Moms United in Business Newsletter
August 2009
August 2009
"Passion fuels us, motivates us, and inspires us. Passion is what
separates the dreamers from the achievers. Passion leads to action."
~Jennifer Rogers, Owner and Founder
Moms United in Business, LLC
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In this issue:
Letter from Our Founder
MUIB Updates and Specials
MUIB Members Only
Inspiration
Business
Frugal Living
Let's Get Organized!
In the Kitchen
Moms United in Homeschooling
Hot Topic
Links and Resources
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Dear MUIB Family and Friends,
Summer is coming to a close, and the holiday season is fast approaching! Can you believe how quickly the last few months have passed? Before we know it, 2009 will be merely a memory and 2010 will be here!
There is never a dull moment here at my house. Life with a tween, a 2 year old, a 3 year old and a 7 month old is definitely an adventure. Balance still escapes me, but you know.....that's ok! I can honestly say I am happy and content with my life as it is (most of the time), and even on the craziest days I would not trade this phase in my life for anything (ok, well maybe an occasional day off, being able to go to the bathroom without an audience, and a yearly vacation!). Balancing motherhood, marriage, business and homeschooling is challenging, but it beats having a boring mediocre life.
Where are you in your own life? Are you trying to be someone you are not, attempting to be a carbon copy of what you think is expected of you as "Super Mom" or "Super Woman"? Or...do you accept and celebrate the woman you are, knowing deep down you are unique and beautiful accepting your faults but focusing on your strengths?
This is my daily (life's) journey. I am getting closer to complete acceptance, but I do succumb to the pressure of what is "expected" and those negative voices still creep up every so often. The irony is, thanks to my sister having an honest discussion with me recently, I realized the pressure of what is "expected" of me is my own doing.
Meaning? Meaning that I expect more of myself than anyone else does. My expectations at times are so high that no one human being could even come close to what I expect of myself. You know something, I am a pretty amazing woman. I am an awesome mom and wife. I have been given a gift to use my own talents and my own personal journey to make a difference in the lives of many many women. So, the laundry gets behind. I really do need to tackle some projects here around the house. But you know, life is short, and when it comes to priorities I think I have done a fabulous job. I have happy, healthy kids. I have a really strong marriage. Blessings abound. I do need to make more time for myself...working on that too!
Yep...I am not perfect, but still I am pretty amazing...
SO ARE YOU!
"It's not our weaknesses that frighten us. It's our strengths."
~Nelson Mandela
Wishing You an Abundance of Blessings
and Acceptance of Who You Are
TODAY,
Founder and Owner of Moms United in Business, LLC
MomsBusinessDirectory
MUIB Newsletter
HomeSafeHomeInventory, LLC
Bio
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MUIB Updates and Specials
Back by popular demand, the Moms United in Business yahoo group has been reopened!
Join us at http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Moms_United_In_Business.
This is something I want you to take advantage of now, if you can....
We are still offering a lifetime ad on the MUIB homepage for $25.00 (our normal rates are $20.00 a month). Take a peek on the homepage (scroll down the middle, http://www.momsunitedinbus
DREAM BIG!
I am going to be busy as a new homeschool mom this fall, and will not be working the ad avenue of MUIB as often as I normally do, so I wanted to offer a special to make up for that...
Take advantage of the offer while I have it, this is really a limited time offer...this is open to MUIB members and non-members (why not join us? Membership is free!). Family friendly ads only.
Don't forget the ad special of 12 months of advertising in the MUIB newsletter for $10.00 (less than $1.00 a month, normally $10.00 a month). Just go to http://muibnewsletter.blog
Be sure to email all ads and links to momsunited@msn.com. Questions? Email me and I will get back to you asap!
Don't forget to visit the Moms Business Directory:
Moms Business Directory Mission
To support moms in business by offering premium advertising exposure at rates they can easily afford. To offer a comprehensive shopping directory in an effort to not only support women in business, but to save our visitors time as well.
Simply put, our goal is to help you spend more time and money on what matters most...your family. You make your family a priority, and the Moms Business Directory makes you our priority.
Moms Business Directory Vision
To provide all moms in business the opportunity to effectively compete in today's marketplace with premium exposure at a fraction of the price of other online advertisers.
Love you all! MUIB is not my business, but my passion!
~Jenn
The Benefits Of Shopping With A Work At Home Mom
by Shelly Hill
In this day and age, many mothers are choosing to work from home to help support their families. You can help to support a work from home mom (wahm) by choosing to purchase products from her, instead of those big corporate chain stores.
Let's take a look at how this can benefit you.
1. Customer Service - When you purchase products from a work at home mom, 9 chances out of 10, you will receive one on one customer service. You won't have to call into a switch board and talk to someone who really doesn't care about you.
You will find that the majority of women who have a home based business, really dedicate a good portion of their business into providing you with excellent customer service and one on one attention.
2. Convenience - You don't have to waste your time driving to a local department store, fight for a parking space and worse yet...fight the rude crowds and sales clerks that are in the store.
You can have your products personally delivered to you by the seller herself or via a alternate shipping method. Shopping from your 'seat' is more convenient than spending a day running around from store to store to find something that you need.
3. Unique Products - Unlike your department stores that all seem to be carrying the same products, you will find women owned home businesses will offer some really unique things that are unavailable in your conventional stores.
By purchasing products and services that you need from a work at home mom, you are helping that mother to support her family. Personally, I find that to be a fantastic thing in this day and age, when large department stores are putting home based business owners and mom and pop stores out of business.
You will receive one-on-one personalized service, delivery to your front door and some unique product offerings for yourself or your gift giving needs.
Shelly Hill has been working from home in Direct Sales since 1989 and is a manager with Tupperware. Shelly is a wife, mother and grandmother living in Pennsylvania who enjoys her work from home business. You can visit Shelly online at http://www.workathomebusinessoptions.com or at http://my.tupperware.com/Ravish30
Article Source: WAHM Articles
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MUIB Members Only
Here are some quick links to help you make the most of your MUIB membership (not yet a member, join now while we are still offering free lifetime memberships!):
Introduce Yourself!
New Member MUIB Questions
MUIB Policies and Guidelines (**please read)
MUIB Site Map
Use Our Chat Room to Connect (free of charge)
Advertise Here, FREE!
More Advertising Options
Become a Fan of MUIB on FaceBook
Become a MUIB Team Leader and Earn Free Advertising!
Blogging Moms Anonymous
Business Questions
Calling All Blogging Moms!
Christian Moms United
Frugal Living Tips and Resources
Grab and Swap
Help Us Help YOU!
Holiday Connection
MUIB Homeschoolers Group
Hot Topics
ISO (In Search Of)/Have to Offer
MUIB Members By State
MUIB Member Kuddos
Let's Get Organized!
Moms United in Homeschooling *coming soon!*
Parenting Support
Seeking Personal Support
Seeking Work at Home Opportunities
Seeking a Mentor/Volunteer to Mentor
Share Your Contests and Giveaways
Share Your Favorite Recipes
MUIB Spam!
Special Needs Parenting
The Truth and NOTHING but the Truth
Vents and Gripes
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Inspiration"You accept things as they are, not as you wish they were in this moment...The past is history, the future is a mystery, and this moment is a gift. That is why this moment is called the present."
~Deepak Chopra, M.D.
"To do good things in the world, first you must know who you are and what gives meaning in your life."
~Paula P. Brownlee
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How to get and sustain empowerment,
passion, motivation, confidence and mindset breakthroughs!
Request your free empowering success tips,a free audio
and special report from Robin Tramble, Mentor/Coach and
Trainer of women across the world.
http://budurl.com/
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Business
Cheap Ideas to Market during Down Times
by Colleen Davis
It’s not just you, but everyone is tightening their belts during these times. And it’s not even related to your newfound resolve to save as much as you can; but it’s a result of what’s occurring right now to our economy. Yup. We’re in recession. And this would be a very good time for you to practice prudence when advertising your business.
More than ever, now is the time that you need to make certain that you get the highest return from your investment. The economic crunch doesn’t mean that you have to stop advertising altogether to save your money. Instead, you have to market even more – but with cost-effective marketing strategies. Here’s how:
1 - Indulge in word-of-mouth advertising. This is the most effective form of marketing any business. And guess what? It’s absolutely free! You don’t need to invest precious dollars on this type of advertising. You need however, to provide a standout service – stellar customer service, that is. It takes a commitment from you to give more than the regular service to your clients. Going the extra mile for your customers can go a long way in getting you ahead of the game, especially that most of your competition is cutting back on value-added services. During these times, people will be looking out for those who can give them more value for their dollars. So you’ll definitely stand out if you do. And word will spread about your business. It’s a guarantee.
2 - Write and publish. Not just print articles on printing flyers, custom flyers or even booklet printing. You can also go online by posting keyword-rich articles on the many websites found in the Internet. Published articles can definitely improve your status as an expert in your field. So provide credibility to your business. Publish as much as you can online or off.
3 - Get creative. Use all available space when printing flyers or your business cards. The back side is often the most ignored part of your collaterals; yet it can be your space to advertise more than your regular fare. Don’t hesitate to maximize that blank space. Provide your clients with valuable information and encourage them to pass along your custom flyers and business cards to a friend or a colleague.
4 - Take advantage of cross-promotions. There are other businesses that would gladly connect with you to market their own. You can share the cost of printing flyers for example. Cross-promoting is a very practical way to market as it provides a means for businesses to cut back on expenses without having to curtail the amount of marketing. There are many businesses out there that can complement yours. So connect with other business owners and provide referrals to increase each of your client base.
Advertising need not be expensive especially that there are cost-effective ways to go about it. All you need to do is be creative and you won’t have to lose your edge over your competition.
For more information, you can visit this page on printing flyers and custom flyers
Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com
10 Mistakes of WAHMs and How to Avoid Them
***I have received many requests to repost this again and again, so here ya go (again)!
By Jennifer Rogers, Founder and Owner Moms United in Business, LLC
1. Being a social networking butterfly: Joining many networking sites without taking the time to truly connect on a personal level with members. Not building quality relationships, only looking out for #1 to increase sales and profit.
Solution: Narrow down your networking groups to 1-3 and commit yourself to taking time to truly connect with other members. It is not the number of connections you make that contributes to your success, but the quality of your connections and relationships. Not sure what sites/groups you want to devote your precious free time to? Really investigate what each site/group has to offer and if you feel at home there. While one site/group may be an awesome networking source for another WAHM it may not be a perfect fit for you. Find the sites/groups that are inline with your personality, your own goals and that you actually enjoy being a member. Social Networking online, also referred to as Web 2.0, can be very time consuming. Don't waste your time being a social butterfly getting nowhere fast. Use your time wisely and narrow down your social networking avenues.
2. Advertising/
Solution: While using ad groups, forums and advertising networking sites can be beneficial it should not be the only marketing campaign you use. You should not waste time spending hours upon hours sending out email blasts and the like. When you have been in business long enough you will see that these methods of making sales do not really work all that well, if at all. Use ad groups and lists in moderation. Nothing screams unprofessional more than a spammer. I see the same WAHMs over and over again posting the same ads in various forums and groups and most of the times those are the same ones that complain about how much time they spend working their business without monetary results.
3. Using poor grammar and spelling: Not taking the time to proofread emails (even social/personal emails), not bothering to capitalize words when appropriate, and multiple spelling errors.
Solution: This too screams unprofessional. We all make mistakes, typos and the like. However, and I know you have seen them, those that post without care or thought into what they are writing. Take the time to proofread all posts and emails. Your written words have as much of an impact online as first impressions have off line.
4. Expecting instant results: Being in business a matter of days, weeks or months and expecting a steady income.
Solution: Understand that most home based businesses do NOT see an actual profit within the first year, and a lot do not see a steady income for up to 3 years. Keep in mind, you reap what you sow, and if you continue to work hard, have patience and keep a steady pace you can be successful. Remember the fable the Tortoise and the Hare?
5. No follow up: Not following up with previous clients/customers or potential clients/customers.
Solution: Go above and beyond. Send a personal note or card via Snail Mail thanking your client/customer for their business. At the very least, send a follow up email immediately and then one more a few weeks or months down the road. A word of caution, be genuine, this is NOT the time to advertise your business. Do NOT send a note, card or email merely promoting your business or newest products. If mailing out a note or card, feel free to include your business card. Offer a newsletter through your site or blog for those interested in this kind of information.
6. Not using a signature tag in your emails or forum postings.
Solution: Always include a signature tag with your business links and brief info. While some groups and forums do not allow you to do this, a lot do. If it is allowed take advantage, if it is not, abide by the owner's rules and remove any signature tags when posting to those particular groups or forums. Keep your signature brief and to the point. It is aggrevating when a signature includes 20 links with information, huge banners or graphics. Again, this screams unprofessional.
7. No concrete short and long term goals.
Solution: Take the time to write out your short term and long term goals. This will keep you focused and on track. Planning is everything. Long term goals can include a year from now or more. Break down your goals to both weekly and daily goals to make them easier to accomplish and to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
8. Lack of quality content on sites, blogs and in newsletters.
Solution: Use your sites, blogs and newsletters as avenues to connect with your visitors and readers. Do not use your sites, blogs and newsletters as only an avenue for advertising your products or services. Those are a dime a dozen. Keep your content fresh and geared to your target market. Offer them concrete information they can use or relate to. If writing your own content intimidates you, or is not your strength, use free reprint articles. There are thousands of free articles for reprint sites. Take advantage of them!
9. Not offering freebies/giveaways.
Solution: Offer exciting contests, freebies and giveaways. Nothing draws interest and traffic more than offering something for nothing. BNI (Business Networking International) uses the concept of "Giver's Gain". What does this mean? By giving of yourself, your time, and yes even your products, you will gain more in the end. You could also look at this as another example of you reap what you sow, or what some refer to as "kama". Give and you will receive.
10. Suffering from Burnout.
Solution: Make time for yourself! As wahms we are constantly giving to others, and while I do advocate the above concept, this includes giving to yourself as well. When you are stressed and suffering from burnout everyone and everything suffers. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. To be at your best and to not succumb to burnout you must pace yourself when juggling the stresses of work and family. You must make yourself a priority on your to do list. You will end up being more fulfilled, more content and more productive.
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Frugal Living
FlyLady's FACE is an awesome resource to help you save money, budget and get control of your finances. She offers fabulous tips on grocery shopping and saving money with your food budget. FACE: Financial Awareness Continually Empowers!
http://flylady.net/images/FACE2004.pdf
Saving Time and Money
How do you save time and money?
Have any budgeting tips to share?
Are you seeking ways to budget, save money?Post your tips and seek input here!
Saving Money on Cleaning Supplies?
How do you save money on cleaning supplies?
Do you make your own?
Share your tips, tricks and low cost cleaning recipes here!
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Visit our sponsor:
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Let's Get Organized!
MUIB's FlyLady FlyBaby Support Group
FlyLady Main Site
Join FlyLady (free to join, yahoo support group)
FlyBaby Beginner Steps 31 Day Program
Building Your Own Control Journal
FlyLady.net Site Index (helpful links to help you in your new journey to FLY!)
For Work at Home Moms:
Payroll SHE Tips: http://flylady.net/pages/FlyBaby_PayRollshes.asp
Control the CHAOS at Your Desk! http://flylady.net/pages/chaos_control.asp
FlyLady's Office Control Journal: http://flylady.net/images/OCJ.pdf
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Visit our sponsor:
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In the Kitchen
Four Ingredient Cookbook: Three Cookbooks in One
This is one of the BEST cookbooks I have ever had! I cannot believe how simple these recipes are. You will not only save time, but money as well! I am not an affiliate, just a very satisfied customer and this cookbook REALLY ROCKS! My hubby loves it too!
~Jenn
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Moms United in Homeschooling
Homeschool?
Homeschoolers: Why did you choose to homeschool your child(ren)?
Reasons vary and are personal for each family. Some homeschool because of being unsatisfied with their local public school system. Others choose to homeschool for religious reasons. Still others view it as a way to strengthen their family and teach their personal values.
What are your reasons for homeschooling? Tell us your story here!
Reader Tired of Getting Slack for Homeschooling
Spend more time worrying about how you are raising your kids and let me raise mine. I have done a terrific job so far without any help from you!-Anonymous Reader
Read her entire letter and comment here!
Books:
(these are not affiliate links, just links to give you more info on each book)
What Do You Stand For? For Kids
A Guide for Building Character
By: Barbara A. Lewis
What Do You Stand For? For Teens
A Guide for Building Character
By: Barbara A. Lewis
How to Get Your Child Off of the Refigerator and on to Learning: Homeschooling Highly Distractible, ADHD, or Just Plain Fidgety Kids
By: Carol Barnier
If I'm Diapering a Watermelon, then Where'd I Leave the Baby?
(great info for homeschoolers)
By: Carol Barnier
Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World
By: Jeffrey Freed and Laurie Parsons
Links of Free Resources:
Character Education (free resources/lesson plans)
Kiz Club
Lapbook Lessons
File Folder Fun
Preschool Express
Free Printable Calendars
Printable Puzzles and Games
Math Glossary
Virtual Manipulatives
Math Kids Games
Dictionary of Latin Botanical Terms
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Personal Child Stories offers custom written, designed and laminated books for children of all ages and stages including special needs. Based on years of research with a background in education and journalism, these books are created as learning tools and double as keepsakes. Anything goes: Behavior Books, name recognition books, counting/ABCs, etc. Each book is written in order to open lines of communication and to draw the reader in time and again by creating the story line around their own personal photographs. *As seen on Baby Center, ABC and Startup Nation.
http://www.
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Hot Topic
Health Care Reform?
What do you think about the issue of Health Care Reform?
Having the option of government run health care, a solution for the uninsured?
A solution to high premiums from private insurance companies?
What do YOU think? Share your opinions here!
Have you had to return to working outside the home after being a SAHM?
Are you a WAHM that has given up on her business and seeking employment elsewhere?
How has the current economy impacted your family? Tell us your story here!
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Links and Resources
We Recommend
Business Resources
Moms United in Business Resources
Offering support and information to support the unique lifestyle of the work at home mom. 1 year advertising in the newsletter is only $10.00. Subscribe:
MUIB Member Ads, Specials and Promotions Visit and sign up for email updates featuring the latest ads, specials and promotions of MUIB members. | BMA provides a safe place to post what's REALLY on your mind anonymously. Sometimes you just need a place to share your thoughts, feelings and opinions to the world without fear of judgment.
Providing free quality content for work at home moms and women in business. Family friendly submissions accepted.
Offers resources, tips, articles, recipes, crafts and support for the most rewarding role you play in life! | Do you own and operate a Mom Made Business? Do you make your own products? If so, check out Buy By Mom. They are both passionate and dedicated to marketing Mom Made Businesses. Buy By Mom is owned and operated by dedicated MUIB Team Leader Angie Vinez.
Offers an abundance of personal and professional resources and information for all women in business.
MUIB Grab and Swap Trading Post This is a fabulous opportunity for those on a budget and practicing the fine art of frugal living! |
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Disclaimer
Please use caution when purchasing products and or services online. We do make an effort to check out each site before listing an ad, however we make no guarantees in reference to any products and/or services promoted via our newsletter.
Dedicated to supporting you as a Mom and Business Professional
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