#MomBizMondays: Success and Reinvention – How to maximize your potential in 2012
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
#MomBizMondays Twitter Chat: Dec 5th Mom Biz Struggles and How to Overcome Them
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
Women and Power
I just finished interviewing a very smart, inspiring and POWERFUL woman for my WoMEN: What Mom Entrepreneurs Need Teleseminar Series today. Marlynn Schotland, of www.ThePowerMOB.com and www.UrbanBlissLife.com was my guest, and I really enjoyed hearing her take on the topic of powerful women.
Power is a very subjective term, full of positive and negative connotations. What’s more, being powerful means different things when applied to men vs. women.
Here are some of the takeaways from our conversation today:
- Women often have trouble accepting our strengths, our power and our success. Instead, we tend to downplay them.
- Women (and especially mompreneurs) define terms like “power” and “success” differently than their male counterparts, AND those definitions are likely to change over time (for instance: when we start a family).
- Some definitions of a “powerful woman” include: the ability and commitment to help others, being responsible for our choices, owning our happiness, and a woman who is vulnerable and inspiring.
- The first step to empowering ourselves is self-acceptance.
There were some great comments from the listeners and mompreneurs joining in the discussion on Twitter and Facebook. I’d love to hear your definition of power and how you feel about being a powerful woman.
Want to listen for yourself? No problem. You can listen here or download it to your mp3 player to take with you!
New Year, New Home
Hey there, Women!
I apologize for my fall from the face of the earth this last month, but I needed a break from all my work to manage our family’s move back to Michigan from Canada. It was a fairly big deal. Not only did we move from one country to another, but then the holidays hit. We moved out of our house in Windsor on Dec. 16th, into our new house in Michigan on Dec. 17th, I turned 40 on Dec. 18th, and we left for a 10-day visit with family in Minnesota for the holidays on Dec. 21st.
Today my three children attended their first day of school at their new schools. They were brave troopers and handled it well, despite the fact that our house is still upside down from the move, and finding backpacks, lunch bags and snow bibs was quite a challenge this morning.
After my husband and I dropped them all off this morning, I had a little mommy meltdown. I cried because I’ve been carrying a ton of weight around with all the decisions I’ve been making for our family for the last two months. I cried because I’m a sap and felt a tiny bit sorry for my kids having to be newbies, even though I know they’ll be fine. I cried because I’ve been sprinting towards January 3rd and all that had to happen by then to make the day successful for so long. I cried because I’m hormonal. I cried because as a mompreneur, a whole lot of people depend on me, and it’s hard to do it all sometimes.
When my meltdown was over (thank goodness it only lasted about 10 minutes), I pulled my sappy self together and got back to business. I turned the computer on, found a notebook among the piles of papers surrounding my new desk/office space, picked up the phone and called a prospect. I am delighted she hired me. I think that meltdown helped clear out the mental clutter that’s been in my head for a while now.
I have so many new things to share with you this year–big plans to help mompreneurs be their best in business and life. I’ll be posting a lot of those changes over the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.
What’s new with you this year? Please share below or tweet me: @mombizcoach.
Happy New Year!
Guest Blog Post: End of the Year Legal Checklist for Busy Mompreneurs
Today, I welcome Nellie Akalp, CEO and Founder of CorpNet.com. CorpNet.com is an incorporation filing service specializing in assisting mompreneurs in getting their businesses off the ground quickly and affordably, whether it be incorporating their business, forming an LLC or filing a DBA. The year is ending and us mompreneurs need to make sure that our finances are in order!
She joins us today to share her End of the Year Legal Checklist for busy Mompreneurs.
We’re in the homestretch of 2010. And while our lives may have been hectic throughout the year, the intensity seems to heighten every December. There’s
holiday shopping, travel plans, school vacations, baking, family… and then of course, there’s your business. If you’re a business owner, December is also that time of year to make sure you’ve got everything squared away for the New Year.
Yes, December is busy. But some legal and administrative decisions shouldn’t wait until you write your New Year’s resolutions. Here’s a snapshot of some of the things you should be thinking about while it’s still 2010…
If you have a new business, think about incorporating it before 2011
If you’ve started a new business in 2010 and still haven’t incorporated or formed an LLC, you might want to do so before 2011. Of course, bear in mind that your corporation’s ‘start date’ is not retroactive. Any tax benefits you might receive apply from the date you incorporated (if your corporation forms on December 11, you’ll still need to fill out your taxes as a ‘sole proprietor’ for all the previous months in 2010). For this reason, incorporating or forming your LLC is one issue which might be better deferred until 2011.
Of course, be aware that January is the absolute busiest time of the year at your state’s secretary of state office. By waiting until January, you will be at the mercy of a long backlog. However, you can also choose a ‘Delayed Filing’ with a document filing company. This means you get all your paperwork submitted now, and it will be held and filed on the first business day of 2011. And the good news is, you’ll be at the front of the line.
File your Annual Report for your corporation
Make sure you keep your business in good standing. Most states require some form of an annual report filing (some every year; some every two years). If your state requires you to file this report, there is a specific due date — in some cases, it’s on the anniversary of your business’ incorporation date; in other cases, it’s when your annual tax statements are due; and in some cases, it’s at the end of the calendar year. Be sure to know your specific filing deadline (check with your state’s secretary of state office). Missing this deadline can result in penalties and late fees — and in the worst case scenario, your company can be subject to suspension or dissolution.
If you’ve made any changes to your corporation, file your ‘Articles of Amendment’
Did you change your business address? Drop the ‘.com’ from your official company name (or make any other name change)? Did a board member or director leave the business? Any time you make a change to your corporation or LLC, you can basically count on having to file an official notification (referred to as an “Amendment”) with your state. In many states, these are called Articles of Amendment.
Tie up any legal loose ends before the New Year
As busy moms, we all have to prioritize…meaning some things get left behind. The end of the year presents a perfect opportunity for you to tie up any loose ends that you’ve put off throughout the year. For example: Did you file a DBA (Doing Business As) for your business name? Do you need to file for a trademark? Did you get a Tax ID number (or, Employer ID Number)? Are all your necessary licenses and permits in order?
If you have an inactive business, close it before 2011
Maybe you formed an LLC for a part time accounting business a few years ago. But over the past year, you’ve focused on other things, and haven’t actively promoted this business. It has no revenue, no customers. In every sense, you’ve basically closed your business – but you still need to file a formal termination of that LLC or Corporation. Otherwise, you can still be charged fees associated with the business. You’ll still be expected to file an annual report (where applicable). You’ll still be required to submit tax returns to the IRS and state.
You’ll need to file “Articles of Dissolution” or a “Certificate of Termination” document with the Secretary of State within the state that your Corporation or LLC was formed (and in most cases, you’ll need to settle any owed taxes before you can do this). Along these lines you should also cancel any kind of permit or licenses you hold with the state or county. And if you’ve been using a fictitious business name, you’ll need to file an abandonment form. Again, make sure to take care of these matters while it’s still 2010. There’s simply no reason to pay an extra cent in fees toward a business you know you’re retiring. Put that money towards your family or next venture instead!
While December may be a busy month, be sure to set aside some time to address your administrative obligations. In some cases, taking care of an issue in 2010 can help save you money in fees and penalties moving forward. And you can cross a few more things off your never-ending to-do list to start fresh in 2011.
About Nellie Akalp:
The Road to Success for Mompreneurs
I am honored to be featured on the blog of one of my dearest supporters online. Genevieve Lachance, of VASimpleServices.com, has put together a fantastic interview series called “The Everyday Entrepreneur.” Genevieve has her fingers on the pulse of mompreneurhood and asks all the right questions about what it takes to be successful as a mompreneur.
She created a video of my interview, and I’ve included it below. Just click the link to listen. It’s 15 minutes long.
Road to Success With Mom Biz Coach Lara Galloway
To read more of the lovely interviews Genevieve has collected, please visit her website.
Chaos Is Normal for Mompreneurs
Summer is over, school is back in session…so everything is getting back to “normal,” right?
Not necessarily. When you’re a mompreneur, you have to adjust your mindset to the life you are choosing to lead. It really is a bit chaotic sometimes, but you’re not going to be successful in your business if you let the chaos of motherhood affect your ability to meet your business goals.
I am thrilled to be featured in today’s London Ontario Free Press in an article by Allison Graham. You can read my thoughts on how to be a successful mompreneur, along with those of my friend Melissa Lierman, by clicking here.
How to Handle Your Taxes
Hey mompreneurs: Does tax time terrify you?
Does the thought of getting everything in order for your taxes make your heart stop?
Well, you’re not alone. And it’s a good idea to solve this problem before the holidays and tax time roll around. I’m always on the lookout for good resources to support mom entrepreneurs, and I’ve found a webinar I know will benefit many work at home moms.
My colleague, Rebecca Tervo, CPA, is offering a free teleseminar to help you get your financial books in order so you know exactly where you stand when it’s time to do your taxes.
How would it feel for you to go into the end of 2010 confident and secure? You can learn how in Rebecca’s FREE webinar, “No More QuickBooks Fear”, where she outlines exactly what you need to know in QuickBooks, including what to track for taxes. This will be a jargon-free zone! No accountant talk, no weird terms you don’t understand. Just clear, simple explanations of the different sections in QuickBooks and what they mean for your business and taxes.
Rebecca has helped me get setup with my own QuickBooks account, and I really appreciate her professionalism coupled with an easy-going nature.
Click here to register.
Why not tell a mom entrepreneur friend about this webinar?
Does tax time terrify you?
Does the thought of getting everything in order for your taxes make your heart stop? There IS a better way! My clients feel great when tax time rolls around because they know that their books are in order and they have a clear picture on EXACTLY what they owe and how much money they’ve made.
How would it feel for you to go into the end of 2010 confident and secure? You can learn how in my FREE webinar, “No More QuickBooks Fear”, where I’m outlining exactly what you need to know in QuickBooks, including what to track for taxes. This will be a jargon-free zone! No accountant talk, no weird terms you don’t understand. Just clear, simple explanations of the different sections in QuickBooks and what they mean for your business and taxes.
Here’s the link to get signed up: http://members.tervofinancialfitness.com/nomoreqbfear/
See you next Wednesday!
Rebecca Tervo, CPA
Tervo Financial Fitness, LLC
email address: rebecca@tervofinancial.com
website: www.tervofinancial.com
twitter: www.twitter.com/rebeccatervocpa
linked in: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccatervocpa
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tervofinancial






