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!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
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 map.
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 map.
Friday, March 9, 2012
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
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.
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
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
Sunday, March 4, 2012
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!
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!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
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.
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.
 |
| 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.
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? 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.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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
(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.
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