

RT @MomBizRetreat – Minimize your work time, Maximize your output this holiday! Join #MomBizMondays 12/19 10pm ET http://bit.ly/uTkxFC

RT @MomBizRetreat – #mompreneurs: focus on what you CAN get done on your biz this holiday! Join #MomBizMondays 12/19 10pm ET http://bit.ly/uTkxFC

RT @MomBizRetreat – @MomBizCoach @BizTrainHer @TimeOutMom will be sharing great tips/advice for mom entrepreneurs Mon 12/19 10pm ET #mombizmondayshttp://bit.ly/uTkxFC

TWITTER PARTY TWEETGRID LINK:
[to be provided shortly before the start of the party]

TWITTER PARTY HASHTAG:
#MomBizMondays

LINKS:
MomBizRetreat – http://bit.ly/uzBN17
MomBizGiveaway – http://bit.ly/sBcgyv

AGENDA: THEME = MOM BIZ SUCCESS IN 2012

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #1: HOW DOES YOUR WORK CHANGE OVER THE HOLIDAYS? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #2: WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY FOR WORK OVER THE HOLIDAYS?#MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #3: WHAT ARE SOME TASKS YOU CAN DO IN 15 OR 30 MINS? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #4:  WHICH BUSINESS SYSTEMS DO YOU AUTOMATE OVER THE HOLIDAYS? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #5: WHAT IS ONE THING YOU MUST ACCOMPLISH BEFORE 2012? #MomBizMondays

PANELISTS + ATTENDEES:
Please be sure to you Twitter Party hashtag #MomBizMondays at the end of every tweet so everyone may follow along in the conversation even if you are not following that person specifically. Please retweet all questions. It would be great if you were able to share your answers to each question. Connect with others at the party and say hello, chat with others, & remember to HAVE FUN! Also be sure to share links to your websites, blogs, and FaceBook pages too! We love sharing! *If you meet some great like-minded people at tonight’s twitter party, be sure to follow them so you can connect afterwards!

MomBizRetreat Tweets

No laundry? No kids? No cooking? No cleaning? Weekend away with like-minded women? #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

Kids driving you crazy? Family not understanding you? Struggling in Business? We help. #MomBizRetreat #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/uzBN17

The best gift this holiday season? A weekend away to work on and build your business. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

#Mompreneurs – don’t hide behind your computer feeling lost and lonely. We can help. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

I bet your moneymaker doesn’t involve carpooling and dusting. Come and learn how to manage it all. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

Stop struggling with your business. We help you create a clear and definitive path for your business. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

RELEVANT ARTICLES

Teleseminar: Success and Reinvention – How to maximize your business potential in 2012 #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/rwgjqF

The Power and Possibility Of Questions To Build Your Business #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/tX6qIB

Do connections really matter in your business? Are they important? #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/w14cQO

SOURCES:
www.MomBizRetreat.com
www.MomBizCoach.com
www.BizTrainHer.com
www.TimeOutMom.com

TOPIC: Success and Reinvention – Maximize your potential for 2012!

The holidays are approaching at a rapid rate… before you know it, the clock will strike midnight, you’ll be wearing a funny hat and kissing someone while listening to Auld Lang Syne. It will be the New Year. Welcome 2012! We want to arm you with some great tips and tools to help prepare you for a new year of business.

Perhaps you need a fresh start? Perhaps you need some redirection? Maybe you just need a little kick in the pants to do something you have been avoiding? Join us as we share tips and tricks to help set yourself up for business success and to maximize your business potential in 2012.

We want you to be armed with as many systems and supports that we can share to bring you some sanity and success for your Mom Business in 2012. We get the struggles, we get the frustrations, we get the “pull your hair out” days. We have been there and done that – and still do some days! But there are steps you can take to set yourself up for a successful new year. We want to share some ideas and talk about your ideas for your business in 2012. Moms: Stop being martyrs and get help, ask for help, and share your advice!

The MomBizRetreat is a proud sponsor of December 12th’s #MomBizMondays Live Twitter Chat

WHEN:
Monday, December 12th, 2011

TIME:
EST 10:00pm to 11:00pm
CST 09:00pm to 10:00pm
MST 08:00pm to 09:00pm
PST 07:00pm to 08:00pm

SPONSORED BY:
Mom Biz Retreat Weekend Getaways for Mompreneurs
This party is sponsored by Lara Galloway, @MomBizCoach and Shelagh Cummins @BizTrainHer, co-hosts of the Mom Biz Retreat. The Mom Biz Retreats are mompreneur getaways that offer women the chance to unplug from their daily routines and responsibilities. They get business coaching and expert consulting to plan, develop, market and grow their business during 2.5 days of intensive workshops. And as a reward for all their hard work, the mom entrepreneur participants treat themselves to private Wake Up Yoga Classes, spa treatments, exquisite meals, delicious wines, and the chance to connect with other women who think talking business and family makes a really good time.

HOSTS:
Lara @MomBizCoach Website: Mom Biz Coach FaceBook: Mom Biz Coach
Shelagh @BizTrainHer Website: Practical Mum FaceBook: Practical Mum Fans
Melissa @TimeOutMom Website: TimeOutMom FaceBook: TimeOutMom

PANELISTS:
Michelle Mangen @mmangen
Lisa Moeller @Genevieve_Lucy
Melissa Stewart @melissaonline
Heather Travitz @Heather31Mom

TWEETS:
We look forward to you joining us Monday night. We would love your help in promoting this chat your communities. Feel free to copy and paste the following tweets to help promote the Twitter Party.

RT @MomBizRetreat – Success and Reinvention – How to Maximize Your Potential 2012 Join #MomBizMondays 12/12 10pm ET http://bit.ly/u3QpNr

RT @MomBizRetreat – Are you ready to take your business to the next level in 2012? Join #MomBizMondays 12/12 10pm ET http://bit.ly/u3QpNr

RT @MomBizRetreat – @MomBizCoach @BizTrainHer @TimeOutMom will be sharing great tips/advice for mom entrepreneurs Mon 12/12 10pm ET #mombizmondays http://bit.ly/u3QpNr

TWITTER PARTY TWEETGRID LINK:
[to be provided shortly before the start of the party]

TWITTER PARTY HASHTAG:
#MomBizMondays

LINKS:
MomBizRetreat – http://bit.ly/uzBN17
MomBizGiveaway – http://bit.ly/sBcgyv

AGENDA: THEME =  MOM BIZ SUCCESS IN 2012

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #1: WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN 2011? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #2: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CONCERN ABOUT BUSINESS IN 2012? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #3: WHAT GOALS WILL YOU SET FOR NEXT YEAR? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #4: WHAT IS ONE THING YOU BELIEVE IS CRITICAL TO YOUR SUCCESS IN 2012? #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – QUESTION #5: WHAT WILL YOU DO TO MAKE SURE YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS? #MomBizMondays

PANELISTS + ATTENDEES:
Please be sure to you Twitter Party hashtag #MomBizMondays at the end of every tweet so everyone may follow along in the conversation even if you are not following that person specifically. Please retweet all questions. It would be great if you were able to share your answers to each question. Connect with others at the party and say hello, chat with others, & remember to HAVE FUN! Also be sure to share links to your websites, blogs, and FaceBook pages too! We love sharing! *If you meet some great like-minded people at tonight’s twitter party, be sure to follow them so you can connect afterwards!

MomBizRetreat Tweets

No laundry? No kids? No cooking? No cleaning? Weekend away with like-minded women? #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

Kids driving you crazy? Family not understanding you? Struggling in Business? We help. #MomBizRetreat #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/uzBN17

The best gift this holiday season? A weekend away to work on and build your business. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

#Mompreneurs – don’t hide behind your computer feeling lost and lonely.  We can help. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

I bet your moneymaker doesn’t involve carpooling and dusting. Come and learn how to manage it all. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

Stop struggling with your business.  We help you create a clear and definitive path for your business. #MomBizMondays #MomBizRetreat http://bit.ly/uzBN17

RELEVANT ARTICLES

Teleseminar: Success and Reinvention – How to maximize your business potential in 2012 #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/rwgjqF

The Power and Possibility Of Questions To Build Your Business #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/tX6qIB

Do connections really matter in your business? Are they important? #MomBizMondays http://bit.ly/w14cQO

SOURCES:
www.MomBizRetreat.com
www.MomBizCoach.com
www.BizTrainHer.com
www.TimeOutMom.com

We’re offering a huge, mega-great, super fantastic, just-what-you-always-wanted gift just in time for the holidays. The gift of learning, planning, strategizing, building, re-inventing and a whole weekend of yum, ahhhh, and “me time” rolled into one package: The Mom Biz Retreat in Chicago!  This ticket is valued at $595 and will give you access to all the sessions, parties, yoga, networking and business building that you can handle in 2.5 days.

The Mom Biz Retreat is a weekend getaway for mom entrepreneurs who want to make their business successful while enjoying some much needed “me time”. Spend the weekend working on your business and walk away with tools to help you grow your business. Work in a supportive environment with other mom entrepreneurs who understand you and receive the help of a business coach and trainer.

Head on over to the Mom Biz Retreat blog for contest entry details!

>> http://mombizretreat.com/free-pass/ >>

Determined to grow your business? Forget a giveaway – do you really want to and need to attend? Buy your ticket now to the Mom Biz Retreat Chicago – only 30 spots available.

Mom Biz Struggles and How to Overcome Them

We all bring a certain level of knowledge and a specific skill set to our businesses. We grow our businesses by relying on our strengths and trying to sidestep our challenges.  Inevitably, you reach that tipping point where you begin to struggle.  Things no longer are working smoothly, your business is no longer growing, and your frustration level increases.  Thing is, this is a universal phenomenon… But why is it that we struggle with our Mom Businesses?

#MomBizMondays Twitter Party

Monday, December 5th, 2011

TOPIC: MOM BIZ STRUGGLES AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM
Join us tonight to chat about what struggles you are experiencing and how we can overcome them. Lean on your #mombizmondays network to help you overcome a hurdle or a challenge that is currently holding you in a standstill. Come and learn about ideas, systems and resources that can support you and your business, and know that you are not alone! Moms: Stop being martyrs and get help, ask for help, and share your advice!

WHEN:
Monday, December 5th, 2011

TIME:
EST 10:00pm to 11:00pm
CST 09:00pm to 10:00pm
MST 08:00pm to 09:00pm
PST 07:00pm to 08:00pm

SPONSORED BY:
Mom Biz Retreat Weekend Getaways for Mompreneurs
This party is sponsored by Lara Galloway, @MomBizCoach and Shelagh Cummins @BizTrainHer, co-hosts of the Mom Biz Retreat. The Mom Biz Retreats are mompreneur getaways that offer women the chance to unplug from their daily routines and responsibilities. They get business coaching and expert consulting to plan, develop, market and grow their business during 2.5 days of intensive workshops. And as a reward for all their hard work, the mom entrepreneur participants treat themselves to private Wake Up Yoga Classes, spa treatments, exquisite meals, delicious wines, and the chance to connect with other women who think talking business and family makes a really good time.

HOSTS:
Lara @MomBizCoach Website: Mom Biz Coach FaceBook: Mom Biz Coach
Shelagh @BizTrainHer Website: Practical Mum FaceBook: Practical Mum Fans
Melissa @TimeOutMom Website: TimeOutMom FaceBook: TimeOutMom

PANELISTS:

TWEETS:
We look forward to you joining us Monday night. We would love your help in promoting this chat your communities. Feel free to copy and paste the following tweets to help promote the Twitter Party.

RT @MomBizRetreat – Every mom biz owner struggles, but there’s no reason to do it alone. Join #MomBizMondays 12/5 10pm ET twitter party and get/give support! http://bit.ly/sp7Qta

RT @MomBizRetreat – Need somewhere to turn for answers to your mompreneur questions? Join #MomBizMondays 12/5 10pm ET http://bit.ly/sp7Qta

RT @MomBizRetreat – @mombizcoach @ biztrainher @timeoutmom will be sharing great tips/advice for mom entrepreneurs Mon 12/5 10pm ET #mombizmondays http://bit.ly/sp7Qta

TWITTER PARTY TWEETGRID LINK:
[to be provided shortly before the start of the party]

TWITTER PARTY HASHTAG:
#MomBizMondays

AGENDA: THEME = MOM BIZ STRUGGLES

SKILLS AND STRENGTHS

QUESTION #1: WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH THAT YOU BRING TO YOUR BUSINESS?

QUESTION #2: WHAT SKILL DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE WHICH WOULD HELP YOUR BUSINESS?

QUESTION #3: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST STRUGGLE IN YOUR BUSINESS??

TIME

QUESTION #4: HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR WORK TIME? IS IT WORKING?

PLANNING

QUESTION #5: HOW OFTEN DO YOU REVIEW YOUR BUSINESS PLAN?

QUESTION #6: WHERE CAN YOU TURN TO FOR HELP WHEN YOU ARE STRUGGLING?

COMMITMENT

QUESTION #7: HOW DO YOU PRIORITIZE ALL YOUR COMMITMENTS (FAMILY< BUSINESS< PARTNER)?

PANELISTS + ATTENDEES:
Please be sure to you Twitter Party hashtag #MomBizMondays at the end of every tweet so everyone may follow along in the conversation even if you are not following that person specifically. Please retweet all questions. It would be great if you were able to share your answers to each question. Connect with others at the party and say hello, chat with others, & remember to HAVE FUN! Also be sure to share links to your websites, blogs, and FaceBook pages too! We love sharing! *If you meet some great like-minded people at tonight’s twitter party, be sure to follow them so you can connect afterwards!

SOURCES:

www.MomBizRetreat.com
www.MomBizCoach.com
www.BizTrainHer.com
www.TimeOutMom.com

• Are you too scared to market yourself?

• Do you struggle with selling yourself or your products?

• Are negative thoughts running through your head?

You’re not alone. Nearly every mom entrepreneur feels a little afraid of selling herself and promoting her business. Let’s look at some strategies to find out how to stop the fear from holding you back from marketing yourself and growing your business.

Here’s how to overcome the fear of marketing:

Research and Decide Who Your Target Market Is

If you understand what your target market needs and what keeps them up at night, you have the knowledge you need to start marketing yourself. When you know who your target market is and what they need from you, it will fill you with confidence and allow you to share your business in casual settings with ease.

Introspect to See If You Devalue Yourself

Look within to find out what is stopping you from sharing your work, your business. Pay attention to the voices in your head to find out what’s holding you back from talking about your business. Is it because you think you’re not smart enough, don’t know enough or is it that you think that what you do is not important?

Once you find out what that little voice in your head is, shut it up and do it anyway. Fear is normal and everyone feels it.

Create Your Unique Business Statement

Can you clearly articulate what it is you do for a living to a complete stranger? Every mom entrepreneur needs her own Unique Business Statement  (a little like your 10-second elevator pitch) so that she’s ready and able to quickly articulate what she does, who she serves and why it’s important or helpful.

Here’s  my Unique Business Statement and one that I use to describe what I do during casual conversations with friends and peers:

 “ I’m the Mom Biz Coach and I help mom business owners make more money doing what they love while taking care of their number one priority: family.”

Create your Unique Business Statement and then practice it, refine it, until  it’s perfect and just comes out naturally each time someone asks you what you do.

These are just some of the ways to overcome the number one fear that mom entrepreneurs feel at one point or the other: the fear of marketing yourself, the fear of selling yourself without being pushy or obnoxious. Want to find out how this fear of marketing manifests itself in casual conversations? Stay tuned for our next post: Marketing Your Self: The Number One Fear of Mom Entrepreneurs.

How do you promote yourself, and what you do in casual settings? 

Then, I was going to go out on Saturday and changed my mind last minute the morning of. Why couldn’t I do it? I just feel a bit claustraphobic in that kind of massive crowds, and didn’t want to fight over items, and gosh busy holiday shopping sucks the life and energy out of me!

Let’s just hang out with each other in the comfort of our homes and families all warm, nice, and cozy and get our holiday shopping done EARLY together!

#MomBizMondays Twitter Party
Monday November 28st 2011

 
TOPIC: #CYBERMONDAY SPECIALS
Let’s stay at home in your yoga pants our comfy robes and fluffy slippers and get our holiday shopping done. There is plenty of time to get some great gifts everyone in your life & even get them gift-wrapped and delivered if you need it! Get ready to get some awesome #CyberMonday codes and feel free to share too!

WHEN:
Monday, November 28th, 2011

TIME:
EST 10:00pm to 11:00pm
CST 09:00pm to 10:00pm
MST 08:00pm to 09:00pm
PST 07:00pm to 08:00pm

SPONSORED BY:
Mom Biz Retreat Weekend Getaways for Mompreneurs
This party is sponsored by Lara Galloway, @MomBizCoach and Shelagh Cummins @BizTrainHer, co-hosts of the Mom Biz Retreat. The Mom Biz Retreats are mompreneur getaways that offer women the chance to unplug from their daily routines and responsibilities. They get business coaching and expert consulting to plan, develop, market and grow their business during 2.5 days of intensive workshops. And as a reward for all their hard work, the mom entrepreneur participants treat themselves to private Wake Up Yoga Classes, spa treatments, exquisite meals, delicious wines, and the chance to connect with other women who think talking business and family makes a really good time.

HOSTS:
Lara @MomBizCoach Website: Mom Biz Coach FaceBook: Mom Biz Coach
Shelagh @BizTrainHer Website: Practical Mum FaceBook: Practical Mum Fans
Melissa @TimeOutMom Website: TimeOutMom FaceBook: TimeOutMom

PANELISTS:

TWEETS:
We look forward to you joining us Monday night. We would love your help in promoting this chat your communities. Feel free to copy and paste the following tweets to help promote the Twitter Party.

RT @MomBizRetreat – Come hang out with us at 10pm and get some great #CyberMonday Codes http://bit.ly/sh6exu #CyberMonday #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – The Coupon Codes are still coming in for tonight’s #CyberMonday Twitter Party! http://bit.ly/sh6exu #MomBizMondays

RT @MomBizRetreat – Stay in & get some awesome #CyberMonday codes for holiday shopping from 15-50% off! http://bit.ly/sh6exu #MomBizMondays

TWITTER PARTY TWEETGRID LINK:
http://bit.ly/rD4n7S

TWITTER PARTY HASHTAGS:
#CyberMonday #MomBizMondays

PANELISTS + ATTENDEES:
Please be sure to you Twitter Party hashtag #MomBizMondays at the end of every tweet so everyone may follow along in the conversation even if you are not following that person specifically. Please retweet all questions. It would be great if you were able to share your answers to each question. Connect with others at the party and say hello, chat with others, & remember to HAVE FUN! Also be sure to share links to your websites, blogs, and FaceBook pages too! We love sharing! *If you meet some great like-minded people at tonight’s twitter party, be sure to follow them so you can connect afterwards!

TWEETS & CODES:

REAL FOOD FOR YOUR FAMILY
RT @NourishMD REAL Food is your child’s fuel for REAL Health & Happiness. Include Powerful Proteins, Friendly Fats and Colorful Carbs!

RT @NourishMD Have you made it to the starting line when feeding your family #REALfood? 6 managable changes for you! http://bit.ly/t7abVJ

Confused about what to feed your family? Get REAL with Food Starter Kit is 40% off with coupon code: mombiz http://bit.ly/sp6YZC #CyberMonday

TECHIE GADGETS AND GIZMOS
RT @ScottCowely RT @ScottCowley – All @ZAGGdaily screen protectors, skins, batteries, and smartbuds are 50% off Mon & Tues http://zagg.com/ #CyberMonday
 
RT @Shop3M – Free VGA Cable if you purchase the 3M Mobile Projector MP225a at Shop3M.com #CyberMonday
 
RT @Shop3M – 20% off 3M™ Natural View Screen Protectors for smartphones and tablets Shop3M.com #CyberMonday
 
APPS FOR CHILDREN
RT @RuckusMedia – Amazing Interactive Children’s Stories! All Apps for $1.99 – All proceeds go to great cause = @StJude #CyberMonday

GREAT LOCAL SHOPPING DEALS FOR MOMS
RT @PlumDistrict – We have a code “cyber40″ for 40% off any deal on the site http://www.plumdistrict.com/ #CyberMonday

PLANNERS MADE BY MOMS FOR MOMS
RT @TimeMine – “CYBER11″ for 50% off all Time Mine Planners – Made by Moms for Moms!http://www.timemine.com/ #CyberMonday

UNDERWEAR, ACTIVEWEAR, SLEEPWEAR, AND SOCKS +
RT @Jockey – #CyberMonday Special for 40% any single item – Coupon Code “SAVE40″ all Great Jockey Items! #CyberMonday
 
GAMES, GAMES, AND MORE GAMES!
RT @HasbroNews – For one day only FREE shipping! Check out HasbroToyShop.com for details. #CyberMonday
 
RT @HasbroNews Free shipping until 12/18 on most orders of $50 or more thanks to @HasbroNews and @FamilyGameNight HasbroToyShop.com
 
RT @HasbroNews – Visit us daily December 1st – December 18th for an awesome Daily Deal using Coupon Code “DEAL2″ – #CyberMonday
 
PUZZLES, PUPPETS, PLUSH, EDUCATIONAL TOYS
RT @MelissaandDoug – Free shipping no minimum thru 11/29. Code “FreeShipZero”. Ground shipping only. Continental US only. MelissaandDoug.com #CyberMonday

RT @MasterMindToys – Free Shipping through Wednesday and Free Giftwrapping http://www.mastermindtoys.com/ [*Canada Only*] #CyberMonday

HAND-MADE MOM-MADE ITEMS
RT @Shnugglebug – Hand-made reusable holiday celebration pennants, bibs, and aprons by SnuggleBug Designs – Code = “Snuggle20″ http://etsy.me/ufyJ3C #CyberMonday

COFFEE-TIME
Today only get FREE SHIPPING and a FREE Coffee Grinder with the purchase of the Mr. Coffee® Café Latte http://bit.ly/uUyEoH

To celebrate #CyberMonday we’re offering FREE SHIPPING and a FREE Coffee Grinder w purchase of Mr. Coffee® Café Frappe http://bit.ly/1pPuNK #CyberMonday

Mr. Coffee® Single Serve coffee maker: Buy it today and get a Bonus pack of 5 K-Cups®! http://bit.ly/ri0kLT #CyberMonday

HOLIDAY CARDS
RT @PaperFlavor – $20 off minimum $40 purchase of paperflavor.com personalized holiday cards. Promo code “IHEARTPF20″ #CyberMonday

BAGS, HANDBAGS, AND ACCESSORIES
RT @IttyBittyBag – 15% off all products – CouponCode = “CYBERMONDAY” IttyBittyBag.com

BLENDER GIVEAWAY
RT @AlisonLewis – Blendtec Blender Giveaway Contest & Acai Pomegranate Smoothie Recipe: IngredientsInc.Net

GREAT GIFTS + SHIP, SHIP, SHIPPING
RT @UPS – Hate waiting for shipments? Sign-up for #UPS_MyChoice for a chance to win tickets to sporting events, concerts + more http://bit.ly/sRy40v

RT @UPSstore – #UPSsmallbiz Get your gourmet gifts @dancingdeer and enjoy 20% off any order with code UPS20 thru 12/18: http://bit.ly/tS9MWW

#UPSsmallbiz 10% off navel orange gift box shipments thru 12/15 with code UPS @joshuacitrus: http://bit.ly/vI5XiB #holidaydeals

#UPSsmallbiz Gobble up free ground shipping on holiday gifts/award-winning brownies @browniepoints1: http://bit.ly/uR9Pd7 #holidaydeals

#UPSsmallbiz Free ground shipping @popcornpalace with code UPSSHIP. Offer expires at midnight on 12/13: http://bit.ly/ryMEVM #holiday deals

Foursquare check-in at participating @TheUPSStore locations gets you 20% off printing. Great for holiday family newsletters + invitations!

RESOURCES:
www.MomBizRetreat.com
www.MomBizCoach.com
www.BizTrainHer.com
www.TimeOutMom.com

Here are a few quick ideas to help you spice things up and boost business as well when promoting on Twitter:

Host a Twitter Party

Twitter parties are a great way to make marketing fun and effective.  I’ve attended so many of these and hosted many as well, and these parties are a fantastic way of promoting a campaign, building expertise, connecting with your target market, and having a lot of .

You start by creating a #hashtag and a name for your event, and then set the date and time.

Establish a chat room (check out Tweetgrid.com) and invite people to get on and talk about whatever is the topic of your party. Ask and answer questions, offer tips and ideas. A Twitter party is also a great way to “pay it forward” and establish yourself as an expert in your niche while promoting your event or services.

Join a Twitter Chat for Establishing Expertise

Alternatively, you can also join one of the Twitter chats hosted by various online groups, blogs and businesses. Participating in a Twitter chat in your niche helps increase your visibility to your target audience while also establishing your expertise when you offer answers, tips and advice during the chat. Bloggers, for example, wanting to establish expertise can join the #savvyblogging or #blogchat Twitter chats and connect with thousands of beginner bloggers seeking advice and help. And be sure to check out #mombizmondays on Mondays at 10pm ET, when I’ll be hosting a Twitter Chat for mompreneurs!

Collaborate with Colleagues

Another great way to create visibility on Twitter is to collaborate with your colleagues and other bloggers or writers on Twitter. Connect with another business that has a similar target market and cross-promote your events, campaigns, etc. For example: If you design wedding invitations, why not find a couple of wedding planners on Twitter and offer to give their clients a discount if they’re willing to list you as a vendor?

There are a lot of ways to market your business and services. Twitter is just one of them. Do read Make Tweeting Work for You to create a marketing plan for Twitter, and make full use of this free, fun, effective and super-easy way of getting the word out about whatever it is that you do or would like to do.

How do you make promoting or marketing on Twitter fun and interesting?