You are Mom, Incorporated :: Giveaway!!

****WINNERS*****
Sorry I am so late getting this done!!  Random.org has chosen comments 1 and 16!
So, Christina and Marissa!  Congrats ladies!  I will email you and get your addresses to get these books in the mail to you!

Today I have a special treat of you!  Last year at Type A Mom Conference, I was blessed to meet Danielle Smith.  At first I was intimidated by her beauty and self confidence.  But that melted away as she warmly brought me into conversations and showed me what a sweet woman she is.

Danielle is a successful business woman and a Mom.  She and Aliza Sherman have produced a true labor of love, Mom, Incorporated a Guide to Business + Baby.  This book is a comprehensive handbook that offers tips on balancing your family’s needs while building a business from home. 

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It may have been your inner voice pushing past the late night feedings, the lunch-making, the chauffeuring to soccer-games.  Or it may have been the moment you looked at your family bank account and wanted to, once again, see checks coming in with YOUR name on them.

Whatever, the motivation, you have reached your tipping point.  You know there is something more for you.  You love your family.  You wouldn’t trade your role as ‘Mom’ for anything, but you are ready to add another title to your daily juggle.  You want to start your own business.

You?  Are Mom, Incorporated.

But the thought of the journey ahead leaves you short of breath….where to begin?  One step at a time, friend, one step at a time.  Here are five tips to get you started:

1) Identify Your Passion – What are you good at?  Can you sew, crunch numbers, design rooms or websites?  Before creating a business, you have to determine WHAT your business might be. It is easiest to start a business based around something you already do well.

2) It Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All – Relax. Know that there isn’t only one path to creating a successful business and juggling your family.  What works for one mom,  may not work for another.  Look around you – take note of the success stories you see.  Mimic what may fit for you, discard what could never fit into your lifestyle.  If you are a nightowl, plan to work late hours to get your business going.  If you are a morning person, but couldn’t begin to function late – this wouldn’t be an option for you.

3) Write it Down:  This goes for your goals, your budget, your mission statement.  Put it all in writing.  You need to know where you are going BEFORE you begin.  If you don’t put goals in place, you won’t know what you are working for, and neither will your family.  Having an actual plan, will help your friends and family to support you as you go.

4) Carve out Space – You will need to have a place to work.  It may be your dining room table, your family couch, or you may convert a guest room into an office….but you must have space to dedicate to your new business venture.  This will help you to stay organized and embrace your new role as a business owner.

5)  Ask For Help – If there is anything, we can promise, it is that you cannot juggle your family and a brand new business entirely on your own.  You will NEED to ask for help.  A babysitter?  Someone to cook or clean?  An accountant?  A graphic design artist?  Now is the time to acknowledge that you are NOT the best at everything and  you are not expected to be stellar at ALL THINGS, ALL THE TIME.  Ask for help.  It will make you a better mother and a better business owner.

And through it all – don’t strive for balance.  You will never be an amazing mother on the same day you are an amazing business owner.  Recognize that this is a juggle.  Sometimes you will drop a ball.  Stop, pick it up and move on.

You can do it.  You are Mom, Incorporated.

For more guidance on your journey to both business and family, read, Mom, Incorporated: A Guide to Business + Baby by Aliza Sherman and Danielle Smith.

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Danielle was gracious enough to give me a copy of this great book and I can’t wait to read it.  For you my dear readers, Danielle has given me 2 copies for YOU!

To enter to win leave me a comment.  I want to know about your business passion…what do you want to be when you grow up?

For additional entries you can

1. Tweet and include @prairiemama and @momincbook
2. Like Mom Incorporated on Facebook.
3. Follow Mom Incorporated on Twitter.

Be sure to leave me a comment for each entry.  This contest will close on Friday, November 11 at 9 PM Central Time.