Cash in Now on Fourth Quarter Sales – By Making Your Holiday Gift Product Irresistible to the Media

by Fairy Godmother, Margie Zable Fisher

A couple of years ago, one of my clients was featured in the December “O List” of Oprah Magazine – the publication’s Holiday Gift Guide. That one placement led to hundreds of thousands of dollars of sales.  While that is obviously a “home run” in the product publicity world, one thing is for sure: Holiday Gift Guide placements lead to sales.

What are Holiday Gift Guides?

They’re those product roundups you see everywhere in the media during fourth quarter, with recommendations for great gifts to buy.
If you sell products, and fourth quarter sales are important to you, this information is critical:

Top magazines accept product submissions for fourth quarter Holiday Gift Guides during the summer. Once their summer deadlines have been reached, they are no longer open to product Gift Guide submissions.

After getting thousands of product publicity placements, I can share with you five ways to make your product irresistible to the media for fourth quarter Holiday Gift Guides:

1. Offer something new. Even if you have no new products this year, you can create something new, by bundling several products together as a gift pack or offering a travel size option. And if you do have something brand new, lead with that product. The media always wants to feature the newest thing.
2. Provide something colorful. Check out top magazine Gift Guides and you’ll find they are all consistent in one way – they’re colorful. Art Directors have lots of input on Gift Guide choices, so give ‘em what they want. If your product itself isn’t colorful, use colorful packaging, or photos with colorful props.
3. Help others. Some Gift Guide editors require that items included offer a percentage back to a charity. Others ask that you offer readers an exclusive discount on your products. Provide these, and you’ll be ahead of the pack that doesn’t want to provide these offers.
4. Consider changing your price point. Most Gift Guides are broken down by category: Under $10, Under $25, Under $50 and Under $100. So if you have a product that is $10.99, lowering it to $9.99 makes it available for pitching in the Under $10 category, which generally increases the chances of media coverage (the media is always looking for great, really inexpensive products).
5. Provide great photography. One of the biggest mistakes I see with product companies is offering so-so photos of products. The media usually sees a photo of the product before the actual product, and a great photo can make the difference between interest and no interest.

For more information on how you can pitch the media (or have us do it) in an affordable way, please visit http://www.zfpr.com/holidaygiftguidepitchingsecrets.htm.

Copyright 2011 Margie Zable Fisher All rights reserved

Margie Zable Fisher, president of Zable Fisher Public Relations, is the leader in small business product P.R.

 

Meet Susan Henderson, Founder of Suetables

Hometown: Toronto

Education: BAH in Communications from Queen’s University

Professional Background: For over 10 years, I worked in television as a Director of Communications overseeing the PR launch of Canadian specialty channels in Canada like – Life Network, HGTV, Food Network, National Geographic, BBC Canada, BBC Kids and more. In 2005, I turned jewelry design as a more personal means of expression.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Dog trainer.

What are you? Entrepreneur with a not-so-well trained dog. I am the owner + designer at www.suetables.com, an online jewelry business with eight reps who hand stamp jewelry and run their own businesses. Suetables is where customization meets trend at a reasonable price.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Before I started Suetables (www.suetables.com), I hunted for vintage silver spoons. When friends had babies, I learned, painstakingly to hand stamp these uneven surfaces with steel-like nails with letter/name impressions. They made personal and unique gifts. Learning this art, inspired me to hand stamp jewelry. I started with one “letter necklace” with my sister’s kids initials on it. My sister loved it and everyone wanted one. People kept asking me, “what else do you have?”

After selling hundreds of only ONE necklace, I started a line of hand-stamped personalized sterling silver jewelry long before anyone else was doing it. I hope to have a rep/”mompreneur” in every North American city one day.

Company Website? www.suetables.com

What inspired you? After my second child, I decided to stay home. But, I craved creativity, something to call my own and a job that provided flexibility. I was mad with desire to have something MORE. I stayed up at night surfing for ideas. I feel so blessed that, in the end, my hobby turned into a business. Sometimes the answer in life is right in front of you. It took my friends to show me.

How long have you been in business? Almost six years.

How did you fund it? Personal line of credit. I never bought more inventory that I could afford.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I respect and bounce ideas off many business people – including my clients. I talk to fellow entrepreneurs. Sometimes, I email an entrepreneur out of the blue and ask them for coffee. Networking really helps inspire ideas.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Yes, I have been working with Mogul Mom, Heather Allard with an online networking group of entrepreneurs. Heather is truly an inspiration. http://www.themogulmom.com/heather-allard/

Current Business Challenge? Building online sales and finding a like-minded US reps to help me build the business.

What are you doing about it? I am hiring someone to help me with SEO (search engine optimization) and re-building my web site so it is easier to order, navigate and has a search-engine friendly template.

I am also going to go hand stamp sterling silver jewelry at gift and trunk shows in the US – grass routes style. That is how I built my business in Canada. That is how I found my eight Canadian reps. Like an Avon rep, Suetables’ reps run their own companies, buy silver upfront and work with clients to create the perfect mix of charms that reflect what the client loves. Our reps don’t just sell an item to someone – they learn to hand stamp and they help create it. It is the perfect business for a mom that craves something MORE but also wants flexibility.

Favorite motivational quote: “Life is like email. Delete the spam; act on the important messages; laugh at the funny stuff, then pass the best parts on to your friends.”

Family? is everything. I am a daughter, sister, girlfriend and mother to two wonderful wiggly boys.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I don’t think you ever arrive at the perfect “balanced” place. It is a constant journey of creating checks and balances.

Favorite book? A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen

What do you do to relax? I walk the dog in the ravine, go to Pilates, art galleries, read magazines or watch movies. And I take a bath every day.

What do you want to change most about your world? Mother Teresa said, “the problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small.” I’d like to teach my boys that we need wider circles. In the short term, if I can teach them to let my boyfriend’s daughter and son into their hearts, then I can teach them, in the long run, to find room to expand their heart and thinking to accept and have empathy for all kinds of groups. You don’t have to work for United Nations to do the noble work of drawing bigger and wider circles.

What are you most proud of? I’m proud that I am making a living doing what I love with a product that celebrates life and loved ones. I am proud that I am creating those opportunities for other moms through my rep growth model. I am proud that am am re-building my life. I am proud of my two boys. They have taught me how to keep on loving even when I am tired, scared, frustrated or angry. Did I say tired?

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? When you start a business, you are often doing everything yourself and you work alone. Find someone who believes in you and your product and is willing to take the time to strategize and discuss ideas with you. My boyfriend has been an incredible inspiration, daily support and travel companion on my designing trips to various corners of the world.

Also, to build a business, you have to take risks. You WILL make mistakes and that is OK.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?cMy Apple computer and Website Magazine (a great resource for online businesses!)

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Crystals. They are one of earth’s most common minerals but they are so rich in many ways. They are beautiful and they have healing powers. For holiday 2011, my boyfriend and I are traveling to Czech to add crystals to my jewelry line.

 

 

Quiz: What Type of Networker Are You?

By Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like

1. When you are in a group at a networking event and someone says something that you relate to, what do you do?

2. When a new person wanders over to the group your are speaking with, what do you do?

3. How often do you eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a different person per week?

4. How many different organizations, groups, or clubs are you an active member in?

5. What percent of the new people you meet do you follow up with?

8. When are you most likely to reach out to your network?

9. You end a conversation with someone when . . .

10. People regularly reach out to you (check all that apply)

Scoring: For questions 1 — 9, score as follows:
A answers — 1 point
B answers — 2 points
C answers — 3 points
D answers — 4 points
For question 10, give yourself 1 point for every answer you circled. Total up your score and read your Networking style below.

9 – 14 points: The Observer.
You tend to hang back in a crowd. You watch what is going on, but don’t get involved. You never initiate and rarely follow up on making new connections. The result, your network is small and you are not in the front of people’s minds as a resource. If you are uncomfortable, make slight changes. Consider making the follow up via email or through social media. If you prefer one on one — invite someone to lunch. If the group is easier at first, then tag along or ask to join a group that has room for one more at the table. Look for situations that match your style and comfort until you get used to joining in.

15 – 24 points: The Reactor.
You are interested in making those new connections but feel more comfortable when someone else takes the lead. You can get stuck keeping a conversation flowing. You are responsive to other’s attempts to connect and follow up more frequently when in response to something specific. You take a subtle approach though sometimes       your comfort and confidence may get in your way. You are on the right track. Stretch a little more and you will gain comfort. Set a goal to initiate a conversation once a week and to find a reason to reach out to a new contact. Don’t doubt they want you to — you are not the type that comes on too strong so don’t worry about feeling like a nuisance.

25 – 37 points: The Initiator.
You are actively networking and taking a balanced approach. You seek opportunities, include others in the conversation, and follow up regularly. People think about you for a variety of reasons and you are effectively staying in the front of their minds. Keep doing what’s working.

38 – 44 points: The Director.
You are strategic and methodical about networking. It is high on your priority list and you take a numbers approach. You are involved in many organizations which increases your familiarity since you or your name pops up everywhere. Your approach may feel insincere or over the top for some. Give people some breathing room and use a lighter touch when reaching out. Seek to connect beyond the surface topics that come up in business. Make sure people feel you value the time you are spending with them and not looking for the next or more interesting contact in the room. Don’t pull back too much, simply consider your timing, frequency, and depth of conversation.

A note from Michelle McCullough: Figuring out what kind of networker you are will help you play to your strengths and will also give you some ideas and areas where you can improve.  I love Michelle Lederman’s insights here.  Tomorrow, I’ll be sharing some insights about how to turn your investment of time at networking events into relationships that bring sales.  Stay tuned! And if you are looking for a place to try out your networking skills, join us at Touchpoint our 5th Annual Conference for Women Entrepreneurs.

© 2011 Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like

Michelle Tillis Lederman, author of The 11 Laws of Likability: Relationship Networking . . . Because People Do Business with People They Like, is founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, which provides customized communication and leadership programs. She is an adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business and a faculty member of the American Management Association. In keeping with her belief that real relationships lead to real results, Lederman specializes in teaching people how to communicate to connect. She has delivered seminars internationally for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and universities. She is a graduate of Lehigh University and Columbia Business School and lives in South Orange, New Jersey.

For more information please visit http://www.michelletillislederman.com, and follow the author on Facebook and Twitter

 

Introducing Amber Soletti Co-Founder of On Speed Dating

One of the best parts of working with Startup Princesses is finding talent from all over the United States whose businesses run the gamut from photography to health and wellness companies and from crafters to founders of speed dating companies!  I also love stories of from employee to entrepreneur, just like Amber Soletti…Read on:

Education: B.B.A. in Business Marketing from The University of Texas at San Antonio

Professional Background: Over a decade of doing beauty marketing and product development for Fortune 500 companies like Esteé Lauder owned Aveda and Avon.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: I was and still am a big animal lover, thought I wanted to be a veterinarian until I came to the realization I would have to put animals down.

What you are: An entrepreneur

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Unlike traditional dating events based on age range, we offer speed dating events and singles parties themed around peoples dating “deal-breakers”.  Think similar interests, backgrounds and physical preferences.  Our service offers NYC singles themed events like “Hot for Teacher”, “Date a Democrat”, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, “Inked” for tattooed singles, “Non-Practicing Jew” night, and “Size Matters” for guys and gals with a hankering for height.  We also offer free on-line dating, matchmaking and are getting ready to launch a site that will offer “dating deals” along with a social element that sites like Groupon and LivingSocial are currently lacking.

Company Websites? http://www.OnSpeedDating.Com http://www.SingleAndTheCity.Com

http://www.Kissburg.Com

What inspired you? Being single in NYC for the past 10 years and totally unimpressed with the dating scene where the majority of events were based on age range and rampant with socially awkward, unattractive men.  Figured I could host events where I’d be “into” the men and subsidize my income at the same time.

How long have you been in business? September 2008

How did you fund it? Fortunately not a lot of overhead to get it started.  My business partner who was also single at the time and I went in on it together.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I wish.  Fortunately my experience in the corporate world really helped prepare me for becoming an entrepreneur.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I don’t currently belong to any organizations, however I do make a point of networking with other entrepreneurs I meet, especially people I’ve come across in my same industry.

Current Business Challenge? Growing the business while not sacrificing the quality of our events.

What are you doing about it? Enlisting the talents of a Columbia Business grad student to assist us in putting together a strong business plan that will hopefully be compelling enough to attract outside investors to help us find the financing we’ll need to take our business to the next level.

Favorite motivational quote: “If you can imagine it you can achieve it, if you dream it you believe it”.

Family? All are successful entrepreneurs living in Austin, TX.  My parents own a real estate company, Eanes Properties and my sister and her husband started an on-line property locating business called SmartLocating.Com.

If so, how do you balance family and business? Don’t have a significant other or any children at this point and can’t even fathom having time for that given how busy I am.  Have a great respect for women out there that are trying to balance a business and family.

Favorite book? I’m of the belief that the book totally ruins the movie.  That aside I definitely think a lot of single women out there could benefit from reading “He’s Just Not That Into You”.

What do you do to relax? I wish.  Unfortunately getting a business off the ground and working for yourself does not leave much time for relaxation.  You’re constantly putting out fires and trying to figure out how to take your business to the next level.

What do you want to change most about your world? I’d like to continue to raise the bar on the singles scene to the point where it eventually loses the connotation of being for the socially awkward and desperate.  Also on the “to-do” list, hooking myself up with a man in the process.

What are you most proud of? Maintaining integrity in everything I do.  In business in general and this industry in particular I’ve definitely come across a lot of shady people who cut corners and screw people over when trying to get ahead. My dad was a big proponent of “The Golden Rule” and I definitely took that to heart and try to do right by the people I come in contact with.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Make sure you have a point-of-difference.  I see “me too” companies launching every day that aren’t doing anything different or better than their competitors.  To really stand out and take market share you need to have a compelling point-of-difference that will help you stand out from the masses.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Social media and the press.  A start-up’s best friends.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Amber of course.

Introducing Michelle Cousins, Wedding Designer at Utah Events By Design

I (Michelle McCullough) met our interviewee (Michelle Cousins) through a coworker (Gillian Rawcliffe) that I knew while working at Verite.  I love it when I get emails from old friends that say, “Hey Michelle, I know someone you need to meet for your princess-thing.”  Michelle and I have had a number of conversations since then and its been a lot of fun watching her grow her own startup over the last year.  And it doesn’t help that we share the same name and passions for events! Meet Michelle (Cousins, that is):

Education: BA in Communication from Westminster College, Master of Professional Communication with emphasis in marketing, Westminster College

Professional Background: For the last nine years, I’ve worked as a marketing professional focusing on campaign planning and execution. In addition to my event design business, I continue to do marketing work on a contract basis.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: As a young child, I aspired to be an artist. I’d gather my crayons and finger paints and watch Bob Ross on a daily basis, completely infatuated with his ability to make painting look so easy. Unfortunately, I abandoned this dream, as I can barely draw stick figures.

What you are: I’m a military wife, a feisty Italian who enjoys cooking, a creative visionary, dog lover, and fan of traveling.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I started Utah Events by Design in the spring of 2010 and specialize in the design, planning and execution of weddings, social parties and corporate events.

Company Website? www.UtahEventsbyDesign.com

What inspired you? I love designing fun, creative, and well-put-together events. As a marketing professional, I’ve executed events in European, Asian-Pacific, Canadian and local markets. In 2006, I designed and planned my own wedding which is when I realized I was in my element planning events.

How long have you been in business? Nearly one year.

How did you fund it? I have invested a lot of my own money into this endeavor. I’m also extremely lucky to have a silent business partner, located in Arizona, whom I’ve known and been friends with for 15 years. One day I shared my desires and fears with him about starting my own company and he said to me, “Michelle, this is your dream. Quit talking about it and just go for it. I’m willing to back you financially because that’s how much I believe in you and your talents.”  I’m so lucky to have his friendship and support.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? I have many! I have such a supportive network of friends, family and professional colleagues. Each provides me with unique inspiration, helpful direction and wise advice. I couldn’t do this without them!

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Not currently but I’m open to suggestions!

Current Business Challenge? With my company in its infancy, I’m striving to create awareness about my services. Additionally, I’d love to tackle designing and planning a destination wedding. I think that would be a fun and exciting challenge.

What are you doing about it? I’m participating in several different trade shows in the upcoming months to help increase my visibility. I’m also in search of a bride interested in having an out-of-state wedding. If you know of one, send her my way!

Favorite motivational quote: “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.” –Pamela Vaull Starr

Family? I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Michael for three-and-a-half years. We have two adorable Shih Tzu puppies named KeeLee and Khloe.

How do you balance family and business? I believe that one has to make time for the most important things in life. It’s a must that I spend quality time with friends and family to relax and recharge. Otherwise, I end up running on empty and that’s simply not an option.

Favorite book? My mother is an early childhood educator and I’ve inherited her love of children’s books. My favorite is “The Rainbow Goblins” by Ul de Rico.

What do you do to relax? I grab an ice cold Dr. Pepper, turn up my music, and sing at the top of my lungs. At other times, I write.

What do you want to change most about your world? I wish I could convince brides that although I have the ability to pull off a beautiful wedding in “just under three months,” a longer engagement can be a wonderful thing for a wedding designer!

What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of the strong relationships I have in my life. I’m surrounded by life-long friends, an incredibly supportive husband and a family that has taught me to believe in the beauty of my dreams.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Find what you love and love what you do. If you can master that, then you’re well on your way to life-long success and happiness.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The Internet! Whenever I need inspiration for a design, I simply “google” my thoughts and then immerse myself in the pages upon pages of inspiring results.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? I’d use green amethysts with black pearls and diamonds for the delicate embellishments.

 

 

Meet Jennifer Bourgoyne, Founder & Designer of Czela Bellies Cesarean Wear

Hometown: Houston, Tx

Current Residence:  San Jose, CA

Education: Fashion Institute – Houston, Tx

Professional Background: Founder & Designer, Czela Bellies CesareanWear

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A life in fashion… or Tammy Wynette.  Ah, those foil covered coat hanger microphones were so much fun! Alas, I wasn’t given the voice to go along with it!

What you are:  I have a life in fashion!

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Czela Bellies CesareanWear is the original comfort and fashion underwear made specifically for c-section moms.

Company Website? www.czelablue.com

What inspired you? I was laid off at the age of 40 from my tech company career of 11 years.  Did I mention I happened to be 9 months pregnant at the time I got my pink slip?  Layoffs really are a time of reflection, and after a difficult pregnancy, I was hoping I could find something that would offer more time at home.  With a repeat cesarean section birth, I was inspired to start a line of comfortable and fashionable undergarments Czela Bellies CesareanWear was born.

How long have you been in business? 5 years

How did you fund it? I used some of my severance package.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Yes, Allison Covarrubias of San Francisco, CA, co-founder of The Hatch Network, and former director of the Bay Area chapter of Ladies Who Launch.  You know how some women you meet you instantly want to befriend?  That was my Allie. (my ally!)  Allison has changed my life by being the first “cool chick” woman entrepreneur I ever met.  Not a bit of selfishness or personal agenda going on with this amazing gal.  I remember meeting her and thinking “I want to be like that.  I want that “it” that she embodies.”  What that “it” was, turns out, was confidence.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Hatch Network & former Ladies Who Launch

Current Business Challenge? Continuing to grow awareness for a product that I invented.  It’s one thing to grow brand awareness, and another animal completely when you talk about growing *new product* awareness.

What are you doing about it? In my journey, I have found out that I have a true love for PR.  I’ve got mad skills and love finding new ways of getting our story in the press.

Favorite motivational quote: “If you don’t feel like throwing up, you aren’t taking enough risks”…Allison Covarrubias.

Family? Yes, wife and mom to three boys, ages 5, 13 and 19.

If so, how do you balance family and business? The whole motivation behind starting my own business was to be able to enjoy my family to the fullest.  Being my own boss I can decide if it’s a playground day or a day for Quickbooks.  I bet you can guess which one usually trumps the other.  That said, it is hard to turn business off.  There is rarely a day, when you work for yourself, that you aren’t working.  If you have to stay up until 2 am, then that’s what you do.

Favorite book? How’s this for a balance?  Anything by Jen Lancaster (because her style, humor and wit are the things your funniest best friend would tell you), and Brian Weiss, Ph.D, and author of thought provoking and deeply core shaking philosophies on past life experiences and regression therapies.

What do you do to relax? Will I really admit this? Ok, sure, I love me some Marshall’s and TJ Maxx browsings. ..kind of like garage sales without the funk.

What do you want to change most about your world? My level of anxiety could be tweaked.  I am so blessed and need to take a breath sometime to remind myself.

What are you most proud of? I’m proud that I was finally able to find my voice. I’m proud of our children.  I’m proud of my husband.  I’m proud that I am Ethel Varga’s granddaughter.  I’m proud that I invented a product that women love and helps them be more comfortable.  Oh, and I’m proud that I didn’t eat a whole sleeve of Girl Scout cookies for breakfast…again.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Don’t be afraid to be naïve.  I would say my “green-ness” or naivety in the beginning was such a benefit.  If you think you know it all at the start, you will no doubt fail.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? As much as you might not be comfortable joining a networking type of group, join.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Emeralds, emeralds and more princess cut emeralds.  I must have spent bank through the years always searching out the candy machines that held the coveted green “emerald” solitaire on its flimsy little gold band.  Turn after turn, I’d wait in anticipation as the bubble dropped down the shoot hoping for the powerful green stone. The green emerald is part superhero, part princess.  It symbolized strength, independence, beauty and power to me.

 

Meet Lori Cheek, Founder of Cheekd.com

Sometimes it’s not easy to strike up a conversation with that good looking stranger from across the room. Lori Cheek knows this and has come up with cheekd.com, an easy and less intimidating way for singles to connect and flirt. Read below to find out more about Lori and her unique business. Enjoy!

Hometown: Taylorsville, KY

Current Residence:  New York, NY

Education: Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Kentucky

Professional Background:  Architecture, Design & Furniture Project Management & Sales for 15 years

What you wanted to be when you grew up:   A Performer

What you are:  An Entrepreneur

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Cheek’d is a savvy online social circuit which draws on the age old custom of networking with business cards.  The company designs personal cards with clever catch phrases and unique ID numbers which direct card receivers to an online profile to learn more about the card giver.  It’s like online dating, only backwards.”

Company Website? www.cheekd.com

What inspired you? A few years ago, I was at dinner with a guy friend of mine. I had excused myself to make a phone call and when I returned, he had written on the back of his business card, “want to have dinner?” and handed it to a woman at an adjacent table as he and I were leaving the restaurant. There was an immediate light bulb above my head. Two years later, I launched Cheekd.com– It’s like online dating, in reverse and the flirtation is performed via a business card sized introduction minus the personal details.

How long have you been in business? May 2010

How did you fund it? Self Funded

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? No

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? On a weekly basis, I attend startup & tech mixers in NYC.

Current Business Challenge? As mentioned earlier, I’m self funded and need funding to scale the business.

What are you doing about it? I’m actively seeking a seed round of investment and am currently pitching the idea to investors.

Favorite motivational quote: Build your dream.

Family? My parents, brother & his family all live in Kentucky.

If so, how do you balance family and business? I speak to my parents on a daily basis.  They’ve been a major mental support from many miles away.

Favorite book? City Mouse and Country Mouse

What do you do to relax? It’s been a while since I’ve really relaxed, but I work out daily, which is where I seem to find tranquility at the moment.

What do you want to change most about your world? I want to bring people together.  I love romance and now I’m connecting people that may not have met otherwise.

What are you most proud of? I’m proud that I came up with an idea that has taken off.  The New York Times coined my idea as “the next generation of online dating.”

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Dream big and don’t give up.  Make your idea happen.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? My interns and the internet.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Sapphires—my birthstone and Diamonds—a girl’s best friend!

The Mother of All Ideas Contest

The Mommy MD Guides is offering a grand prize of $2,500 to the best new Mom idea—an idea by a mom, for moms.

Entries are accepted now, though 5 pm EST July 15, 2011. Mommy MD Guides team will select 10 Mommy Entrepreneur finalists and post those 10 finalists and their ideas on MommyMDGuides.com and then invite readers to vote for the Mother of All Ideas, by email through September 1, 2011. The winner will be announced on Mommy MD Guides Day, September 15, 2011, on MommyMDGuides.com and on Mommy MD Twitter and Facebook pages.

Please visit www.MommyMDGuides.com to learn more about the Mommy MD Guides. You’ll find complete entry instructions and rules for the Mother of All Ideas Contest at 
http://www.mommymdguides.com/breaking-news/mother-of-all-ideas-contest

Are You on a Quest to Aim High and Dream Big?

THE HEROINE’S QUEST is up and away and happening on a computer near you…! Aspire’s long-awaited Virtual Programme for Women dedicated to personal and professional growth has started and over 300 extraordinary – ordinary – women are already reaping the benefits and discovering their inner-heroine! AND THERE IS STILL TIME FOR YOU TO BE A PART OF IT… We don’t want anyone to miss this amazing first Journey and so we’ve decided to keep the chance to join open for just a little longer – until Tuesday 15th March. So don’t waste a moment, visit www.heroinesQuest.co.uk to find out more and JOIN TODAY!

Right now, our Heroines are enjoying all the benefits of Aspire’s award-winning and highly sought-after tools, insights and expertise On-Line at any time of the day or night, in any country in the world and paying only what they feel is fair and what the program has been worth to them month by month.

Meet Personal Consultant Susan Bock

Hometown: Fort Collins, Colorado

Current Residence (City, State): Huntington Beach, CA

Education: Ph.D., Business (2007), Certified Executive Coach (2001), Masters in Org. Mgnt. (1990)

Professional Background: Most of my corporate career was with international advertising agencies. After 15 years, I said good-bye to the corner office, all the company perks and walked away with no idea what would be next.  Within months, I started my business.  That was in 2000.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Pre-teen years – a cow girl.  Dale Evans was my star! Teenage years I had no idea – I was uncomfortable with myself – awkward, very self-conscious. Simply stated, I had no idea who I was.

What you are: My purpose in life and in business is guide women through the gap that exists between where they are and where they want to be…. to believe in them until they believe in themselves.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: While ‘wondering’ what would be next in 2000, colleagues contacted me to work as a consultant with them ‘until I decided what I wanted to do.’  Before long, I had a business.  I had no idea what to do and that was the beginning.  In the past 10 years, I refined my target, developed programs and material specifically for my target and have combined my consulting and coaching skillset.

Company Website? www.SusanBock.com

What inspired you? Over the years, I am blessed to have numerous inspiring people in my life.  My parents encouraged, inspired and instilled in me the ‘yes, you can’ belief – most significantly when I believed I couldn’t. They also ‘lived’ their belief in the importance of life-long learning.

In business, it would be Mike Roche. He saw my potential and under his guidance, I went from a secretary to Sr. VP of an international ad agency in just 7 years.

In life, it would be my husband whom I love, cherish and admire.

How long have you been in business? 10 years

How did you fund it? Personal savings

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Oprah, although Mentor would be a stretch because I don’t know her personally.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? National Association of Professional Women, International Speakers Network, Women and Co.

Current Business Challenge? Being patient!

What are you doing about it? Acknowledge its presence, accept that its part of my discovery and take action by channeling my energy into something that will provide immediate gratification, satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.

Favorite motivational quote: I love motivational quotes – they are all over my office – I even created an eBook of quotes for women.

“Take chances, make mistakes.  That’s how you grow…you have to fail in order to practice being brave.”  Mary Tyler Moore

Family? I am a Baby Boomer with aging parents.  Husband, Marc, of 24 years. Aunt to 3, Great Aunt to 5.

If so, how do you balance family and business? In my corporate days, I did not manage it well at all.  Since starting my business, I actually work fewer hours and have more time for ‘life.’

Balance has been achieved by making a conscious effort to stay ‘on schedule’.  Exceptions to the schedule occur – that’s life.  However, exceptions remain exceptions – otherwise that would become the norm.

Favorite book? That’s difficult as I have several – Life Safari by John Strelecky, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

What do you do to relax? Reading, walking on the beach, and color childrens’ story books.

What do you want to change most about your world? That is a great question.  Can I borrow it?

Change about my world – my external world suits me well. My ‘internal’ world continues to be an area that needs improvement, refinement and growth.  An example – I would like to tame my inner voice of criticism and harshness.

What are you most proud of?

1. Being a ‘feature’ in Entrepreneur magazine in 2005…starting over after 50.
2. Being an inspiration to women to take charge of their future.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?

1. Know what your passion is and turn it into profit.
2. Have a business plan – the power is in the plan!
3. Seek advice from experts rather than friends and family.
4. Have a trusted mentor, advisor, coach; someone to hold you accountable.
5. Accept the presence of doubt and take action anyway.
6. Hire experts when you need to.  Consider it an investment in your business education.  You can’t be great in every aspect of running a business.  The more you try to do it all yourself, the more you put your success at risk.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Internet

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds –every color of diamond there is!

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