Web 101

There are so many tools on the Internet that could help you and your business, and most of them you probably have never heard of. I am going to highlight a few of these tools for you, and it is up to you to explore them further on your own! Let me know in the comments section which tool you found the most helpful and/or interesting.

Google Docs
If you have a gmail account, you have started off in the right place. Google offers amazing programs that most have never heard of or had the opportunity to use. If you have your gmail email pulled up, go to the top corner of your screen and click "documents."

From the documents tab, click on "create." From there, you can create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, and the best feature...forms. Google forms is an amazing tool. You can create vendor event applications, surveys about your business, giveaways, and more. Add questions in a variety of formats. Share the forms by adding emails or just copy/paste the link wherever you want people to find your form. This is FREE and fun to do. Google also has a free website host. It is harder to use than most, but offered for anyone interested. Just search Google websites.

Weebly

I recently discovered weebly, a user-friendly website host. It is so easy to create a website now-a-days, and this host is FREE. You have the option of upgrading if you choose. Some elements of the design can not be used unless you have a pro account, but there are so many, you are sure to make a fabulous webpage by just using the free version. Check out the two I have made recently:

http://wakecountybusinessmoms.weebly.com

http://bootsnbucklesphotography.weebly.com

If you find yourself so busy during the day and do not have the time to sit down and make a website, feel free to email me and I will GLADLY make one for you. At $1 a page, this is steal. Most designers charge in the $100-$200 range to create a website, even if the host is free.

Creative Commons Licensed Photos

Have you ever found yourself in a sticky situation and were caught "stealing" someone's licensed photo or copyrighted image. It happens all the time. As a photographer, I get extremely disappointed when someone posts an image on Facebook or online with my watermark no where to be found. This is equivalent to saying, "Look at this photo, I don't know where I found it, who took it, or where it was taken. Feel free to use it too." Even if you do not have the intentions of offering your photos to someone who may steal it, it happens anyways. NEVER EVER put a professional photograph on the Internet UNLESS it has a watermark. Sometimes, it will still be stolen with a watermark, and in that case, severe legal actions can be taken. You do NOT want to be caught doing this. On the flip side, you do not want to be the one doing the stealing and using an image you searched on Google for your website, product image, catelog, facebook page, etc. If you search images on Google, copy and paste, or save to your computer, stop now. There is a better way, a legal way. Some images are licensed for creative common use, which means, the photographer says, "hey, I give you permission to use my photo." You can find these type of images on Flickr, by going to the Creative Commons area. You can also find these images by searching here. If you have any questions about copyrights or licensed images, please do not hesitate to ask!

Poll Everywhere

Have you ever wanted to take a poll or quick survey for your business to determine clients/customers needs and wants? I have a way! Poll Everywhere is a website created solely for people to use to take a poll of a group and get the results on their computer in a very timely manner.  The group taking the poll simply answers using text messaging, going online on a computer and answering, or through the website Twitter.  The answers of the group show up to the person taking the poll as soon as they are sent and received by the site. This website is very user friendly and has a lot of helpful information.  All you need to do is go to the website, sign up for an account, and then you can create a poll.  The website and poll creator is free to use as long as you are using it for a group smaller than 40 people.  If you are going to be polling any groups larger than that it will cost varying rates.  Once you have a poll set up than you just need to provide directions to your group on how they can respond to the poll.

Lastly, a few extra tips to help you on the web...

1. Take a screen shot of your screen if you want to post results of a random.org drawing, or anything you want your customers to see on YOUR screen. Press "print screen" on your keyboard, which basically acts like a "copy screen." Then paste into Paint or a word document and save the image to your computer. Print screen can usually be found near the scroll lock, insert, delete, or home buttons on your keyboard.

2. Design your own business cards at vistaprint or office max online. You can save the design or send directly to the store in your area where they print and have them boxed up when you arrive.

3. Check out these amazing, interesting, and fun sites I have come across lately:

http://www.wordle.net/ (toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text.)

https://bubbl.us/ (brainstorming program)

http://mashable.com/2008/08/19/online-note-taking-applications/ (top ten note taking applications)

http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2010/01/100-incredible-educational-virtual-tours-you-dont-want-to-miss/ (virtual tours such as Disneyland, art museums, famous cities)

Social Buying Circle

Members,

If you haven't heard, we are starting a social buying circle on the Facebook page. Basically, a seller is assigned a month, and everyone in the circle must purchase something from that seller at a minimum of $15. When it is your month as the seller, you will have over $100 in sales and new potential future customers! Please see the group "doc" to sign up. We have a few months left in circle 1, and then we start assigning circle 2.

Thanks!

Friday Freebies 3/23

 Free chips and Queso at Chillis using this coupon: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150638558968214&id=106027143213

Free Drink at Starbucks http://www.starbucks.com/blog/how-to-enjoy-a-free-drink-this-week/1169

PF Chang's is offering a free lettuce wrap appetizer for joining its "Warrior Rewards" club.  You don't have to buy anything else to take advantage of this offer and you get it just for signing up: http://www.pfchangs.com/warriorcard/

On Wednesday March 28 th, The Disney Store (Disney is the parent company of ABC News) is celebrating its 25 th anniversary.  In honor of this silver anniversary, the first 250 customers at each Disney store that day will receive a free pair of Mickey Mouse ears - silver ones!   For more information, click on the link and go to the calendar page. http://www.disneystore.com/in-store-special-events/mn/1001271/

25 Free Photo Prints at Walmart. You can redeem this offer just by opening a Walmart Photo Center Account. Membership is free. No purchase necessary. When you get to the welcome page, click on "Why join Walmart" and sign up for an account to get the freebie.

Area Park Reviews: Edition 1

Since many of us have kids that are at the age to play at parks, I thought I would do a park review every now and then. You may find out about a new park/area that you haven't visited yet!

This first edition, I am starting with two parks that are almost in my backyard and because I visit them atleast three times a week.

Lake Benson Park Garner, NC
Lake Benson is located off of Aversboro Road (from Timber Drive) in Garner. As soon as you turn into the park, there are numerous open fields as well as a large walking trail (1.8 miles) that connects with White Deer Park across the street. There is a lot of room and space to ride bikes, play football or soccer, and run with strollers. There are two playgrounds, one large one and one smaller one. The large of the two has a covered play area, shelter, picnic tables, and benches. Never worry about parking, as there are two parking lots as well as plenty of room to park off the side of the main dirt road. This park accommodates a variety of activities from family gatherings at the four picnic shelters to Town wide special events. A restroom facility is located adjacent to shelter #1. In warm weather, fishing and boat rentals are also available at the Lake Benson Boat House (975 Buffaloe Road-662-5703), which is open seasonally for boating and fishing from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Hours of operation will be Friday 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sunday 12:00. Shelters are rentable for events, contact the Town of Garner for more information.

An all around great place to hang out with your family and enjoy a picnic or bike ride.

White Deer Park
White Deer is located just across the street from Lake Benson. With five shelters, two playgrounds, two miles of paved trails and a 2,500 square foot nature center, it is the largest municipal park in Garner. Open from sunrise to sunset, everyday. The Nature Center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. The park itself is 96 acres, with an outer paved loop around the park exactly 1 mile. Shelters can also be reserved. The playground features wooden playsets, a sandbox, a large slide, and several picnic areas.

This park is a must-check out. It is a great place for birthday parties or just a Sunday Picnic.

Click here for the Trail and Park Brochure.

Click here for the trail map.

First Edition: Friday Freebies

Welcome to our first edition of FRIDAY FREEBIES for Wake County Business Moms! Tell me what you think about this new weekly blog theme in the comments section...does it stay or go?

Our first freebie is brought to you by IHOP: Join IHOP's Pancake Revolution Email club and receive three free meals-one for joining, one on your birthday, and one on the anniversary of joining. Yummmy.

Next we have a free quart of Paint at Ace Hardware, a $16.50 value. "Like" Ace Hardware on Facebook and receive a coupon for Saturday, March 10th when Ace stores will be giving away free quarts in the color of your chocie. Only on 3/10.

Kia dealers around the country are giving away $25 gift cards. All you have to do is test drive the new 2012 Optima. Spend the Visa gift card however you like. Available until March 31, 2012. http://2012kiaoptimatestdrive.cloudapp.net/

Bath and Body Works is giving away a free signature collection item with a $10 purchase. See coupon to use in stores.

"Like" Old Navy's Facebook page and receive 10% off your purchase through March 15th.

If you have a Kindle, a website called Pixel of Ink will let you know about free and deeply discounted books. You can sign up to get a daily email from them if you like

This freebie depends on NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, who drives the No. 39 Chevrolet. If he places in the top 10 in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race this season, you get a free Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse with any purchase on the Monday immediately following the race. One offer per table.   

It's a yearly tradition for Rita's Italian Ice, and Rita's is doing it again in 2012. All Rita's locations will give away a free, regular size Italian Ice to every customer on the first day of spring, March 20. Just come in between noon and 9 p.m.

Grab dozens and dozens of free songs from Google Music and Android Market.

Join the Redbox Text Club and you'll get a free one-day DVD rental each month, and other free stuff. To join, text DVD to 727272.

Send a pack of Kleenex tissues to someone for free, and you'll get a pack free. Yours will be a sample of the brand's new Cool Touch tissues.

Walmart is offering free tax preparation and in-store 1040EZ filing at select stores. Look for a Jackson Hewitt or H&R Block kiosk inside the store.

Sign up for Godiva's Rewards Club (it's free) and you'll get a free piece of chocolate every month when you visit a participating Godiva boutique.

Sign up for Dunkin' Donuts' Perks Rewards program, and you'll get a a free medium beverage for signing up and a free medium beverage on your birthday. You'll also earn rewards as you spend on Dunkin' stuff.

Sign up for restaurant and food product discounts at Bob Evans, and you'll get a buy one get one free coupon for the restaurant's side dishes which are sold in grocery stores.

That is it for this week's edition of Friday Freebies. Be sure to tell me if you think this blog topic is a hit or miss! I want to bring you topics that interest you!!

Happy Friday!

Routine

No matter how much you may hate it, routine is a necessary part of life. Routine is not only helpful for us working moms, but also very helpful for our kids.

Let me explain...since my daughter was 3 weeks old, we had a bedtime routine established. We did the same thing every single night. Guess what? She was sleeping through the night around 5 weeks old. It started with a warm bath before bedtime using the Johnson's Bedtime Lavender Bath, a quiet bedtime story, lotion, brush hair, put on pajamas, and nursed/bottle now. It happened the same order every night. Within a week, she knew that bathtime meant almost bedtime. Twelve months later, the routine is still the same. She even heads toward the bathtub at 8:00 on the dot without a fuss. Having a baby that slept through the night at 5 weeks can mostly be contributed to the bedtime routine we started early. She could anticipate bedtime the same time every night. I am a routine fanatic. I have routine in almost every single aspect of my life; without it, I would be lost.

My daughter, Macy, sleeping through the night at 5 weeks.

Where am I going with all of this? Well, I am glad you asked. Being a working mom requires us to have routines in our day to day life. We need to set our business hours around our family and stick to them. This includes making a family calender to post where everyone can see so that all involved know what comes next. The entire family needs to learn when mommy is working and when mommy is not. Not only will this help you stay grounded, focused, inspired, and energized, but it will help the whole family stay on board. They will be able to anticipate when mommy has to work, which in turn, will help fussiness and drama.

Routines also need to be established with your business. Set 1 hour a day which you will respond to all emails. Set another hour when you will network. Set another hour when you will call clients or make follow up calls. You get the picture. Your clients will learn to appreciate a business owner who is set in a routine. Doing the same thing everytime makes happy clients/customers and a happy business owner.

I read a story today about a lady who hired a k9 clean up company to clean up the yard on a weekly basis. The company was owned and operated by an 18 year old boy from her neighborhood. Yes, 18 years old with a LLC company. He was always 5 minutes early and did the job to near perfection. He even left 2 dog treats and a thank you note on the owners front door every single time. This kid knew exactly what he was doing, and we should all appreciate this story. He was consistent and had a routine that made his customers incredibly happy. Happy customers = more business! If you can establish simple routines like this with your business (responding to emails within 24 hours or less everytime, sending thank you notes everytime, etc), you are bound to keep your current customers and gain new ones.

Routine my friends will not only help your family life, but your business will grow as well. As hard as it may be for some of you, trust me on this, and make it your goal this week to establish routines. Start small and work your way up.

~Amber

Finding Business Leads-Guest Post

Okay, so you are probably wondering, just like I did, “Where do I begin? I’ve run out of friends and family, where do I find business?” 

I can’t say I’m a pro at this, but I can say I’m doing much better with finding more business! The biggest word of advice I can give you that I’ve been told several times:

 Don’t be scared to share your business!! 

I’m not really sure why I didn’t do this sooner! I’ve been selling Pampered Chef for almost 2 years! I wear my logo wear EVERYWHERE! I’ve received so many inquiries since I started wearing my Pampered Chef gear! This was generating business and I didn’t even realize what was happening. I THOUGHT… “People aren’t going to pay attention to what I’m wearing!” Boy was I wrong! Just the other day when I was picking my son up from school, a parent of a little boy in his class said she wants to have a show! Now, if you’re a small business owner and not with a direct sales company that has this type of advertising… come up with your own logo wear. Find someone who can take your logo and put it on a shirt. If you don’t have a logo…create one or find someone to help you create a logo. Check out Branding Your Business for more ideas.

Where else should you strum up business??? VENDOR FAIRS my friends! They might cost you some $$$ but it’s worth it, especially if you need new clients. Hunt for FREE vendor fairs! Look for fundraiser fairs (if it costs to get in…that’s a tax write off!) Now you’re wondering, where do I find vendor fairs? To be honest, I’ve found most of mine through Facebook. Raleigh Momprenuers is an EXCELLENT page. If you’re not on it, join it now! Stop what you’re doing and join!

Post everywhere you can think of asking if anyone is in need of whatever your company has to offer. Also, check the small town newspapers and see what’s going on and contact PTA’s of schools. Lastly, check into consignment sales and if they offer vendor booths. The 2nd Look Boutique and Kids Everywhere Consignment sales offer vendor tables. When you’re doing a vendor fair, have door prize slips and have a drawing for something FREE!! Do you want to know a secret? Every one of my door prize slips at vendor fairs/shows are WINNERS! Be sure to use the word FREE when your advertising the door prize. Everyone LOVES the word FREE!
Try these simple things to generate more leads to your business.

Thanks to Maribeth for blogging this topic for us!

March Feature: Biltmore Inspirations

My name is Alicia Hatcher and I am a consultant with Biltmore Inspirations.  Biltmore Inspirations is a new party planning business launched in July 2011.  We offer gorgeous table-top products, delicious chef-inspired food, home decor, wine accessories, and artist inspired products.  Everything in our catalog is inspired by the beauty found at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC.  Biltmore Inspirations holds the same philosophy that George and Edith Vanderbilt believed in when they called Biltmore Estate home.  Biltmore stands for gracious hospitality, amazing design style, and the warm welcoming feeling of being a special guest in the home of good friends.  I love being able to visit with people and introduce them to this amazing company.

Alicia and her Family

I am a stay-at-home mom of three wonderful teenagers, 2 girls and a boy.  I also have a step-daughter, a son-in-law, and in May we will be welcoming our first grandchild!  I have a very full and busy family, my 2 daughters go to 2 different schools and I  am homeschooling my son.  As you can tell, I am not busy at all!  About a year ago I started looking into businesses that I could do from home, but I couldn't find that one thing that said "You belong here!".  My son was in the 5th grade when this search happened.  This is important because he had been assigned a book report, he chose a Magic Treehouse book that was based on Biltmore Estates.  After discovering all the cool things at Biltmore, he decided he wanted to visit.  I signed up for emails to get more information.  In November I opened an email from Biltmore Estates and down at the bottom of the email was a little notation about a new party planning business.  I went to Biltmore Inspirations website, saw the products and knew I had found what I wanted to do.  I sent an email to get more information about becoming a consultant.  Keep in mind, I had never seen their products in person, I hadn't been to a home party in almost 10 years, I was way out of my element but I knew that Biltmore would never put their name on something that wasn't a quality investment.  The next day I received a call from a woman who would become my sponsor.  She was (and still is) amazing.  She answered all my questions, got me even more excited about the business than I already was and helped me get started.  Now I have started my own team and strive to be just as inspiring to them as my sponsor is to me.

1. Who or what is your inspiration?
 Like most mom's would say, it is my kids.  I want to show my girls that they can do anything they put their minds to, but my son also inspires me.  He had been diagnosed at 3 with severe autism and has worked so hard.  Today, aside from being a little socially delayed, you can't tell.  He is the one that showed ME you could do anything you put your mind to.

2. Describe yourself in three words or less. 
Committed, determined, and nervous.

3. What sparked your interest in becoming a business owner? 
I wanted to do something for me.  After 18 years I wanted to be known by my name not just "(husband's) wife" or "(kid's) mom".

4. What advice would you give to a mom just starting her own business? 
Believe in it, make a schedule and stick to it, but most important - have fun.

5. What are some aspects of your business you wish you knew more about?
 Taxes!  In North Carolina I knew about the product and food tax but not the shipping tax.  Thank goodness our website does the math for me!

6. What are your favorite blogs, websites, or networking groups?
I am addicted to pinterest and Facebook but I also like The Small Things Blog, Wake County Business Moms, Raleigh Direct Sales, and of course my own! .

7. What are some challenges you have had to overcome while being a business owner? 
Aside from figuring out taxes, it would be scheduling.  I am homeschooling my son for the first time this year and trying to learn both homeschooling and a new business has definitely been a challenge.

8. What are some tips you have for juggling home life and your business? 
Work from a calender (I actually have 5 and use them all!).  The main one is on the refrigerator and the kids put their activities on it.  They know that if they forget to put something on the calender they don't get to do it.




9. What is your number 1 goal for 2012? 
To catch my son up to a 6th grade level in math.  My family will always come first but if you mean for my business it would be to not be nervous at parties.

10. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do with it? 

Take a vacation then put the rest in the bank for the kids college.

11. Can you recall a funny or embarrassing moment you have had being a mom that you now laugh about?
With 3 kids there are so many!  One of my favorites (she is going to be so mad that I am telling this) is when my middle child was maybe 3.  She was in her baby doll styled pj's and walked into the living room with panty liners all over her.  She looked up and said "Look mommy, I'm a mummy!" 

12. Give us one tip about advertising, making sells, or gaining new clients. 
Talk to everyone!  The people at the dentist, doctor, grocery store, fast food places, everywhere there are people you have a potential customer.  You just have to remember not to take the no's personally.  "No" is a no to the product (it may just not be a good time), it is not a "no" to you as a person.


Goodies for WCBM Readers: The first Wake County Business Mom member to book a party in March will receive our new Bamboo cheeseboard FREE. Also, every member who makes a purchase will receive 15% off their order (before tax and shipping). To take advantage of these reader only offers, contact Alicia!
Email: inspirationswithalicia@gmail.com
Phone: (919) 389-3826
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/alicia.hatcher
Website: http://www.facebook.com/InspirationswithAlicia

Great advice from Alicia! You can be featured next by emailing an application to bootsnbucklesphotos@gmail.com.

Green-Krist, CPA PLLC: Business Structure

Choosing a Business Structure

When starting a small business, there are many questions that need to be answered. Questions, such as what type of business structure should I use? The process can be overwhelming at times, but my hope with this article is to at least provide information that can help you decide which structure would be best for your business.

Deciding what form of business structure to establish is one of the first decisions to be made. The form of business structure will determine which income tax return you will be required to file. The common forms of business structure are the sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S corporation and the Limited Liability Company (LLC). There are legal and tax considerations for each.

Sole Proprietorships

Sole proprietorships are the simplest business structure to form since they are not separate tax or legal entities. A taxpayer is a sole proprietor if they are self-employed and the sole owner of the unincorporated business. The owner reports all transactions of the business on their own individual income tax return.

Advantages

(1)  Minimal start-up costs

(2)  Lower legal and accounting costs

(3)  Can easily be converted to another form of entity

(4)  Profits & losses pass through to the owner

Disadvantages

(1)  Personal liability

(2)  Self-employment tax

Partnership

A partnership is the relationship between two or more people who together carry on a trade or business with each person contributing money, property, labor or skill, and each expecting to share in the profits and losses of the business. A partnership must file an annual information return to report the activity from its operations, but it does not pay income tax. Instead, profits or losses “pass through” to its partners. Each partner includes his/her share of the partnership’s income or loss on his/her tax return. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for all partnerships. You can request an EIN from the IRS at www.irs.gov.

Advantages

(1)  Income is taxed to the partners

(2)  Losses and credits generally pass through to the partners

Disadvantages

(1)  Liability of general partners is not limited

(2)  Partners are taxed on current earnings even is the earnings are not distributed to the partners

Corporation

In forming a corporation, prospective shareholders exchange money, property, or both, for the corporation's capital stock. For federal income tax purposes, a C corporation is recognized as a separate taxpaying entity. A corporation conducts business, realizes net income or loss, pays taxes and distributes profits to shareholders.

The profit of a corporation is taxed to the corporation when earned, and then is taxed to the shareholders when distributed as dividends. This creates a double tax. The corporation does not get a tax deduction when it distributes dividends to shareholders. Shareholders cannot deduct any loss of the corporation.

Advantages

(1)  Limited Liability

(2)  Can have unlimited number of owners

(3)  Best fringe benefits & retirement plans

Disadvantages

(1)  Higher upfront costs

(2)  Double taxation – corporation pays tax on profit and shareholders pay tax on dividends

S Corporations

S corporations are corporations that elect to pass corporate income, losses, deductions and credits through to their shareholders for federal tax purposes. Shareholders of S corporations report the flow-through of income and losses on their personal tax returns and are assessed tax at their individual income tax rates. This allows S corporations to avoid double taxation on the corporate income. An S Corporation is required to file a separate tax return. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required for all S Corporations.

Advantages

(1)  Can distribute its profits to shareholders with only a single tax

(2)  Losses of an S Corporation are currently deductible by the shareholders

(3)  Limited Liability

Disadvantages

(1)  No opportunity to accumulate corporate earnings

(2)  More record keeping required

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure allowed by state statute. LLCs are popular because, similar to a corporation, owners have limited personal liability for the debts and actions of the LLC. Other features of LLCs are more like a partnership, providing management flexibility and the benefit of pass-through taxation. Profit or loss from an LLC is reported on the member’s income tax return.

Owners of an LLC are called members. Since most states do not restrict ownership, members may include individuals, corporations, other LLCs and foreign entities. There is no maximum number of members. Most states also permit “single member” LLCs, those having only one owner.

A few types of businesses generally cannot be LLCs, such as banks and insurance companies.

Advantages

(1)  Separate Legal entity but one level of tax

(2)  No restriction on number of members

Disadvantages

(1)  Restricted to certain businesses and professions

(2)  Additional taxes and filing fees

Choosing which of these forms of business depends on the following:

(1)  The type of business you are starting

(2)  How many owners

(3)  The potential risk and liability of your business

(4)  Your income tax situation and

(5)  The investment needs.

As a business owner, you need to choose the structure that best meets your needs.

After learning the basics of each business structure, you may still find that you need help deciding which structure is best for your business. If you require additional assistance, please contact me at Kelly@greenkristcpa.com.

Advertising Your Small Business

We all know how hard it is to start up your own business, let alone advertise for it. I have some excellent ways to get your business out there without costing you too much in return. For starters, word of mouth is one of the most effective forms of advertising. When you make a client happy, they will in turn spread your name to every friend and family member they know. This goes hand in hand with good customer service...you need to first take a step back and analyze your business how a customer does. If you have poor customer service (poor timely email response is a biggie), you are less likely to have your name spread by word of mouth. Customers remember the bad service often times more than the good. Step number 1 is to make sure you are treating your clients and customers as if they were the Kings and Queens of the world. Every single one of them.

Second step to advertising has nothing really to do with advertising. You need to brand your business and stick with it. Create business cards with a specific design that is tailored to your business and use that design in all of your business dealings. Create documents and flyers that all look the same. Your business will be recognized time and time again if everything is consistent. This also shows the customer they will receive consistency from your end. You can not begin to advertise until your brand is established and is consistent across the board.

Helpful tip: Staples has an online terminal where you can build your own business cards from scratch, or use one of their many templates. Order and Pick up in your local store just a few hours later.

Check out Google's Local Business Center. This feature is FREE! Start by going to  www.google.com/localbusinesscenter and add your business. You will then be sent a card or email to confirm your listing to make sure you really are the owner. Simple. Done. Free advertising whenever someone searches local listings.

Make a webpage. This again goes hand in hand with branding. Even if your business is in direct sales, a webpage is easy to make and can help bring some consistency to your business. You can send people directly to your page and they can find sales, discounts, and freebies without having to search around for your phone number you gave them. Some direct sales companies give you your own webpage anyways, this is perfect! Keep it updated at all times and include it on all your documents and invoices. If you want a place to make a free webpage without needing to know rocket science...visit www.wix.com. Some of the templates are not free, but many of them are! Web pages make your business look professional and clean. If you can afford to have your own domain and someone to build a more professional website for you, by all means, spend the money and do it. You will not regret it!

Join networking groups, moms groups, and business-related clubs. A few to check out in the area include Stroller Strides, MOPS, Mommies Playgroups like Holly Springs Mommies Playgroup, and even Mom2Mom has groups that meet in and around the Triangle. Business Among Moms is a wonderful resource as well, I highly recommend visiting their page and networking with them. They even have a Facebook page! It is FREE to become a member! You can also become a paid member to have even more opportunities to network. Every group you are a part of gets word out about your business. Just chatting with the other members and moms lets you personally advertise your business to potential customers! Bring your business cards and a smile, you are sure to get a few leads!

Attend Vendor Events. There are thousands of events every year around Raleigh, some small and some big. Start asking around and make friends with other direct sale reps. They usually have a good idea where the next event will be. Plan ahead and build up inventory. Vendor events are GREAT ways to really get your name out into the community. If you bring your all to the table, you will get rewarded! Even if you are not in direct sales, groups that target this arena will often know of vendor events in your area. Raleigh Direct Sales Facebook group is a great one. Just by paying attention to the dialogue and signing in everyday can give you great leads to vendor events. Hey, why not have your own. Ask several of your friends to have an open house and invite all your neighbors.

Take advantage of the fairgrounds. Set up a booth at the Saturday Flea Market. Apply to have a booth at the State Fair. Go in with several other businesses if you can not afford the cost.

Flyers. Business Cards. Take them everywhere you go! Hang them up in restaurants or ask a local boutique if you can leave your business cards with them. Vistaprint is a great tool to purchase car stickers, magnets, flyers, and more. Purchase a bumper sticker for your car. A great way to advertise on the road!

Add a few offers, coupons, and deals to sites such as Groupon. You will have to confirm your business and be approved, but once approved, you can list coupons and deals for customers in your area. This is a wonderful tool to attract customers you may have missed elsewhere. 

The last point I want to make is keeping your previous customers happy and always coming back for more. If you offer previous customers deals or savings, they are more likely to come back to you rather than look for someone else. Usually, your best customers will advertise for you! Give them half off or a free product every now and then (be careful not to do this too much as they will start to expect it).

If you have another way to advertise that I forgot to mention, or something you found that has really helped your business, feel free to leave a comment with links! Happy Advertising!

Feature: Maribeth Priest--Pampered Chef

1. Introduction:
My name is Maribeth Priest. I have lived in Raleigh since I was 7 years old. My father's job transferred my family to Raleigh from Chicago.  I attended Leesville Road High School and YES I knew Clay Aiken! We sang together in show choir in middle school.  I graduated from Leesville in 1997 and headed up to Boone to attend Appalachian State. After 1 1/2 years, I decided snow was not for me!  I transferred to NC State where I could be close to my parents. I attended NCSU getting my degree in Psychology while attending Meredith College where I worked on my K-6 Teaching Certification.  I am a Nationally Board Certified Teacher who taught Kindergarten for 3 years and 2nd grade for 5.  I became pregnant with my son after almost 2 years of trying.  After Ryan was born I became a Stay at Home Mom and an Independent Consultant with The Pampered Chef.  I have found that Pampered Chef products are great for both the stay at home mom as well as working mom!  Our products make cooking fun, exciting, easy, and yummy!!  Oh I said the products are good for Moms! Well... they're also GREAT for Dads! 
My business website is: www.pamperedchef.biz/maribethpriest
My facebook business page is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maribeths-Pampered-Chef-Site/142763725734983



2. How did you decide to become a business owner?
When I was pregnant with my son, my husband and I decided I should stop teaching and become a Stay at Home Mom.  A few months after my son was born I attended my neighbor's introduction cooking show.  I saw how much fun it would be to be part of The Pampered Chef and how EASY it would be to earn a little extra money for my family.  Something GREAT that I offer to my new consultants because it was offered to me, is I do an intro show where the new consultant is both the Host and the Consultant.  What does this mean?? More MONEY and more FREE PRODUCTS!  That was the boost I needed to start my business!  My intro show was a $1000 show!  I earned $215 in FREE products as well as 22% commission on the show! I also earned my Pampered Chef $s that I could use for MORE products as well as my paperwork.  The commission I made between May-November paid for my family to go to Disney World!  I was so happy to contribute towards our vacation!



3. Tell us about your family and what you love most about being a mom!
I have been married to my amazing supportive husband, Dave, for 5 1/2 years.  He is my rock!  My first born son Ryan, will be 2 in March. I do not understand where the time has gone.  My 2nd baby was born in October.  With both babies I wanted to be surprised.  While I was pregnant with my 2nd baby we were hoping for another boy for Ryan to play with since they'd be so close in age (about 20 months). Well baby #2 came and was my sweet baby girl, Ryley!  I could never dream of a more perfect family.  The thing I LOVE most about being a Mommy to Ryan and Ryley is witnessing  my babies' milestones and watching them change and grow each day.  I can't think of anything better than being a Mom!

4. What are some difficulties you face when trying to juggle a business and be a mom?
Organization and space are my biggest challenges. It's tough to get organized with 2 little ones. Seems like while one is napping the other is awake and vice/versa!  My house used to be pretty tidy but now there are toys all over and my dining room. Currently, that's my Pampered Chef headquarters!  I feel a messy house means I'm focusing my time and energy on my kids! My mom said not to worry... my house will probably be tidy and organized again, oh say, in maybe 10 years!  



5. If you could give one peice of advice to another mom with a business, what would it be?
My one piece of advice that I just recently learned is... find your purpose.  First begin with your life purpose then from there think about the purpose of your business.  Do realize that your purpose can change.  I learned this from Megan Huber! She's a professional business coach and she is AWESOME!




6. What are your favorite networking sites or groups? Where can we join?
Here are a few of my favs:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/350588868303311/ (Wake County Business Moms) Find us on Facebook!
http://www.meetup.com/Mom-INC/ (Mom INC) Find us on: meetup.com
https://www.facebook.com/RaleighMompreneurs (Raleigh Mompreneurs) Find us on Facebook!




7. Talk to us about how you manage the financial side of your business, do you have a program to help you? An accountant?
Thank God for my mom! She does my taxes! But if you need advice you can contact Kelly Green-Krist through the Mom INC group.  She is a CPA who has 18 years of experience and just recently went out on her own!



8. If you can ask any business owner advice to use in your own business, who would it be and what would you ask?
 I am so lucky! My dad owns his own real estate company. I go to him for advice all the time! If he didn't live in VA, I'd become a realtor and work with him. He's AMAZING at what he does!



9. What or who motivates you?
My family motivates me! I want my business to be successful so I can help my husband support our family!  I also want to continue to stay home to be with the most precious people in my life, my children!



10. Give us your favorite inspirational quote that inpsires you.
My quote does not really relate to my Pampered Chef business rather it relates to the love I have for my children:
 "A person is a person no matter how small!"  ~Dr. Seuss



11. What promotions or offers do you currently have with your business?

In the month of February hosts can earn 60% off of our Bakeware Essential items. This includes my MOST favorite product: The Deep Covered Baker! You can make dinner in no time and it's VERY budget friendly. Normally the baker is $85. This month you can get it for only $34! All you have to do is collect $150 in orders before shipping and tax! Also our Unglazed Stoneware pieces are 20% off- no limits!  I'm also offering a $5 off your starter kit! If you host a show you can get up to $40 kit credit and I'm adding in an extra $5 off! Also new consultant signing bonus is Cookware!  Pampered Chef Cookware is awesome!  The Pampered Chef ALWAYS has tons of specials and bonuses!  Contact me and I'll add you to my eNewsletter list!

Feature: Boots 'n' Buckles Photography

1. Introduction:

Hi, I am Amber Watson, your current administrator with Wake County Business Moms. I am a part time photographer, full time mommy, and full time student at NC State. I started Boots 'n' Buckles Photography in August of 2011, just a few short months after my daughter was born. What quickly was a hobby turned into a passion. I am still learning, still growing, and still being inspired. I specialize in family, maternity, children, weddings, engagements, newborns, and special events. I am based out of Garner, NC, but travel to Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding areas. I love natural light photography and have a passion for capturing beautiful sun-lit faces!

This is my daughter, Macy, on her first birthday, February 22nd!

2. How did you decide to become a business owner?

When I bought my first DSLR, I knew right then that I wanted to provide my friends and family with amazing pictures that they may not be able to afford. I started out by offering free sessions and highly discounted prints and digital images. I felt obligated to provide for my family to take a little load off of my husband's income. I put in countless hours and energy into learning and improving, that I felt I owed myself a little more. This is when business really kicked off and I was proud to be able to support our family! For once, I was bringing in income rather than spending what little we had. This was a very proud moment for me!

3. Tell us about your family and what you love most about being a mom!

My husband works at the State Employees Credit Union and loves his job! We were married in 2009 while I was still in college. After graduating from UNCW, my husband packed up and moved to Raleigh. After a long struggle to have a baby, we were finally pregnant in 2010! Macy was born on February 22nd, 2011 and is the most precious blessing. She lights up my world. I could not ask for a better job than being her mommy. When she was 5 months old, we bought our first house and planted in Garner! My husband and I are both from Hickory, NC, so all of our family lives 3-4 hours away. However, we have made numerous friends that we now call family and feel like we are finally right where we belong!

4. What are some difficulties you face when trying to juggle a business and be a mom?

Well, being a full-time student as well as being a mom and a business owner has so many challenges. Trying to stick to a routine is hardest for me. Instead of having set business hours and times that I work on homework or editing photos, I do it when I can. When I have a weekend completely booked, I miss my baby so much. I only get to see her 2-3 hours those weekends. That is the hardest part.

5. If you could give one piece of advice to another mom with a business, what would it be?

Plan ahead. Set your business hours and do not stray. Sometimes, we get caught up in work and forget about the ones who matter most. Set hours where you will work on your business each day and stick to it.


6. What are your favorite networking sites or groups? Where can we join?

Play At Home Mom is a wonderful tool for mothers. It is one of my favorite blogs of all time. I really enjoying teaching my daughter and finding creative activities for her to enjoy. I recommend this site to all my mommy friends! I also enjoy visiting a fellow photographers facebook and website, http://myfourhensphotography.com/. She is a wonderful person, amazing photographer, and inspiring business woman. I enjoy reading her blogs and comments she makes on our photos. I also am very excited to be the admin for Wake Business Moms and can not wait to see how much it grows!

7. Talk to us about how you manage the financial side of your business, do you have a program to help you? An accountant?

To be honest, I do not know much about finances. I let me husband do the work in that arena. I keep receipts when clients pay me, but that is about it! I know, I should monitor in and out cash flow better. At the end of the month, I go through all my receipts. I guess it is easier to keep a day to day tab on how things are going for me. Right now, anything coming in is best. I don't spend too much on props or backdrops, or even lighting, so that is not an issue. Not to mention, we are still paying off my camera :).

8. If you can ask any business owner advice to use in your own business, who would it be and what would you ask?

I would ask Sarah of My Four Hens Photography, mentioned above, how she juggles raising all her beautiful children and the huge business she has going. She has GOT to have some secrets I do not know about!

9. What or who motivates you?

My daughter. Seeing her beautiful smile every morning gets me out of bed!


10. Give us your favorite inspirational quote that inspires you.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail--Not sure where it is from, but it definetly inspires me to move forward, even if no one else is coming with you or has been there before.


11. What promotions or offers do you currently have with your business?

Right now, besides my photography, I am offering two workshops that are completely online. The first is Basic Capturing and Editing for anyone with a camera. It goes over basic concepts to help you have better looking photos of your own family. It is $49 and free online tutoring. $20 extra for one on one tutoring at a local location. The second is for DSLR owners and it is Camera Settings and Features. This workshop is for anyone who may have a DSLR or for a photographer not sure of all the settings it may have. It goes over ISO, manual focus, the different modes, etc. All online for $60.

I would love to help you capture your memories, so please contact me today to schedule a session! My number one goal is to make you feel special and listen to your needs. I want the experience to be fun and enjoyable!
Email: bootsnbucklesphotos@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boots-n-Buckles-Photography/198094856915290