The Business of Books and the Business Sense of Our Children

Guest post from Richard and Linda Eyre

About five years ago, in our speaking and traveling here and there among parents, we began to notice that every time we got to Q&A, the main concern was about how ENTITLED today’s kids are.  They want what they want, think they deserve anything and everything, particularly whatever their friends have, and they want it NOW, and without working for it.

One of the horrors of this sense of entitlement (which is the polar opposite of a sense of responsibility) is that it robs our kids of motivation and incentive and the work ethic, and may limit their ability to ever succeed in the business or financial world (and even curtail their ability to handle their own personal finances.)  As a reader and participant on Startup Princess, you know business, but what are we doing to be sure our kids know business too, or at least that they are economically savvy enough to avoid problems and see opportunities?

We wrote THE ENTITLEMENT TRAP with these very worries in mind.  And in it we share plans for a “family economy” that teaches kids to earn, save, budget, choose, and to perceive the kind of ownership of their “stuff” that breeds pride and motivation.

Another point of business interest is the changing world of publishing.  Years ago, creating a best seller was all about getting on Oprah.  Now it is more about getting on BLOGS!  And we like the new way better.  Especially for a book like THE ENTITLEMENT TRAP! The book will be in stores Sept 6, but it can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.com at a 33% discount ($12 instead of $18)

And here’s the interesting business aspect of that:  If a book has 10 to 20 thousand pre orders before it hits stores, it begins its life on the New York Times bestseller list.  And simply being on that list causes its sales to skyrocket.

So for us, that is now a cause–a cause that we hope becomes a movement–a movement among mom bloggers and readers who believe as we do that the only way we will save this debt-ridden, entitled country of ours is one family at a time…..one child at a time who learns the joy of earning and saving and owning and delayed gratification.

Join this cause with us by 1.  Going to www.valuesparenting.com and clicking on the book which will take you to a page that allows you to pre-order at a discount and also to get a free download for your kids, and 2. By sending the valuesparenting.com link to your e mail list and to anyone else that may want to have the book and be part of this movement to save America economically one family at a time!

I have to share…

Over the past couple of months I have been on my own personal journey to grow and share what I feel is a valuable message. In the process, I have found coaches and mentors a long the way to help me excel in both business and life.

I really want to introduce you to one of my business and life coaches, Heather Madder.  What’s inspiring about her story is she is a wife and a mother of four who has been able to touch countless lives without EVER sacrificing what is most important…

Let me show you what she’s done…

Click Here

Please join me on May 12th and May 16th, as I listen to Heather share what she has done to help so many people (stress free).

Make a Wish, Make it Happen,

Kelly

P.S. Even if you can’t make both registration the link and get the recordings, this will be something that can improve your life forever… Check out the video and learn more here.

Meet Erin Condren – Founder of Erin Condren Design

Erin Condren is a clever entrepreneur who oozes creativity from her product line to her branding.  I can tell she has a love affair with colors and colors make me giddy and inspired.  I also love her answer to the question about what she’d like to change most about the world!  Meet Erin online by reading more here:

name: erin condren

education: ba from ucla

professional background: started in swimwear sales out of college, but was more interested in design/production. i worked with my brother’s company, manufacturing collections for nike, adidas and more from our l.a. sewing facility.  started my own collection in 2001 that we collaborated on with “michael stars,” but then closed our business after 9/11. started printed personalized stationery and stickers from my home, the rest is history!

what you wanted to be when you grew up: i always knew i wanted to be a mom, but also had an entreprenuerial spirit from a young age.

i created and sold jewelry in college, dabbled in pottery creations after college…i knew i wanted a career with a creative outlet.

what you are: managing partner and creative director of ericondren.com (online personalized paper & gifts!)

brief summary of your start up:  started my business from home, but the nature of paper products is so viral! with a web address on the back of each product shipped, the “word” spread like wildfire! i merged with a fine art printing company in 2007 and i felt like a kid in a candy shop.  with state of the art machinery, i was able to unleash all my creativity and manufacture top of the line paper products and more.

where you are located: we are moving to our fab new space in hawthorne in may, 37k square feet! wow!

company website: www.erincondren.com

what inspired you? my children. i knew i wanted to have a career that gave me the freedom to also be at home with my kids.

how long have you been in business? since 2005

how did you fund it? credit cards and home equity! yikes, a gamble that has paid off

do you have a fairy godmother (or mentor)? yes, most definitely my business partner, al marco.  he was a friend and “business coach” when my home business took off, i am blessed to now call him my partner.

do you belong to any business organization or networking groups? i am on linkedin, fan page on facebook and love to tweet! also a member of “step up” women’s network.

current business challenge? managing growing pains! thankfully i have an incredible support team and partner that steer this rollercoaster ride so I can be creative.

what are you doing about it? consult with my partner daily, open communication is key.

favorite motivational quote: i wish i knew henry david thoreau:  “go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you’ve imagined.”

family? yes! the most amazing supportive family! husband of almost 13 years, boy/girl twins that are 10.  my parents and siblings live close by and are a huge support system to me everyday.

if so, how do you balance family and business? a constant juggling act, but easier each day. my husband is also self employed so we text/email/call each other constantly to cover “shifts” with our kids.  working in an office gives me focus and balance, so the time with my family is truly cherished and never taken for granted.

favorite book? “ya ya sisterhood” & “the middle place”

what do you do to relax? drink wine and entertain! my husband and i love to entertain, and while some find it stressful, we are so fulfilled and charged by our time with family and friends.

what do you want to change most about your world? the clock. it’s hard to believe my kids are nearly 10. they’ll be off to college in no time, someone stop the clock! i am so blessed to have two amazing, healthy kids. i truly think i cherish my time with my kids more than most since so much of my time is occupied with work.  i hate to put them to bed, can’t wait for them to crawl in with us in the morn…

what are you most proud of? besides my children, definitely my business. it’s hard to believe this all start with a hp “photosmart” desktop printer in my “toolshed.” that’s what i called the space i used to work in, a room off our garage that was for storage.  i’ve worked hard to get where i am today, and i don’t stop to applaud myself often enough.  the workload has changed, but i work just as hard today as i did when it all started. i am so proud of the decisions and choices i have made to get me where i am.

what advice would you like to offer other start up princesses? be prepared to work hard, not much sleep! as my partner once told me, “anyone can be an entrepreneur…it is the jump to becoming a successful business person that will set you apart.” i work hard each day to meet my goals. i make sacrifices in my personal life all the time, but i love what i do and will continue to give my business 110%.

favorite magic wand (tool/resource)? internet! i can search for trends, shop for inspiration, find color combinations from across the world without ever leaving my ofiice or home.  i try to travel as little as possible, the internet allows me to do this.

if you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? oooooh la la! i’d have to go with stones of blue (my birthstone), yellow (my hubby) and rubies for my july twins!

did i leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business? i was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a couple years ago…it has been an excructing struggle to find the right meds to halt the disease and manage my pain.  i feel the best i’ve felt in years, hopefully i have found the right combo treatment for me.  my career and busy lifestyle has distracted me from the pain, somedays are really unbearable, but loving my job has kept me positive and focused on all the blessings in my life.  (no time to lay in bed and mope!)

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