Building Your Business From the Inside Out: Strategies For Making Your Business Work in Concert With Your Life with Terri Fry Brukhartz

Wednesday, March 24
10:30 CST/11:30 EST.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
It’s free. I mean it.
You won’t want to miss it.

Are you finding it difficult to grow your business and still have time for all of the other things in your life?

In this FREE, 60-minute teleseminar, Business Coach Terri Fry Brukhartz will teach you 5 simple steps for increasing your bottom line without spending more time working. You will learn how to:

• Expand your business without working more
• Balance work and life so that one is not sacrificed for the other
• Create a fulfilling vision for yourself that will change as your needs change (Without this, you can’t successfully respond to the changes life throws at you daily!)
• Feel excited about work again

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For those who can’t attend live, a replay will be available 24 hours after the call.  Please register so that you can have access to the replay.

About Terri: Certified Business Coach, Terri Fry Brukhartz, CPCC, has spent the last 10 years helping service professionals build their businesses and improve their lives. Her business experience ranges from working with Fortune 500 companies to founding her highly successful advertising firm, The Fry Group, Inc. Terri believes in achieving the unimaginable and helps her clients do just that!

(Note: if I have met you twice before at a conference or a Meetup and my eyes give away the fact that I can’t remember you, please know that it’s not me.  It’s my memory.  I loved meeting you the first and second time.  Honestly.)

To help feeble minds cobble together the thousand things that momtrepreneurs must do every day, here are 3 useful tools:

1. Voice notes.

If you’re a momtrepreneur using a blackberry (like most I know), you have access to Blackberry Messenger (or BBM).  Once you’re in BBM, press the MENU key.  An option called “send voice note” comes up.  Click that option and you will be offered the opportunity to start recording.

Recommended use:  When you’re pushing your toddler in the swing, or walking down the freezer aisle of the grocery store, and you just remembered that thing you have to do, send yourself a voice note!  Long gone are the days where you had to put that ice cream down, call up an email and type yourself a long note with those thick-fingers-on-tiny-keyboard absurdities.

2. iCal reminders

This morning a man from a national speakers’ bureau called me and told me that after our discussion six months ago, I had suggested that he check in with me in half a year’s time.  Does he have a better memory than me?  Very likely.  Did he spontaneously wake up today and remember our discussion from six months ago?  Likely not.

Recommended use:  click here to learn how to set up an iCal reminder–you can set an alarm to email you, make a sound, message you, or other ways to urge yourself back into action.  You can also have a reminder set up to email you weekly, monthly, or annually.  You’ll never forget your children’s birthdays again.

3. Stickies

Old-fashioned sticky notes, the new way.  Download the program and start putting sticky notes everywhere.  You can set different colors for the different notes, change fonts, and move them all over your desktop whenever you want.  Nevermind that the background of my desktop is entirely yellow from the hundreds of sticky notes I’ve created…

Recommended use:  if you need to make that list of household goods to buy at Target while on a really boring conference call, you can do it in just 2 clicks.  (Note:  beware that lists beget lists, and once you start posting sticky notes that remind you to look at other sticky notes, DELETE THE PROGRAM).

From waterproof labels (that don’t wash off those sippy cups) to stationery to luggage tags, Ellen has created an inspiring business full of creations that inspire.  This award-winning momtrepreneur figured out how to turn a artistic interest into a profit.  Couldn’t we all be this lucky?  (Yes.  Yes we can.)

What business did you start up?

Little Lamb Design, LLC, a custom order stationery and design business.

What motivated you to do it?

I’ve really loved stationery for as long as I can remember. When my oldest son was one, I wanted to be able to quit working outside the home and for someone else. I really desired to spend more time with him and at home. I always heard people say “do what you love,” so I decided to go after this dream wholeheartedly.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

Two boys who are 3 and 6.

How long have you been running your business?

I began working from home 5 years ago, but 2 years ago, I joined forces with my business partner and we have been in an office since then.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

Initially it took about 6 months to turn a small profit when working from home.  After moving into our office, it took us another several months to turn a profit.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

My husband was (and still is) very supportive. I could not have done it without him! My boys are fairly understanding for the most part, as much as small children can be   They love going to “Mommy’s office” and are usually fine if I tell them I have to go to work today.

Easiest part of your job?

Creating new and exciting designs…I dream about colors and patterns and relish the chance to put them on paper whenever I get the chance!

Hardest part of your job?

Finding time to create new designs and products. Also finding time to make my family top priority. Just day to day operational duties take away a lot more time than I would like

What skill would you most like to improve?

My sales abilities!

Can you recommend essential websites for moms in, or going into, business?

SCORE and the SBA.  Both host free seminars that are SO helpful when you are getting into a new business, and SCORE helped us rewrite our business plan about a year ago when we were seeking some additional funding.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Being named one of 20 Rising Stars under the age of 40 by Printing Impressions Magazine.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Being home when my son gets off the bus.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition…..really nothing more than to be a mom. Oh, and for a while I wanted to be the first woman president.

Fondest memory…..the day I married my husband.

Indulgence…..store-bought white birthday cake with white icing!

Last purchase….. spray paint for my kitchen chandelier.

Favorite magazine….. Martha Stewart Living.

Inspiration…..the women in my Community Bible Study Group.

My Life…..is a dream come true.

Look!  I created my first Squidoo lens.

It includes this Top 10 list for getting your business started right, practically speaking.  Things like:

1. Do the URL hunt.
2. Establish your company name
3. Legal Formation
4. Open A Bank Account
5. Trademarks & Service marks (optional)
6. Hire A Graphic Designer For Logos & Branding
7. Hire A Web Designer For Your Website
8. Find A Hosting Company
9. Set Up Your Social Networking Sites
10. Get To Work

You can see the details about each item listed here.  Read ‘em and weep (…with joy…because you did all these things already, right?).

What business did you start up?

A professional organizing business, Organizing Philly, that helps residents and business-owners maximize their space and simplify their lives.

What motivated you to do it?

Although I had a fulfilling career practicing law, I always fantasized about being my own boss doing something I loved — organizing. The ability to set my own schedule to spend more time with my family was my primary motivation.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

2 children — 3 years old and 6 months old.

How long have you been running your business?

18 months.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

I’m still not sure how I measure success. I had clients immediately. My business continues to grow in many different ways.  I recently returned to taking on clients after a 5-month maternity leave for the birth of my second child.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

My family is incredibly supportive in every way! My husband really pushed me to make my dream a reality.

Easiest part of your job?

The easiest part is doing the hands-on organizing.  This comes naturally to me and is really fun.

Hardest part of your job?

The hardest part has been becoming comfortable selling myself and my services.  As an attorney I had no background in running a business, let alone in sales.  To me, this has been the most challenging and interesting part of being an entrepreneur.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Again, sales.  I’m always soliciting advice from more experienced businesswomen about how they network, get business, promote their services, etc.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I’ve received so much helpful advice.  Perhaps the most useful was the advice to network and meet as many people (other business-owners, potential clients, etc.) as you can.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Making a difference in my clients’ lives makes me most proud.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Interacting with a client on a job.  Hearing about their struggles to get organized and offering solutions tailored to their lifestyle and needs.

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

Maybe a question about how to manage work-life balance.  Maintaining work-life balance isn’t easy even when you are your own boss. In some ways it can be harder. But it’s worth the struggle.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….to do my best.

Fondest memory….my wedding day and the first days with my newborn sons after their births.

Indulgence….massage.

Last purchase…..brunch.

Favorite magazine…..Vanity Fair, The Atlantic Monthly

Inspiration…..my husband and children.

My Life…..my family.

I sold out to The Man and got me some free samples of OxiClean’s new Max Force Power Paks and Gel Sticks.  Why?  Because I love taking things from The Man and giving them a woman’s touch?  Because corporate giants could learn a thing or two from us momtrepreneurs?  Because I can?

No, fools.  Because I have some seriously backlogged laundry to do.

Other than the superpowered hyperbole of a product name, I ended up loving the Power Paks so much that I did a record amount of laundry this week.  After folding so much clean clothing (and with gusto!), my husband–in a state of shock–asked how I suddenly had so much time to do the laundry.  I didn’t.  But new products are fun, right?

Think of the Power Pak as your personal laundry basketball.  You can stand from 20 feet from the washing machine and throw it right into the wash.  The Gel Stick proves to be more a bit more work — it’s like putting deodorant on the outside of your clothing — and after my daughter had dipped her sleeves into the muddiest mud of muds, the Gel Stick provided optimism but did not pan out.

OxiClean could one-up its Power Paks by providing actual detergent in the Paks and not making it a separate detergent booster.  Besides that, my family is looking and smelling better than we have in a very, very long while.  Sadly for us, it’s time for this momtrepreneur to get back to work.

We have a venue.  A venue!  I’m thrilled about the place where we will hold our Exchange–at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago.  This incredible space, founded by famed artists the Zhou Brothers, will accommodate everything that we want to do at this event and then some.  The history of the center alone is amazing–I could not be more excited to share the space with all of you.  If you could not tell, I’m a bit excited…now that the Exchange has a home, it is feels much more real than a mere that I’ve had thus far.

I’ve spoken with dozens of potential speakers, and everyone has had a very positive reaction to the conference, its purpose and participating in it.  I’ve connected with several local momtrepreneurs through The Momtrepreneur Meetup and will be coordinating with a few of them to help continue to develop the conference in early 2010.

It’s March.  The sponsorship hunt is on.  Cross your fingers.

What business did you start up?

My best friend, Helen Huckaba, and I started an online baby boutique offering clothing, accessories, and gear for little ones up to 24 months. We were two peas in a pod with a knack for hunting down the most unique baby gift, and so Two Blue Peas was born.

What motivated you to do it?

Helen was pregnant with her first little pea, I was queen of giving the perfect baby gift, and we were both simply looking for a way to leave our corporate jobs and hang out (and of course work tirelessly!) together all day.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

My husband and I are still hopeful, and Helen has two precious little girls – 9 months and 3 years. Working out of Helen’s home, I definitely feel like a second mom to them at times. Although I do love my “favorite Aunt Boo Boo” status.

How long have you been running your business?

We made the leap from our previous jobs nearly three years ago and launched Two Blue Peas in March of 2007.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

Business started with a small bang thanks to our closest family and friends, and then slowed down a tad until we really found our marketing groove. I’m happy to report that we turned a small profit in our second year, and we’ve been growing exponentially ever since. Our repeat customer base is also a huge marker of success for us. Once customers started coming back again and again, we considered our website and service a success.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

Both of our husbands were more than supportive during the start-up process. They urged us on when we were scared and pitched in when we were overwhelmed. They were fully on board with our ultimate goal of staying home to raise the kiddos while working together on something that challenges and excites us. Starting your own business is tough enough, and I can’t imagine enduring it without the full support of your spouse.

Easiest part of your job?

Customer service. We love working closely with customers who call in asking for advice on what to buy their friend or sister for her baby shower.

Hardest part of your job?

Walking away. It is very hard to be so invested in something and force yourself to walk away from it to take a vacation every now and then.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Thicker skin and a more hardball attitude. I wish we were better able to negotiate deals with our vendors. There are many expenses associated with an inventory-based business, and passing some of those costs along to the customer can be really tough in these days of comparison shopping.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I wish someone had told us that failure is not necessarily all negative, and not to beat ourselves up over it. Had we not made some of our mistakes and wrong turns, we would not have learned and evolved from them. Now we know to take missteps in stride by turning them into opportunities for growth and improvement.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Our proudest moment to date was landing ourselves in the Oprah Magazine 2009 Holiday Gift Guide. The sheer satisfaction of seeing our name on that beautiful glossy page was amazing…and the sales impact was not too shabby either. It takes lots of hard work, creative spinning, and persistence to crack the pages of the famous book, but we did it! And yes, the “Oprah Effect” really does exist.

Favorite part of a typical day?

We still love waking up to an in-box full of orders and seeing what customers have picked out. Did our “delicious pea picks” (recommended items) make it into any shopping bags? Are any of our latest additions making a splash yet?

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….to be the next Joan Lunden.
Fondest memory….our midnight champagne toast the night Two Blue Peas officially launched.
Indulgence….anything from the bakery next door, but specifically their “brookie”, a brownie/cookie hybrid.
Last purchase…..knocked out all of my Christmas shopping in one day – online of course!
Favorite magazine…..still pouting from the loss of Domino.
Inspiration…..my amazing family.
My life…..gets better and better each day thanks to my successful business, loving husband, and a true appreciation for the beautiful world we live in.

http://www.relishrelish.com

I signed up and have been trying it out for a little while.  Literally EVERY meal that I’ve made and eaten so far has been super easy and absolutely delectable.  (I know, I sound like a spokesperson for the company–I swear I’m not.)

Why is it awesome?

1. Upon signing into the site, you pick your week’s worth of recipes from a menu that changes weekly.

2. You can choose the # of portions you want to cook and it will change up the portions for you.

3. It collects an Ingredients List and all the recipes into a printable pdf.

4. 5 dinners is under $85 in groceries.  Each dinner takes 30 minutes or less to make.

Seriously, it’s been too good to be true.  And since I know that most of us don’t have time to cook during the week, this helps tremendously.

Oh!  Coupon code “dinner” lets you try it free for a week.  Relish THAT.

I’m pretty sure, though, that this year will be a huge one for us momtrepreneurs.  There are already signs everywhere we turn:

1. At the end of last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that women were nearing the work force majority–as though it was something to be afraid of?

2. The Economist’s January feature is titled, “The Rich World’s Quiet Revolution:  Women Are Gradually Taking Over The Workplace.”

3. Major marketplaces like Startup Nation, Ladies Who Launch, Yahoo’s Shine and more have recently launched (read: put big money behind) “Mompreneur Cafes” and other networking sites where momtrepreneurs can network, share information and resources and see how many other women are doing it.

You can bet that there’s plenty more to come…in the way of forums for momtrepreneurs to do what we do best–gather together and make things happen.  How much am I looking forward to seeing more momtrepreneurs come on board this year?  Very, very much.