Jessica, founder of Mom Fuse, has been working diligently to help a friend of hers who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a mother of 6 and has already undergone multiple treatments.
On May 2, there will be a benefit to help raise money for her medical expenses. By visiting this site, you can donate products or cash for the event or directly to the family.
To read about Stacy’s story go here. Jessica has also done a blog post to update on Stacy’s story. They are currently accepting any type of donations for door prizes, gift baskets, etc. You can also donate cash there.
Thanks!! Every little bit helps!
 Do you have a business but don’t feel as though it’s moving forward like you want it to? Don’t feel like you’re making the money you should be making? Have you considered finding a mentor to partner with?
Jill Hart is a fellow Christian work-at-home-mom whose passion is to help other women work from home too. She is the founder of www.CWAHM.com, where she has spent the past 10 years helping other women work from home and build strong, marketable and profitable businesses. She’s also the co-author of So You Want To Be a Work at Home Mom.
“I'm dedicated to helping women like you find and maintain success in your business, your family, and your spirit,” Hart said. “What I've learned over the past 10 years is that many women want to work at home and find success and peace in their relationships with God and their families. But they don't know where to start! There is so much conflicting advice out there, it's impossible to know who you can really trust.” Hart has now complied all of her experience to create a mentoring program entitled SuccessFul Christian Women. The program will walk you through all the steps of starting, maintaining a successful business, and balancing it with your family and your faith.
The monthly program will cover topics such as:
· How to start a business;
· How you can find customers and clients;
· Easy ways to break down your barriers to success; and
· Honoring God in your business and your life.
When you join the program, you’ll get an initial 30 minutes on the phone with Hart, in addition to the monthly calls. Monthly membership levels start at just $37/month. For more detailed infor  mation, click here.
Have you ever wanted to reduce the amount of pain and stress in your life? Who hasn’t? Cindy Selvaggio is the owner and founder of Tapping Heals – “Calming Your Inner Storm.” She launched her business in 2008.
According to Selvaggio, she teaches people how to use a simple technique called tapping, to reduce and eliminate negative feeling and emotions, resulting in calmness, peacefulness and a renewed sense of hope. “This technique involves tapping on specific acupressure points on the head and torso that clears the blockages in the body’s energy system which results in a major reduction of pain, stress and or toxic emotions,” she said. “It can be done in minutes and the results are usually permanent.”
Selvaggio works a full-time job at a local hospital, so she generally works with her “tapping” clients in the evenings and on weekends. She feels as though she balances those two responsibilities and her family well. “I set clear goals each day and set aside time for myself, my family and my business that I feel works very well. If at anytime I begin to feel overwhelmed, I use tapping to reduce the anxiety which helps me gain perspective and restores clarity as it relates to my priorities for that day,” she added.
Her advice to other entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners is simple. “Stay true to yourself and never let anyone steal your dreams,” she said. “If you have a passion for something and it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of hope and leaves you feeling energized, then you are in alignment with where you need to be at this point in your life. Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”
Selvaggio also complimented online networking. “Market Mommy is a great resource for networking and establishing relationships that may lead to very successful business ventures,” she said. “Continuously mastermind with other entrepreneurs like yourself as it raises your energy level and you will attract opportunities that you could have never imagined.”
In addition to the main website, Tapping Heals can also be found on Facebook. Watch the sites for details on upcoming telseminars in April in May. Selvaggio said she is planning to start monthly teleseminars to teach tapping techniques.
She is also working with two other successful women on a FREE four week teleseminar series that will begin in May. Topics will include:
· “The writings on your wall and how they are holding you back from your dreams”
· “Giving yourself permission to _____ (fail, succeed, etc)”
· “Face the Fear, Launch your Project, and Reap the Rewards”
· We will be featuring a guest speaker on this last call
“I would love to have you join us so we can learn and grow together!” she said.
 The Blog Parties at Market Mommy have been quite successful and a lot of fun! And, happily, it’s time to do it again! The Think Spring!! Market Mommy Blog Party will be held April 19 – 23, here at The Blog!
So, now is the time to contact me about submitting your mom owned business for inclusion! There is no cost to participate; we just ask that mom business owners donate a prize to be awarded to one of the party attendees.
You can visit our recent Etsy Blog Party posts to check out the format and examples. Each participant receives their own, dedicated party post. What is better than free advertising?!?!
There is limited space available, and I’ve already had some interested businesses contact me, so contact me quickly! Are you a direct seller, do you have an Etsy or Ebay business, offer a service? We’d like to include you and show other mom business owners what you have to offer!!
Be sure to spread the word and have a fantastic weekend!!
Have you ever tried direct mail? Have you found it successful? Why or why not?
Mailing out postcards to your established contacts and potential customers can prove effective if done correctly. First, you need to determine what exactly you want to accomplish.
Do you want to simply build awareness about your brand? Then, a series of postcards over a given period of time might be your best bet. Potential customers need to see and be reminded of your brand consistently and repetitively. I would suggest a series of four to six postcards sent out two to three weeks apart. Each should have a slightly different message, but be consistent in look and theme.
Are you having an event or promotion you want to drive attendance to? Then one or two postcards would probably be a better option. Send out an announcement or a save the date card in advance of the event or promotion. If you really want to build interest and excitement, tease them with some information and then have them pursue more by visiting your website, for example.
A second card can and should be sent out immediately preceding your event. Or, if you are running a month-long special, for instance, send out a card at the beginning of the month and then a reminder not to miss the sale, toward the end.
In all cases, the cards should have a consistent look and feel. And, in order to reserve resources, your mailing list should be well researched and targeted.
Need help? Market Mommy is now proud to offer custom design and printing of standard and oversized postcards. Prices start at just $30 for 100 standard cards. We’d love to help you put together a successful direct mail campaign for your mom-owned business! Feel free to e-mail me for more infor  mation, or view our complete design and printing price list here.
It's been a few weeks since I've participated in Wordless Wednesday so I thought I'd get back in the game. And, in the spirit of my halfway successful Lenten diet, I thought I'd post some pictures of food, what else!?!? These were all taken on our recent trip to Mexico, most of them courtesy of my sister who always seems to photograph her food. Why? I don't know. Bon appetit!
 My birthday dessert! Yummo!
 Beautiful!  It woudn't be Mexico without some margaritas would it??
You’ve heard me say over and over how important strong branding and consistency are. You’ve also heard me say several times that effective marketing can be done on a limited budget. Mom entrepreneurs face their own unique set of challenges. Finding marketing and business supplies at a reasonable cost shouldn’t have to be one of them.
That is why Market Mommy has expanded our design services and now can offer you full service printing without the inflated full price. For a complete price list click here.
All businesses need to be able to present themselves in a positive, professional manner. Market Mommy can help you do that with attractive business cards, brochures, note cards, promotional items, postcards and much more.
Benefits to using Market Mommy for your design and printing needs include::
• All prices include FREE design work/corrections and up to 3 proofs! AND printing!
• Shipping is a flat $10 on all orders under $100
• Orders over $100 always receive free shipping!
• Don’t see quite what you’re looking for? We can quote ANY project!
• Need to reorder? Contact us for a discounted quote!
Here is just a BRIEF list of some of the things we can do for you and your business::
• 250 matte business cards $30
• 420 return address labels $28
• 500 sheets of letterhead $125
• 250 postcards $60
• 100 8.5 x 11 tri-fold brochures $100
Remember, these prices all include custom design work! You will not find lower prices on custom marketing materials anywhere!
We also offer magnets, flyers, envelopes, oversized postcards, presentation folders, stamps, lawn signs, car door magnets, t-shirts, calendars, gift certificates, posters and much, much more!
Contact us today to see how we can help you promote your business! Don’t forget, we also offer a referral program! Contact us for details and find out how you can earn credits for free products!
P.S. Mention this blog post and place an order before April 1 and you’ll save 10% automatically!
Our main site, MarketMommy.com, is a great marketing resource with a lot of helpful information. Topics include; budgeting, marketing materials, public relations, advertising and more.
Educating yourself about the world of marketing can go a long way when you are trying to promote your business. That’s the sole reason Market Mommy exists, to help you market your business more affordably and more effectively.
We are very proud of our Quick Reference page. It’s a condensed dictionary of marketing-related terms. Now, when you read an article on marketing, you’ll know what they’re talking about! Here are just a few excerpts from the page, visit it for many more definitions!
Click Through Rate:: The percentage of impressions that resulted in a click through; calculated by dividing the number of clicks by the number of impressions.
Media Kit:: Information offered to potential advertisers by publishers to help advertisers understand the publisher’s rates, visitor demographics, terms, etc.
Niche:: That part of the market consisting of those people most likely to be interested in a product or service you are selling. Often referred to as ones target market.
Rate Card:: The published rates and ad space availability for a particular media such as a web site. Usually subject to change and often negotiable. May also include technical details regarding the banner specifications.
Reach:: The number of unique visitors that visited a site over the course of the reporting period, expressed as a percent of the universe for the demographic category.
ROI:: Return on investment (ROI) is the process used to determine whether the monetary benefits from an expenditure, such as an advertising campaign, are above or below the amount of money spent on the campaign.
SEO:: Search engine optimization (SEO) is the practice of promoting a web site through a search engine’s organic listings.
Have a happy, productive day!
In the lighthearted spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd do a post of some fun stuff going on around the world wide web today :o) There are a few, fun St. Patty themed giveaways going on here, here and here.
Looking for some fun crafts to do today with the kiddos? Look here, here and here.
Mommy Mandy has some fun giveaway, gift and project ideas listed here.
Planning a last minute, kid-friendly, St. Patrick's Day celebration? Fun ideas are listed here and here.
Have a great holiday!
 Stacie Abrahams and her sister Jodie Nahum are the creators and owners of Invitation Jane.
The online boutique offers a wide variety of custom invitations, stationery products and lots of fun and useful personalized gifts for kids and adults. They target mostly moms who are on the lookout for hip and trendy products for their young children and of course, themselves!
According to Abrahams, a love for "boutique-y" type products is their passion. “We love things that are full of bold colors and cool patterns. We adore anything personalized and things that are new and fresh, trendy and fun, sophisticated and classy,” she said.
Together, the two of them have five children ranging from ages 3 to 10 years old. “Like many other women these days, we both felt compelled to leave our corporate careers to become stay at home moms, and that's when our entrepreneurial spirits kicked in!” said Abrahams. Invitation Jane officially launched on Nov. 18, 2008.
The pair prides themselves on the efficient system they’ve developed to run their business. “As sisters and business partners, we have learned to really lean on each other,” Abrahams said. “We've developed a system that really works by splitting the responsibilities down the middle, each taking on functions that seems most natural,” she added. “This has really allowed for us both to strike a balance between our family and running our business. We do have two very supportive husbands who believe in what we are doing, and love that WE love what we do!” Like many others, Abrahams and Nahum say it’s important to pick a business that you are passionate about. “It will make you want to succeed that much more,” they said. “Take things one day at a time, prioritize, write things down and cross them off your list as they get done. Know that what you are putting your heart and soul into is day by day, creating a better life for you and your family,” Abrahams added. Invitation Jane has generously offered a discount of 15% to all Market Mommy readers! Please enter code MM15 in promotional code box at checkout. Invitation Jane also has a newly established Facebook fan page, check it out here! 
 We have a great opportunity for you!!
As I mentioned yesterdday, I was contacted by Randi at the Columbus Womens Living Expo which is being held May 22-23 at the Franklin County Veteran's Memorial Center. They are anticipating apprimately 6-7,000 women in attendance.
If that alone isn't reason enough to attend, check out these other FABULOUS reasons:: - The event is sponsored by ABC6 and Fox28, which means great possibility for media exposure!!
- The show will feature fashion, beauty, lifestyle, fitness, health/wellness, home, decor, and food; bringing in a great variety of women and customers!
- You can sell items at your booth for no additional charge, and make a great profit!
- Randi is offering exclusivity to all direct sellers!
- If you mention Dawn at Market Mommy referred you, that would bring the price down from $575 to $517.50 and a corner space from $650 to $585.
- There are stages that each vendor can utilize for up to 30 minutes durring the Expo for no additional charge!
This is going to be a phenomenal event and you don't want to miss it! There is also opportunity to cut costs and share a booth space! If you are interested in reserving space, please contact Randi asap at 203.259.3351. Be sure to tell her Market Mommy sent you. And, let me know so you can receive a special 'thank you' gift from us, we'll see you at the Expo!! 
Yikes. I’ve really been slacking lately. I apologize that the blog has been a little less desirable to read lately! As you can imagine {and hopefully understand} I’ve been busy! Forgive me if today’s ‘catch up’ post runs a little long!
What’s been consuming my time?
Home Life
Life at home with two small children is never boring, and rarely relaxing. I am currently preparing for my daughter’s third birthday and party, so that’s exciting. I can’t believe she’s turning 3!! My son will be going to pre-school or pre-kindergarten next year :*( So, we’ve been starting that process. I can’t say it’s much fun. I am definitely not looking forward to getting them into college, pre-school is proving hard enough!
Expo Opportunity
I was contacted this week by the Columbus Women’s Living Expo 2010. The event is happening May 22 and 23 in Columbus, Ohio and it’s going to be an excellent opportunity for moms to showcase your businesses! I am planning a separate detailed post only about this opportunity, but if you’re interested, contact me now. I can get you a 10 percent discount on your space and they’re offering exclusivity for any direct sellers. Attendance is anticipated to be 6-7,000!! Terrific exposure for your products and no additional cost to sell your items at the event!
Expansion
As I’ve been mentioning for the past several weeks {and months} Market Mommy is expanding in 2010! I can officially say we will be redesigning our site in the coming months to add new features, like business listings and a forum! Yay! Also, we are expanding our design and printing services. I will be posting a price list and details soon, but we can now offer you design AND printing of any item you need to further brand your business! Business cards, magnets, letterhead, envelopes, note cards, folders, banners and much, much more are now available through Market Mommy! More details will be coming soon!
Ok, that’s just a brief rundown of what I’ve been working on. More detailed information will be coming soon. Hope you all are having a fantastic week!
It's been a year since Holly started The Work at Home Woman! And, she's celebrating with a great giveaway for one winner! It's valued at over $890! I'm definitely throwing my hat in the ring and you should too! There are some great prizes for mom business owners, but some other great stuff too. Check out the fantastic prize list::
An Ecommerce Web Hosting Package from Ovaleye, value $197.45
Logo Design or Custom Business Card Design from JES Graphics, value $275.00
A Girls Night Out Kit from Dove Chocolate, value $49.00
Set of 3 Classic Ficklets, value $24.00
20-oz Blueberry Cobbler Natural Soy Candle from SoyLicious, value $19.95
A $50.00 Gift Certificate to Elena Adams Designs
2 Cook Books from Christian Moms Business Resource, value $19.94
Avery Chains & Pearl Necklace from Stella & Dot, value $69.00
The Flower Garden Bath & Body Box from Blisstopia Box, value $49.00
An Annual Membership To The Elite Direct Sales Training Club, value $97.00
A Mary Kay Exotic Passion Fruit Gift Set, value $40.00
Who wouldn't to win all that? So, hop on over to The Work at Home Woman, and help Holly celebrate her Blogoversary! She's got a ton of other great stuff to read while you're there. And, some nice advertising options as well! Congratulations on a fabulous year, Holly!
 Are you looking for personalized gifts and stationary? The Plaid Pig offers something for all ages and occasions. According to owner Lisa Kinzel, “from baby showers to housewarming gifts, to the ever-important thank you note, we have you covered!”
The Plaid Pig is relatively new and officially launched in August of last year. Many mom business owners struggle when attempting to balance family with business. Kinzel said she relies heavily on her large wall calendar to keep her organized and on track. “It keeps the whole family in order! It’s like “big brother!”, she said.
Like many other mom entrepreneurs, she said it’s important to do what you love and follow your passion. One her favorite quotes is from Norman Vincent Peale, “Enthusiasm releases the drive to carry you over obstacles and adds significance to all you do.”
Feel  free to visit The Plaid Pig and see what they have to offer! Mommy Monday is a regular feature on Market Mommy:: The Blog. Do you know a mom entrepreneur who should be featured here? E-mail Dawn and put Mommy Monday in the subject line!
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