Any Other Entrepreneur Moms?

Hi A.!
I'm in the middle of launching a couple businesses of my own right now while still holding down the corporate job hoping the other takes off.

I have MUCH to share about crossing the 'terror barrier' and working for yourself. In fact, just Monday night I held a motivational business building call with my personal business coach. For some reason, this won't let me add the link to the recorded call in here but if you'd like to listen in and get some inspiration, please email me privately at ____@____.com and I can send it to you.

Beyond that, I'd love to connect with other entrepreneur moms (when we can like right now after midnight online :)

Best of luck to you!

L. Mercer
Heritage Makers Independent Consultant and Director
____@____.com

Have it all.....Family. Success. Your own business in the new and exploding digital scrapbooking market. More details at www.PictureYourLife.com

Mom of 4 with a full time job LOVING LIFE! See how I do it at......www.HowWeCanHaveItAll.com

i've never had my own business, so i don't have much advice. i just wanted to say good luck and hope everything is successful for you.

Hi A.,

I'm an attorney, a mother and an entrepreneur (my husband and I also own several rental properties). I've been in private practice for three years now. Whatever you do, don't try to work from home and watch the kids at the same time... it's not conducive to the practice of law. I have an office away from home and typically work 9-5, no more, often less.

Starting a practice can be overwhelming, but stick with it and you will soon reap the rewards. I applaud your ambition to step away from the norm and not get stuck working 60+ hours in a large law firm that has no tolerance for the demands of a working mother.

I am an enterpreneur, but I still work at home, with my three boys. The only time I'm out of the house is when I'm educating others on the relationship between nutriton and health. I can understand your nervousness, especially financial, and the time it will take. My advice is schedule your time, and work it! I love the book "Your Best Life Now" by Joel Olsten. It helps you know that the Lord love you and wants you to receive his blessing. It's a real motivator. If you have a second to spare, I'd read it!

Networking and affordable marketing are keys to building your business. I worked for a sole practitioner as a paralegal when he first moved to this city. He does collection law and incorporation paperwork and more, but he had been practicing law for a while when he moved here. He found niches (such as local Bar Association events & referrals, new business start-up organizations, etc.) that worked for him to build his business and so will you. You are already listening to your gut and going after your dreams. Deciding to work part-time and going into business for myself have been two of the best decisions I have ever made, even with monetary struggles that come with the choices. Feel free to check out my mom-owned business to share your life - your story - your way. Good luck.

Hi A.:
Congrats on your new and very exciting undertaking! My husband owns his own business and I've been a self-employed freelancer for 2 years in the past...so I'm pretty familiar with the roller coaster ride that is independant earning. Perks? Control over your schedule. No commute. No one to answer to but yourself. The rewards of earning on your own. Downsides? When you're busy, you're stressed. When you're slow, you're stressed. The inability to leave work at work (it follows you around constantly!), especially if you work out of the home. The juggling of many different roles, from office manager to client service provider.
I heard a great metaphor for business once. It's like pushing a boulder...when you first start, it takes every ounce of energy and patience to get that thing moving and then, once it starts rolling and gains momentum, it becomes easier and easier to keep it going. It's not easy and it's not for everyone...but for those who have the drive and the desire, it's a pretty fulfilling way to make a living. Good for you and good luck!

A. - I've recently started down the entrepreneur road!! Since October, it's been a roller coaster, but I've loved every minute of it.

I also have a legal background (former paralegal) so I can imagine what you've got going on :)

My advice to you is to set guidelines for when it's time to "turn off." I have found that my greatest struggle is knowing when to focus on the business and when to just shut off the laptop and spend time with the kids.

Feeling nervous is to be expected! Use that to your advantage!

Kudos to you for taking the leap! There is nothing more rewarding (besides motherhood) than owning and managing your own business!

Hi A.,
I am a working mother/entreprenuer. I own a marketing/advertising agency. It is very nerve racking but worth it if you can make it work financially. I have a very supportive husband also and that is the only way I can continue to do what I do (going on 3 years). I take care of the kids part-time and work part-time. Without his income we wouldn't be able to make it.

My brother is an attorney and I can tell you from experience dealing with his marketing/advertising I have learned that depending on the type of legal area you specialize in, it is hard to get your name out there if you don't have deep pockets (particularly in the PI area). I would stick to a lot of networking and referrals. You really will need to get out there and sell yourself.

Good luck and if you have any marketing/advertising questions feel free to email me at ____@____.com is my work email and I check it daily.