Growing Your Business Without Sacrificing Your Relationships
January 31, 2012
“Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.” – Jim Rohn
Every entrepreneur has various relationships in their life. They could be a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, niece, cousin, girlfriend, wife, partner, neighbor or a friend. So how do you manage all of those roles in addition to being a businesswoman? That was the topic of January 25th’s #startupchat, Growing Your Business Without Sacrificing Your Relationships, hosted by @startupprincess‘ managing director, @speakmichelle and business/marriage expert panelists, @DinoandShannon.
Q1. What struggles do you have running a business and preserving your relationships?
@DinoandShannon I struggle sometimes with disconnecting with work at night so I can engage w/family. Constantly working on that. With my clients, and even in our own marriage it can be stressful to not have a “steady income” if both are entrepreneurs.
@speakmichelle I know that one struggle I have running a biz and keeping my marriage going is time. I feel pulled in 100 directions.
@JHNannies I have found a common daily theme is an expectancy to do more and have results daily
@MCGustafson It’s about putting tasks in compartments of time. Working by a weekly plan sheet keep it all organized. Then sharing with hubby so it makes us feel like a team managing “our” calendars not just mine.
@WhatDoWomenThi1 My husband is so loud on the phone when we both work from home, I write a note that says ‘shsssh’!
TIP: @MarriageCheckup Have you tried to share your calenders with your husband? I use Google calenders and it works great!
Q2: Is your spouse/loved ones supportive of your entrepreneurial ventures? How do they show it?
@DinoandShannon Yes- until we started working together & it created some new struggles to work on. I love that we do personal development together and are teaching it to our kids. So different then how I grew up!
@CKPFineArt My husband is wonderfully supportive. He asks how things are going, and he recognizes that what I do is important to me. Re: housework, I’m lucky enough to be at home, but it’s still tough. I budget an hour a day for domestic tasks and catch-up.
@radiantcosmetic Our loved ones are super supportive. They show it by lending a hand at our events and in lots of areas.
@BenitaWizeHouse Yes, very supportive in pitching in w/ un-done household chores so that things are done as a team.
@JHNannies Something I’ve started doing with my significant other is using Do.com it’s a fantastic way to organize time.
Q3: What other things can WE do as entrepreneurs to make it easier for our spouses/loved ones to support us in business?
@DinoandShannon Share our bigger vision and WHY for what we are doing & enroll them. Plus, set rewards when meet goals. Balance out “partnership” with time to be just boyfriend/girlfriend. Keep the romance alive=key to making more $ in biz. Make requests of what you need. Don’t expect spouse mind reading or assume they know. Define what is a date night, and what’s a “night out” for you. Date nights are pre-planned and more special. I also am a fan of making double batches of soups or casseroles and freezing 1/2 for later.
@speakmichelle I’m really working on ENROLLMENT this year. Not just what I’m working on, but WHY that task, project, event is important! I also think it’s a good idea to give them how they can support you. Help with kids, dinner, dishes, etc.
@MCGustafson Make them feel part of our business team not another thing/task to be managed.
@littlelambweb Set boundaries so your partner feels your just as important as your business. Even if your not a biz owner, don’t forgot to have your date nights!
@redheadJami Definitely ask and be specific. “I need help with this so that I can do this later or with you.” We choose several easy meals and several more detailed meals in our meail plan so that we can work those into our schedules.
TIP: @DinoandShannon Prioritize your to do list into A-B-C categories. Make sure the A’s get done everyday!
Q4: Do you carve out time each week to spend with family and friends? Date nights, etc? Are they regular times each week?
@DinoandShannon We likely do do a weekly night out (movie/dinner) and then once every month or so we go on a real “date” that’s pre-planned. For us, a date night is little “extra”. Concert-play-something diff than ordinary. Keep the spark alive 
@BenitaWizeHouse Friday’s are our ‘Family Fun’ night where we do movies, games, crafts, etc. It’s great & we’ve been doing this for yrs.
@startupprincess I also schedule time with my kids. They don’t know that, but when that appt pops up its a reminder to focus on them.
@littlelambweb Tues and Weds are mine to spend as I want. Sundays are also off limits. Thats when i get my crochet on, lol.
@carlymelissa_x I do activities with friends, like regular games of soccer etc. It combines my fitness time with social!
Q5: Anyone have”relationship evaluation time”with loved ones? I ask, “rate me on a scale from 1-10″ “What can I do to improve?”
@DinoandShannon Dino and I evaluate on lil’ things nightly during pillow talk. Big things we do at weekly marriage mastermind. We also have weekly family council and let the kids give feedback/have a say @ family life.
@BenitaWizeHouse Great idea!!; don’t have one now, but I’m inspired to implement such an evaluation.
@FronteSentre I regularly ask my kids if they have anything on their mind or if they feel like they got enough “mommy time” this week.
@CarterMarissa We agreed that we wouldn’t discuss business in bed. Might sound silly but it helps keep business & pleasure separate, haha!
In the month of February, #startupchat will be talking about money, finances and profits. Mark your calendars for every Wednesday at 2pm EST, 12pm MNT!
Startup Princess guest blogger Kim Celano is the founder of KC Bakes, an online cake pop stand business. Dedicated to her social media outlets, she has transformed KC Bakes’ reach from a small group of local bakers into an international audience of cake pop makers, bakeries and recently supplied stands for a new restaurant in California. Kim is an avid baker and enjoys sharing her knowledge through tutorials on her blog, aptly named KC Bakes. She lives in Maple Shade, NJ with her husband.
Your Questions – Asked and Answered!
January 30, 2012
Each Wednesday, #StartUpChat is usually themed around a certain topic, but sometimes, entrepreneurs still have questions that don’t pertain to the subject at hand. Chats like Wednesday, December 14th’s “Ask Anything Day” are a perfect opportunity to ask whatever is on your mind, and receive great feedback from other people in business.
A lot of important questions were asked, but not every single one was answered (see the list at the end of this post). Each question and comment is linked to the contributor’s Twitter handle, so if you see an area where you can comment, please keep the converation going!
What’s a good way to research a new industry for costs/margins? Any good resources? (@caroline_tweets)
@startupprincess Check trade publications and look at other’s pricing. You’ll also want to check pricing from manufacturers. Look at your 10 biggest competitors and see what they charge.
What is the best way to sell yourself/your services to other businesses? (@NexGenPR)
@ParijatDesh Network like crazy! Get to know your clients so you can offer them what they need. Honestly, how you pitch it matters most. Find a niche or show that your get your client better than the experts do.
I would love to know if anyone has recommendations for how to sell tickets to an event with minimal cost to the business! Anyone know of good sites/programs to help sell tickets for an event? (@ParijatDesh)
I am looking to expand outside of my city. What is the best way to expand your brand nationally? (@thepinkboss)
@ParijatDesh Social media is great. Make sure your website is engaging for different areas!
@startupprincess PARTNERING. Look for others who can help you spread your message, and leverage your online following.
Meet Vasavi Kumar – Transformational Coach and Speaker
January 27, 2012
Vasavi is a passionate, dedicated coach who is ready to transform the way people think about themselves. She’s committed to helping people grow and develop personally and professionally and we’re happy to feature her here!
Name: Vasavi Kumar
Location: Originally from Long Island, NY. Moved to Overland Park, KS a year ago.
Education: Masters in Special/Elementary Education; Masters in Social Work from Columbia University
Professional Background: Certified Coach from Accomplishment Coach- an accredited International Coach Federation school
What you wanted to be when you grew up: I first wanted to open up my own restaurant and serve vegetarian dishes from all over the world. As I got older I wanted to be an international speaker that would motivate and inspire others to use their full potential.
What you are: a transformational coach and speaker
Summary of your Start Up: I started my coaching and speaking business in August 2010. I work with individuals and organizations to go deep into their core live their truth, and take actions that are in line with their purpose and vision
Where you are located: I am located in Overland Park, KS and all of my coaching sessions are done over the phone. However, if I am requested to speak out of state I work out the budget so that I can travel to other cities
Company Website? http://www.vasavikumar.com
What inspired you? When I was a child I travelled to India with my parents and I could see all the suffering that existed. I knew as a child that my purpose was to heal others from the inside out. Having gone through quite a bit of pain and suffering myself I realized at a young age that no amount of pain and suffering can stop you from living your best life unless you allow it too. I was also inspired by the happiness and peace that existed among people who seemingly had nothing. I knew from a very young age that happiness and peace was a way of being and was not dictated by how much one had or did.
How long have you been in business? 1 year and 3 months!
How did you fund it? The financial support of my parents, and any income that I made from my business I just put it right back into my business
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I am blessed to have three amazing coaches who support me in different areas of my personal and professional life.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am a member of National Association of Women Business Owners, the Managing Director of Connections Club (a local Kansas city networking group), the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, the Heartland Coaches Association, and a member of the International Coach Federation
Current Business Challenge? Current business challenge is to educate the importance of personal growth and self-development as access to professional success. Many people think that they just need to focus on their business and do not have the awareness that the only thing stopping them from moving forward both personally and professionally is themselves!!!
What are you doing about it? I always offer people a 60-minute complimentary coaching session with me so that they can experience the power of transformational coaching. My goal is for people to have the breakthrough that they need to stop the pattern of self-sabotage and overwhelm and to take control of their lives, as opposed to letting life happen
Favorite motivational quote: I decided to start anew, to strip away what I had been taught. - Georgia O’Keefe; I also love “Get busy living, or get busy dying.” (Shawshank Redemption)
Family? I am newly married to my wonderful husband and best friend Ashish Patel
How do you balance family and business? I am very conscious of the fact that I have a tendency to put all of my energy into my work. So I have asked my husband to hold me accountable. I shut off my phone and leave it in the other room when we are together. I schedule personal well being time as well as relationship time. We also set aside time every night to ask each other what worked today, what didn’t work today and how we can improve upon what didn’t work. We have made it a practice to acknowledge one another daily, even for the “smallest” things.
Favorite book? The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
What do you do to relax? Go to the park with my puppy, Laney; Sit and do nothing (literally), cooks, read, and simply be.
What do you want to change most about your world? What I want to change most about my world is the conversation that people have with themselves and each other. I think if we can transform the face of communication, to come from a place of love and kindness, as opposed to fear and unkindness, we would actually move forward and be able to transform our world, as we know it.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my “bounce back” muscles. As I said before, I have gone through a lot in my life; things that could have knocked me down and kept me there. I am blessed to have an awesome support system and a resilient way of being.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Quiet the chatter in your mind, follow the whisper of your heart, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do what you want to do, and the minute you start to second guess yourself, take a breath, get centered offer gratitude to the Universe, and take ACTION!!!! Also, definitely seek the guidance of a mentor or coach. Being an entrepreneur can get lonely so I would highly recommend working with a coach to keep you on track with your goals/
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My bestest friend Stevi Speller
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Black diamonds and sapphires
Your business is a manifestation of your passion and purpose. If your business doesn’t look the way you want it to look, or if you are having a “bad day” just reconnect with your Source and take it from there.
I See a Book In Your Future – Your Big Beautiful Book Plan – Book Review
January 25, 2012
Ever have one of those creepy moments where you decide to do something and a tool that you need shows up within days? Well, 
that happened to me a couple of months ago. I decided I was going to write a book. I mention this to a friend and they say, “You need to put together a book proposal.” Honestly, I had never heard that in the non-fiction world people write book plans before they finish books. Who knew? I start to panic. And then, BOOM! I get an email from a long time mentor and Startup Princess friend, Danielle La Porte about Your Big Beautiful Book Plan. Like a beacon of light sent straight from heaven. 
I’ve always been a huge fan of Danielle La Porte’s, even before she was the keynote speaker for Touchpoint in 2010 (You can see her keynote from Touchpoint here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9788489), so I knew I’d love her. Linda was a wildcard, since her work wasn’t familiar to me before I got their online book . Ever since I’ve listened to Linda on the audio I thought for sure we could be BFFs (she just doesn’t know yet).
The book (more like an e-course its over 400 pages and hours and hours of video and audio) is A-MAZE-ING. I’ve been DEVOURING the chapters and soaking up every audio. I’ve been listening to the audios in the car over and over and there are two main takeaways that I want to share with you.
First of all, these girls know their stuff. They’ve done it. They’ve helped others do it. Their tips are timely, practical and produce results. They share case studies of themselves and clients, and even share the plans that helped them get agents and book deals. They really over-deliver in the content department. Every time I got to a new chapter, I was amazed at how much information and resources they provide. They take you through section-by-section on HOW to write a book plan, and tell you all the tips and also share the mistakes novices make. It’s a great straight read, and I have also enjoyed going to back to read certain sections I forgot, or catch an audio that reminded me about a key tool. It’s like the crystal ball for book plans.
Second, when I read this, I’m infused with confidence that I actually could launch a book deal and that it could work! The publishing world has always seemed elite, untouchable, complicated and bigger than me, but Danielle and Linda have provided the knowledge we need to break into the publishing world, find an agent and ultimately, produce a book plan that we will feel fantastic about. The chapters on telling your stories, finding your own voice and sharing your message with confidence have inspired me, and my book plan is underway!
Like anything else, great things take work. HARD work. A book plan is like writing a book about your book before you get to write your own book. However, lots of hard things done with passion produce great results. Some days are harder than others, but with Your Big Beautiful Book Plan, I have a blueprint to lead me to success. And since I now know that to do, the publishing world and book success don’t seem scary it seems thrilling, and I can’t wait for what this next year will bring!
Have you read Your Big Beautiful Book Plan? What were your takeaways? Please share them below and lets have a little book club right here.
Want to learn more about Danielle, Linda and Your Big Beautiful Book Plan?
I am GIDDY with excitement to announce that we’re hosting a FREE teleseminar on Thursday, January 26th, 2012 with Danielle La Porte and Linda Sivertsen, authors of Your Big Beautiful Book Plan.
To register to receive the call details go here.
Michelle McCullough is the Managing Director for Startup Princess. Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess in 2008. She is responsible for event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 3 years she has coached women entrepreneurs and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses. Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success expert and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products when she was 19. And has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads as a successful side business. In 2008 when Michelle quit her full-time job to be home more with her newborn son, she moved Doodads to the front burner and doubled the income in 2008 and doubled it again in 2009. Today it continues to thrive. This year Michelle launched a coaching program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives. She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools to achieve personal and professional success. You can learn more about Michelle at SpeakMichelle.com and sign up for her free video e-course on “The Life Balance Myth” coming later this month. Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.
Meet Sarah Hamel – Owner of Made You Look
January 19, 2012
I’m excited to introduce Sarah Hamel. She started young and has run a successful business for 10 years. I LOVE her advice to do one thing and to do it well. Focus is key.
Name: Sarah Dougall
Locations: Canada
Education: 3 Years J
ewellery Arts Program – George Brown College, Toronto
Professional Background: I started my business when I was 23, so I didn’t work professionally before then.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: A Gypsy
What you are: Jewellery studio and gallery owner – 2 locations
Brief Summary of your Start Up: I studied jewellery arts and learned that there was a need for a creation facility for professional jewellery designers. So, I opened a studio for 20 designers with a retail location.
Where you are located: Queen Street West in Parkdale
Company Website? www.madeyoulook.ca
What inspired you? Seeing that this city was missing something and creating a space that made life better for a whole community of creative people.
How long have you been in business? 10 Years
How did you fund it? Private Investor
Do you have a Fairy Godmother? My father was a business man, he has helped me all the way.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am on the Board of the BIA (Business Improvement Association ) in Parkdale.
Current Business Challenge? Deciding what the next 10 years are going to look like.
What are you doing about it? Meditating
Favorite motivational quote: Fake it ‘till you make it.
Family? A 10 year old son, fascinating creature!
If so, how do you balance family and business? Carefully.
Favorite book? Catcher in the Rye.
What do you do to relax? Body Blitz.
What do you want to change most about your world? Hmmmm, let’s start with cigarettes. Do people still smoke? Haven’t we figured this one out yet?? C’mon people!
What are you most proud of? Not being afraid to imagine things the way I want them to be and then taking steps to make it happen.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Do one thing and do it well, specialize in something so you have no competition, and do an amazing job so that you become a necessity.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? – Something unexpected like pyrite or black diamonds.
3 Ways to Preserve Your Marriage While Growing Your Business
January 17, 2012
If this message resonates with you, there are 3 upcoming resources for you:
1. Making Love and Money Work Event – Salt Lake City, UT – February 2nd or 3rd. Register here: http://mlmw.eventbrite.com/ Startup Princess is a sponsor of the event, so we’ll be there! Come and say hi! Use code “princess” for 50% off
2. I’m speaking at a Marriage Round-up in St. George, UT on February 11th. I’ll be talking about The 5 Love Languages. The event starts at 4:00 PM. For tickets or for more information, call the USU Extension office at (435) 634-5706.
3. Tara McCausland, one of the former Startup Princess Fairy Godmothers, is hosting a 4 part teleseminar series in February, that begins on the 8th and ends on the 29th. Register for call details here: http://www.taramccausland.com/happily-ever-after-tele-seminar-series/
Interesting that just as I started doing more work in this area, other experts are stepping up to the plate to provide resources to preserve the marriage of entrepreneurs. I hope this video and these upcoming events serve you!
Share your tips, how have you preserved your marriage while running a business at the same time?
Make a Wish, Make it Happen!
Michelle McCullough is the Managing Director for Startup Princess. Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess in 2008. She is responsible for event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 3 years she has coached women entrepreneurs and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses. Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success expert and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products when she was 19. And has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads as a successful side business. In 2008 when Michelle quit her full-time job to be home more with her newborn son, she moved Doodads to the front burner and doubled the income in 2008 and doubled it again in 2009. Today it continues to thrive. This year Michelle launched a coaching program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives. She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools to achieve personal and professional success. You can learn more about Michelle at SpeakMichelle.com and sign up for her free video e-course on “The Life Balance Myth” coming later this month. Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.
Monetizing Your Message The Millionaire Messager, by Brendon Burchard
January 10, 2012
My favorite thing in the world is to speak. I love to speak. I do a lot of speaking through Startup Princess and to entrepreneur events, youth groups, etc. It’s a joy. Last March I decided that I was ready to share my messages and get them out in a bigger way. Have you ever heard the quote, “When the student is ready, the teacher/master will appear.” Well, as soon as I made that statement, masters appeared. A previous Startup Princess contact, Tiffany Walke Peterson was everywhere, and I quickly hired her to coach me.
And then I was introduced virtually to Brendon Burchard. The expert of experts. He helps speakers, authors, seminar leaders and online marketers share their messages in a bigger way.
I have devoured his free online video content, which really over delivers. As he recommends to experts across the country, if you provide quality content for free it allows people to experience you and what you offer, and then it makes it easier for people to want to purchase what you are offering them. I know it works, because I bought things from him on this exact same structure.
If you’re looking for a good book, I recommend The Millionaire Messenger, by Burchard. it’s a great start. You can see my review below.
The Millionaire Messenger, by Brendon Burchard Review by Michelle McCullough
And, if you’re interested in learning more about Brendon Burchard, you can go here.
Share with us! Have you read The Millionaire Messenger? What was your key takeaway? What books have you read that have really inspired you and taken you to the next level?
Michelle McCullough is the Managing Director for Startup Princess. Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess in 2008. She is responsible for event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 3 years she has coached women entrepreneurs and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses. Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success expert and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products when she was 19. And has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads as a successful side business. In 2008 when Michelle quit her full-time job to be home more with her newborn son, she moved Doodads to the front burner and doubled the income in 2008 and doubled it again in 2009. Today it continues to thrive. This year Michelle launched a coaching program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives. She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools to achieve personal and professional success. You can learn more about Michelle at SpeakMichelle.com and sign up for her free video e-course on “The Life Balance Myth” coming later this month. Michelle has 2 children under 4 and lives in Utah.
Meet Shannon Watt of The Business of Marriage
January 7, 2012
I met Shannon for the first time in the summer of 2011. She is fun, personable, smart, and above all her passion to help dedicated entrepreneurs grow businesses without sacrificing their marriage is wonderful. We see it all the time. Women who are excited to start a business and then 6 months in are wondering why their marriages are in shambles. Well, you can have both, and Shannon is committed to your success! I’m excited to introduce you to her!
Name: Shannon Watt
Location: Salt Lake, Utah
Education: Northern Arizona University
Professional Background: I’ve been a serial entrepreneur for almost 20 years. My 5th grade teacher predicted I was
too independent to work for someone else, and she was right! My husband has always been a performer, and eventually transitioned that into being a successful public speaker. I was initially terrified to ever be on stage, but with his encouragement, and some training, I’ve joined him in the movement to revolutionize marriages and reverse the divorce rate around the world. I’ve know done over 100+ trainings, and successfully mentored almost as many couples into creating more purpose, passion and play in their relationships.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: When I was younger I wanted to be a fashion designer or marine biologist.
What you are: Relationship Expert that speaks, mentors and writes on strengthening marriages, especially for women entrepreneurs.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: I’m the creator of the Making Love and Money training series. As a trainer, speaker, mentor and body language expert, my passion is to assist women to infuse more purpose, passion, and play in their marriages while achieve equal success in their business.
Where you are located: Mostly on the internet, but I have an office in Sandy, Utah
Company Website? www.TheBizofMarriage.com www.makingloveandmoneywork.com
What inspired you? Watching too many of my friends, colleagues and clients lose their marriages in the pursuit of their career dreams. It hard for me to watch people become successful, at the expense of their relationships when I know there’s a way to be fulfilled in both areas of your life.
How long have you been in business? My husband started the Marriage movement for couples in general back in 2007, and I joined in about 2 years ago, and have now created my own programs specifically to support women entrepreneurs in their business.
How did you fund it? Bootstrapping from our own earnings and savings.
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I’ve had many mentors along the way. Right now Michelle McCullough has helped me with learning how to foster sponsorship relationships for my live events.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am a part of the Utah Business Experts, Biz Divas, The Hub, and The Art of Business
Current Business Challenge? Expanding my reach to married, successful women entrepreneurs on a global scale.
What are you doing about it? I’ve switched the bulk of my trainings from live events to on-demand video trainings so it’s instant deliverable, and globally accessible.
Favorite motivational quote: I have binders full of them, but the one that resonates with me currently is: “Want to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” Mother Teresa
Family? Yes! I’ve been married to my best friend, Dino, for over 17 years, and I have 3 amazing kids that are the light of my life: Hannah 14, Avery 12, Hayden 11.
If so, how do you balance family and business? With short, concentrated, but powerful one-on-one time with each child, usually 2-3x a day. Having 3 kids in 3 years, I learned early on that I needed to be conscious in giving each of them some of my undivided time, everyday. When they were young, I implemented “Snuggle time” at various sections of our day. First, we have a tradition where the kids come in our room in the morning and climb in bed for a 3-5 minute hug, back scratch, “good morning” time. Then I try to schedule my work day to be home when they get home from school, so I can make them a snack and snuggle on the couch and hear about how their day went, and connect while they are unwinding from school. We have a standing rule that if anyone asks for some “special time”, I will stop what I’m doing and go talk to them in my room, and the other kids are not aloud to interrupt. This provides a safe place for them to share what’s going on in their world, what they’re feeling, ask sensitive questions, etc. Last, and most important, we make sure to go upstairs every night and have a family inspirational moment, family prayer, and give each child some quality alone time to share their highs and lows from their day, and what they want to create the next day.
By having these 2-4 points of contact with my kids, I stay in tune with them, no matter my busy schedule. If I’m traveling, I can do much of our routine over the phone so they don’t feel my absence as much.
Favorite book? I have too many to name just one, but I love personal development books, biographies, and non-fiction. I read novels only while on airplanes or vacation!
What do you do to relax? Naps! I also love to read, especially soaking in a bath. I enjoy massages, nature walks, going to the movies with my husband and letting my girls paint my toenails.
What do you want to change most about your world? More patience and acceptance of myself and my family. There’s a fine line between striving for excellence, and surrendering to what is, and let it be… it’s a balancing act.
What are you most proud of? That my husband and I have been serial entrepreneurs, working closely together for almost 2 decades, and we haven’t strangled each other!~ we still enjoy working & playing together.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Get training and systems in place in your marriage and home first, so your husband and family will support the growth of your business, and not be torn apart by it. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a woman achieve her business goals while simultaneously getting a divorce. There’s a way to have them both be amazing!
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The internet + Mac products & apps = bliss.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds, because the transformation from ordinary to extraordinary happens under pressure and time, kind of like business & life.
I’d love to gift my fellow princesses with a free 4-part video training on relationships~ you can find it at www.maritalrevolution.com
Please connect with me on @facebook/shannonlinderholmwatt
Or follow me on Twitter at: @dinoandshannon
Success and Strategy Week – A Virtual Startup Princess Event
January 4, 2012
We’re excited to announce that we will be hosting a week long Teleconference January 23rd – 27th!
Join us for two hours each day from 9:00AM to 11:00 AM MST/11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EST. (If you can’t make all the calls, don’t worry, we’ll send you the links to download them so you can listen to them at your convenience!)
We’ll be featuring our 2012 Fairy Godmother team as they share great strategy ideas for a successful 2012. The agenda and topics will be updated shortly so check back!
10 hours of amazing strategy for only $49!
**BONUS:
Register before Thursday, January 19th, 2012 and you’ll receive the livestream to Touchpoint 2011 for FREE. 8 hours of live entrepreneur education and inspiration. Attendees paid over $259 to attend this event, and you’ll get the recording for FREE when you register for the Success and Strategy Week Virtual Event!
REGISTER HERE (Get both events, for only $49!)
Speakers include:
Kelly King Anderson, Founder of Startup Princess
Kelly King Anderson, the Founder of Startup Princess has always been passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Previous to Startup Princess Kelly worked as an Assistant Producer for a Radio Station, Account Executive for a Marketing Firm, and as a Freelance Publicist for an International Tae Kwon Do Champion, helping her client to receive national media attention on Today’s Show, CNN, and more. Kelly has been featured on the covers of Wasatch Woman and Utah Business magazines, Named one of the Top 30 Women to Watch in Utah Business and has published multiple business articles online and in print. Her specialties are in marketing strategy, PR, branding, life and business planning, and social media. The Startup Princess Twitter account updated by Kelly is considered an Elite account – ranked in the Top 25 of Most Powerful Women on Twitter by Twittergrader with over 130,000 followers.
Work/Life Balance Expert & Marketing Expert Michelle McCullough – Managing Director for Startup Princess
Michelle is the Managing Director for Startup Princess. Michelle became a partner in Startup Princess (http://www.startupprincess.com/) in 2008. Michelle has been focusing on event planning, marketing, affiliates, sponsorships and partnerships. Over the past 3 years she has coached women entrepreneurs and helped them grow their businesses from “dream in development” to established thriving businesses. Michelle is a speaker, strategist, success coach and a serial entrepreneur. She started Doodads Promotional Products (http://www.doodadspromotional.com/) when she was 19. And has also spent the last 12 years working in marketing and advertising. She’s worked in all aspects of the industry from production to creative and sales to management. On top of her full-time jobs, Michelle has cultivated her love for entrepreneurship by running Doodads Promotional Products as a successful side business. In 2008 when Michelle quit her full-time job to be home more with her newborn son, she moved Doodads to the front burner and doubled the income in 2008 and doubled it again in 2009. Today it continues to thrive. This year Michelle launched a program called “The Life Balance Myth” to help busy entrepreneurs build thriving businesses AND meaningful personal lives. She believes that life balance is a myth, but she provides practical tools for personal and professional success.
Strategic Entrepreneurship Expert – Adelaide Lancaster of In Good Company from Philadelphia, PA
Adelaide Lancaster, co-founder, is a successful entrepreneur who excels at making business ideas a reality and helping businesses grow to their potential. Adelaide is both a strategic thinker and a master implementer. She has spent her professional career dedicated to helping women find work that is meaningful and rewarding. Adelaide was recently featured in the book Upstarts!, as one of 60 Gen-Y entrepreneurs who are rocking the world of business. Adelaide was co-founder and Principal Partner of Berkman Fives a consulting firm that helped women professionals with career development and advancement and women entrepreneurs with business growth and efficiency. Adelaide also is a contributor to The Huffington Post and Daily Muse.
Adelaide also co-authored the book “The Big Enough Company”.
Sales Expert - Tiffany Walke Peterson of The Lighthouse Principles from Salt Lake City, UT
Before founding her own company, Tiffany worked with and for many popular authors and groups, both selling and teaching the content for Franklin Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Jack Canfield, The Success Principles, and The Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and Robert Kiyosaki, of the world famous Rich Dad, Poor Dad series. The opportunity to be mentored and trained by some of the world’s best authors, teachers, and content has significantly influenced her own successful results and the results she helps others to achieve today. Tiffany received many promotions in her corporate life experience, managing multiple sales teams and projects, with a responsibility for sales budgets that ranged from $7.5 million to $40 million in annual sales revenue. Due to her record breaking sales achievements, she was sought after to train and mentor her proven sales style, process, and techniques to other sales associates, of which ultimately led her career and her passion for training, speaking, and coaching to evolve into what is now her own business. Tiffany has successfully trained and coached hundreds of sales people, with an average of 30% increase in sales revenue due to her proven methods. Tiffany is the Founder and President of The Lighthouse Principles, Inc, a training and development firm offering proven methods and strategies to align individuals and organizations in creating success with their own goals, results, and purpose.
Traditional and Digital Publishing Expert - Ishita Gupta of Fear.less Magazine from New York City, NY
She understands the blogosphere, how to build a tribe of supporters, and how to use the power of the Internet to market ideas. She helps both first-time and veteran authors do just that. As Head of Hoopla and Media at The Domino Project, a new publishing house powered by Amazon, she launched 6 bestselling books, and helped market 100,000 copies of the most recent book, Read This Before Our Next Meeting, in the first month. She also launchedLinchpin: Are You Indispensable, one of the bestselling business books in 2010 (and had a page in the book.) She founded and runs Fear.less magazine, a popular digital magazine that profiles hundreds of bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, artists, thought leaders, and many others on how they’ve overcome fear; The magazine has been called “Fast Company meets Oprah” by its 10,000+ readers.
Product Development Expert - Jude Anker of Anker Consulting from Park City, Utah
Jude holds that innovation simply isn’t as unpredictable as many people think—that intentional innovation in product development is a systematic process. So much so that she’s currently developing a playbook on how leaders and teams can best ideate, conceive, develop, test, roll out, and improve their new market offerings. With focused expertise in both sustainable design solutions and strategic business planning, Jude has guided both corporations and independent inventors, including Little Giant Ladder Company, Connor Sport Court, BullFrog Spas, and Soul Pole ski and trek poles. A true connector, Jude offers a network of potential resources and specialized talent via her relationships with proven vendors in the areas of product design and engineering, business banking, IP law, PR, marketing services, and website design and development.
Branding Expert - Rebecca Servoss of Persnickety Graphic Design of Salt Lake City, UT
Rebecca Servoss is an extremely talented Graphic Designer and Branding Expert. She also has a background in corporate branding and marketing strategies. She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Marketing and Advertising. Since then she has served as graphic designer, brand manager and creative director at several large companies. After leaving “Corporate America” Rebecca opened the doors of her own successful graphic design and web agency. Her talents and abilities assist clients to not just have a pretty logo, but a powerful identity branding message. Not only does Rebecca have powerful business branding intuition and an impeccable eye for design, she also has a gift for guiding entrepreneurs to discover who they truly are so their essence and passion can be communicated properly in their identity branding.
Public Relations Expert – Cinnamon Bowser of Nail Taxi from Alexandria, VA
Prior to starting Nail Taxi, Cinnamon worked for 14 years in the public relations/communications arena. In the six years that Nail Taxi has been in business she has done all of their PR resulting in FAB coverage! Nail Taxi has received coverage in Family Circle, Entreprenuer, Fast Company, the Fine Living Network, Daily Candy (in multiple cities),The Knot network, Lucky, Allure, CNBC (Donny Deutsch), The Fine Living Network, Nails Magazine, NailPro, Washington Post, Washingtonian, Capital File, Chicago Sun and Tribune, local TV network affiliates, Small Business TV and dozens of web sites. Later this month we have a story coming out in Woman’s World and in the next few weeks Nail Taxi will be on Working Mother.com.
This incredible media coverage has allowed Nail Taxi to grow o cities across the United States and now the Bahamas! PR also increased my visibility and has helped me to win some prestigious awards including the 2008 Home-based business champion of the year for the U.S. Small Business Administration and a 2011 TOP 50 MOMPRENUER award from Babble.com.
Social Media Expert - Mandy Allfrey of The Buzz from Asheville, NC
Mandy is a digital marketing professional, speaker, and blogger, having over 12 years of marketing experience in multiple industries. The founder and CEO of Social Media Architecture Company, The Buzz, of Salt Lake City, UT. Clients located across the United States, Canada, & the Caribbean. Mandy engages with corporations, clients, and groups teaching the value of social media and best structuring the best strategies for your business. She is also the founder of Cafe Grace, a positive, uplifting environment on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cafegrace) that makes a positive impact and creates influence in the lives of others.
Online Marketing Expert – Desiree Scales from Bella Web Design from Atlanta, GA
Desiree Scales brings over 15 years of expertise in online marketing to customer projects at her award-winning company, Bella Web Design, Inc. With a background as a web designer for a major U.S. corporation, Delta Air Lines, Desiree delivers sound advice and outstanding solutions for her business customers. Her expertise and experience has evolved into a passion to educate people about online marketing and technologies that foster success. She has been a featured speaker at companies, conferences and seminars speaking on topics about web design, social media, online marketing and protecting teens on the Internet. Desiree also hosts The Bella Buzz, a weekly podcast dedicated to online marketing topics, tools and tips for business owners. Her podcast is popular among business owners around the world. Her company garnered a prestigious Webby Award Honor in 2011. Desiree has provided consulting for many companies including Microsoft, Delta Air Lines, Northside Radiology, Brand Mortgage and Marriott among others.
Revenue Expert – Monica Shaw from Revenue Breakthrough from New York City, NY
Monica Shaw, the business breakthrough specialist, Kellogg MBA grad, and business professor helps women business owners double their income within 12-18 months. Revenue Breakthrough is Monica’s 2nd six-figure company. Her corporate and teaching background allow Monica to show business owners how to step into their role as the CEO of their businesses. She shows them the HOW, every step of the process to grow their businesses to the next level, without going broke or crazy in the process. Monica is the author of: Creating Your Revenue Breakthrough – Five Steps to Doubling Your Income in the Next 60 Days, and the Money Magnet Kit. If you would like to monetize your marketing and increase your income be sure to check out her Money Magnet Kit. Get your copy at www.revenuebreakthrough.com/moneymagnet
As an added bonus, we’ll be creating a facebook group JUST for the attendees and speakers of the event. You can network with attendees and speakers, ask questions, share ideas and more!
