Enterprising Moms Network Inc

December 3-6, 2009 marks the 9th annual Whistler Film Festival. This year, for the very first time, the Whistler Film Festival VIP Lounge + Studio will feature a “Charity Bloggers Lounge”.  Vancouver-based Uptown GiftBox Company is creating the event, on the heels of the incredibly successful Canadian Country Music Awards Backstage Lounge they presented at GM Place in September. Known for her support of independent Canadian brands, owner Gabrielle Durning's unique approach was a big draw for festival organizers as the Whistler Film Festival is synonymous with independent filmmaking and will showcase over 80 films including a record number of premieres.

The 2009 Whistler Film Festival Charity Bloggers Lounge will host local bloggers who will be onsite covering the event live via their blog and social media such as Facebook and Twitter, giving the ‘Twitterverse’ an insider’s peek into an invitation-only event. Each blogger will select a charity and in turn, that charitable organization will receive one of the fabulous VIP Gift bags for their own fundraising efforts. With an estimated VIP Gift bag value of at least $1,000.00, this charitable component of the Whistler Film Festival ensures that this type of event leaves behind a charitable footprint, and provides some benefits to those less fortunate.

The Enterprising Moms Network is very proud to announce that our organization has been chosen as one of those to take part in the 2009 Whistler Film Festival’s Charity Bloggers Lounge! Eileen Fisher, who is the chapter director of our Fraser Valley chapter, will be in Whistler on Friday December 4th, blogging and tweeting LIVE from the 2009 Whistler Film Festival. We have chosen the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as the recipient of our VIP Gift bag and are delighted to help them with their fundraising efforts in the “Campaign for BC Children”.

Taking part in an event such as this definitely draws a correlation between the business of being a mompreneur and connecting with community. It also shows moms in business the strength in social media, and how important it is to incorporate elements such as blogging into your business. For the Enterprising Moms Network to be able to take part in the 2009 Whistler Film Festival’s Charity Bloggers Lounge while giving back to the community by way of the $1,000.00 VIP Gift bag donation to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, is absolutely an honor and a privilege. 

So please follow us on Twitter and Facebook, bookmark the EMN blog, and check it all afternoon on Friday December 4th. We have no idea what to expect, who we will meet, or what we will be writing about, but one thing is for sure – when we do, Enterprising Moms will be the first to know! 

EMN Blog: http://www.enterprisingmomsnetwork.com/emn-blog.html  Twitter: http://twitter.com/fraservalleyemn Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FraserValleyEnterprisingMomsNetwork

Whether your business is established, or you are just starting out, you’ve realized at some point that networking is an invaluable tool that will ultimately contribute to the success of your business. Even a hundred years ago, people networked their businesses, only then there was no such thing as social media, computers, etc. Yet somehow, they managed – and they flourished. In 2009, there are multiple avenues of networking, including everything from a simple business card to a full-on company conference, and everything in-between. 

 No matter what your business is, or what the stage of your business is in, there are a few things to think about when you are networking your business. It’s important to take a moment and think about what networking “is” and what it “isn’t” from time to time.

Networking is vital to your business

Believe it or not, there are people who start a business, and think that the business will actually come to them – that they won’t have to go out and look for it.  If anyone tells you that they became successful just sitting at home and letting the customers find them, chances are they are not being 100% truthful. 

Networking is not a popularity contest

With some people, they find it is important to declare the size of their contact lists and referrals.  Especially with social media sites, do not judge the success of your networking simply by the number of names that are on your contact list, people following you on Twitter or belong to your group.  Just as you are intent on collecting names, some people are intent on collecting groups.  Focus on the quality of the people that are on your contact list that are actively involved with your business.    

Networking is not limited to one or two approaches

Chances are that you have a few different methods of networking that you are very good at, and some that you are not so good at.  Don’t under-sell yourself by thinking that just because you are strong in one area, you are weak in another.  If you were in a gym and only worked out your leg muscles and not your arms, you’d be a great runner but totally useless when it came to climbing up a rope.  Work your networking by utilizing your weak and your strong areas, and you’ll have a good overall “networking physique”. 

Networking does not always require technology

Although technology is now playing the biggest role ever in the success of networking a business, don’t be intimidated and shut down networking altogether because you don’t feel you are as technologically advanced as your brother-in-law’s friend’s cousin who knew a guy who met the guy that started Twitter.  You have a phone, you meet people face-to-face, that’s much more powerful sometimes than any computer program or social media network.  

Networking is simple

As simple as putting your hand out to shake it with someone you just met.  As simple as starting a conversation with someone you see in the local grocery store.  You never know where the simplest of starts are going to end up. 

Networking is complex

When you are involved with many different avenues of networking, it can be a complex task.  The key to keeping successful with complex networking is by being organized and on top of things.  

Networking is not a competition

The interesting thing about networking is that the different ways that people are using to network is expanding by the minute.  Websites, written resources, books, in-person groups and national conferences are springing up constantly.  If you try to compete vigorously within a network, all you are going to do is ultimately ostracize yourself.  Expand your knowledge and your networking skills by sharing knowledge with other people who are in the same business you are in.

Networking is about giving and receiving knowledge

The words “giving” and “receiving” could also easily be substituted with “talking” and “listening”.  Like the person who tells you that they have achieved success by sitting at home and letting the business come to them, a person who tells you that they know everything there is to know about what they do is also probably not being 100% honest.  Nobody knows everything.  It’s just not possible.  To be successful with anything, business or personal, you must be open to give and receive knowledge. 

Ask questions, look for answers, change your reasoning, share your knowledge, your success, your ideas and your inspirations. That's it, Networking 1-2-3.

Guest blog post courtesy of Jennifer Fong 

As those in direct selling and network marketing enter the holiday season, we begin to think about those things that make the holidays so special for people: giving to others, giving thanks. Interestingly, these are the same things that bring you success in social media when you are in direct sales. So as you enter your busiest season of the year, keep in mind how the very things we celebrate at the holidays can lead to more success as you market online. 

* Giving to Others: Social media success all comes from thinking about the other guy (or girl.) When you spend time highlighting the content and successes of others, sharing the good things they’ve done, and providing value to the people you’re connected with online, you are a giver. And people appreciate that! In an age where most people in business think only of themselves and their gain, people focused on others are a refreshing change. We ENJOY doing business with people focused on others. So as you interact on social networking sites, share useful links to content (your own, but also the content of others.) Always keep in mind what your network of folks (your tribe, so to speak) is interested in, and what will solve problems for them. And then deliver! That’s how you provide value that will translate into more sales and recruits for your business. 

* Giving Thanks: When was the last time someone sent you a thank you note or message? How did it make you feel? This is a trend that has gone by the wayside in recent years, but may be making a resurgence thanks to social media, because it is one of the key elements to success. It’s so important to let people know that you appreciate the effort they’ve gone to for you. So if someone retweets your content, always say thanks. If someone has hosted a live or virtual event for you, use a service to let that person know how you appreciate it. There are some great services out there that let you do so. And by taking that extra minute to say thanks, you position yourself as someone who values others. Everyone wants to be valued. Give that gift to others. It will pay off in a big way for your business. 

People are the engine that makes social media run. And people like to feel valued and appreciated. The tools themselves make it so easy to highlight others, say thank you, and provide the content that people need. By focusing on the needs of your connections online, you can make a significant difference in their lives, while you remind people about your business. And that is what leads to success. 

 What do you think? Have you used these principles to build your business? What will you do this week? I love it when my readers join the conversation and make a comment. I hope you will today!

Jennifer Fong helps direct sales companies, direct sales professionals, and other home-based business owners leverage the power of social media to grow their businesses. A former direct sales company CEO and serial entrepreneur, Jennifer is passionate about teaching direct sellers how to use social media tools to enhance their businesses. She helps business owners put the principles of social media to work in a profitable way, offering coaching and training to business owners.  She offers products and training courses that teach you step-by-step how to apply social media to your home-based business.  Visit Jennifer’s website at http://jenfongspeaks.com and subscribe to her newsletter by clicking here.

Name: Lisa Williams

Business: Optionelle Fashion Consultant

EMN Chapter: Sunshine Coast

Looking back I can see that turning forty was a bigger deal to me than I realized at the time. It was about that time I started to really pay attention to where I was in life and where I was going. It was also the time I realized that I was not where I wanted to be and if I didn’t make some changes I was never going to get there. I chose motherhood rather than the career route in life and although I did graduate from high school I did not carry on academically. I think there are many women out there just like me and for this reason I am happy to share my story of where I am today and how I got here. In my early 40’s I had entrepreneurial hobbies; I ran a small photographic business, I was a bed and breakfast owner/operator, I worked with my husband as a home inspector and I started a website maintenance service, all of these gave me freedom but not enough pay check so I worked for others in jobs that gave me a pay check but they took away my freedom and the pay checks were never big enough to get me closer to my dreams. It was out of frustration of not having both, money and time that put me on the path I walk today.

After a few years of beating myself up for falling short of my dreams I began my journey of identifying my strengths and clarifying my wants and needs. Our 3 grown children, now 17, 21 and 23 years old, still need me to be a mom but not in the way they did as younger children so I was now free to do what I wanted. What I wanted was to earn a comfortable living doing something I loved! I wanted to be one of those women who say “I love what I do” and mean it. My advice for other mom’s in business is – don’t wait until you are over 40 to do what you love and love what you do, start earlier if you can. Your family will thank you for it.

For me it started with being approached by a woman I knew casually, she invited me to consider a career as a fashion consultant; my first response was no thank you I am not interested. Respectfully she gave me an informational package to read in the off chance my interest changed. I did read the material and realized that a fashion consulting business did fit into my newly formed list of criteria better than I thought and the question “why not?” came to mind. I started my new career as a fashion consultant March 2009 and as I gain experience I gain confidence and the realization “I love what I do!” One challenge I have is treating my business as a business and not a paid hobby, working from home with flexible hours requires discipline and practise. Dropping everything when a girlfriend calls “to meet for coffee” has a direct impact on my bottom line and my ability to earn a comfortable living. The most rewarding part of my business is seeing the sparkle in women’s eyes when they discover how beautiful they look with the right clothes for their body type. Watching their confidence grow and seeing their outer beauty matching their inner beauty; their transformation is intoxicating to me.

As part of my business I offer a Wardrobe Makeover Service specifically for women who hate to shop or just don’t know what to shop for. I help women minimize their wardrobe, organize and coordinate their closets with clothes that work well together taking the stress out of daily dressing; filled with the right outfits; helping them look fabulous on every given day. Typically 80% of the clothes in our closets just hang there taking up space because they don’t fit, don’t appeal or just don’t go with anything else in the closet. Why are we still saying “I have nothing to wear?”

I am an Optionelle fashion consultant, working from my home boutique on the Sunshine Coast through home parties, private consultations and educational workshops. I have the freedom to take my services anywhere in the world and I do! I can be reached at: lisa.optionelle@gmail.com. To learn more about Optionelle go to: www.optionelle.com. Who knows? This could be a career for you too; we are always looking to build the Optionelle team with women who love what they do.

A little look at what Enterprising Moms have been talking about over the past week:

Many fads come and go, but there is one certainty and it is that social media is here and is here to stay. It's also a no-brainer that if you are in business, you need to be connected to social media in one way or another. Traditional media such as TV and newspapers now are connected via social media, along with a few million other businesses - it is the way to go. "Word" of mouth used to be one of the best ways to promote a business. That term has now been re-coined to "World" of mouth. Food for thought! 

If you are not currently utilizing social media with your business, it is time to start. It's not hard, not difficult, you don't need a university degree to master your way around Twitter and Facebook and when you think about it, you are really taking the time to educate yourself. This in turn will help you with your business... big time. 

 And if you're not sure where to start, ask around some of your friends, family, co-workers, employees, do a Google search... the answers are all out there. Take a look at some of these interesting facts about social media, they're pretty interesting.

Guest blog post courtesy of Joy Chudacoff 

Last week, the Women’s Club in my community celebrated men and women over the age of 90 by hosting a dinner and entertainment event in their honor. I read about this event in the local paper and was struck by one interview with a woman who was born in 1912 (she’s 96!). Her photo depicted a woman who was attractive, energetic, and happy. When asked what the secret is to living a life of good health, longevity, and happiness, she replied with one simple word: Attitude.

Attitude. It’s a simple word that can take on many meanings. We have all heard the phrase, “she’s got a good attitude about life.” We have also heard the phrases, “she’s got a bad attitude”, or “she needs an attitude adjustment.” The word is thrown out loosely. It’s true that a positive attitude can make a big difference in the outcome of our lives. I happen to think that it takes something more than this to live a life full of energy, passion, and purpose.

You need to have a positive attitude that is open to possibility thinking. This is essential. Years ago, when I owned my marketing company and had a whirlwind life of travel and work, (8 to faint as I used to say), I had a plaque on my desk with 4 words on it: “It Can Be Done.” My “attitude” during that time of my life was, that if you can be open to new ideas and create your biggest vision of what you are trying to accomplish, there will be a way to make it happen. It’s still my “attitude” today. In order to realize your Big Idea, dreams, and goals, it’s essential that you open yourself up to this way of thinking.

How about you? What kind of an “attitude” do you have? Stop and consider this for a moment. Do you find yourself looking at the possibilities in every situation or do you accept defeat and move through your day (and life) blaming others for your situation? My grandfather used to say, “no matter where you go, there you are.” Well said Pops. In every moment, you get to choose how you will respond to your life situation. You are in the driver’s seat. Are you letting others determine or set your “attitude?” I am here to tell you that as women, we truly are in control of our own thoughts and ideas. One great example comes to mind: Rosa Parks. Now she had an “attitude.” She had a mindset that she was second to no one, and acted accordingly. As a result of her “attitude”, she was able to achieve historic change in this country. One never knows where their journey will ultimately take them; however a positive “attitude” that is open to possibility will definitely improve the outcome.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

Today's blog post is a little different - it's a video post. This video comes courtesy of "The Economist". (No, it's not your grandpa's paper anymore....)  This video is about the pace of change, about how rapidly the media landscape is changing. And it's about how the way people communicate is changing the way marketers have to think about how to reach consumers.

Take a look:

No matter where you live, big city, small town or somewhere in between, there is one vital link in your community that you share with every community around.  Your local paper.  Community papers usually are a small publication that is published once or twice a week.  They cover everything from major news stories that affect your community to event listings and garage sales that are happening around the corner from you.

There is a lot of value in a local community paper, alot of unrecognized value.  If you are running a business and want to be connected to your community in any way, a vital part of knowing what’s going on and of knowing how to get others to know about yourself and your business is as simple as a weekly news publication. 

Many times local newspapers are dismissed as being “too small” to be of any value to businesses.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  For example, if you were hosting an event such as an open house for your business and you wanted to get the people that live in your neighbourhood there, would you go to a daily paper that has a huge readership that covers the entire province?  You could, but chances are if you did get any coverage, it would be a small blurb that’s easily looked over.  You could pay for a display ad in a big daily paper, but that would likely eat up most of your advertising budget for the month. 

However, small community papers thrive on small community events.  That is their bread and butter.  That gets their readership growing and that gets them advertising revenue.  Send a press release to your local newspaper about that same open house that you sent to the daily news and you are more than likely to get much better coverage.  And you are also reaching your target market for your business.  And while a display ad in a local paper can still be expensive at times, the cost is likely much less than a daily paper and again, think about the target market you are reaching.

Even if your business is booming and you are about to “go national”, don’t forget the place where you live-where you started it all, and the people and businesses that supported you in the beginning.  Your community.

Above all, no matter where you are with marketing your business, when that local paper comes to your door or you see it in the local coffee shop, make sure you take a few minutes and read it cover to cover.  It’s your community, you never know what might catch your eye! 

 

Since my last post, I've had a lot of people ask me about the picture that was included - to illustrate the meaning of "blog". That picture was generated by something that is called a "WordCloud". A WordCloud is an application that looks through the "feed" of your blog, and then creates a picture of words, based on the words that are used most in your blog.

A WordCloud is an awesome way to get a snapshot of what your blog is about. The Enterprising Moms Network blog will now be featuring a "Weekly WordCloud" - every weekend, our own little snapshot of the week that was. Enjoy!

PS - if you'd like to find out how to make your own WordCloud for your blog, check this link out! http://www.wordle.net/create