 In last week’s newsletter I promised some more tips about how to use an editorial as a marketing tool. Typically, an editorial is used to express an opinion on an issue, or some type of reaction to current events. An editorial can inform, promote, commend or sometimes entertain.
If you feel exceptionally educated on a topic and it has a timely connection, you can write an editorial and submit it to publications.
First, choose a topic. Are you the head of a non-profit organization that funds volcano research? Then the recent volcanic ash in Iceland provides you with the perfect opportunity to write an editorial. Your topic must be relevant and newsworthy and you must be educated about the topic.
Second, do your research. If your company offers an herbal alternative to aspirin, make sure you have studies and stats on hand that will back up your argument. A piece that is not heavily based in fact will most likely never be published.
Third, write your editorial in a style that is clear and direct. Make sure you give plenty of examples and illustrations in your writing. Be honest and thought provoking. In general, follow news writing style by sticking to the point and avoiding over-dramatization.
Happy Friday and happy writing!
 You may not have realized {it's kind of snuck up on me too} but Market Mommy will turn one on June 1! This past year has truly flown by!
As you can imagine, I would not let such a significant date pass by without a party. So, in addition to our exciting site expansion and redesign, I'm throwing Market Mommy's First Birthday Extravaganza here at The Blog! The entire month of June is going to be a blast!
There are several ways you can get involved. First, we are putting together an AWESOME prize package for one lucky mom entrepreneur. This package already totals over $500 and we're just getting started. Do you have a product or service that would be useful to a mom business owner? We'd like to include it in our prize package, contact me for details! We're especially looking for advertising space :>)
Do you have a great product, but it's not necessarily aimed at women business owners specifically? We'd still like to feature you and your product on The Blog. We will be hosting various giveaways throughout the month of June, so contact us to get yours scheduled!
And, the entire month of June The Blog is going to be packed with guest blog posts. We are going to have posts on a variety of topics, including 5 Must Haves on Your Facebook Page, Affordable Child Care Options, How I Run my Business for Next to Nothing, and much more! Are you a veteran blogger that would like to write a guest blog post for our Extravaganza? Contact me with your topic idea today!
The fourth option, is just to come, hang out with us, enter some giveaways and have a good time! I hope to see everyone here. We are excited about our first birthday and hope you are too! Thanks for your support over the past year, we appreciate it!
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur but just haven’t taken the plunge? Then “Excuse Me, your dreams are trapped!” is the teleclass for you! This FREE, three-part teleclass series will teach you how to go from inaction to inspired action!
In this FREE teleclass series, you will learn:
• What’s holding you back
• How to harness your emotions to power your dreams
• Leading edge techniques to release resistance and increase focus like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), working with the subconscious and third eye meditations
• The secrets of success from those who are living their dreams
When you sign up, you will be eligible to participate in live calls, hosted by experts. Can’t make the call? Sign up anyway and listen to the free recording!
Classes meet from 7 – 8 p.m. (EDT).
May 4:: The Writing on Your Wall – Is it Holding Your Dream Hostage?
Hosted by Cindy Selvaggio, Tapping Heals
May 11:: Giving Yourself Permission
Hosted by Vanessa Lowry, Connect 4 Leverage
May 18:: Preparing for Launch
Hosted by Linda Cassell, CPCC, Quantum Leap Coaching & Training
There will be a bonus call on June 8 with Angela Lussier, author of "The Anti-Resume Revolution."
Simply visit Quantum Leap Coaching & Training to register for the free series. 
We've been so busy around here the last week or so with our Think Spring! Blog Party that we may have lost track of some of the other great things going on in April for mom entrepreneurs! I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about a couple things that are coming to an end this week. First, the awesome Blogoversary giveaway at Living My MoMent ends on Friday. Check it out, if you haven't already. Abbey is giving away over $1600 in prizes to celebrate her first blogoversary. And, I'm happy to say that Market Mommy and Announcements Galore are participating and have donated some great prizes of our own :o)
 Also, The Business Baby Shower will end on April 30. This unique contest will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes to three lucky mom entrepreneurs. The prizes and media coverage being given away total over $20,000. You definitely don't want to miss your chance to win that loot! Market Mommy is proud to be a sponsor of The Business Baby Shower! Visit and submit your entry today!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Think Spring! Blog Party, we appreciate your support! We will be planning another fabulous party for this summer, so if you have a business you would like to promote {For FREE} please contact me asap and I'll put you on the list!
Here are all the lucky winners from last week's party! Congratulations ladies! And, a special thanks to all of our fabulous mom businesses that donated the terrific prizes!
250 Custom Business Cards from Market Mommy:: Heather
Month of free advertising on Market Mommy {website and e-newsletter}:: Leilani
A Turn Back Time Capsule sample with three days Celloxylin Skin Care , one day Lifeoxylin Elixir and two days Sugar Beet Crystal/Papaya Enzyme Microscrub from Apriori Beauty:: K
Winner's choice of a set of Ficklets from Ficklets:: Julie
$30 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower:: Susan
$10 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower:: Shannon
$10 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower:: Nicole
One bag of My Homemade Organic Granola and one 1/4 Lb. nut cluster from Nicole’s Homemade Treats:: Krista
Gift certificate for 50% off one online item from Heather Hill Clothing:: Leilani
Island Coconut Oatmeal Soap from BellaHoney Body Care:: Susan
Facial Mud Masque from BellaHoney Body Care:: Krista
A punch out mini guitar pick charm from Metal Pressions:: Julie If you haven't received an e-mail yet, you will shortly! 
 Who:: Elisha @ Metal Pressions
Business Established:: Seven years ago.
What she does:: Metal Pressions handcrafts the finest personalized silver and gold jewelry. For as long as Elisha can remember she has been dabbling in all things crafty. Her forays into the handmade crafts and jewelry world started back in her college days with custom designed oil lamps that she sold to local shops. As time went on her horizons expanded into other types of crafts like stamping and scrapbooking. Around 7 years ago she was introduced into the world of hand stamped and  handcrafted keepsake and photo jewelry by a close friend. Her skill and expertise developed quickly as did her passion for making beautiful jewelry.
At the time her full time career limited her to practicing her craft as a part time affair or, as her husband likes to describe it, an accelerated hobby. Like many other hand made jewelry designers around the country, the crossover from part time hobby to full time work came when Elisha left her career to raise her children. In her spare moments she somehow found the time to grow her business.
How she finds balance:: We don’t. It’s all one big blur. All kidding aside, this is a full time affair for me and my husband so we can share the responsibilities of family and work to get it all done.
Her best advice:: 1% inspiration & 99% perspiration. That’s our formula.
Get it now:: 30% off anything on the site. Use coupon code: MMP30 . This coupon will be limited to the first 10 people to checkout. And, it will expire 4/30/10.
What they are giving away:: A punch out mini guitar pick charm {chain not included} with any of these shaped cutouts.
Play and win:: What is your favorite mom-related inspirational quote?
To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.
Extra Credit::
You can earn an extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
 Who:: Anayansi Matles @ BellaHoney Body Care AND she's on Etsy!
Business Established:: 2008
What she does:: BellaHoney Body Care seeks to introduce consumers to spa experience in their own home. Our products are naturally-focused and made with the finest butters, bath salts, olive oil soaps, and organic soaps combined into products that pamper the body and soothe the soul. Utilizing natural and pure ingredients  such as cocoa butter, shea butter, macadamia nut oil, and organic avocado oil. My line of products consist of handmade products; Body Scrubs, Cold Process soap/French Milled, Facial treatments, etc.
I started my business because my daughter and I suffer from dry skin and tried different products that did not really agree with our skin. After trying different brands and being tired of spending money on overly priced skin care products, I decided to create a line of Natural Body Butters that people can afford and also great for your skin.
How she finds balance:: It is a little hard balancing family life when a have a full time job besides my business. But making handmade products is my passion and I love it so there is always time for my business.
Her best advice:: The one advice that I have for other mom business owners is stay positive and continue to be strong.
Get it now:: Safe 10% from www.bellahoneybodycare.com on any purchase of $10.00 or more by using code: BLOGPARTY2010.
What they are giving away:: Two winners! Island Coconut Oatmeal Soap AND Facial Mud Masque.
Play and win:: What is your favorite ‘flavor’ of French milled soap?
To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.
Extra Credit::
You can earn an extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
 Who:: Nicole Varrenti @ Nicole’s Homemade Treats
Business Established:: I opened my Etsy shop in August of 2008 with one product, my granola. Then in March 2009 I decided to add other products that I make/sell locally and advertise.
What she does:: Go Ahead and Indulge! Nicole's Homemade Treats is an LLC operating out of New York State. All my products are prepared in my fully licensed kitchen. (NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets) I am a stay out mom of two lovely little men! Zachary and Gabriel. They are the joys of my life and make my days brighter! Candy making, it is a great stress  reliever and creative outlet for me! Selling my products locally and online is a fun and rewarding endeavor!
I make only all natural, preservative free products, and use as many organic ingredients as possible. My products may not have the shelf life of store bought products, no worries! They won't last very long! The packaging products I use are considered "green" because they are made using recycled products, or come from ecologically conscious companies. I am really conscious about who I purchase my products from - the majority come from local companies, farms, and shops, however if that is not possible I buy from companies that are known to be eco-friendly/green themselves.
All my products are made in small batches to preserve the taste and quality of the product, and to ensure that there is no waste. I hope you enjoy eating my "treats" as much as I like making them!
How she finds balance:: I do not know the answer to that. I just do! I am a very organized (or anal as my husband says) person so I guess that helps!
Her best advice:: Find what you like to do and do it well! If you are going to do something go all the way and do your best. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and sets a good example for your children.
Get it now:: Promotion: Free 1/4 nuts cluster with any purchase over $5.00 (a $3.25 value) Code: MMNUT AND/OR 15% Off any order over $25.00 (excluding shipping) Code: MM15OFF Please place code in notes to seller upon checkout. Discount will be refunded.
What they are giving away:: One bag of My Homemade Organic Granola AND one 1/4 Lb. nut cluster
Play and win:: Please visit my shop and tell us your favorite treat and why?
To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above. Extra Credit::
You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
 Who:: Heather Lanker @ Heather Hill Clothing
Business Established:: Started my business 8 years ago after I had my first daughter. It has changed through the years but currently I sell online and own the Heather Hill retail store.
What she does:: I sell handmade children’s clothing (ages infant to sz.8) online and at my retail store. Also, online there is an option to design your own clothing using our web dolls…really  fun to do with your kids! We're on facebook too!
How she finds balance:: Now that my kids are in school things are easier. I do draw all my patterns, grade them, sew and design all of my clothing. I can do this now that I have a storefront. It has a back room where I have all my sewing machines and equipment, so I work here now. I used to work from my home which was more challenging because work is always there. I felt like any free time I had I needed to work. With separating the two it’s easier leaving things at the store.
Her best advice:: It’s ok to not know what you are doing! Just keep moving forward and make decisions to help grow the business, most mistakes will help your business get better.
Get it now:: 15% off your entire online order through April ‘10. Just shoot me an email letting me know you are a reader and I will refund the difference through Paypal.
What they are giving away:: Gift certificate for 50% off one online item (design your own included)
Play and win:: What is your favorite accessory at Heather Hill?
To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.
Extra Credit::
You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
 Who:: Ros Guerrero, owner and inventor @ Ficklets
Business Established:: We launched Ficklets in 2007 and received our patent in 2009.
What she does:: Ficklets are patented interchangeable charm huggers for eyeglasses, the first of its kind in the marketplace. They're designed to adorn eyeglasses in a fresh, fun way to help kids feel more comfortable in their glasses; it's also a way for adults to jazz up their ordinary frames. With over 100 designs, Ficklets gives plain, tired glasses a quick, affordable update offering versatility - options to change out your eyewear l ook depending on your interest, outfit or mood. To learn more about how we got started, please visit us here: http://bit.ly/9STxaP.
How she finds balance:: It's a challenge to create a "balance" {the ever elusive endeavor} in both family and work, so I put my efforts in juggling and managing both the best way I can. A major reason I can work the business is my husband's concerted efforts. My husband is instrumental in helping create a healthy family and work environment - he picks up where I leave off. For the most part, we've made some tradeoffs in terms of family & home duties, so I can focus most of my energy to building Ficklets. We work very hard to develop a mutually beneficial family and business teamwork environment because we understand the end goal and mission is to build a business that would provide our special needs daughter a quality life long after we're gone.
Her best advice:: ACTION... do something everyday for your business to move you towards your end goal. Be a perpetual inspiration seeker - this will help keep you in forward movement. Embrace social media & connect with other women entrepreneurs for inspiration, education & camaraderie.
Get it now:: 20% off purchases - code MM at check out.
What they are giving away:: Winner's choice of a set of Ficklets.
Play and win:: Who/what was the direct inspiration behind Ficklets?
To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.
Extra Credit::
You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
 Who:: Leilani Cleveland Deveau @ Heavenly Flower
Business Established:: I have been making jewelry for over 11 years; decided to officially make it a business in 2002, although I am fairly new to the internet. After relocating and starting a family I decided setting up shop online would be easier than trying to sell at shows or give parties/face-to-face presentations.
What she does:: Custom keepsake jewelry for events or special occasions made by request. I work mainly in semi-precious gemstone beads and Swarovski crystals. I am currently developing a line of engraved metal jewelry and my site is being reworked to accommodate customizing. To keep myself  creative, I have limited edition jewelry for sale on Artfire & Etsy (all accessible from my site) which are mainly comprised of leftovers from past custom work. Because of this, I price the pieces at next to no markup; there are some great deals to be had - so check it out! There is also free shipping worldwide!
How she finds balance:: By being flexible. For example, just his morning I sat down to work on a project that I am on a deadline for, and the baby is teething, so with her fussing it was not going to happen. So I spent the morning with my girls (12 months and 2 years), and after a nap the baby was feeling better so I tried again. I got more done this afternoon than I had planned to get done this morning, so now I am ahead of my deadline. At first the day looked bleak, but with a little bit of patience and flexibility, it all worked out.
Her best advice:: Beside the flexibility, put your health first! If I am tired I stop. I find that I work more efficiently anyway after a good rest. It's good to be driven and have ambition but if you are sick you are no good to anyone.
Get it now:: 20 percent off items in My Etsy & Artfire Shop, or for custom requests (contact me directly). Simply quote the code: MARKETMOMMY
What they are giving away:: Three winners!!! $30 gift certificate valid for purchases from my Limited Edition Collection. Simply browse the pieces in my Etsy & Artfire Shops, accessible through my website. I am also giving away two $10 gift certificates for the same.
Play and win:: If you were to purchase a Mother’s Day gift from Heavenly Flower, what would you choose for your mom?
To register for THESE prizes, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.
Extra Credit::
You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
Who:: Candy @ Apriori Beauty
Business Established:: Apriori Beauty opened in June of 2009 with a bang! Our products are based on the new science of Nutrigenomics. I wanted to help people understand how nutrients affect and protect their genes. My first blogpost was in October of 2009. On my blog, I share about health, wellness and beauty tips.
What she does:: ANTI-AGING AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL. Candace Keefe was a key factor in the creation of anti-aging products that were unparalleled in the marketplace ... until today. Apriori Beauty launched in June 2009 with her next generation of products that are guaranteed to turn anti-aging upside down, and inside out.
Everyone ages, it's a fact of life. But, everyone doesn't have to look their age! Most anti-aging solutions treat the symptoms of aging as opposed to keeping the visual signs from ever occurring. Apriori Beauty focused on Nutrigenomics — the molecular relationship between nutrition and the response of genes — to create the first ever, internal + external, preventative approach to aging. Plus, each product is power-packed with performance to reduce the visible signs of aging.
How she finds balance:: Balancing family and business is a daily challenge! I create and update my "to do" list every night, and try to accomplish as much as possible each day. My family is why I have a home based business, as I am looking ahead to college tuitions. I find that I focus on meeting the needs of my family first, then insert my business activities in the nooks and crannies of the day. A good example is that I can be making phone calls or preparing samples to go out while I am waiting to pick up my kids.
Her best advice:: My advice for other moms is to find a company with a consummable product {one that is reordered regularly} that they use and absolutely love, because it will be so natural to share it with everyone. Next, read everything about the company's method of doing business and know exactly what you need to do to build your paycheck (is there a weekly ot monthly activity or sale quota and can you meet that?) Make sure you have the personal support you need for mentoring and building your business, and that the company allows you freedom to advertise your business in creative ways!
Get it now:: Apriori Beauty's Special is the Derma Firm Illuminator $109 discount when purchased with a Full Sized or Autoship Set of Celloxylin Skin Care, themselves a 20% discount!
What they are giving away:: A Turn Back Time Capsule sample with three days Celloxylin Skin Care, one day Lifeoxylin Elixir and two days Sugar Beet Crystal/Papaya Enzyme Microscrub.
Play and win:: Name one of the four functions the Derma Firm Illuminator performs.
To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.
Extra Credit::
You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
Who:: Dawn @ Market Mommy
Business Established:: Market Mommy officially launched June 1, 2009.
What she does:: Market Mommy is an online marketing resource for mom entrepreneurs. It includes a free e-newsletter, this blog, low-cost advertising and marketing services, and MUCH MORE!
How she finds balance:: Divide and conquer! I have separate time set aside for family and another block of time for business. I don’t mesh the two!
Her best advice:: Go for your dreams! You never know what you can accomplish until you try!
Get it now:: Buy one month of advertising, get one free! E-mail me if interested!
What they are giving away:: Two winners!! Set of 250 business cards {design, printing & shipping included} AND a month of free advertising on MarketMommy.com and in our e-newsletter
Play and win:: What marketing piece do you find most useful and why? {Be sure to mention which prize you’d prefer, if you have a preference.}
To register for THIS prize, comment on THIS post with the answer to the play and win question above.
Extra Credit::
You can earn extra entry each day by doing any of the following and then leaving a comment {with link} about it. Follow us on twitter, tweet about the blog party {include @MarketMommy in your tweet too!}, blog about the party, follow this blog, grab our blog’s button, fan us, or sign up for the Market Mommy e-newsletter. All comments on this post close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, April 23.
 Welcome to the Think Spring! Blog Party at Market Mommy:: The Blog! We are so happy that you have stopped by! I hope you visit each day because every day this week we will be featuring more great mom entrepreneurs and their amazing businesses! Each day there will be prizes to win and moms to meet!
Each individual party post this week will have fun ways to register for the prize being given away by that particular mom. Prizes will be drawn from the comments left on those posts only. There will also be ample opportunity for extra credit each day!
Tell us a little bit about yourself when you comment! Feel free to leave your name and a link to your blog or business, if applicable. Remember, anyone and everyone is eligible to enter for prizes! A comment is all it takes. You can register for each prize and complete extra credit for each as well. It’s easy!
Glad to have you along! Stay tuned for some great stuff. The Party will officially end on Friday, April 23 at 11:59 p.m. EST and ALL comments will close at that time! Winners will be chosen by random.org and announced on the blog on Monday, April 26.
OFFICIAL PRIZE LIST::
250 Custom Business Cards from Market Mommy
Month of free advertising on Market Mommy {website and e-newsletter}
A Turn Back Time Capsule sample with three days Celloxylin Skin Care , one day Lifeoxylin Elixir and two days Sugar Beet Crystal/Papaya Enzyme Microscrub from Apriori Beauty
Winner's choice of a set of Ficklets from Ficklets
$30 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower
$10 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower
$10 Limited Edition Collection Gift Certificate from Heavenly Flower
One bag of My Homemade Organic Granola and one 1/4 Lb. nut cluster from Nicole’s Homemade Treats
Gift certificate for 50% off one online item from Heather Hill
Island Coconut Oatmeal Soap from BellaHoney Body Care
Facial Mud Masque from BellaHoney Body Care
A punch out mini guitar pick charm from Metal Pressions
“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” Mark Twain. We’ve talked a lot about networking and the importance of building relationships with others. But, have you given much thought to the type of people you’re attracting and working with? This is definitely a situation where quality is better than quantity.
I had a situation recently that reminded me of the importance of surrounding myself with positive people and ignoring the negative. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, there are always some people that want you to fail. These are the people you need to ignore.
Surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging people will help you to reach your dreams. Unfortunately, negativity and pessimism are just as contagious as optimism and positivity.
Who is in your circle of colleagues and business associates?
You’ve probably run across your share of the negative, discouraging people in your business life. The key is focusing on those that are positive. Think about it for a minute. I’m sure there is someone in your business life that is encouraging and that you enjoy speaking with. Reach out to them on a regular basis. It can keep you on track and give you a little pick-me-up when you need it.
Other positive people will want to connect with and interact with you if you are a positive person yourself. Build your own self confidence and positive attitude by thinking and speaking positively. Be optimistic. Be open to new ideas and new challenges. Be flexible and always willing to learn. Seek out those who share your values and goals. Remove the toxicity!
Happy Weekend! Don’t forget, our big Think Spring! Blog Party begins Monday morning. There are going to be more than a dozen terrific prizes up for grabs! And, there will be insight from several positive mom entrepreneurs! It will be fun AND inspiring!!
Saturday, May 1 has the potential to be a record breaking day for moms in Canada!
The first annual Mom 2 Mom Sale benefiting Unity for Autism is being held Saturday, May 1 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at various locations around the country. The goal is two-fold! They hope to break a Guinness World Record for the largest jumble sale, while raising money and awareness for autisum!
One of our Market Mommy Premium Partners, The Lower Mainland Children's Directory, is hosting a site at the Cloverdale fairgrounds. For more information, you can contact Jennifer.
If you're in Canada and would like more information on locations and other details, contact Laurie at Just Playdates.
I created this button for Holly and Abbey last week and couldn't wait to show it off! They announced details today about their 2010 Summer Blog Tour and I've already signed up! It's going to be a ton of fun! Have a blog? Want to get some great {free} exposure??? Visit Living my MoMent or The Work at Home Woman to find out how to get signed up! Hurry, there are a limit to 60 blogs!
 Twitter is easy and it’s fast. It’s pretty much a gateway into your business, your blog, your life. It’s a great way to get more exposure. But, are you using it effectively?
First of all, do others you regularly connect with know you are on twitter? You should be telling others about it. Your twitter handle, or ID http://twitter.com/MarketMommy}, should be on your blog, on your About Us page, on anything you publish, on your facebook page, in your e-mail signature, etc.
Do you have followers? How many people are you following? One of the most obvious ways to increase your relevant followers is to first seek out others who you want to network with. Find other mom business owners that you’d like to connect with, learn from, sell to, etc. When they get the notice that you’re following them, chances are they’ll check out your profile and maybe follow you back.
In my opinion, one of the most effective ways to make twitter work for you is to make personal connections with others. Read others’ tweets and respond to them. Reply and make conversation, build friendships. You should already have multiple things in common with those you are following, use that to your advantage. You can also use direct messages to exchange e-mail addresses and other information more directly.
Keep in mind that everything takes time. Building an effective network won’t happen overnight, but with a little effort twitter can be a lucrative networking tool.
You've probably heard of Boogie Wipes, but you may not have heard about the Boogie Moms behind the product. If you are interested in learning all there is to know about starting a business while raising a family, they have the blog for you!The Business of Being a Mom offers a wealth of information, resources and links. Literally, you could spend hours scanning all they have to offer! They talk about a multitude of topics; legal issues, branding, marketing, inventing, inspiration, mom guilt, confidence and much, much more. The most impressive page, I thought, was their resources page. Everything from legal help, manufacturing help, to books, to networking sites and business planning and funding, and everything in between. Extremely helpful!
The Boogie Moms {I just love calling them that} can also be found on Facebook and Twitter! 
I've worked with Swanky Moms before. It's a great site for moms, and offers some great advertising options for mom business owners. I've advertised both Announcements Galore and Market Mommy on Amber's site.
Now that the site's founder, Amber, has taken on a full-time job outside of the home she can no longer maintain the site like she wants to. So, it has been posted for sale. It's been posted on Ebay and the auction is live for the next six days.
If you've considered being a WAHM, but aren't sure where to start, this could be a great opportunity for you. All the details and site statistics are included in the listing. It is a well-established site. Click here for more information! 
As I've mentioned before, Abbey at Living My MoMent is celebrating her one year blogoversary. To celebrate, she has an AWESOME giveaway going on worth over $1600. AND, she's publishing guest blog posts from mom entrepreneurs. Today, I'm the guest blogger :) Be sure to check it out, here!
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In last week’s newsletter I promised some more tips about how to use an editorial as a marketing tool. Typically, an editorial is used to express an opinion on an issue, or some type of reaction to current events. An editorial can inform, promote, commend or sometimes entertain. 
