Meet Benita Hampel – Founder of Wizehouse

Here’s another friend that I met via #startupchat on Twitter.  I’ve been looking forward to her launch for a while now, and I’m excited to finally be able to share her story with you (and I can’t wait to try out her app!).  Meet Benita, another amazing Startup Princess! – Michelle

Name:  Benita
Location:  The beautiful South at the base of the Appalachian Mountains
Education:  Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Professional Background:  Software programmer, tester & product trainer
What you wanted to be when you grew up:  a mommy
What you are:  A wife of one, mom of three, daughter to the most hardworking and generous parents I know.
Brief Summary of your Start Up:  Wizehouse is a system for sprucing up life.  We’ve created a personalized online system designed to save money, reduce stress, and maximize time in daily living.  Whether you’re looking for assistance with work and home balance, wish to prevent unexpected money leaks due to late fees, avoid home or automobile maintenance surprises, or just fine-tune your time management and task delegation. Our systems keep you, and your loved ones in control of the plethora of pieces that accompany everyday life.  We use email, SMS, and mobile devices, whether smart or cell, to make things simple, efficient, and readily accessible.
Where are you located?  In the foothills of Northern Alabama
Company Website?   http://www.wizehouse.com
What inspired you?  My inspiration came from years of struggling to manage time, home life, and family.  All of my life, I wanted to be a mommy and do it well.  In my desperation, I researched, read books, articles, etc. to help me come up with customized systems for my family.  As a result, I created a card system that I would rotate daily (kind of reminds me of the Vax main frames when I started programming).  I soon realized I needed a computer to run my systems, and begin writing logic to make it happen.  Here’s my old box:

How long have you been in business?  We launched, version 1, Mother’s Day 2012! How fun is that?

How did you fund it?  My husband and I made a firm commitment to self-fund.  Basically, that meant hard work, strong commitment to budgeting and working extra projects when time permitted.
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?  There are too many to name! I am blessed to have many mentors and supportive people, so many spoken & unspoken mentors; you know who you are…thank you for your support and imparted wisdom!
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? I am a member on Twitter, of #momchat and #startupchat. I have a networking group of other professional moms who are as committed to home and family as I am.
Current Business Challenge?  How not to be a 24 hour CEO
What are you doing about it?  Setting boundaries to protect my scheduled ‘on’ and ‘off’ hours. Taking time to make sure that not only marriage date nights are happening, but family fun time as well.

Favorite motivational quote:  “Focused Intensity over Time Multiplied by God equals Unstoppable Momentum” ~ Dave Ramsey
Family?  Yes, I have a very strong, but sensitive and smart husband; mom of three, creative and active, girls under the age of thirteen.
How do you balance family and business?  Prioritized scheduling: God (first), Family (second) & Work (last).
Favorite book?   Mom You’re Incredible by Linda Weber
What do you do to relax?  I love to create by sewing, running, completing word finds, and camping with the family.
What do you want to change most about your world?  The negativity and the insistent mind-set of blaming others for problems.
What are you most proud of?  My husband and children
What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses?  Leave the ‘Super-woman’ mentality behind; asked for help and receive it.  Never quit.  Let persistence be your companion and your ‘gut’ be your guide.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?   Wizehouse Internet App
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?  Wisdom, Perseverance, and Love

Meet Lynn Steinberg – Founder of Goodies For Gifts

Lynn is a fabulous entrepreneur that we met through #startupchat on twitter!  Goodies are a great promotional item.  They are yummy, appreciated and remembered!  Lynn is one smart cookie for turning this into a thriving business!

Name:

Lynn Steinberg founder of Goodies For Gifts

Location:

Chapel Hill, NC – The goodies on www.goodiesforgifts.com are “Made Anywhere, Shipped Everywhere.”

Education:

I graduated from Ithaca College in New York with a degree in exercise and sports physiology.

Professional Background:

I worked in media and market research before launching Goodies For Gifts.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:

When I was younger I wanted to be a sitcom writer. I’m still not sure why, but I am definitely not doing anything related to that today!

What you are:

I am an entrepreneur, wife, mother, daughter, sister, half-sister, grand-daughter, cousin, sister-in-law, daughter-in law, aunt and friend. I am also a lover of all things food, an adoption advocate and passionate believer in women being able to do anything – being a role model to girls is part of every decision I make.

 

Brief Summary of your Start Up:

I started a blog to channel my passion for food and gifting into a fun, social project. Little did I know, this food blog would soon become a new chapter in my life. Today, Goodies For Gifts is widely popular and successful. Goodies For Gifts is the only food gifting website and it specializes in offering food gifts from small mom-and-pop type stores that consumers may have otherwise never known about. Goodies For Gifts also offers small boutique food companies a chance to market their products in an affordable, cost effective way.

Where you are located:

Chapel Hill, NC

Company Website?

www.GoodiesForGifts.com

What inspired you?

Having lived in six cities since college, each year I send gifts to all of the people in my life, all spread throughout the country, for all different occasions – whether holidays, birthdays, just because or special occasions. Over time, I found myself finding unique foods to send as gifts instead of more traditional presents. First, it was pizza from Chicago. Then it was pickles from New York, followed by cookies from Columbus and ice cream from Cincinnati. Today, I am an expert in shipping food from coast to coast and finding the best gifts for the people in my life. And now, I’m sharing my advice with others, helping consumers everywhere be the most popular gift givers around.

How long have you been in business?

Goodies For Gifts started as a blog in June 2011. After gaining a significant fan base I decided to expand that into a food gifting website to serve as a resource for consumer to find yummy edible gifts. www.GoodiesForGifts.com was launched in December 2011.

How did you fund it?

The initial investment was from a private investor. The total investment for startup was $45,000.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?

My mentors are my father-in-law and my husband. Both are successful businessmen with great business acumen. I value their opinions and feedback greatly.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups?

Yes, I am a member of the American Marketing Association.

Current Business Challenge?

My current business challenge has been balancing my time between sales, social media, expansion and keeping up to date on industry trends. Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day to everything you want to.

What are you doing about it?

We use a great PR firm that helps us. I have also hired a talented social media marketer who helps me when I need to dedicate time to sales or outside initiatives to grow Goodies For Gifts.

Favorite motivational quote:

“If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.”  ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Family?

I am married with three daughters who call themselves my “Goodies Girls.” One of my children is adopted which is near to my heart because I too was adopted. My family has been my main support system throughout the Goodies For Gifts start-up process and I couldn’t have done it without them.

If so, how do you balance family and business?

Honestly, balancing it is a challenge. Days go by so fast when you are working for yourself and LOVE what you do. I remember sitting in my office at work staring at the clock waiting for the day to go by. Now hours pass in a flash. My kids are home from school in a blink of an eye and I have not even thought about preparing a family dinner let alone laundry and the other necessities. Goodies For Gifts has almost become my fourth child. Even though my kids see me less and I am working much more, they are happier and share the joy of seeing their mother happy. Knowing they are proud of me is just another reason that makes it all worthwhile!

Favorite book?

The Help

What do you do to relax?

I love riding horses.

What do you want to change most about your world?

I want to hire someone who does all of our laundry and puts it away each night. I really think this would solve so many of my problems!

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the fact that I stuck with my dream through all the ups and downs. Throughout the start-up process there were times when I had to tell myself to keep going. I’m also proud that my daughters have seen the emotional ups and downs of starting this business and that they now know that you can overcome challenges and accomplish anything you set your heart to.

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

I would recommend having a strong support system before starting a business venture because I often leaned on them to get through rough patches. I also recommend becoming savvy with social media. It is an affordable way to market your company and engage with fans and consumers. It’s so important to me that I actually help the Goodies For Gifts food companies better market themselves.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?

My favorite magic wand is Pinterest! With the turn of the New Year, Pinterest has fast become a prominent social network and gives many businesses, including mine, the opportunity to engage with users based on lifestyle and shared interests – it can be a deeper connection than is possible on other social networks. Goodies For Gifts has directly benefited from Pinterest. Approximately 85 percent of traffic from my Pinterest page results in new visitors to the Goodies For Gifts site. This is 25 percent higher than Facebook or Twitter.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?

My tiara would be made out of pickles and cake pops! What a weird combination, but I love it! The first time I ever gave any thought to food gifting was when I received Full Sour Pickles from a friend in college. It was one of those moments I truly will never forget. It was one of the best gifts I ever received because it solidified that even though our lives were changing, this friend really knew me and knew what would make me happy. And as for cake pops, they are so delicious and so much fun. I guess my tiara would be a yummy mixture of sweet and salty!

Did I leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business?

I love what I do and I can’t wait to get to my desk each morning.

Meet Louise Edington – Founder of Fabulous and Fearless

Name:

Louise Edington

Location:

Originally from the UK, now Park City, Utah

Education:

BA American Studies with Religious Studies

Professional Background:

Very varied but entrepreneurial since having children. I ran an EBay store, did direct selling and ran a childcare business in my home. I finally ‘grew up’ and found what I LOVE to do at the age of 49 when I took an online Social Media Marketing course after moving to Utah from the UK (via Australia). I coached that course as a licensed and certified coach for almost two years prior to launching my own Start Up.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:

A writer and I do plan on writing my book later this year.

What you are:

I am a Social Media Marketing Coach primarily but I also coach my longer term clients to connect the dots through auto responders, growing their list, creating their opt in give aways etc. You could say that I am a Technical Business Coach.

Brief Summary of your Start Up:

In January of this year I launched my own business, Fabulous and Fearless Connections, and created my own coaching programs. I coach entrepreneurs to be Fabulous and Fearless online to increase their confidence and their profits.

I have also launched ‘co create’ programs where I and my team take our clients content from newsletters, articles and books (or transcribed phone interviews if none of these are available) to create and post content on Social Media for those who are too busy to do them selves. I, therefore, serve those that wish to do their own and those who wish to outsource. Both options use the clients’ own voice in Social Media which is crucial for authenticity.

Where you are located:

In my home in Park City, Utah though I hope to have an office outside the home later this year.

Company Website?

 http://FabulousandFearless.com

What inspired you?

Being described as a ‘trailing spouse’ in US Immigration terms after my husbands company transferred us to Utah from Adelaide, Australia and being told that my work ‘didn’t matter’ by someone I care about inspired me matter and to be an equal partner in my marriage.

How long have you been in business?

In this capacity, 2 ½ years. In one form or another, 10 years.

How did you fund it?

Out of pocket.

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?

I hire coaches but my main mentor is my good friend Jude Anker who has inspired me to develop my signature system, BE Vitamins to boost your confidence and profits online.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups?

I run my own chapter of Angela Johnson’s Biz Divas and I am also a VIP member of The Hub in SLC. I attend other groups as time permits.

Current Business Challenge?

Learning to outsource what I am not good at.

What are you doing about it?

I am taking it one step at a time. I first hired a bookkeeper; a VA is next and then a housekeeper.

Favorite motivational quote:

‘If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change’ ~ Wayne Dyer.

Family?

Husband, Charles, and two amazing daughters Molly (14) and Alice (12). Also two rescue dogs, Roxy and Ozzie.

If so, how do you balance family and business?

That is difficult at times as I have no extended family close by but I try to finish the bulk of my work by the time the girls come home from school to spend time with them. Weekends are also generally family time. We also like to take a lot of short trips away to unwind.

Favorite book?

I love to read so this is always a difficult choice but I will say ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz.

What do you do to relax?

Read, walk with my mentor Jude and our dogs, have a glass or two of wine in the evening with my husband, watch movies with my family and I plan on taking up Bikram yoga. I loved yoga when I was younger and my body and soul needs it, as I get busier in my business.

What do you want to change most about your world?

I am a huge supporter of equal rights for all and would love to see a world where color, gender and sexuality were no longer issues. I am also passionate about children and sponsor two children currently, one in Ethiopia and one in Guatemala.

What are you most proud of?

My girls, unquestionably. I am also proud that I have overcome so many fears, limiting beliefs and almost crippling shyness in the last few years.

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

Success in business usually doesn’t happen overnight and persistence pays off. Also take coaching in any area you are not confident in whether that is sales, marketing online or anything else.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?

My iPhone – I can stay connected everywhere!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?

Amethyst, Sapphire, Turquoise, Jade (and yes, I know some of these are semi-precious but I love these colors)

Did I leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business?

I LOVE what I do, and I love to connect (hence the name of my business). So please friend me and follow me at these links.

http://www.facebook.com/louise.edington

http://www.facebook.com/FabulousandFearless

https://twitter.com/LouiseEdington

http://pinterest.com/louiseedington/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/louiseedington

I also offer FREE 30 minute consultations for anyone who would like to discuss their Social Media marketing needs https://my.timedriver.com/LNSTG

Enter to Win a Ticket to the MomBIZ Retreat in Denver, Colorado

UPDATE:  Congratulations to Jen Richardson, winner of the free ticket to the MomBiz Retreat! and since it was such a tough decision and I ended up picking a winner at random, Shelagh and Lara are willing to give all the registrants discounts to the event! Check your inbox for details.  And to all you busy entrepreneurs, take time for some self-care this month. Your body and your business deserve it!

Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure? At the Mom Biz Retreat, you get to do both — over a weekend you get to make your business successful AND enjoy some well-deserved “me time.” 

By the end of the weekend, you will:

•  work on your business in a supportive and nurturing environment,
• receive individualized coaching and training to help grow your monthly income,
• be pampered with delicious food, wine and spa treatments,
• thrive in the company of amazing women who understand and live in a similar world,
• walk away with tools, strategies, goals and a plan after just one weekend!

 The weekend is hosted by Lara Galloway (@Mombizcoach, www.mombizcoach.com) and Shelagh Cummins (@biztrainher, www.biztrainher.com). Lara (MA, mother of two) is a certified life and business coach; speaks at conferences, retreats and private groups; hosts a weekly radio show; and is regularly featured in the national and international media. Shelagh (MEd, mother of three) is the founder ofpracticalmum.com and biztrainher.com; a business trainer, speaker and a content strategy queen. You’d be hard-pressed trying to find 2 more competent women to learn from.

The Start Up Princess is thrilled to announce we are giving away oneAll-Access Pass to the MomBizRetreat Denver; June 7-10, 2012. This ticket gives you access to all sessions, parties and festivities. Come and join Shelagh and Lara for a weekend you will never forget.

How to win? Easy!

Leave a comment telling why you need the MomBizRetreat.  What do you need from the MomBizRetreat to help launch you to the next level in your business? That’s it.

Giveaway open from May 8- 14th. Winner will be randomly picked and notified via email.  Travel and accomodation is covered by the winner of the ticket.

How Multi-Millionaires THINK and Influence Others

I’ve been watching more Brendon Burchard videos this week.  I crave more energy.  CRAVE it.  So I’m devouring everything he’s putting out there this week. This is a must-see video from Brendon. Incredibly smart and inspiring stuff.

It’s about how multi-millionaires and high performers THINK, focus and get so much done, and how they INFLUENCE others so easily and effectively.  (Don’ you wish you could have more energy and make more money?)  Everyone is struggling to have more energy, success and influence these days, so this hits the mark.

Check it out here.

I love the whole “6 Secrets of High Performers” framework.  And video 2 that comes tomorrow goes even deeper.

These are the same achievement strategies Brendon used to go from broke and frustrated to making $4.6 million in under two years. He got very focused and committed, and you’ll see why. The secret, Brendon says, is learning the very same psychology, physiology, productivity, and persuasion secrets of the world’s most accomplished people.  I think people who don’t know about these principles are always wiped out, stressed out, and frustrated that they can’t achieve more. But people who understand and master them create extraordinary lives.

From now on, be sure to ask yourself Brendon’s six questions for high-performance everyday – it’s a sure path to higher acheivement in all you do.

Enjoy! And take notes! This is GOOD!

The difference between peak performance and high performance is a good thing to know. Brendon nails it.

Meet Marie Forleo – Creator of Rich, Happy & Hot B-School

I’ve wanted to interview Marie for a long time.  I was happy to hear her whole back story and get to know her better and I’m delighted to introduce her to you.  I haven’t met her in person, but I know that when I do we’ll be friends instantaneously.  :)  I LOVE MarieTV.  Her weekly videos are fun and clever, and to top it off Marie is incredibly business savvy.  Want to see Marie for yourself?  Check out her latest videos here. – Michelle

Name: Marie Forleo 

Location:  NYC, Los Angeles, Sag Harbor and worldwide

Education: Graduated Valedictorian with Business Degree, Seton Hall University

Professional Background/Brief Summary of your Start Up:
My journey started out on the floor of the New York Stock exchange as a trading assistant on Wall Street.  I knew in my heart that I was meant to do great things in the world, but I didn’t know exactly what “job” that was.  My only clue was that I was passionate about business, and I was very creative.  I got gigs in publishing  - on the advertising side of Gourmet Magazine and then on the editorial side of Mademoiselle Magazine.

While I was grateful to have work, I was also deeply unsatisfied.  One day, I stumbled upon an article about a new profession (at the time) called life coaching.  Something inside my heart lit up.  But I was afraid because who in their right mind would hire a 23 year old life coach?!   Immediately, I signed up for a three-year intensive training program to learn life and business coaching.  I kept my day job at the magazine, but studied coaching at night.

About six months into my coach training, I got a job offer from Vogue.  That was my proverbial fork in the road: do I keep my safe job in the fashion publishing world or quit and start my own business? I quit and have never looked back.  Here’s a timeline that makes the rest easy to follow.

• 2001: Quit my publishing job, started my coaching business
• 2003: Kept coaching, but also became an MTV hip-hop choreographer/producer
• 2005: Kept coaching, also became one of the world’s first Nike Elite Dance Athletes
• 2006: Kept coaching, wrote and self-published my book Make Every Man Want You
• 2006-2008: Created 4 top-selling fitness DVDs
• 2007 – 2008: Created my first digital training programs, sold my book to McGraw-Hill (now in 11 languages)
• 2009: Launched the first Rich Happy & Hot Mastermind, Virtual Coaching Program, and Live Event
• 2010: Tony Robbins interview released; starting to experiment with video blogging, launched Rich Happy & Hot B-School (online business education & mentoring program)
• 2011: Flew to South Africa with Richard Branson to work with Virgin Unite, partnered with Urban Zen for RHH Live, launched MarieTV.com
• Today: We’ve built a multi-million dollar company, our team has grown to 10, we have a community of over 50k women entrepreneurs and the sky is the limit.

What you wanted to be when you grew up:
I was always multipassionate! I wanted to be an artist, animator, dancer, actress, writer, fashion designer, teacher.

What you are:
I often say if Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, Oprah and Jay-Z had a love child, it would be me.
That’s because I’m part business strategist, part marketing maven and part spiritual ass-kicker with a side of hip-hop swagger.

Through a bestselling book in 11 languages, tens of thousands of subscribers in 188 countries around the world, 4 top selling fitness DVDs and a weekly online show called MarieTV that’ll make you laugh so hard you’ll snort your soy latte, I help people dream big and back it up with daily actions to create measurable results.

My fancy bio:
Marie Forleo is a marketing and lifestyle expert who inspires countless individuals to live Rich, Happy & Hot™. She reaches over 50,000 readers in 188 countries worldwide with her weekly videos and newsletter, and leads dynamic training programs that teach individuals to succeed in business and life.
Marie was recently interviewed by Tony Robbins for his DVD program The New Money Masters and mentored young business owners at Richard Branson’s Center of Entrepreneurship in South Africa. Her bestselling book, Make Every Man Want You: How To Be So Irresistible You’ll Barely Keep from Dating Yourself is published in 11 languages. Through Marie’s Change Your Life, Change The World® initiative, each for profit training program is tied to a non-profit partner who supports women, the environment and entrepreneurship. She’s been featured on Oprah Radio, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fast Company, Glamour Magazine, Self Magazine and The Rachel Ray Show.

With loving yet wisecracking advice, Marie inspires tens of thousands to take charge of their success and happiness by boosting their business skills, shedding BS excuses and injecting massive amounts of fun into each day.

Company Website?
www.marieforleo.com

What inspired you?
I started my current business for three reasons:

1.   There’s a huge gap in the market for modern online marketing and business training that’s both hard-core effective and hard-core fun.

2.  I believe the world will fundamentally change the more women become economically empowered. When women live rich (in every sense of the word – financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually) everyone wins: you win, your family wins, your community wins, and the whole world wins.  I want to help make that shift happen.

3.  Many female small business owners have a negative association with marketing.  They see it as slimy, non-ethical, aggressive or pushy.  This mindset keeps women earning less and struggling.

I see marketing not only as a vital skill for small business success, but more importantly as a vehicle to create art, connect deeply with and serve others, and to make the world a better place.

I want to change how small business owners, and women in particular, think of and feel about marketing.  It not only helps women get the results they want, but marketing brings out our best human attributes: true listening, compassion, honesty and a spirit of service.

How long have you been in business?
The early parts of it were started back in 2001.

How did you fund it?
Hustle, drive, and many jobs on the side! And getting the word out about my business was all word-of-mouth.  My goal was getting everyone (dogs & grandmas included) on my newsletter list.  I was a bartender at night to fund my business, so when anyone asked me what else I did, I told them about my business and got them on my email list!

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)?
I have incredible respect for one of my mentors, Richard Branson.  We all know he’s a brilliant business person and philanthropist, but what impressed me most happened out of the spotlight, when I spent time with him in South Africa. I was there to work with Richard and Virgin Unite by mentoring young entrepreneurs at The Branson Center of Entrpreneurship.  During our down time at his African retreat Ulusaba, Richard spent time just hanging out.  Not once did take out his Blackberry.  He was fully present, warm and open.  He treated each and every person, from his guests to his staff, with the same level respect and care.

Current Business Challenge?
Wanting more hours in a day.

What are you doing about it?
Honestly, we’re pretty efficient with our time.  For our team it’s just about managing growth and being extremely selective about what we say yes to.

Favorite motivational quote:
It’s my own  Everything is figureoutable.  That motivates me and inspires me to solve any problem because I know a solution is out there, or can be created.

If so, how do you balance it all?
It’s all about scheduling and realizing when you’re creating something massive, the idea of “balance” is unreasonable. I’m big on NNT or Non-Negotiable Time.  As long as I maintain that, I’m good.
http://marieforleo.com/2011/07/when-you-doubt-everything/
http://marieforleo.com/2012/04/workaholic-relationship-issues/

Favorite book?
The War of Art and Do The Work, both by Steven Pressfield

What do you do to relax?
Ride roller coasters, walk my dog, go to the movies or order in great food with friends.

What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the results and real change our company creates in other people’s lives.  When I hear about women breaking from from their own limiting beliefs, creating more income and revenue than they ever dreamed possible, and living life on their own terms – that makes me proud.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?
Hustle, have patience and don’t quit!  If you have to take on side gigs to fund your business – DO IT.  Focus on long-term success, not a short-term ego trip.  It’s often hardest to persevere in the beginning, so don’t compare yourself to others.  Stay focused on creating outstanding products and services for your customers and, most importantly, commit to mastering the tools of modern entrepreneurship: online marketing, content marketing and word-of-mouth via social media.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)?
The Google- it’s the world’s best (and free) research assistant!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use?
Hmmm, I think I’d rather design a ring or a necklace than a tiara!  I’ve got a lot of hair so anything else is overkill.

Did I leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business?
Our brand is one-of-a-kind for five key reasons:

• Our heart and genuine desire to serve.  We’re maniacal about customer service – whether you’re consuming our free content or investing in a paid training.  Our market can feel how much we care about their success.
• Collaboration with leading entrepreneurs and organizations to make an impact beyond profit.  Richard Branson is a mentor and we work regularly with Virgin Unite to make business a force for good.  Russell Simmons, hip-hop mogul and philanthropist, spoke at our Rich Happy & Hot LIVE event, held at Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Center in New York City.  We’ve built a well with charity: water and have an ongoing lending team with Kiva.org   Through our Change Your Life, Change The World® program, every for profit program has a non-profit partner.  Learn more here: http://marieforleo.com/giving-back/.
• An overwhelmingly positive and highly engaged audience.  Over 32K Twitter followers, 13K on Facebook and a global community of over 50K women in 188 countries who love to talk and connect on our blog.
• Our passionate dedication to building truly creative, world-class products. We believe that business training and personal development should be hip, fun, and gorgeous to engage with.
• We show women how to fall in LOVE with marketing.  Most women think marketing is slimy, sleazy and scammy and that mentality can put them out of business. We teach a modern approach that’s classy and personal.  It’s about genuinely understanding and connecting with your customers on an emotional and psychological level to help them lead better lives.

Learn more about the Rich, Happy  & Hot B-School go here.

The Secrets of Happy Success: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know

It’s one thing to start a business. It’s quite another to create meaningful and rewarding employment for yourself (and possibly others). The truth is that it’s astonishingly easy to create a business that is unsatisfying. It always surprises me how many unhappy entrepreneurs there are…after all, you’re the boss! Yet, despite clear goals and the best of intentions lots of entrepreneurs make big compromises in order to do what they think it best for the business. They end up feeling overworked, underpaid, stressed out, and alone.

The beauty is they (and they alone) have the power to change their circumstances and to prioritize their own satisfaction. It’s up to them to take advantage of the amazing opportunity that entrepreneurship affords them – the ability to craft a business that delivers the satisfaction they want and deserve.

After working with thousands of entrepreneurs I can tell you that no two go about achieving this goal in the same way. However, I can also tell you that the happiest entrepreneurs do have several things in common.

They all honor these 5 rules to live by:

1.       Don’t go it alone

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely experience. Not only is this emotionally challenging, but it also creates a huge opportunity cost. Your community is your best secret weapon and the most direct route to more support, inspiration, ideas, feedback, and sales! The better connected you are the stronger your business will be.

2.       Do what you do best.

Your job as an entrepreneur is not simply “the doer of things that need to be done.” With a to-do list that never stops multiplying it’s tempting to just dive in and get going. This is a loss for both you and your business. Don’t squander the chance to do work you love every day. Instead, consider where you’re strong, and consider where you’re not. Restructure your schedule to do what you enjoy at least the majority of the time. And, have a good reason for doing tasks you don’t like.

3.       Honor your original goals.

Do you remember why you became an entrepreneur in the first place? Do you still derive that reward from your business? Once they have a few years of experience under their belts many entrepreneurs find little if any trace of their original motivations. Given how hard you work, it matters that you are able to get the benefits you want. So ask yourself, what’s in it for me? What makes all the work worthwhile? Then figure out how your business can deliver.

4.       Build your stamina.

Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and it can take a while before you see the financial fruits of your labor. That’s why it’s imperative to maintain your stamina. Bolstering your endurance requires you to adopt a “work smart” mentality and commit to valuing yourself as much as the business. It’s important to also leverage common best practices, such as learning to set boundaries, delegate work, keep a clear focus on goals, and employ small steps towards progress.

5.       Don’t believe the hype, bigger isn’t always better

Our culture tends to glorify size and fixate on numbers. This is even true in the small business world. Entrepreneurs often pursue particular metrics at the expense of their own satisfaction. Measuring success depends on the goals you have for your business. Generate your own definition of success. It may include numbers and metrics but shouldn’t praise growth for growth’s sake. It’s remarkable how differently entrepreneurs grow their companies when they aim for their own benchmarks instead of others’.

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”.

Meet Julie White – Founder of Figure It Art

Julie and I were friends on facebook long before we ever had a real conversation.  Ever happened to you?  I loved getting to know Julie better and love her authentic and passionate drive for her business.  - Michelle

Name: Julie A. White

Location: Utah

Education: WSU, English, Creative Writing emphasis

Professional Background: I have 20 years in sales and marketing.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: A Mom.

What you are: A business owner. I birthed a business instead.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: I own an art brokerage. Our specialty is people or figurative artwork. We offer tasteful nude paintings, sculpture and photography.

Where you are located: On-line

Company Website? Www.figureitart.com

What inspired you? I worked as an Art School and Gallery director and saw the need to help artist succeed. I fell in love with the atmosphere and the creativity. Great artwork inspires me. I love pieces of artwork (especially sculpture) that makes me think, “How’s they do that?”

How long have you been in business? 18 months

How did you fund it? Savings

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Angela Johnson, David Neagle

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Biz Divas

Current Business Challenge? Finding customers

What are you doing about it? Cold Calls to interior designers, hotel & cruise ship buyers, spas, MD offices, networking, and this summer I’d like to attend a trade show.

Favorite motivational quote: ”You wouldn’t have this dream in you if you weren’t meant to achieve it. – David Neagle. The quote goes something like that….

How do you balance it all? Even without children I find it a challenge balancing a full time job and launching my startup business. How do Moms do it?

Favorite book? Right now, David Neagle, “The Millions Within.”

What do you do to relax? Write magazine articles (see my blog at www.freelancejulie.com), paint & run. I’m preparing for my first 5K in May. Yikes!

What do you want to change most about your world? I want to help artist sell their artwork through my art business, or by offering them business coaching skills. My goal is to guide them from a weekend hobby to a satisfying career.

What are you most proud of? Hmmm… not sure yet.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Go for your dreams!!!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds, Ruby’s and Sapphires.

I enjoy doing crazy things. I’ve survived skydiving and taking flying lessons.

 

Where My Marketing Journey Began & Why I Need Your Help

A note from Michelle:

My marketing and business start was from my friend Karen making me sign up for her marketing class in High School.  I was on an arts path (debate, drama, etc.) with my electives, but I decided I could branch out.  It was one of the best things I ever did, and ultimately I credit DECA with starting me on the marketing path that led me here: to be a marketing consultant for entrepreneurs and organizations across the country.  I competed in the DECA career development conference  as a Senior and qualified to the National competition.  My year it was held in Anaheim, CA.  This year, it’s being held “in my backyard” Salt Lake City.  If you are in the area, and could spare a day to mold tomorrow’s business leaders, I would consider it a personal favor to me and I know that day will be electric in the lives of those High School students.  That day for me in Anaheim was life changing.  

DECA Seeks Volunteers to Judge and Evaluate Business and Marketing Students

In April 2012 DECA will host two International Career Development Conferences in Salt Lake City, Utah – bringing approximately 15,000 high school and college students to the state.  These high-achieving, business-minded students will be participating in DECA’s Competitive Events Program in which they will present projects to business professionals or engage in business simulations.  DECA offers over 40 different competitive event categories for students to participate in.  In order for the conferences to operate properly, over 1,000 business professionals from Utah are needed to judge and evaluate student presentations.    Visithttp://www.deca.org/events/judge and complete the appropriate registration form.  Sample video presentations and answers to frequently-asked questions can be found at the site as well. 

All volunteers will receive breakfast, lunch, free parking at the conference site, and a certificate of appreciation to help document community service hours.  If you would like additional information, please contact Shane Thomas, Director of Competitive Events, at shane_thomas@deca.org.

High School DECA International Career Development Conference

Date: Monday, April 30, 2012

Location: Salt Palace Convention Center

Time Commitment: (varies by event) 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM; 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM; 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM

# of Student Attendees: 14,000

# of Volunteer Judges Needed Still:  100

Register as a Judge at: http://www.deca.org/events/judge 

 

PDF for Judge Responsibility Pamphlet  

Meet Adhis Boucha – Founder of Mind & Money

Do you have a money story?  Most of us do, even on a subconscious level.  The work Adhis is doing for women to unlock their fears around money is worth following.  - Michelle

Name: Adhis Boucha

Location: Utah

Education: High School

Professional Background: Sales, Customer Service, and Network Marketing. The last couple of years, I reawakened my passion as a teacher and began offering personal finance classes in the community. I have also been trained as a financial counselor by Dave Ramsey and his company, Lampo Group.

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Everything! From lawyer to florist to psychologist  to rockstar and songwriter.

What you are: Mentor, teacher, speaker, and cheerleader for womenkind.

Brief Summary of your Start Up: Mind & Money Mentoring was born when students of my community classes began referring people to me who needed one-on-one help with their financial situations. In a nutshell, I help women sleep better at night and breathe easier during the day. I provide private mentoring for women and families to help bring balance to their finances and their relationships. The New Money Mama line provides classes and online tools to help women begin shifting their attention to the income-producing gifts they had forgotten they already have. I invite every woman to begin their journey by going to www.MindMoneyMentor and signing up for the free “New Money Mama” video newsletter.

Where you are located: I have an office in Lehi and in Sandy.

Company Website:  www.MindMoneyMentor.com

What inspired you? When I was about 20 years old, I dreamt I was in the very modest home of a small family that was struggling financially; worse, they were also poor in hope that life could ever be any different. As I shared with them basic laws of money and abundance, their eyes opened with wonder and I felt such gratitude and hope from them. That feeling is imprinted in my mind all these years later.

About 8 years ago, my husband and I became debt-free, and naturally, I wanted others to experience the peace and freedom we were experiencing. What I have found since is that it is not the debt itself that shackles and destroys hope, it is the negative EMOTION women have about the debt and how they let that feeling  DEFINE  their self-worth. Today, I am most inspired when I see a woman experience A-HA’s that helps her break free from the thoughts she has carried for decades about herself and about money.

How long have you been in business? Coming up on a year

How did you fund it? Cash, savings, and favors!

Do you have a Fairy Godmother? Several! It would be wise for every entrepreneur to have a mentor or three at any time.

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Biz Divas, The Hub

Current Business Challenge? Transitioning classes and programs over to the “New Money Mama” brand and re-designing some of the classes to focus more on helping women create what they have been saying they need: more money and more meaning.

What are you doing about it? Embracing change! I survey women about what they want to know about money and find out what they believe about their ability to have everything they need. I am also spending more time watching and listening to comedians. When I laugh more, it is easier for me to convert that energy into delivering hope and productivity.

Favorite motivational quote: I have two.
1] Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. (Mark Twain)

2] Never leave the scene of a decision without first taking a specific action towards its realization. (Tony Robbins)

Family? A tall husband and 2 toddler daughters.

How do you balance family and business? I ask for help. Every superhero should belong to a SuperHero League! I have SuperNanny and ToiletWoman help me out a lot on the home front. And of course, FlyMacDaddy is awesome at being flexible with our family schedule and taking great care of our daughters when I am traveling to trainings and conferences. I am also retraining myself to PLAY MORE! When I make time to play regularly, my brain reciprocates by working harder during business hours.

Favorite book? The book of Proverbs in the King James translation of the Holy Bible. It contains some of the most insightful and funniest advice regarding money and character!

What do you do to relax? Getting massages is awesome. Going outside where the light doesn’t come from a computer monitor is fantastic.

What do you want to change most about your world? Frankly, it is time for many of our sisters to wake up to what is going on in their minds, their families, and their relationships and exclaim, “This is not acceptable!” Too many women think they have to wait until their kids grow up or until Prince Charming fulfills them before they can choose a life that feels meaningful and exciting. With some creativity, we can each live that soul-fulfilling life NOW. Putting this off and shrinking back to somehow be more ‘honorable’ is not healthy, and it actually does damage to marriages and children’s long-term confidence.

What are you most proud of? I am proud of myself for becoming an affectionate and attentive mommy to my daughters, and I love that I am setting an empowering example for them and their posterity.

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Consistent successes keep you moving forward. How do you consistently succeed? Take at least one teeny, tiny baby step every day, and celebrate it!

Favorite Magic Wand? Email! I can email any one of my mentors and get fantastic feedback and insight.

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? My Tiara would be gold and adorned with opal, aquamarine, sapphire, coral, and emerald. I guess it would be more of a party tiara by that point!

A percentage of every single ticket or program women invest in through Mind & Money Mentoring or through New Money Mama  goes to educate a woman in India out of poverty. Women helping women as they help themselves! I love it!

 

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