My Own Schedule Makeover Part 2
October 6, 2009
Making a schedule is the first step to a life of peace and success, and keeping it is the second step. (To get a sneak peek at how I organize my time, check out Part I in this series.)
Once I’ve done my morning processing, I use these strategies to stick to my ideal schedule and complete the most critical tasks: Read more
Get to Know Kim Grisham of KT Naturals
October 2, 2009
Kim Grisham is the owner of KT Naturals, an all-natural mineral makeup company. Her products have been receiving rave reviews from many who have tried them. Kim took on the company from its creator and has built up a reputation as a great business owner with a quality product. Her enthusiasm and warmth are combined with a great product will carry her far. We are proud to introduce you to her and are excited to continue to see her grow!
Hometown: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Current Residence: Salt Lake City, Utah
Education: Associate’s degree in Business Graphics.
Professional Background: I was in school for most of my life before becoming a stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur. I went to a community college for graphic design, and online school for medical transcription. I also worked in a classroom with severe mentally and physically disabled children, which I loved.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: A wife, mommy, nurse, teacher, web designer, and entrepreneur.
What you are: A wife, mommy, and entrepreneur.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: I have spent a lot of time with various projects and ideas that would bring in extra income while allowing me to stay home with my child. A few months ago, I came across a woman who had started a business but did not have time to continue with it. I loved her passion for all natural makeup products and the direction she was headed with her business. I was really amazed when I learned that it was possible to create, mix, and sell mineral makeup from your own home! I was blessed to be chosen to own and manage KT Naturals.
Company Website? www.ktnaturals.com
What inspired you? My son. I have always dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom. When we needed extra income, KT Naturals dropped in my lap. I believe there is a reason for everything!
How long have you been in business? KT Naturals was created by Katie McCartney of Maumee, Ohio in 2007. I have been blessed to own the business since June of 2009.
How did you fund it? Purely with sales of the products!
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I consider Kelly King Anderson and all those involved with StartupPrincess.com great inspirations and mentors, though I have not received any one-on-one guidance.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Twitter, Facebook, CreatedByMom.com, among others.
Current Business Challenge? Balancing time among business, family, and housework.
What are you doing about it? Less housework and spending time with family! Business time just falls into place. Who needs a clean house, anyway?!
Favorite motivational quote: “Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.”
Family? I have been married to my best friend, Hank, for 2 years this October 11th. We have one boy, Eli, who just turned 1!
If so, how do you balance family and business? Nap time for baby is essential to keep up with my business! My husband is very supportive and helps whenever and however he can.
Favorite book? October Sky, a very inspirational story. I love reading memoirs!
What do you do to relax? Spend time with family, watch movies, web design.
What do you want to change most about your world? I want to push for greater acceptance of organic and natural products and remedies. There are too many harsh chemicals and ingredients in things we use and consume. Natural is better for us and our world!
What are you most proud of? First, my son. Second, I am proud to help support my family while watching my son grow and learn each day. I never wanted to miss out on those special moments, and now I don’t have to!
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? If you want something, go for it! Never give up! And always, always allow time for yourself! You deserve it!
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? StartupPrincess.com. I am so glad that I came across Startup Princess. I don’t feel alone anymore! It has led me to bigger and better things for my business. I have loved connecting with women I met through Startup Princess.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds! Not only is it my birthstone, but they are “a girl’s best friend” after all!
Contribute to STUDIO 5 Show> How Do You Create Time For Your Passions?
October 2, 2009
Next week I’ve been asked to do a segment on Studio 5 a talk show in SLC about “Creating Time for Your Passions” and I need your ideas. I’m supposed to offer 5 Key Points and I’d like to share not only my own thoughts, but yours as well. So what comes to mind on this topic? I know that many of you don’t sleep much, many of you carve out time while your kids are napping or at school, have babysitters, or you literally “bootstrap” your time stealing fifteen minutes here and there to grow your dreams and ideas and make them a reality.
Please leave a comment and share your 5 Key Points… if I use your idea I’ll give you an ad on Startup Princess and if possible recognition on the show too. Thank you!
The Power of Negotiating: for those who feel a little timid…
October 1, 2009
Negotiating can feel like a daunting, necessary evil of doing business. Something you might feel ill equipped and intimated by… the truth is, you do it every day. Have you ever had to talk your husband into coming home early so you could work late or go out with friends? How about getting your child to eat a dinner he thinks is “yucky?” How about rounding up a committee to put together a carnival at the school or dinner at your church? Really, we negotiate for what we want all the time; and whether its with a 5-year old or a manufacturing CEO the same skills apply.
1. Know Your Story
You need to know who you are and what you want. Why would someone want to work or partner with you? Can you articulate your goals for this project and the big picture? Have someone you trust ask you these questions and practice “fleshing out” the answers until you’re comfortable saying them and they roll right off your tongue.
2. Know Their WIIFM
We’ve all heard of the radio station WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?). Going into a negotiation understanding everyone asks that question will help you feel more prepared and not take offense if they actually ask the question out loud. Take time and make an effort before your meetings/conversations to understand why what you’re proposing works for the other side. It’s impossible to present a Win-Win if you don’t know what they consider a Win.
3. Know the Rules
Be willing to get in the game. Most people expect the negotiation process to include offers and counter-offers and more often than not, several meetings. Be prepared with several layers of compromise and expect that they are too. I’ve often found that as a part of this process, synergy takes over, and a better idea than either of you on your own could have created, is the result.
4. Know Your Walkaway
If you don’t have a walk away the situation is more likely a sales pitch, rather than a negotiation. Your walk-away is the point where you would rather not do the deal than accept what they are offering. If you don’t know that point, or have one going into your conversation, then you may as well just hand it over. You will feel more empowered in the process if you have in the back of your mind a Plan B and you know there’s a point you can walk away from this negotiation to pursue it, or at least go away to sleep on it and come back to it later.
Just a few more tips…
Formalizing a positive conversation with a Letter of Intent is usually a good idea. It gives both parties a chance to see in writing the points of agreement and review the next steps. An LOI gives you something tangible to work from without the complications that often arise when you begin drafting the formal agreement.
If you’re uncomfortable in a negotiation, trust your gut. It’s been my experience that people who resort to bullying, pressuring and ruthless behavior do so because they lack the skills or integrity to do business any other way. Working with people like that is seldom worth it. Trust yourself to step back, take some time, think about it and bring others into the process, if necessary. Legitimate, integral people won’t want to deny you that – so don’t give it up.
Get good at a pregnant pause. Too often we rush to fill up quiet space. That’s most often when we ramble or say things we wish we could take back. There’s nothing wrong with silence to let people process their thoughts and think about what to say next. Be disciplined in giving people that space and time. If you tend to talk too much try sitting in silence while you continue the conversation in your head, silently sing the ABC’s or recite a favorite quote or poem. Just a couple of minutes will give everyone the chance to think before they talk.
In fact, whether negotiating or just moving through the day, here’s one of my favorite quotes that always helps.
We become more adept at rising to the occasion each time we see ourselves doing it. Every time we cope well with whatever real life throws our way, it’s another deposit of confidence, creativity, and courage in our self-esteem account… When you need to rise to the occasion, do it with style. Do it with a knowing smile. Confound them. Astound yourself. Make it look easy, and it will become so.
Carol Rice is the creator and owner of CherishBound, a party-plan company that allows people to make and publish their own stories using their own photographs. Carol started and grew the company on a bootstrap budget, is an expert at teaching other entrepreneurs how to do the same. She is also an expert in home party sales and direct sales. She can be found on Twitter @carolrice.
