May 9th, 2008
what to do with the kids once school is out! It’s almost that time for my kids here in Alabama, and with three of them, I know it’s going to an interesting (and tiresome) next couple of months around my household.
[photo: workathomemoms.com]
Now, don’t get me wrong, I do SOOOOO love my kids. It’s just that I find it quite difficult to conentrate when they’re around, and being a freelancing mom, I have to consider my flexible schedule since they’re going to be out for the summer. The entire summer. What can I do to make sure I still get my work done?
Although as freelancing moms, we are time-challenged at times like summer break, holiday breaks, spring breaks, sicknesses and other situations, I think there are some things we can do ensure that we still keep a productive schedule and the kids entertained at the same time.
I don’t know about other freelance moms, but I sure would like to read any, ANY, tips you may have on balancing summer breaks and your business at the same time. Any tips, might I add. We all need to stick together.
There are two things that I have right off the bat to suggest what might work for us all:
1. Keep the same schedule throughout the summer, no matter what.
Now I know you’re thinking, “It’s summer and they will want to sleep late.” Well, that’s fine, but try to keep the schedule as close to the school routine schedule if at all possible. This will help the kids stay on a routine, avoid crankiness and help you set some human hours to work. The second thing is to:
2. Keep something educational and entertaining for the kids to do.
This doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It doesn’t mean a horse and pony show every day either. Structure here is the key. Keep library books checked out. Set certain times and limits for television… and gameboys. Make sure they eat their meals on a schedule and even set a schedule for their entertainment time. Instead of going to the pool for all day, plan to go from say 10:00 a.m. until lunchtime or so. They’ll know what to expect and you can set your work time schedule around it.
So freelance moms, don’t fret. Let’s brainstorm here and find some things that we can do to ensure that we ALL have a productive summer. Beginning with the two suggestions that I have listed above, what’s your suggestion?
3.
4.
5.
…
Do share.
Tags: business-women, freelance moms, freelance writers, women-in-business, work-at-home, work-from-home, work/life balanceShare This
By Bridget Wright -- 2 comments
May 7th, 2008
For some reason, networking has this really bad reputation as being something only used car salesmen or cutthroat politicians do to get what they want. But people, there is nothing nefarious about networking. It’s all about getting to know people with whom you have a common interest, and that, my friends, is a heck of a lot of fun.
Unless you literally never leave your house, you already have all of the skills you need to be a successful networker because you use them every day when you interact with coworkers, service providers, people standing in like at the dry cleaners — every social situation you encounter on a daily basis.
Here’s are some tips to help you get past the "I hate networking" roadblock:
- Stop telling yourself you’re bad at networking. It’s like walking down a long staircase and telling yourself you’re about to fall — just NOT a good idea. Instead, think about what you might learn by attending an event, or how interesting it might be to meet someone new. You don’t have to be all, "I’m SMART enough, I’m GOOD enough, and gosh darn it, people LIKE me," though you certainly can if you want to. Just don’t shoot yourself in the foot before you start running the race. Or something.
- Make a point to recognize those professional networking opportunities that happen in day-to-day life. I ended up exchanging business cards with a guy on my plane back from Chicago this weekend after we started chit-chatting about something in SkyMall and the conversation turned to our jobs. Turns out we’re both interested in what the other does for a living. That was networking!
- Put yourself out there. I guarantee that no matter where you live, there is SOME happening SOMEwhere nearby where you can practice your networking skills. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce. Visit the website of an organization that interests you to see what events they have coming up. Maybe the local university has a speaker you like followed by a cocktail reception. Create opportunities to meet strangers and learn about them.
- Practice your pickup line. I have three that work really well for me, and which I choose depends on the situation: "Hi, what brings you here?" (variation, depending on your perception of the other person’s sense of humor: "What’re you in for?"); "Hey there, mind if I join you? I’m Kristen, what’s your name? What do you do, NAME?"; and "Hi, I’m Kristen. I don’t think I’ve met you yet. How’s your evening/morning/day going so far?" If you noticed that they’re basically all the same, pat yourself on the back. People are so happy that someone is talking to them at these things, they don’t care what you say as long as you say something and make an effort to start the conversation.
- Set small goals. If you go into a crowded room with the idea in your head that you have to meet everyone there and speak to tons of strangers, no wonder you’re stressed out! Try breaking it down to something small: Talk to one stranger. Ask for one person’s business card. Raise your hand and ask a question if there’s a presenter. Give yourself a goal to reach, and then give yourself a reward when you get there.
I know these sound basic, but trust me, they work if you really apply these ideas. All of them.
If you stop telling yourself you’re bad at networking but then you never make any attempt to do it, it’s hard to have faith in your skills. If you attend events but refuse to talk to anyone there, it’s hard to get more comfortable with the idea.
Today, pick a FIRST STEP toward more confident networking. What do you want to do? It can be something small, even silly.
For me, I had to break a bad habit. Every time I go to an event, I always gravitate toward people I know. In when I went to SOBCon in Chicago last weekend, I didn’t know anyone there, so it wasn’t possible to fall in with my group — but I had to keep myself from clinging to the people I met the first afternoon. This was my goal going into it:
This weekend, I am going to make a point of sitting with people I don’t know every chance I get. Every meal, every presentation, every drink, every sight-seeing event. I will tell those people, "I’m trying to make a point of sitting with people I haven’t met yet so I can get to know more folks here. May I join you?" I will invite strangers to join me, especially people who look even more uncomfortable than I feel.
I’ll be honest: It was torture for the first couple of encounters, but then it got really fun. Best. Conference. Ever. And I’m so proud of myself for dong it!
What’s your step? What do you want to work on or try for the first time, or maybe for the second time and really stick with it?
Tags: women and business, women in business, business advice for women, learning how to network, professional networking, networking events, i hate networking, im scared of networking, networking is hard, tips for networking, how to network, networking, anxiety, meeting new people, how to network at conferences, SOBCon, biz chicks rule, kristen king
Share This
By Kristen King -- 7 comments
May 6th, 2008
I might be going out on a limb with this one, but I’m going to assume that it would not support your career goals for a potential employer to Google you and find lots of porn. It’s just a theory.
But what happens if you share a name with the so-called Queen of Porn, Jenna Jameson, or you’re Jenna Jamison, which is close enough for some seriously interesting search results? Or maybe, like a writer a met at a conference not too long ago, you’re a children’s book writer with the same name as someone who writes erotic fiction or explicitly graphic horror novels? Kind of a disconnect.
The thing is, this kind of stuff happens all the time. And not just on How I Met Your Mother.
I’m annoyed at a freshman college basketball player (this just in: she seems to play a sport in every flipping season) I’ve never met. Apparently the girl is very good, so there are all of these article about her popping up left and right. And she has my name, spelled the same way. I don’t want her to suck, and I certainly don’t want her to get injured (both because I wish her no ill will and, selfishly, because that would get her even more virtual ink) but it would really help me out if she could become mediocre and completely forgettable so people would just stop writing about her and stop ruining my pristine search engine rankings. (And NO, I am NOT going to link to her and give her more googlejuice, thankyouverymuch!)
If you have an unusual name, you’re in good shape — for now. You might even have a googlewhack with your name if you’re lucky. (Actually, on second though, you don’t want a googlewhack. But you DO want total domination.) Chances are, you have a nomenclature Doppelganger out there who’s screwing with your search results, most likely without even realizing it. So how to you make sure YOU’RE the first you people find when they go to Google? And how do you launch major damage control if a new player comes on the scene and edges you off the front page?
Here are my suggestions:
- Buy your domains. Go to GoDaddy.com or whatever domain name purchasing source you like and purchase yourname.com and all other variations, with and without a hyphen if possible. Maintain ownership.
- Reserve free domains. Hit Blogger, Wordpress, and other free blogging sites and get yourname.blogger.com and yourname.wordpress.com (use a hyphen if it’s already taken) so others can’t use them.
- Use your real name on forums and social networking sites. Join Twitter, StumbleUpon, Digg, Technorati, whatever tickles your fancy — and use the same username whenever possible. I use kristenking or kristen_king on everything unless they’re both taken (and then my backup is always the same).
- Write a blog. Use your name as one of the tags on every post.
- Write about yourself in the third person. Kristen King recommends that anyone interested in improving their search engine ranking on their own name use their name in their website content. That’s why Kristen King says “Kristen King” a lot on her freelance writing services about page. But you don’t have to be a freak about it. In fact, you shouldn’t — people will think you have some sort of narcissism thing going on. Use good judgment, not spam tactics.
If all else fails, or if your name really is Jenna Jameson and you don’t want to be confused with the world’s most famous porn star, here are some other ideas that may be a better choice:
- Use a middle initial. I used to see articles all the time written by a guy named “Chuck Norris,” and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t this guy. If he’d used the byline, for instance, “Chuck A. Norris,” problem solved.
- Use your full middle name. It worked for Mary Higgins Clark, right? Because seriously, how many Mary Clarks are out there? Even if your middle name isn’t particularly distinctive (mine was Elizabeth until I got married and dropped it for my maiden name, Skove, which I also use from time to time in tags), the combination is more unique than just your first and last name alone.
- Use a first initial and go by your middle name. The only example I can think of for this one is C. Everett Koop. That one’s kind of boring. Come up with a better one for me, will you?
- Use just your initials. Hey, it works for J.K. Rowling (whose first name is Joanne, if you’re interested — way less interesting and distinctive than “J.K.”)
Have you had problems with same-namers? Any funny examples of mistaken identity? Ideas of your own to share? Tell your story in the comments! I’ll recruit some brilliant social networking folks to offer suggestions for those who need a hand.
(hat tips: Rick Mahn for the conversation that inspired this post at SOBCon08, and David Bullock for giving me the phrase “own your space,” also at SOBCon. Thanks for being part of an amazing conference, guys! You are both rockstars.)
**Note: All links in this article are safe for work, but I can’t promise that the links contained in all of those pages will be! I’m only responsible for what’s in my own content.**
Digg This Post
Tags: women in business, women and business, business advice for women, jenna jameson, jenna jamison, personal branding, online reputation, search engine optimization, SEO, getting on the front page of google, how to get your name on the front page of google, googlejuice, google juice, googlewhack, google whack, keeping other people from using your name, social networking, domain names, how i met your mother, ted mosby porn star, sobcon, sobcon08, rick mahn, david bullock, kristen king, biz chicks rule
Share This
By Kristen King -- 22 comments
May 5th, 2008
Women in the workplace have a challenge when it comes to how they should dress on causal days. There are many corporate companies who are adopting the policy of Casual Fridays where the employees can “dress down” and be comfortable for the day. My co-blogger put it so very eloquently when she wrote this post about how women dress of the “skanky” variety. While Kristen’s post is rather “interesting”, suffice it to say that it does raise a few questions that I have about casual dress days:
[photo: flickr.com]
1. Why are there separate dress codes, implied or intended, for women in the workplace? Do men have a problem going bare-armed?
2. If we are required to wear hosiery, why shouldn’t men be required to wear socks?
3. What exactly constitutes casual for the sexes? No tie? No coat? No denim? Who made the rules and who sets the bar?
When I worked in corporate America, I can remember very distinctly being told that street attire meant only what you would wear out to eat lunch with your friends on a Saturday afternoon. Well, being a young 20-something, to me that meant jeans, t-shirt and my Birkenstocks. But, as I found out later, that wasn’t what they meant by casual.
In addition to Kristen’s post, read this article that also gives a little insight on what other companies mean by their own version of casual day. Interesting stuff.
I’d like to hear what your version of casual day is. Do share.
Tags: , birkenstocks, business-women, casual days, casual dress, casual fridays, women-in-businessShare This
By Bridget Wright -- 2 comments
May 3rd, 2008
I’m a nervous traveller, I hate crowds, and I have a constant fear of becoming lost in strange cities and never being found (despite being literate, owning a cell phone, and never having left the country). Yesterday, I flew to Chicago by myself to attend a conference (SOBCon08) where I didn’t know a single person in a city I had never visited, where I have been sharing a hotel room with a complete stranger from another country. I couldn’t sleep for the two days before because of being totally freaked out, and when my plane was briefly diverted because of weather, I started having palpitations. I found myself thinking that this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
But check it out: This has been one of the best weekends of my life.
I have met DOZENS of amazing people, I’ve learned more than all of the conferences I’ve attended previously to date, and I’ve forged what I believe will be some lasting personal and professional relationships that I am VERY excited about.
And one particular presentation stood out to be, delivered by Wendy Piersall of Sparkplugging.com (formerly eMoms at Home). Some of my favorite quotes from her talk:
“In order for my [business] to grow, I had to grow with it.”
“Get our of your comfort zone. It’s not pretty, but you gotta do it.”
(in response to “I need more time”): “There is no more time. I need more YOU.”
I’ll be discussing the other sessions in more detail at my freelance writing blog Inkthinker next week since this is a blogging conference, but rest assured, I’ll highlight the relevant business info over here so you don’t miss anything. I’ll also be getting more into networking with some specific examples from this event, so stay tuned.
Tags: women and business, women in business, women, woman, business, conference, seminar, annual meeting, blogging, traveling for business, business travel, traveling alone, wendy piersall, sparkplugging, biz chicks rule, kristen king
Share This
By Kristen King -- 2 comments
May 2nd, 2008
[photo source: eBaysellingcoach.com]
eBay selling is a home business that most anyone can do regardless of if she has another business, has a full time job, has children or not, is in between jobs, or is retired. eBay selling does not require special training, a college degree, complicated equipment, the purchase of a start-up kit, or an advertising budget. eBay can be used by most anyone to develop another income stream for the household. Moms love eBay selling because their kids are constantly outgrowing clothes and toys, and eBay gives them a way to recover some of the expense of those items – as well as invest in new clothes and toys for rapidly growing kids. Selling on eBay is no different that having a garage sale; it just takes a little research and planning. The benefits are far greater than having a garage sale for the following reasons:
1. Sales can occur 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of weather conditions.
2. Your customer base grows to 240 million rather than a few dozen.
3. You can list and sell items at your own pace on your own schedule: you don’t have to drag everything out into your driveway in one day, commit to a time schedule, or place expensive ads.
4. You can reach collectors of unique items anywhere in the world.
5. You can sell every day, seasonally, or when your schedule allows.
Most everyone has items in their homes that can be sold on eBay for a profit. The problem is that many people are not aware of what they can sell, what items are profitable, or they are intimidated by the eBay process in general. I enjoy helping people overcome both of those obstacles by learning how to make money selling on eBay either part-time or full-time. Selling on eBay is convenient, relatively easy, safe, fun, and addicting!
All you need to get started selling on eBay is an eBay account (which is free), a digital camera, and items to sell. Start by taking the eBay Audio Tour – a short tutorial on eBay.com that explains everything about selling your item. Then, take the eBay Coach’s Free Crash Course on eBay Selling.
I will be the first to admit that you will not become a millionaire selling on eBay. However, eBay is a viable option for a work at home moms, those wanting a second income, or anyone who enjoys scouring thrift stores and garage sales for treasures to resell.
For more information on eBay selling including free podcasts, free how-to videos, and a free seller discussion forum, visit ebaysellingcoach.com.
Tags: business ideas, business-women, ebay power sell king, Fri-Deas, sell on ebay, suzanne wells, the ebay selling coach, women-in-business, work from home jobsShare This
By Bridget Wright -- 0 comments
May 1st, 2008
I’m totally psyched about the new series Miki Saxon is launching at b5 Business Channel blog Leadership Turn. Here’s what Miki has to say about her 7-part comparison of leaders versus managers:
Anyone can be a leader. Leadership isn’t what you do, it’s who you are. Real leadership isn’t something you announce you’re doing—it’s pronounced as done in the eye of the beholder.
Leadership and management are recognized as separate, but I believe that the model has changed since Warren Bennis defined 13 differences in "On Becoming a Leader."
I’m starting a conversation at www.LeadershipTurn.com that will look at his 13 differences in light of today’s workforce. I’d love to have you all participate.
The first part of the series is up now at Leadership Turn and there are already some great comments. Check it out!
Tags: women and business, women in business, business advice for women, leadership turn, leaders, managers, characteristics of a great leader, what makes a great leader, how to be a good leader, how to be a good manager, warren bennis, on becoming a leader, management, miki saxon, biz chicks rule, kristen king
Share This
By Kristen King -- 4 comments
April 30th, 2008
Any woman who hyphenates her last name is strong, assured and commands respect, right? Of course! Our uber-editor for the Business Channel here at b5media has so kindly given me an interview and offered some insight on her life as a professional business woman and as a busy mom of three. She’s very active in the blogosphere and a savvy business woman who is chock full of personality and style. Visit her blog at TaxGirl to read her fun tax blog and find more places where Kelly is hovering on the Internet. Enjoy!
[photo source: b5media.com]
What kind of business industry are you in? How long?
I’m an attorney. I’ve been practicing for (gasp) 11 years now.
How did you get started?
For some reason, I think I always knew that I was going to be a lawyer. My great-grandmother used to say that I argued like a “Philadelphia Lawyer”. I guess she was right. I didn’t grow up around lawyers. I didn’t know anyone who graduated from law school or college. So, I had to kind of feel my way around and trust my instincts. After law school, I took a job in private practice. I moved on to a bigger firm. And then one day, I decided that I could manage my own firm. So, I convinced my husband to quit his job and join me. We’ve been open now for 8 years.
What are some important issues for aspiring business women?
Support of those that love you. Running a business can be tough. It’s impossible to have a business without a sounding board, even if it’s just your best friend to listen to you whine.
A plan. I’m spontaneous, for the most part. But in business, you need a plan.
Financing. Business costs money. Money is the most stressful part of running the business, in my opinion. Don’t go into a business thinking that the money will work itself out.
Resolve. There are great days when you run your own business. But there are also days that really suck. Be sure that you’re ready and that you can make it stick.
Do you think women are making a significant economic impact in business?
There’s lots of work still to do. In the legal industry, for example, only a small percentage of partners are women, despite the fact that 50% of law school grads are women. There are few women CEOs of major companies. Women
often get started in business but many can’t get past the barriers to success.
Do you have a family? How have you managed to balance family and work?
I have three small children at home; one is in kindergarten, one in preschool and the other stays home with me. When my children were very small, I took them with me to lots of meetings. When they got older, they went with me to the office.
As technology improved, it became easier for me to work from home. Now, I spend a majority of my time at my home office. It’s networked and wired, so it’s almost like I’m at the office. When I can’t be with the children at a seminar or client meeting, my husband fills in.
What are some marketing strategies that you use to market your business?
I am my business - I don’t have a product to sell other than my legal advice. So it’s important that I be at front of any marketing efforts. I network a lot. I’m involved in my community and in the legal community -that has helped me get my name out. Additionally, the firm has a web site and a popular e-newsletter. Most importantly, maybe, is my freelance writing. I write a monthly column for our local legal journal and I submit articles and participate in interviews for other publications (I’ve been in Forbes, ABA Journal, etc.). I also have a tax law blog at www.taxgirl.com.
If you could start your business all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have saved more money. I wasn’t prepared for the huge cut in pay and the unexpected expenses. It was brutal in the beginning. While working for yourself is rarely about the money, it should be a serious consideration.
What are some mistakes that women make when going into business?:
I think women are often too quick to take “no” for an answer. Women need to be more assertive and know where to go for answers. Men in business tend to be more aggressive. I’m amazed at how quick many of the men I know are to market whereas women tend to hang back, fearful that they will be viewed negatively. You can’t be afraid in business. Well, you can be afraid - but you shouldn’t show it.
I also think that managing home and business is a huge obstacle. You have to have a plan or you will give too little to both.
If someone offered to buy your business, say for a million dollars, would you sell it?
Yes. This isn’t to say that I don’t love my work. I do. However, running your own business is difficult work and takes long hours. Since legal work is subject to deadlines and court appearances outside of your control, your schedule is never your own. I would be willing to give up the unstable hours.
Tags: b5media editor, blogher.com, business-women, erb law, interview with kelly phillips-erb, kelly phillips erb, lawmummy, networking your business, philadelphia lawyer, saving money for your business, women-CEOs, women-in-business, www.taxgirl.comShare This
By Bridget Wright -- 1 comment
April 29th, 2008
Fellow Jersey girl, former client, and dear friend Kristen Fischer has agreed to an interview on women’s business blog Biz Chicks Rule during the month of May. Plus, Kristen’s going to be giving away copies of her new book to BCR readers. Here’s some info about it, and her, from a recent press release about an upcoming book signing she’s hosting in Point Pleasant, NJ, this June for those of a northern persuasion:
PT. PLEASANT, NEW JERSEY (April 30, 2008) - Jersey Shore native Kristen Fischer will be holding a book signing for her newest release, Ramen Noodles, Rent and Resumes: An After-College Guide to Life. The event will take place at Borders in Eatontown, NJ, on Wednesday June 11 at 7 p.m.
In Ramen Noodles, Rent and Resumes: An After-College Guide to Life
, author Kristen Fischer encourages grads to embrace–instead of dread–life after college. Instead of the "quarterlife crisis", she introduces the concept of "The After-College" in which graduates learn to thrive during their 20s. Highlighting dozens of real-life graduates who have navigated their way through this challenging but exciting phase of life, Ramen Noodles, Rent and Resumes: An After-College Guide to Life is packed with valuable strategies for career advancement and personal growth.
The book helps recent graduates:
- Determine what career path will bring satisfaction
- Select a job hunting strategy that gets results
- Decide if graduate school will benefit their career
- Prioritize work responsibilities with personal commitments
- Cultivate better relationships with family and friends
- Organize a living plan-at home or on their own
- Manage their finances with the future in mind
- Overcome stress, anxiety or depression
"I look forward to meeting soon-to-be graduates and recent graduates-as well as their families," says Fischer, who resides in Pt. Pleasant, NJ. "Just by being aware of how hard life after college can be, it can be a great time for 20-somethings."
About Kristen Fischer
Kristen Fischer is the author of Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs. She has also contributed to College Bound magazine, FreelanceSwitch, Home Business Magazine, and StartUp Nation. She lives in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. To find out more about the book visit www.kristenfischer.com or www.ramenrentresumes.com.
If you want to submit questions for Kristen’s interview, send them to the Biz Chicks Rule Kristen via e-mail or leave a comment on this post.
(image source: Amazon.com)
Tags: women in business, women and business, business advice for women, kristen fischer, ramen noodles, rent, resumes, book release, book signing, quarterlife crisis, after college, recent graduate, real life, what do i do after college, kristen king, biz chicks rule
Share This
By Kristen King -- 0 comments
April 28th, 2008
Have you ever seen those t-shirts that advertise everything from pens and coffee cups to restaurants or landscaping services? Sure you have. Apparel advertising is not a new idea, but perhaps one that may not be used enough. I have had my fair share of them (t-shirts that is) every time I have to buy a themed t-shirt for my kid’s sports. Everything from “Football Fever in the City of Alabaster” to “Soccer Warriors!” These t-shirts plastered across my son’s backs show support for the local city sports leagues and brings the community to mind every time someone reads one - - which is what their goal is.
[photo: marketingfeeds.nl]
Apparel advertising does not only apply to, say, “apparel”, but can also be used on coffee mugs, backpacks, pencils and drink cozies. What makes it so popular is the way that it flows so well on apparel and keeps the name in front of your customers. Just think about it; if everytime your customer takes a drink from his coffee cup with your logo emblazened on it, your name is more likely to surface the next time he seeks that product or service.
How expensive is it? Shop around for comparable prices. It all depends on what you’re ordering and on what type of marketing materials your message will appear on. Make sure that the apparel is appropriate for the logo though.
What type of business are you in that could benefit from apparel advertising?
Share This
By Bridget Wright -- 0 comments
Recent Comments