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April 16th, 2008 | 306 views
I was working this morning when my five-year-old came and announced he wanted “mac and cheese” for breakfast. I figured “what the heck” and we went to the kitchen to get it going. He sat on the floor as I pulled out the appropriate pot and lid.
Next thing you know he is asking why he can see light? I bent down and sure enough, when the gas line was installed, they drilled straight through to the laundry room. I ran into the laundry room and started waving at him through the wall. That’s fun stuff when you are five! I love five-year-olds. They know how to make the mundane marvelous!
I started thinking about the hole in the wall and how I had somehow missed that during the last eight years of living in my house. Probably has something to do with the fact the cabinet is knee level. But still, I’ve bent down before and still missed it.
This made me think about our readers, clients and millionairemom.com members. Are you spotting—and more importantly acting on—your opportunities? I cannot drive home how important this is! You must get over your fear of asking for what you need in life. Men do this naturally and without apology. We as women must also become skilled in this arena.
The fact that I am “carpe diem” kind of gal is what I attribute as the #1 trait for my success to date. I’m not shy about asking for what I want. I really want you to get good at this. As busy as you are, you must be able to ask at the drop of a hat what you need from a relationship when the opportunity arises.
My son spotted the opportunity for some fun with his mom. For me, I never hesitate to seek out a keynote speaker at a networking meeting and ask on the spot if she would be willing to appear on my MillionaireMom radio show? You get the idea. Now get out there and make it happen!
April 15th, 2008 | 303 views
Here is my millionaire mom way of doing business. You have seen in earlier posts that I like to do what I like to do when I like to do it… like taking the afternoon to go bike riding with my son. So how do I get as much done as I do? It’s simple really. It’s called laser focus.
Each evening before I go to bed I do a “mind dump” on a pad of paper where I list everything that has to be done. Of course, that list is always way too long and involves work, family, house, friends, volunteering, etc.
Next, I pick the top three items that will be my priority for the day. How do I determine priority? If my “to do’s” involve the kids, then that is my first priority. Did I volunteer to read in the classroom that day? Is there a doctor’s appointment? The day is structured around these kinds of activities.
Next, I choose the three activities that will “move the ball forward” the fastest. In general, that equates to “What steps, if I take them today, will put cash in my pocket?” It’s really not that complicated and actually simplifies your life. It is called the “Pareto Principle” or the 80/20 rule. 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.
I have found this to be true. If you do the 20% activities on a daily basis you will leap frog your business. Ignore the pesky 80%. They are always going to be there. Sometimes I take this a little far, for instance when I picked up my home phone and it no longer worked because I forgot to pay the bill!! Oops. Still, I’d rather have to pay a late fee occasionally then stop my powerhouse output.
Try this out for a week and see what result you get. Remember, it’s the top three actions that will move you forward in your business, your weight loss goals, your relationships…whatever your current priority is. For me, that is getting the word out to entrepreneurial moms that there is a home away from home for them at www.MillionaireMom.com!
April 14th, 2008 | 291 views
It is great to hear “follow your bliss” in your career. For many people, though, identifying what that is can be as difficult as the decision to follow it! How can you go after it when you don’t know what it is?
I am reading a book that is cracking me up! The content is interesting and the writer is funny. It’s called “9 Secrets of Women Who Get Everything They Want” by Kate White. Someone who is known for giving me backhanded compliments gifted me with the book. At the time, I wasn’t sure if she was being nice or getting a dig in at me due to the title. That’s why the book sat on the shelf for so long. I’m glad I finally took a look.
One of the first chapters talks about envy, an intense emotion that people prefer to avoid. It is admiration gone sour. The book suggested viewing envy as a compass pointing us north. When we feel it, we are allowing ourselves to feel our deepest desires.
I want to invite you to have a 15-minute outright envy attack and write down what bubbles up. I told my business partner last week prior to reading this book that I was envious of someone in our field that had a head start on me. Frankly, I was surprised by my reaction, since I can’t remember the last time I felt envious. I think it was 1989, when I was young and trying to figure life out…which I still am!
I have always used strong emotions such as envy as rocket fuel. Fortunately, I can easily change my perspective back to admiration for that person. The, I dig in and get to work on myself in order to create my own version of that particular success.
That envy attack and the book’s explanation made me recognize that I am on the right track at last! I am doing the work that I have always desired to do—motivating, inspiring and equipping moms with the knowledge and tools they need to create their own bliss. I hope this exercise gives you some insights into your dream work situation like it did for me!
April 12th, 2008 | 271 views
I like to read “self help” books. I think this entire genre has been mislabeled and should be called “personal development” books. Why? Because I have noticed that the people who really could use a little self help don’t read the books! The most motivated, smart and successful among my circle of friends do. They are constant learners. Anyone who reads has an edge. Think of all the knowledge you would gain if you read one book a week. That’s 52 annually and 520 in ten years!! Think that might equate to some major changes in your life for the better? I do.
A person who is entrepreneurial is by nature a person who likes to learn. This is a good thing, because the very nature of running your own business necessitates that you get good at a variety of activities… at least until you can afford to outsource it. Even then you have to be able to identify good work from shoddy work.
If you’re not growing you’re dying in my book. I normally don’t think about this but it was brought to my attention the other day. I took my son to the orthodontist. As I was checking out the lady in front of me commented that she woke up at 2:30 am. I said, “That’s funny, me to”. She said, “Did you notice there is nothing on TV at that time?”
It had never even crossed my mind to turn the television on. I had gone into my office turned on classical music, lit the candle on the desk and got to work. I love what I do. I get to help other moms find their dream business and support them in that process. That to me is not work it is a gift. This is what I want for you—a business that you can be passionate about and earn enough money at to satisfy you.
I always wondered when successful people would say the victory at the end isn’t the best part; it’s who you become in the journey there that is the real reward. I get that now. I am happy I want to soak up life and not turn the TV—even at 2:30 in the morning.
April 11th, 2008 | 317 views
I don’t know about you but my life is lived in the fast lane. For me a day is a minute, a week is a day, a month is a week and a year is a month, a decade a year. I used to not worry about the speed of time. That is, until this past January 9 when my older brother, Joe (just 41) died in my arms.
Although my parents were nearby, I was alone with him and held his hand in mine with tears, prayers and a final message of love as he passed. It was a powerful moment. As you can imagine an experience like this changes you. Sometimes I think he chose me to be there so that, in my small way, I could help you see that we need to rejoice in both growing our businesses and in raising our families.
I took the day off yesterday and visited two very dear friends who are ailing. As I drove home, my mind was in a whirlwind of “to do’s”. My husband took two of the boys to a baseball practice. My eight-year-old didn’t want to go. I asked him if he wanted to go for a bike ride instead? He did. I was sooo tempted to say “Alright, let mom send out some emails and then we will go.” I resisted the urge even though I found it very hard.
I purposely left my phone and watch at home and we rode to the park, waded into the river and feed the geese. Afterwards, we decided to try a trail we had never been on. It was so unexpectedly beautiful. I like to garden and know a lot of plant names which I pointed out to my son along the way.
It reminded me of the time my Dad was teaching me what he knew of plants. I asked the name of one and he said “volunteer”. Again, I ask about a different plant and he said “volunteer”. Finally, I asked how can all of these different plants have the same name? He said that’s what you call a plant that sprouts up that you didn’t plant. I guess it was a nicer word than “weed”. But I digress…
Six miles later we arrived home and decided to have a picnic in our backyard. It was me, Alex and our dog, Sabrina. As we sat and ate by candlelight we watched a graceful egret in the water. Geese flew by in their “V” formation. The frogs and crickets serenaded us. My son lost his tooth while eating carrots.
Afterwards, we hopped into the hammock and watched the moon pop up through the limbs of an enormous beech tree. Alex smiled at me and said “You’re the best mom ever and this is the best day ever.” It was one of those moments where—if life ended like it did for my brother—I would want everyone to know I died happy.
Life is short. Embrace it. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Failure is just a self-imposed limit. You never know when your story is going to end. Why not live with zest? I believe in giving 100% of myself to my work. But nights like tonight remind me to just stop and be in the moment. Enjoy your children while you are blessed to have them.
April 4th, 2008 | 319 views
“Mom, what does the middle of nowhere look like?” my five-year-old asked me the other day. The question made me laugh. I answered, “It depends on the person and where they are.”
I thought it was a good metaphor for the feeling s of doubt we all experience from time to time in any worthwhile activity. My “middle of nowhere” is where I am at today. I am on my chosen path and I know where I want to end up. I have a good road map in hand of what I think it takes to be successful. I am marching full steam ahead.
However, every once in awhile that sneaky little devil called “doubt” dances into my head. It happens in those moments when I take my eye off the goal. “Where the heck am I? I’m in the middle of nowhere!” my mind thinks.
Work, work, work with no end in sight and no promise of success. That can be intimidating to a mom with three kids who’s trying really hard to combine passion with income and a flexible schedule. I am a big believer in having it all, but still every once in awhile doubt sneaks in and I feel like I am in “the middle of nowhere”. I realize it is my inner chicken speaking so I let the thought pass right on through and just dive back in Before you know it, the feeling fades. Another milestone is achieved.
You are not alone. It’s okay to be afraid sometimes, and to have doubt. It’s human nature. It’s what you choose to do—or not do—with that fear that ultimately separates the successful from the not so successful. The next time you feel you are in your version of the “middle of nowhere”, take heart and know you are not alone. The moms at www.millionairemom.com understand. We all have doubts from time to time, and we are here to support you!
April 2nd, 2008 | 293 views
Kim Kiyosaki in her book “Rich Woman” throws out some pretty sobering statistics when it comes to women and money:
· 47% of women over the age of 50 are single.
· 50% of marriages end in divorce.
· In the first year after divorcing, a woman’s standard of living drops an average of 73%.
· Of the elderly living in poverty, 3 out of 4 are women and 80% of them were not poor when their husbands were alive.
· Nearly 7 out of 10 women will live in poverty some time in their lives.
As a landlord, I can attest that this is real life and not just statistics. I have seen my older female tenants struggle alone to make ends meet. They are fearful about their expenses and they are depressed. I always took care of “my ladies” (as I referred to them), letting rent slide from time to time in order to avoid eviction. But most landlords don’t have this luxury. The mortgage must be paid so out they go.
You see a lot of things as a property manager. One 82-year-old widow I knew took her own life because she was depressed over her circumstances. This is real life. All women need to take responsibility for their own financial welfare. If you won’t do it for yourself then do it for you children.
At MillionaireMom.com we are dedicated to helping you understand and feel comfortable with managing and earning money. We promote entrepreneurship because of the flexibility it offers in your real full time job—raising your children.
March 27th, 2008 | 332 views
I have met some fantastic women this week. I went to an e-women networking event, to support my friend Elizabeth Gordon. She was the keynote speaker that night, promoting her new book “The Chic Entrepreneur”. I really enjoyed the women I met and plan to do business with many of them in the near future. Women supporting women. Moms supporting moms. Isn’t that the way it ought to be?
I interviewed a millionaire mom this week named Elon Bomani from www.DivineDiva.com. Her story of struggle and triumph is harrowing and amazing. Elon and her husband divorced, and she was left to care for their son. Ultimately, they ended up in a homeless shelter. When that happened, Elon vowed to get her power back and figure out a better path. Using her resourcefulness and “never quit trying attitude” she persevered. She became a millionaire by flipping real estate in California during the real estate market heyday.
Life is about choices. If you stick your head in the sand and don’t put forth the effort to be responsible for your financial welfare, then you have made a choice. Elon’s choices first led her down a path she was not happy with. The beautiful thing about life in America is you can change your circumstances by purposely choosing to do so. Elon is a shining example of this. She made the choice to sacrifice and work really hard at ensuring success. Think about Elon whenever you have moments of self doubt or just don’t feel like dealing with the unfamiliar (especially finances). I know she has touched my life. That’s a divine diva for you!
March 25th, 2008 | 272 views
So it’s 10pm, and I’m doing laundry because, frankly, FEMA could designate my laundry room as a disaster area. Who has time for laundry when my business and “life” (defined today as a well child visit for my five year old, a trip to the store for a Webkinz and a chiropractor appointment for my oldest son) beckons all day long? Besides, what’s more fun, being a Capitalist or folding underwear?
I know what the answer is for me and that’s why I am doing laundry at 10pm. I find laundry can become a form of meditation if you allow your mind to drift aimlessly. I am usually so focused it’s nice to “let go” sometimes.
I was in the moment right up to the point when I started pulling Airsoft pellets out of the dryer. For the uninitiated, Airsoft pellets are used in Airsoft guns that all the boys on the street are really into right now. We are surrounded by woods, which lends itself to this activity. It is similar to paint ball—just not as messy. There are clearly established and enforced safety rules. My middle son loves playing it, and it’s fun watching the boys in goggles, bike helmets, backpacks and rubber boots (so mom doesn’t have to deal with muddy shoes) tramp up and down the creek trying to hide from each other.
As a new mom, I remember purposely deciding I was going to raise “Renaissance Men” and not heathen boys, so that someday my future daughter-in-laws would thank me for the obvious effort I put into their husbands. I gave my second son a baby doll to nurture while I was pregnant with my third son. No sooner had he taken this life like doll upstairs then I heard “Kowabunga!” and a thud. He had tossed the baby doll off the loft upstairs into the family room below. I remember thinking “Note to self, never leave him alone with the baby”.
Another time I decided “no weapons of mass destruction allowed.” My boys were going to be pacifists if I had anything to do with it. Make love not war, right? I got rid of anything that could remotely be considered a weapon. The next week I caught all three of them using sticks to play war and magnolia tree seeds as grenades.
The Airsoft pellets made me think of this experience and smile. The ammo (which by the way is made out of plastic in case you are wondering) found in the dryer was a reminder to me that—no matter how I think a situation should be—the innate personality of the other individual ultimately decides the outcome. You can spin a situation to fall in line with your thoughts, values and expectations. But if your target audience doesn’t buy into it, then you haven’t effectively communicated the message.
I try to remember that with all people I interact with… and especially with my customers. Ask your customers what they want. Don’t try to mold them into the image you have for them. Their answer can make the difference between profit and failure!
March 21st, 2008 | 301 views
One quality that sets a successful person apart–whether male or female, entrepreneur (like our millionairemom.com members) or employees–is the ability to take action. If you do not execute you do not create. It is that simple. Fortunately as moms, we possess this gift that is translatable to business.
Think of all the skills you already have that apply to running your own business:
Raising a Family / Building a Business
Getting the kids to school on time / Meeting deadlines
Breaking up sibling fights / Managing employees
Setting up play dates / Working with outside corporations
Teaching household chores / Outsourcing
Paying allowance for work done / Accounts payable
In short, you already have everything you need to become a successful millionaire mom.
You might be thinking “I don’t want to build a business that big. I just want to earn a little extra income for my family’s needs.” That is a fantastic goal to set. We use the term “millionaire mom” around here as a metaphor of who you will become in the journey of entrepreneurialism. As a millionaire mom, you’re going to feel like a million bucks—whether you’re earning a million dollars a year, or cooking a “million dollar” dinner!
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