Mommy's Company.com-Blog: February 2007

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Mommy's Company.com
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Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Fish and Cereal: A recipe for a winner

Today for lunch I had salmon and Cookie Crisp Cereal. We don't usually have "junk" cereal in the house, but this week it was on sale, so what the hell, right? I've noticed that the closer I am to deadlines (The new MC March 1st content is due...you guessed it, March 1st!) the stranger my meals become.

Last night for dinner I ate half of an avacado and a Clif bar. It's the pressure.

It's times like these that I read a lot of quotes to keep me going. Recently, I put one of my favorite quotes on the login page of our favorite networking site, BusinessMom.net .

"Eighty percent of success is showing up," Woody Allen.

As I read that quote today, I couldn't help but think of Jennifer Hudson, the former American Idol contestant turned Oscar winner. To think, just a few years ago, Jennifer was singing on Disney cruise ships and it was her tenacity that led her to land one of the most prestigious award an actor can get.

Imagine if she had said, "Well, I don't think I'll audition for American Idol, what are my chances, really? There are so many good singers. The lines are too long. I have to work. It's going to be expensive. I'll miss my family. "

The possible excuses are infinite.

Instead, she showed up, and was rewarded.

Instead of hiding behind our really good excuses, let's show up in business and in life. There are Oscars waiting for all of us.

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 2:50 PM | (0) comments |

Some people cried yesterday- Record lows for stocks

Yesterday had me a little worried about the state of economy. As an entrepreneur, the sunny days are what I live for. When money is moving , people are spending, and businesses are doing well, everyone is happy!

When the closing bell rang yesterday at the NYSE, there were probably more than a few people crying into their double machiattos. The drama began with a 9% slip in Chinese stocks, the Dow began to fall, and then the poo poo really started to hit the fan when the computer automated sell programs started to kick in. By the late afternoon, $632 billion was lost in US stocks touching every sector.

It was the worst day in the market since 9/11.

Today the Fed Chief issues some soothing words (check out the Must Read Media on MC) and seasoned investors seem unfazed calling the tumble, "all part of the market's cycle".

You know what the problem seems like to me? If you have multiple children or have every babysat at least three kids at once, you've been in this situation that I think mirrors the stock market and consumer confidence almost perfectly.

Imagine having three kids in a car. You're rolling down the highway, everything is going fine until Kid #1, overtired because he missed a nap, throws a sippy cup, splashing juice on formerly happy Kid#2.

Kid #2, annoyed because the orange Tampico got in his eye hence momentarily distracting him from his Nintendo DS marathon session, spits in Kid #3's ear.

Kid #3, who was looking for a reason to act up, begins kicking the back of your seat. Hard.

And then you crash the car. Just kidding.

If mom, in her infinite authority, saw Kid#1 start getting fussy, turned back and in her serious-scary-mom-voice and said, "Don't even think about it," therefore cutting the chaos off at the pass, the whole catastrophe could have been avoided.

Someone needed to get up on a giant platform and tell all of the world's traders, "Don't even think of freaking out. Calm down," before the panic selling started.

That's why moms should be in charge of the stock market.

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 1:35 PM | (0) comments |

Monday, February 26, 2007

Tax Time! Playing dead won't help you.

I love how tax assistance companies like H & R Block have been dealing with the popularity of do-it-yourself tax software. You'd have to be under a rock not to have seen an "I've got people," commercial where someone haughtily scoffs his collegues notion of doing taxes at home.

Even though I'd hardly compare having a tax professional run their fingers through my personal business ledgers to what it would it would feel like to have an entourage of my own "people", I commend the ad firms behind the idea. You can't go wrong when you're appealing to the vanity of class-clamoring consumers, right? I mean only common people actually *snicker* use Turbo Tax. And Quicken is for peasants.

Good small business tax article to help you get in the mood. Click here if you dare.

On a similar topic, a British casket maker has revolutionized his industry and raised eyebrows with customized caskets. Popular models include golf bags and race cars.

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 2:04 PM | (0) comments |

Another reason to be an entrepreneur...working stinks

An MSNBC article referencing a study by The Conference Board has just reported that job satisfaction amongst Americans has hit a new low. Article summary: Americans hate their jobs more than ever. It is no surprise that entrepreneurism is taking off and keeping SBA branches all over the US quite busy.

The study concluded that less than 39% of workers under 25 (the group that had the lowest job satisfaction) enjoy their work. Workers between 45 and 54 have the second lowest level of satisfaction.

When I was a freshman in college, it was partly these grim sentiments that led me to start my first business. The thought of working at Initech with a Lumbergh-esque manager criticizing my memo "cc-ing" seemed a fate too depressing to bear.

Entrepreneurs aren't the only happy working citizens in this country, though. Google ranked #1 in CNN Money's Top 100 Companies to Work For. Google employees enjoy all kinds of perks including 11 gourmet cafeterias (no mystery meat here, think roast quail and black bass), workout facilities, and a $500 take-out food allowance for new parents on maternity leave. Google is also known for fostering a unique and serene work environment.

Who wouldn't want to work there?

These reports make me ponder what kind of leader I am and what type of environment I am creating for my team.

Do they feel free to use their creative talents to fulfill tasks brilliantly, or do they feel confused and frustrated by a lack of structure and communication?

Maybe a little bit of both.

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 12:19 PM | (0) comments |

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Apple, Cisco: The Playground is calm...for now.

Apple and Cisco have come to an agreement regarding use of the name "iPhone". Network equipment maker Cisco, sued Apple over using the name (that they trademarked) for their new multimedia phone. In the agreement, both companies are free to use the name. Monetary damages and awards were not specified.

The iPhone was unveiled at the ~~Geek~~ Tech Convention in Vegas a few months ago.

It's nice to know that businesses can play nicely together. I expected a little more drama before this issue was resolved. I've seen nastier battles in the backseat of SUVs when the stakes were only fruit roll ups, not billion dollar brands.

Good jobs guys!

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 1:02 AM | (0) comments |

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

The Dow is up! What does that mean?

In a previous post I talked about how motherhood is no excuse for a mediocre business. This ties into new features that will be released very soon on Mommy's Company.com.

In an effort to help mom entrepreneurs integrate themselves mentally and fiscally (get it?) into the larger business community, MC will be bringing the most poignant business, finance, and economic media & news to our pages.

I want all business moms to be able to hold their own in a conversation about stocks, IPOs, market trends...all of the different factors that whether we know it or not, impact our bottom lines.

I've got a bright and talented lineup of guests ready for live Podcasts on the topics we'll be touching on.

First Lesson 4/1/07 Stock Market Crash eCourse: Why Should I care?

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 7:07 AM | (0) comments |

Is it gone or not? Overture.

If you've noticed a lot of webmasters dressed in black lately, it's because they're mourning the alleged death of the Overture Keyword Bid Tool. To make it simple, Overture allow businesses to bid -auction style- for the highest spot regarding their desired search terms.

On January 30th, Yahoo! reps addressed the topic.

Just the idea of this powerful SEO (search engine optimization) tool ceasing to exist is a hot topic on blogs and forums. Ah, it seems like just yesterday when Yahoo! bought Overture Services $1.63 billion causing Microsoft to get their undies in a knot over who controls the paid-search market.

There are a few good alternatives out there for those of you searching:

Google AdWords

WordTracker

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 3:53 AM | (0) comments |

Monday, February 19, 2007

Retractions and Mind Expansions

If you haven't read my February's Editor Letter, here:

http://mommyscompany.com/letterfeb.html

Now completely disregard it.

I spend this weekend thinking about mediocrity, progress, excuses, and how all three of those are tied together. In life and in business there are always reasons not to pursue excellence; fear, laziness, ignorance, being comfortable, the list could go on.

Having a baby (or three) may be a good reason for the occasional stained blouse or yogurt-hand print on a blazer, but it can't and shouldn't be an excuse for not having a business as big, great, profitable, and EFFICIENT, as you want.

We're all familiar with the grim statistics regarding the number of failed business ventures. Behind each one of those sad, dead businesses are a series of mistakes and oversights.

My business epiphany this weekend was that I could be one of those ill-fated entrepreneurs if I don't let go of my "I'm a mom-business owner so (insert reason for half-assing it here)".

This week, I am concentrating on delegating, thinking like a Fortune 500 company, and taking care of business the way I should.

Do it better.

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 1:13 PM | (0) comments |

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Fun partnerships, cool collaborations

Happy Valentine's Day! I dont care what the critics have to say about Valentine's Day being a contrived occassion completely constructed and monopolized by the greeting card industry, I LOVE this day and the sweet presents my husband gets me! So there!

February is already proving to be an exciting month at Mommy's Company.com and BusinessMom.net. There are many great collaborations that we are working on with media outlets and very successful entrepreneurial moms- keep your eyes open!

2007 is the perfect year for entrepreneur moms to start their businesses. The support is totally there. What are you waiting for? A business plan to fall out the sky? Not likely. Get moving.

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 2:47 PM | (0) comments |

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Monday, February 05, 2007

Holler! ABC News online plug!

ABC News Online: The View From the Bay (the bay area ABC) referenced us at a great tool for business mamas! What what!

I know ABC is a really small company, but it's still very exciting. ;)

Oh what? You don't believe me? Here

For the link averse: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=parenting&id=4948557

I couldn't find an ABC News logo to right click on and use without permission, so I'll contact a rep and get one soon.

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 10:51 AM | (0) comments |

Sunday, February 04, 2007

BusinessMom.net is here!

You waited and it's here! Business Mom.net officially launched at 2AM Friday morning. Our developers are tired, our writers are exhausted, and our investors are watching...but we're excited!

BusinessMom.net is a social networking site for entrepreneur mothers. Check out the Classifieds section, Polls, Quizzes, Blogs and more! Spread the word about your fab business.

We'll be choosing our monthly Business Profiles from BusinessMom.net moms from now on so get your profile now!

BusinessMom.net

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 9:48 AM | (0) comments |

LUNAFEST 2007! Hollywood, baby!

Hey Mama! What are you doing this Wednesday night? If you're like me, you'll be putting on something swanky, getting your hair and makeup done (okay, I'm doing it myself) and heading off to the LUNAFEST in Hollywood.

LUNAFEST is a film festival arranged by LUNA Bar (you know, those yummy nutritional bars?) to support CHEC, a non-profit committed to educating people about protecting children from environmental toxins.

Nine short woman-centric films will be shown (total of 1.5 hours) and a wine/cheese reception will follow.

The Honorary Host Committee includes:

Amy Brenneman
Laura Dern
Marcia Gay Harden
Brooke Shields

and there will be many more celebs in the mix (if you're a LOST fan, you need to go!). It should be a fun night of supporting kids, women, and our global community!

LUNA gave BusinessMom.net and Mommy's Company.com three tickets to give away to our readers! You're responsible for getting yourself there and any for hotel arrangements if you're out of the area.

If you'd like to go send an email with your name, location, phone number, and why you want to go to: mail@mommyscompany.com! Act Fast. Winners will be notified via email Tuesday morning.

Time: 6:30

Date: Feb 7, 2007

Place: Hollywood, CA

More info: HERE

http://www.lunabar.com/community/lunafest.cfm?documentid=423&location=3,1

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 9:24 AM | (0) comments |

Thursday, February 01, 2007

BizyMoms.com

An article that I wrote on working from home and saving your sanity (haha) will be on the BizyMoms.com newsletter next week. They have a circulation of 11,000 so that is pretty exciting!

Posted by Mommy's Company.com @ 11:04 AM | (0) comments |