We are women. Watch us Manage!

I have people ask me, usually men, how do you do it all? How do you take care of the family, and your business, and be so management oriented?  Did you study business management in college, get an MBA? No sir, I did not even finish high school. I even worked at McDonalds as the French fry girl 10 years ago, now I run a multi-million dollar company.

Shhh, my Secret!  I had to work really hard, re-train myself, be willing to admit failure, be willing to change what was not working,  and develop skills that I never knew I had.

 It is not easy! Let me tell you, however, once you have the skill set, anything is possible. Here are my 5 tips and secrets that I use EVERYDAY, to do it!

 1) Make sure you have a very clear to do list. I cannot function without it jotted down, even on a scrap paper.

2) Enlist people to can help you do these items, or that can do them for you.

3) Do not overload your schedule. I know that after I drop my kids at school, I have from 9 AM to 3:30 PM to get my things done. Because as you know, once the kids get home there is a host of activities going down i.e. dinner, homework, chores, and don’t forget you and daddy time! That is a whole other blog to write about. I have been successfully married for 20+ years, so I guess I can claim to be an authority on how to make it all work.

4) Keep your office, or home office clutter free. GET organized!

5) Set a daily schedule of the 1-2-3 + things you need to do every day. Example, take calls from 12-2PM. Make your calls form 4-5 PM, answer e-mails first thing in the morning etc…and stick to it daily. Training and conditioning ourselves is probably the hardest things to do.

I have 4 very, very busy boys, and I am a single parent during the week (hubby commutes M-F), and a life that I must maintain, outside of my business. If I cannot do that, my business will suffer. If I do not bring in money, my family will suffer! So, it is a tedious balance act between the two. You have to simplify things, do what works for you and roll with it.

If you cannot seem to get organized, hire someone to help you. Be careful who you hire however. Make sure they are credible and can really help you. You want to make sure they can listen to your wants, and needs, and can help develop a system that works for you. I once hired a gal who wanted to bring in her trademark system and make me adjust to it. It was stringent and non-flexible. Not going to happen!  Work with someone who will devise a plan and system for you, not them…

Just remember, you can do whatever you organize yourself to do!

Always Dream BIG!

Kim Babjak

This just in from the NBC Nightly News producer:

“We finally have an airdate. July 13th. I’ve been scrambling with other projects in the meantime. Scott is out til next week so after the holiday we’ll get serious about shooting someone starting a business. I haven’t had a chance to go thru all the candidates you sent, but a few look really promising.

Thanks.”

Cross your fingers, folks - i’ve submitted many of you for their consideration.

—
PREVIOUS POST ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JUNE 19, 2009

Here’s the deal: I am appearing on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams on June 29 (most likely). They’re doing a cool feature about what happens if you lose or leave your job in this market and how to start a successfull business.

Don’t you love it! And kudos to NBC for focusing on this subject. As i mentioned to them in my taping for the feature, I truly believe that it will be small business and solopreneurs who help America dig out of this slump.

OPPORTUNITY: If you are one of those heroes who has left a job and started up a brick-and-mortar business in this economy, please email me at PR@startupnation.com.

Please add to the email subject line the following so I’ll know to treat it with urgency:  “NBC Story - I Started a Brick-and-Mortar Business”

Deadline: Tuesday, June 23.

I will then share your email with the NBC Nightly News producer.

Merchant Account Basics

In order to accept credit card payments, you’ll need to open a merchant services account. The merchant account is the go-between that links your customers’ payments to your own business bank account. The merchant account provider checks credit card information, verifies balance amounts, and transfers funds from a customer’s account into your merchant account. At the end of the business day, transactions are “settled” and later transferred to your business bank account. A merchant account can work using a credit card terminal or swipe machine, or using specialized software to process payment information, as is the case with most online transactions.

Qualifying for an Account

Since the merchant account provider is responsible for chargebacks (when payments are returned to the customer, either as a refund or in the event of fraud), they’ll need to make sure your business is a good financial “risk.” The approval process isn’t difficult- almost all but the riskiest (think those headquartered in Caribbean islands or online businesses that deal in adult industries) businesses will be approved for an account. However, the best rates are reserved for those companies with reliable financial histories and good credit records. Even if you don’t qualify for the best rates when you first apply, you may be able ask for more preferable terms as your business becomes more profitable and your build a solid credit history. Be wary of online merchant account providers who brag that “Everyone is approved!” This isn’t a good thing- make sure you are able to obtain rates that are within your operating budget.

Rates and Costs

Rates will vary depending on your credit history and the type of credit card processing you require. Many online-only services charge a specific dollar amount per transaction, or a percentage of the total transaction cost- usually anywhere between 1 and 5% of the total sale amount. Rates for swipe machines are generally less expensive, and there’s no need to purchase or lease the “gateway” software necessary to process transactions online. If you use a swipe machine, you’ll need a credit card terminal- these can be purchased, or even lent to you by the merchant account provider. Keep in mind that the terminal itself can be usually be purchased for around several hundred dollars.

What to Look for in an Account Provider

Choose a merchant account services provider whose rate structure suits your business. For example, if you have a large amount of small dollar amount transactions, you’re better off choosing a provider that charges a percentage of the transaction amount only, rather than a dollar amount fee- it wouldn’t make sense to pay over a dollar to process a transaction for 99 cents. Beyond budget concerns, you should choose a credit card processing provider that offers the services you need-whether online or otherwise- that provides good customer service. Ask for referrals from other businesses, your bank, or a vendor locator service.

Hillshire Farm ham and turkey + reusable Gladware

= Green, Money Saving, The-Big-Corporation-Proves-It-Can-Still-Listen-To-Customers

What partnerships could you consider in your business?

Example: B&B could supply guests with brunch vouchers to neighborhood eatery

• Inn keepers are off of cooking duty
• Eatery gets paid in full up front
• Guests can have what they want, when they want for a fixed price included in overall bill

1. Why will people pay you? (money, votes, donations)
2. What does it cost you to sell your item…margins?
3. What protects you from competition, price-feature battles?
4. How will you turn an agnostic audience into loyal customers?

Early on when transactions had no costs, doing anything at a huge scale was very cheap. In order to be successful (a subjective term), you didn’t have to be very big at all. Some efforts don’t look at revenue as the only sign of success, and it’s probably safe to assume they have no real business model.

Identifying tribes and determining the success of working with them is not a new idea; the concept of tribe mentality or acting in a way that benefits the tribe has been around since cavemen. But, the concept of bringing people together, of building tribes, makes the internet is the best friend of people focusing on the third component, differentiating yourself from the competition. Once a network is in place, it is extremely difficult for someone else to disrupt it. I’ll add to this that the network must be active, relevant and provide value. 

The internet, it’s “isms” and even some of our online behaviors are permeating our culture. It is affecting business models offline as well. Local t-shirt and records stores, traditional advertising firms, and political campaign have different business model than they did ten years ago—can you imagine Dukakis, Stockton, Bush Snr, or Dan Quayle, figuring out what tweeting means?

Viral marketing and the growth of cash-free marketing means that people can spread an idea farther and faster than ever before. It also makes it far cheaper for a competitor to enter the market.

Here are three examples of companies leveraging online to create mini movements:

What mini movement is driving your business?

Carrie Fisher has an impressive background as a writer, two of her books having been made into films. After something akin to electric shock therapy, she risks losing much of her memory and past in order to move forward with the rest of her life. To many, this would be a death sentence as our history, that which binds us into routine and dictates much of our decision making, is the thing we find the most comfort in.

Fisher is an example of someone who refuses to be put in a box, who is still out there learning lessons, sharing her findings and being funny — whatever you may think of her or her talent, you just have to appreciate those qualities in a person.

She has a book: $29.00- 13.38

She has a 1-man show: $59.00-49.00

And those lovely cinnamon buns on the cover, priceless.

I was disappointed to see that there wasn’t some Hollywood intern trapped in a hamster wheel blogging for her while she’s on the road, to capture all the love and well wishes, etc. but I suspect she will get to that eventually. All Boomers have to embrace the web at some point.

To Carrie’s new life, she’s summoned her chutzpah and making some coin on skills she still has, memories she might lose and of course, looking to what the future might bring.

Altogether, a rather inspirational message.

Traditionally, companies that “do good” are generally non profits, and when people find out that a traditional small business is also “doing good” they feel like somehow the company must be taking advantage of the community it is serving if it is also turning a profit. I do not believe this to be the case and formed my consulting company based on the premise that small businesses would contribute to a triple bottom line if they knew where to find it.

Creative Capitalism has been around for a while. Formerly known as social entrepreneurism, it is a concept newly labeled by Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and other market leaders and the premise is that “we should attempt to stretch the reach of market forces so that more companies can benefit from doing work that makes more people better off.” The book is available on Amazon (unsure of where the profits go). So far, it’s a pretty foreign concept to most bottom-line discussions. Having spent time reviewing the giving trends of big tycoons in the past (land trusts, libraries, parks), there is something different about the timing of this idea: the generation that is receiving it.  

The 30 and 20-somethings have grown disillusioned with where the 1980s consumption and 1990s holding on behavior have gotten us. Those that have the means to get out and travel, see the disparity in the world, come back and want to do something about it. With technology to reflect back their experiences they are twittering, facebooking, myspacing and texting what they are seeing to one another – and a small group are doing something about it.

Why profile TOMS?

Two reasons: 1) Anyone who has seen true the true spirit of leadership in play knows it is the eagerness to lose oneself in the group for the good of the group. This quality is best exemplified in Blake Mycoskie for the simple reason: that is where the heart of his business began. One for One, from day One. 2) Any size business should learn that a social model (something that takes into account the community in which it survives) thrives 10-fold compared to businesses that have tunnel-vision on bottom line sales. There is something to be said for karma.

About the Company

TOMS Shoes promises to give to children in need a pair of shoes for each pair it sells. The company  has given over 140,000 pairs of shoes and expects to give more than 300,000 pairs this year.

TOMS Shoes launched in Venice, California and sold 10,000 pairs during the first year in business. As a result, Blake returned to Argentina in October of 2006 with family and friends and unveiled the second phase of his business plan: the Shoe Drop Tour. To meet demand, TOMS now offers Shoe Drop Tours throughout diverse regions of Argentina. These are volunteer opportunities where TOMS Shoes supporters hand-deliver shoes to children. Since its beginning, TOMS has given over 140,000 shoes to children in need around the world. 

Here is a bit of my discussion with Blake:

Why shoes?
BLAKE: Walking is the primary mode of transportation in developing countries. Children walk miles just to get food and water, to make their way to school, or to reach medical help. In some communities, children can’t even attend school unless they have proper footwear. And the leading plague in these countries is soil-transmitted parasites. Shoes are such a simple answer to these problems children face every day.

See TOMS educational videos: One Day Without Shoes and Why Ethiopia (warning on the second video for graphic images)

Technology is required in today’s job market. Is TOMS Shoes looking to attract a blended workforce, or does the average age of the workers in the company reflect a standard .com?
BLAKE: For the first few years, our staff reflected the young, evolving company that we were. But as we grow, TOMS is definitely looking to attract a diverse workforce. We’ve become much more aware of our needs, and therefore able to hire individuals with specific skill sets, relevant experience, and worthy knowledge. I am still the CEO and Chief Shoe Giver, and I continue to immerse myself in TOMS because it’s my passion. I have creative ideas and feverish curiosity, and my team is receptive to that. But I definitely have trust in those who are facilitating the every day, drafting direction, and establishing strategies.

Your company is for-profit. What sort of profit sharing model exists for the employees and how did you arrive at the decision to not do a nonprofit?
BLAKE: My earnings from other businesses I had started before TOMS are what kept us afloat in the earlier days- TOMS was not funded by an outside 3rd party. I never had to present a business plan or get approval, I just had trust in myself and the One for One concept. Of course people laughed when I said TOMS would give a pair of shoes away for every pair we sold, but now TOMS is proving One for One as a viable business model. Our customers have been amazing supporters since day 1.

I created TOMS as a for-profit business to ensure a sustainable way of giving. We’re able to give shoes weekly in Ethiopia, and monthly in Argentina. I also wanted to prove that you can build giving into your business model from day one and still be profitable. We get a lot of inquiries from all types of organizations wanting to get involved with TOMS in one way or another. It’s a blessing, really, but we have to be careful in these first critical years of building our brand.

You are an example of an individual whose actions will help define the generation they are in. Your generation is described as both the “me generation” and the “giving generation.” How do you think your generation should be characterized?
BLAKE: This generation is one that thrives off of action. We don’t dream about change, we make it happen. We don’t imagine a way to incorporate giving in to our daily lives- we do it. TOMS has so many young supporters who are passionate about the One for One movement, and who share the story and inspire others every day they wear their TOMS. Seeing them support this business model is proof that this generation is ready and able to create a better tomorrow.

People connect with TOMS beyond just owning another pair of shoes. There’s something more every time you slip on a pair, every time you share the story, every time you suggest a pair of TOMS as a gift because no matter what brought you to purchasing a pair of TOMS, you are making an impact on a child’s life. Will there be saturation of cause-based marketing? Most likely, but TOMS has paved the way for other entrepreneurs to incorporate giving in to their businesses.

The One for One mission is sticking with this generation, and causing a new way of thinking. We grew up with parents who were taking those first small steps, and now we are just charging full speed ahead towards a better tomorrow. We have to. One for One is proving that you can bring closure to an issue by incorporating a conscious decision in to the actions you already take- whether its as a consumer purchasing a product, or a business looking for ways to inspire a better tomorrow. It makes consumerism and philanthropy come together full circle.

Carpe Diem!

Boy, it sure does sound like that is a silly thing to say? How do you make money when you do not have work? Well, it isn’t easy…but you can do it. My husband lost his job two months ago, after 25 years in aerospace…..now who has issues? He is OK though because:

1) He is married to me (his name is Mr. Kim) He! He! He!

2) He needed time off

3) He can paint a house if he needs to……

It just takes a little ingenuity…creative juices…and some old fashioned get up from your duff and go find it.

Most people say now is not the time to start a business…bull hockey! Now is the best time to start a business.

WHY?

1) Costs for everything is lower (printing for business cards, manufacturing, gas etc)

2) People need your work!!!

3) Scared customers need security, assurance.  Be that safety blanket

4) Barter…Barter…Barter…Till you drop

Now, just start the right business. Find the gap in a service and make it yours, own it and be the best. Now more than ever people are looking for good customer service, I see a hugh hole there! Fill it with a service…..get the point?

I was in China last week, and let me tell you, I witnessed many of my factories tapping into areas of manufacturing that they typically do not do; just to get the business. I have even had to morph myself to fit better into this economy. Example: I will take work that I would have turned down last year. Why? Because I do not want, and will not become, a failed business statistic.

Do not cry about this slumping economy. Take advantage of it, optimize your skills to help some business survive, and prosper yourself……

Only the STRONG survives now!

On Tuesday, we talked to super Mom entrepreneur, Stacy Roderick. Stacy helped create the one-stop resource for paperless invoicing, marketing and electronic billing atGoToBilling, www.gotobilling.com.Today, Stacy shares more of her work-life balance success tips.

What advice do you have for other couples who work together?  

Separation of duties and plenty of communication. Try not to step on each other’s toes. Figure out your strengths and weaknesses and learn out how to maximize your talents between the two of you. Pray a lot for unity because you can’t go home to your spouse and complain about the boss.

How do you stay fit while running a business and a household?  

Push-ups on the counter while waiting for you coffee to brew or water to boil.  Squats while brushing your teeth. Play airplane with your kids – It’s great for your leg strength. Chase the dog around the yard. Chase your kids around the yard.  

We also ski, hike and spend time outdoors as much as we can. I don’t go to the gym—period. I do have a mini trampoline that I use occasionally, a treadmill that you can combine with books on tape, reading, meditation etc. I stay busy and we do a lot of housework. Pushing a vacuum around 4000 sqare feet is a workout in itself. Up and down the stairs helps a lot.

What tips do you have for other Mom-entrepreneurs who want to save time and money in today’s economy? 

Eat at home. Use leftovers to make exciting new meals. Eat healthy—Junk food is expensive and your family will eat less healthy food than they will junk food because of the empty calories. Things that you use a lot of, buy in bulk. I buy frozen organic vegetables at Costco. I can get five lbs of organic corn for the price of two small bags at the grocery store.

Pay attention to what you spend your money on and cut back where you can. We shop clearance sales and thrift store for a lot of things. We take good care of our vehicles so they last us for years after we have paid them off (my expedition has 240K miles on it and it’s been paid off for almost eight years).

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

I thank God everyday for the opportunities, the challenges and the blessings he gives our family. Even though there are hard times and we are ultimately responsible for everything we do, it affords our family a lifestyle that most people only dream of. 

I don’t judge lifestyle in monetary value here, but rather the time we can spend together, the education, opportunity, and world experience we can give our children and just the sheer joy of working and building something together.

There are some really great things we can do in the community and in the world with the resources and talents we have been given. Steve is a very generous giver and loves to see us support various missions and charities. It really helps make this all worthwhile knowing that we are working for something more than just a bigger house, a newer car or a more exotic vacation.

_________ 

Thanks for your great insights Stacy! For more information, please contact Stacy at www.gotobilling.com. Or, if you have PR questions or need SEO copywriting help, please leave your comments below or contact me at www.rembrandtwrites.com. Thanks!

If you are a mother pursuing your small business dreams, check out this interview with Stacy Roderick of www.GoToBilling.com.

Stacy manages to take care of her family, cook healthy meals, stay in shape, and help run a successful business all at the same time. Here’s what Stacy had to say:

How did you get started in the world of technology and online invoicing? 

Our team, including my husband Steve, started the business as payment processing ISOs and saw that credit card processing would turn into a commodity.  That turned into the pioneering age of ACH processing of which we were one of the original pilot processing companies with the federal reserve. 

Once broadband  became prevalent, we moved into the on-demand model of the payment world which evolved into  the present day gotoBilling.  At one of our user meetings a couple years ago, we had one of our resellers inquire about a way for clients to send out invoices to their customers and accept the payments directly from the emailed invoices.  Voila!  Invoicing with payments was born.

Tell us about your current responsibilities at GoToBilling.  

I handle:

Customer Service
Tech Support
Vendor Relations
All Admin Duties
Accounting
Billing
Sales Support
QA and Testing
ACH Rules Compliance
State and Federal Compliance
Coffee Supply Officer
Making sure everyone else gets all of their assigned duties completed
HR and employment related issues!

What do you like most about being a business owner? 

Long hours and the flexibility to sleep whichever 4 of the 24 hours in a day I choose. I get to take work with me on my vacations. In seriousness—I love the building process.  I love the customers.  I enjoy making things work and the flexibility to come and go as I please and be with the kids at home (we home school and  we like to be around the kids while they are in “class.” ).

I love to be able to travel with the kids and take them to new countries. And I really like not having to get up at unreasonable hours (before 7 or 8 in the morning for example). 

What are some tips you can share with other busy mothers who are trying to balance work and family? 

Learn to do more than one thing at a time. Teach your children how to clean house and help cook meals. Responsibility is a great thing to instill in children and it’s fun to be with them in the kitchen and around the house.  

Let them spend as much time with you as possible. TURN OFF the TV! Listen to them tell you about their days. If they go to school, drive them rather that throwing them on the bus. Car time is valuable and rewarding.

——————– 

For more of Stacy’s great tips on how to work with your signficiant other, stay fit and save time and money, please check back on Thursday. In the meantime, feel free to connect with Stacy at www.gotobilling.com or enter your comments below.

And if you have any public relations or SEO copywriting questions, please let me know here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. Thanks!