lbpr

2012-01-13T02:36:00.000-08:00

"A DIAMOND is but a piece of coal ... that stuck to the job."

(Author Unknown, but I LOVE it)

I've been freelancing for more than 5 years now! 5 years!

I thank God for my clients, learning experiences, successes and the ability to be at home with my kiddos. I started freelancing just before the first child was born and now she'll head to Kindergarten later this summer.

Stick with it mamas! All those who work at home or outside the home.

BEST OF 2011: 20 things every PR pro should know how to do

2012-01-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

Do you have one foot on the PR banana peel?

If you’re like me, part of you is in “the old world” of PR and the other foot is sliding into the new digital landscape: excited, nervous, learning, kicking, and screaming.

Despite the changes in the industry, PR pros must remember the basics.

The following 20 items and links will serve as reminders and resources.

Keep reading.

11 New Year’s resolutions for PR and marketing professionals

2012-01-05T17:44:00.001-08:00

As we prepare to ring in the new year, let’s take a few minutes to reflect on what’s most important as a marketer or PR practitioner, particularly as the media landscape continues to evolve.

Below are some reminders and/or resolutions related to our practice. These are simple rules. And the best part: they’re fairly easy to incorporate into working life, yet as guiding principals can make a big difference.

Keep reading.

2012-01-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

Yeah me! I finished recording my receipts for 2011. Spending an extra 10 - 30 minutes many days in December really paid off.

5 Things Your Business Needs To Do on Facebook | LegalZoom

2011-12-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

If becoming a social media marketer makes you wonder where to begin, here are 5 things you should do on Facebook for your company:

5 Things Your Business Needs To Do on Facebook | LegalZoom

2011-12-19T02:36:00.001-08:00

Good luck to all the other work at home mamas who are busy logging tax info before the close of 2011.

I can do this.

This envelope full of receipts will get logged!

I dedicate this saying to all the Work At Home Moms Out There!

2011-12-12T18:45:00.000-08:00

Holiday Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses | LegalZoom

2011-12-05T18:30:00.000-08:00

With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, Santa's workshop isn't the only thing buzzing with activity. Search engine activity spikes every year as the holidays approach. It's likely that your current and potential customers are creating at least some of that online activity.

Managing your online presence is important all year round, but how well you accomplish that task can directly impact your bottom line during the holidays.

Here are some tips:

Holiday Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses | LegalZoom

Dive Into Facebook Analytics: Performance Tracking for Facebook

2011-11-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

In this first blog in a series, Linkup Marketing's Valorie Reavis walks you through Facebook Insights, explaining what your numbers mean.

Sitting behind your Facebook page, and visible only to you if Facebook Insights, a range of analytical tools that reveals instantly whether a page is thriving or underperforming. There are a lot of numbers to understand, and the authors are going to cover these over the new few blogs in my series—looking in-depth at each section to not only understand what the numbers are, but what they mean for your page.

To start, the author is going to familiarize you with what Insights has to offer.

Performance Tracking for Facebook

Let Go, Let God

2011-11-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

As a freelancer, I have to force myself to Let Go, And Let God. Sometimes it's a daily prayer.

I don't have the convenience and reliability of a scheduled monthly salary with an outside job.

I pray for my clients and my business regularly.

I have to Let Go and Let God when:

Clients are late on their payments.
I need to find project work to bring in income.
When my clients' funds are tight.
When I have tech difficulties.
When I'm having difficulty securing media placements.
When I'm having writer's block.
When I submit new business proposals.

On the opposite end, I regularly praise God for my business success:

When I do nail a media hit.
When something I do helps bring in business for my client.
When I secure a new project and/or a new client.

I'm very thankful to be able to work from home. I've been doing it for five years now and God has always taken care of me.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow WAHMs!

2011-11-17T01:40:00.000-08:00

Very kind words from a client lately.

"Lori, I am so grateful for you this Thanksgiving. I appreciate all that you do throughout the year to keep us front and center with our patients and Facebook followers by providing them with great information."

I'm grateful for all my clients!

Happy Thanksgiving to all the other Work at Home Mamas!

LegalZoom Blog Legal news and small business tips. Advice for Entrepreneurs: One Sentence. 10 Words or Less

2011-11-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Really cool article from the Legal Zoom...

Last year we asked our 8,000 Facebook fans what ONE piece of advice they would give first-time entrepreneurs. The rules were simple: one sentence of 10 words or less. (Not everyone followed the rules, but hey–entrepreneurship is about breaking the rules, right?) Now, one year and 95,000 entrepreneurial Fans later, we asked them again. Check out this year’s new bits of wisdom and add your own in the comments.

The customer always comes FIRST.
When it gets tough, persevere, it will be worth it.
Get it in writing.
Meet a lot of other entrepreneurs and listen.
Know what you know…. know what you don’t know.
Don’t expect to make a profit the first day you are in business! (Yes I know that is more than ten words!)
Take calculated risks – if you never try, you’ll never know.
Never give up!
Don’t learn the tricks of the trade – learn the trade.
The difference between try and triumph is a little “umph”.
Give it time, market wisely and be diligent…

Keep reading.

Newspaper Nails

2011-10-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

If a PR person is in the midst of pitching a client to reporters and newspapers, perhaps these nails will be good inspiration.

Here a tutorial on how to do it.

2011-10-24T02:43:00.001-07:00

Since I work from home, I'm often my own IT manager.

This weekend, my husband took over that role and synced up my printer with the new internet service.

I guess it took him a while to figure it out, but everything is up and running/printing now.

Thank you hubby!

2011-10-20T02:45:00.000-07:00

I have officially closed my original email address that I used when I first started freelancing.

The email address that helped secure my first set of clients. That billed my first invoices.

The internet company would lose service at least once a month. Twice was not surprising either.

Since I am only able to do the majority of my work before 5 a.m., I HAVE to have internet service in the early morning.

So, I have switched to AT&T. It came highly recommended and it's about half cheaper.

Happy National Boss's Day to Me!

2011-10-17T11:44:00.001-07:00

I am truly blessed to be able to work from home and make my own hours.

Spotted Everywhere: Small Square Pixelated Codes | LegalZoom

2011-10-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

They are everywhere, but maybe you haven’t noticed them. Or if you did, maybe you didn’t know what they were. If you look more closely, you’ll see in the corners of most advertisements these days, futuristic squares that look like a cross between a barcode and a pixilated image.

So what are they? They’re called QR codes and though they started in Japan in the mid-90s, they’ve only recently become popular in the US. QR codes are currently one of the most buzz-worthy tools for marketers and they seem to be popping up on just about everything, from magazines to postcards to food packaging.

Keep reading...

Spotted Everywhere: Small Square Pixelated Codes | LegalZoom

You know you're a WAHM...

2011-10-01T11:55:00.001-07:00

You know you are a work from home mom when your 4 year old can complete a 100-piece jig saw puzzle. She works on them during quiet time. I love hearing her sing while doing them. This has prompted me to look up the benefits of working jig saw puzzles.

Here you go...

Puzzles can help develop a child's reasoning and problem solving skills. Even the simplest jigsaw will require them to think about what they do as they try to put the puzzle together.
Puzzles can also help a child to develop their fine motor skills when they are young. Having to pick up individual pieces and slot them into place without breaking up the bits they have already completed can be a complex task to learn. But, it can reinforce some skills that are essential to their development.
Putting a puzzle together will also work on the child's hand-eye co-ordination and their understanding of shapes and colours.
The subjects on puzzles can also be used as educational aids. An alphabet or number puzzle, for example, will be fun for the child to complete but is also a good opportunity for a parent to chat to them about letters and numbers and to reinforce learning.
Solving a puzzle can do wonders for a child's self-esteem. As puzzles get more challenging for them they also learn useful life skills such as seeing things through to completion and trying different approaches to problem solving.

One of the biggest benefits for children here is the fact that puzzles are fun. Many children will resist learning at home if they know it is happening. Enjoying making up a puzzle, however, could mask the fact that they are also having an educational experience.

Business Idea

2011-09-28T03:04:00.000-07:00

Someone should invent a mail-order pillow business.

It seems like every time I turn around, one of my pillows is starting to lose it's "squish" and starts to get that middle depression.

It's a pain to shop for pillows. They take up all the room in the cart!

I would consider buying from a company that automatically sent me a new pillow every 6 months.

Think of the publicity potential. Women's magazines, home and garden sections in newspapers.

Here's a fun little media project I worked on recently

2011-09-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

Frisco Enterprise

Ready to rumble: Frisco resident Charlie Haas helping up Ring of Honor's profile

Read the story here.

5 important tips for pitching journalists by phone

2011-09-21T01:44:00.000-07:00

I found this helpful article at the blog for the Publicity Hound.

I ALWAYS practice tip number 2. Reporter's seem to appreciate it and will tell me to email instead or call back in an hour or so.

2. Be considerate of the reporter’s time. As soon as Karen answers the phone, ask, “Hi Karen, this is Joan Stewart and I have a story idea for you. Is this a good time to talk?” If not, she will say so. Ask her when you should return the call.

You know you're a WAHM...

2011-09-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

We got a new roof last week. The final hail damage repair from the storm back in April.

It's crazy. In the last 30 days, we've had lots of professionals out.

The roofers moved our satellite dish, not allowing us to watch live TV. DirecTV had to come out to realign the dish. $49.
Roofer says he'll pay for it.
We had to get someone out before Monday when Dancing With The Stars starts!

A carpet cleaner to sanitize our room where Zoe peed under our bed while we are on vacation. The cat is no longer allowed in our room. We keep the baby gate up. When she steps into our room, it costs us $183.

The lights/electricity in the girls' rooms kept tripping. They spent one night with their fans connected to extension cords plugged into the hallway. Electrician came out on a Sunday (double the price) $200.

We noticed a perfectly round leak stain in our front room. Plumber came out and said it was the master bath. He resealed the drain.
$100

Please, please dishwasher and washer and dryer. Be good boys.

I'm very blessed and grateful I can work from home and help pay for these unexpected joys of home ownership.

2011-09-12T03:02:00.001-07:00

Normally, I really don't like working on weekends.

However, I had to work a couple of hours yesterday to tie up some loose emails/ends that I just didn't get to over the week.

I've been blessed with the invitation to work on a media project this week for a new client and I feel so much better about starting my week with a clean slate.

I wish all work-from-home moms a productive and successful week!

Ignoring Facebook as a potential practice tool could leave derms socially stranded

2011-09-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Found this article on Modern Medicine.com.

"EDITOR'S NOTE: Dermatologists who have integrated Facebook into their practices say the widely used social networking platform allows them to communicate news and promotional information quickly, easily, and at virtually no cost. In this issue, we look at experts' recommendations on how to start building your own digital presence — even if you're a novice. "

And the final sentence says it all...

"Let me tell you, if you don't have a dynamic website, have Facebook behind you and, now, YouTube, I think you're missing the ... marketing that social media can give you. It's dynamic," Dr. Torok says. "We only have a population of 20,000 (in Medina), but it doesn't matter. Everybody is on Facebook."

INFOGRAPHIC: 8 Ways To Conquer Facebook Statuses

2011-08-31T01:45:00.000-07:00

Here's one of them. Write a fill-in-the-blank sentence, like this: "___________ always makes me smile."

INFOGRAPHIC: 8 Ways To Conquer Facebook Statuses

That's Me

2011-08-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

The Dallas Morning New printed a statistic in today's paper from Elance.

60% of freelance workers are women and

80% have a professional degree.

64 Awesome Facebook Marketing Techniques

2011-08-24T02:46:00.000-07:00

I found an interesting Facebook Marketing article.

64 Awesome Facebook Marketing Techniques

Wonderful Summer Vacation Meeting My Colorado Clients

2011-08-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

Yikes! I haven't posted since June!

In July I got to meet my two wonderful Colorado clients. I've been their publicist for more than two years and it was wonderful to put a name to a face.

In Pueblo, I met Dr. Rina Shinn, Cosmetic Surgeon. I toured her facility and met her staff. About a week later when we went back through Pueblo, she had us over for dinner. She made the most wonderful German macaroni and cheese; the noodles were home-made!

In Colorado Springs, I joined the staff lunch in the office of Dr. Ken Gasper. There was lots of laughter amongst his employees and the staff genuinely seems to really enjoy working together.

I felt so energized and uplifted after meeting these wonderful clients. I'm so blessed to be able to work for such highly respected medical professionals.

Have a story idea you think is news worthy?

2011-06-29T11:14:00.002-07:00

As a public relations freelancer, I often work on a project basis.

I have helped numerous companies secure stories on TV and/or in print media for less than $500.

A recent project was to help Fairhill School in Dallas. Their Spanish teacher has helped students with learning differences become confident and proficient in Spanish by performing a Shakespeare production in Spanish.

For this project, I secured two TV placements including NBC evening news as well as a full feature in the Dallas Morning News.

Do you have a story idea? I'd love to hear it! I can then think about which reporters and producer to contact, write the pitch materials, distribute them and follow up. I will also conduct some media training for you to run through the interview and help you practice.

Publicity is a very effective way to get your message across to your target market. And it's far more affordable than traditional advertising!

Email me at lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

You know you're a WAHM...

2011-06-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

You know you're a work at home mom, when you have time to cut the watermelon into heart shapes.

Happy summer to all my fellow WAHMs!

You know you're a WAHM...

2011-06-08T01:44:00.000-07:00

You know you're a work at home mom when you can get a quick snuggle with the 4 year old when they wake up to go potty at 3:40 in the morning.

You know you're a WAHM...

2011-06-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

You know you're a work from home mom when in between writing some web copy for a client, you can try and help your hubby pick a paint color for the dining room.

You know you're a WAHM...

2011-05-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

You know you're a Work At Home Mom when you can secure a fabulous profile feature for your client and then watch your kids pick wildflowers in a field.

Not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for this opportunity.

25 business blogging tips from a 10-year-old

2011-05-24T02:12:00.000-07:00

I found this over at the blog for Joan Stewart, the Publicity Hound. Check out here blog here.

No more excuses about why you aren’t blogging for your business.

If 10-year-old Tyler Duswalt can start and maintain a blog, so can you.

Tyler is author of The Short Book on How to Become a Blogging Expert—A 10-Year-Old’s Top 25 Easy Tips to Help You Start an Effective Blog (Craig Duswalt International, $9.95).

He published it last year, after his blog, CPCheats, became a go-to source for kids who wanted to cheat at Club Penguin. The online role-playing game, published by Disney Online Studios, involves a virtual world containing a range of online games and activities. Players use cartoon penguin-avatars and play in a winter-set virtual world.

One of the criticisms of the game is that it allows players to cheat. Hence, Tyler’s blog which has had more than 85,000 views.

I learned about Tyler recently when I spoke at Author U in Denver and met his dad, Craig Duswalt, who also was on the program and taught authors about how to market like a rock star.

Craig says Tyler wrote the book himself. No professional editors. No book coaches. No picky proofreaders. Just sage advice from a 10-year old blogging expert who use phrases like “And that’s all I have to say about that” at the end of a chapter.

Here are some of the questions that people typically ask about blogging, and Tyler’s responses, excerpted from the book:

Q. How many times should you post to your blog?

A. ”As much as you can every week. Try to post at least once a day. I post about three times a day…But here is one thing not to do: do NOT Blog if you know you won’t have enough time to make posts. It’s useless.”

Q. How can you get traffic to a blog?

A. ”One way to get more hits is to Comment on other blogs and typing in your blog’s domain name at the end of your comment.”

Q. What’s the very best way to get traffic?

A. ”Contests! You can make a POST for a contest that will go on for a certain amount of time. I had one before. I used to play an online game called Club Penguin (Disney MMO game) and I bought a gift card for a membership. Then I had a contest where if you commented on my blog you would get entered in a drawing. Very fun. I got 1,000 hits in one day because of that contest.”

Q. What does a blogger need to do so that the search engines can find a blog post?

A. ”When finished with a post, and before publishing it, go to the area that says tags, and type in a few things that will get people to find you on the search eninges.”

Q. How do you sell products on a blog?

A. “All you need to do is to set up a lnk to the website where you want to sell the thing that you are selling. For example, your post might look like this:

TITLE: Buy my product!

POST: Hello! I just bought a T-shirt and was wondering if you guys want to buy it. If you want it, click the link: http://ebay.com/pinktshirt

Tyler also covers polls, how to post photos and audio, how to add pages, copyright, video/picture galleries, widgets, blogrolls and more.

He doesn’t blog anymore because he doesn’t play Club Penguin. But his tips are perfect for anyone who wants a quick overview of what’s possible with a blog.

Yes, it’s a lot of work. But as Tyler explains in the Bonus Tip on the last page of his book:

“Have Fun With Your Blog! Well, this is the end of the book. I hope you enjoyed these easy tips, and I wish you luck on your blog.”

Convinced? Ready to start your own blog? See “Time-saving Tips for Smart Business Blogging ,” a grown-up’s guide to blogging. It comes with 23 pages of handouts that include 101 ways to find content for your blog, and tips for writing better and faster.

Entrepreneurship gives Dallas-area teens a head start | Dallas-Fort Worth Small Business News - Business News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

2011-05-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

I was really impressed with this Dallas Morning News article about area teens who have become Entrepreneurs.

I am a business owner now, but I didn't have my own business as a teen. However, I was always a responsible, hard worker.

I often wonder if my girls will have an entrepreneurial spirit or if they will work from home.

This hard copy of this article provided some excellent resources for business scholarships for teens.

Entrepreneurship gives Dallas-area teens a head start | Dallas-Fort Worth Small Business News - Business News for Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Morning News

Future WAHM?

2011-04-23T10:49:00.001-07:00

I love that she has a "screen" to go with her keyboard.

I also love it when she sets up her "office" in her room, she has a pencil cup and urgently says, "I need a phone Mom!"

Always a relief to have a happy client!

2011-04-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

The newsletter is good to go! The doTERRA photo looks great! Thanks for hanging in there with me Lori.

As always, I so appreciate you.

Have a great evening!

National Walk to Work Day

2011-04-01T01:19:00.000-07:00

Happy National Walk to Work Day!

As a WAHM, I'm very blessed to only have to walk from my bed room, down our hall and into my office. It's about 20 steps.

Granted it's 3 a.m. and I'm in my pajamas.

My morning ritual also includes walking downstairs to the kitchen to get a bottle of water and eat a banana with peanut butter.

Let God Be Your Business Manager

2011-03-29T12:25:00.000-07:00

I read a great article by Donna Partow in the March/April issue of Thriving Family.

From the article, "All in a Day's Work: How moms can balance business and family," she encourages moms to:

"Let God by your business manager. Take time to pray ans ask Him to guide your day, ordaining key appointments so you don't waste time. Pray over every appointment, every deadline, every opportunity and every lost opportunity."

I think this is wise, sound advice and I try to practice this on a daily basis.

Thanks for the reminder and encouragement Donna!

Market your business on Facebook in 4 easy steps - USATODAY.com

2011-03-23T02:12:00.000-07:00

USA Today provides four easy steps to market your business on Facebook including tips for updating your Facebook Page.

Market your business on Facebook in 4 easy steps - USATODAY.com

Lori Ann PR Wizard

2011-03-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

Look at these fun and adorable M&Ms my father-in-law sent me!

You can order your personalized M&Ms here.

These would make a cute gift business gift idea.

Work Beautifully

2011-02-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

I received an ad for Dell and the title said, "Work Beautifully."

I work on a Dell, so according to their ad, I work beautifully.

The slogan also reminded me of being a work-at-home-mom.

I don't usually blog about the occasional chaos that working from home can bring. Like when I need to respond to an urgent email and I have a crying child on my lap demanding my attention.

Or the dark eye circles I have due to only getting an average of 6 hours a sleep because I have to get up at 3 a.m.

In the overall picture of life, I am and will always be grateful to have been able to contribute to the family finances as well as be with my girls.

I work beautifully, dark eye circles and all.

2011-02-21T02:58:00.000-08:00

For the first time in 4 years of working from home, I didn't complete my tax logging during the week between Christmas and New Year's.

It's the end of February and I do a few receipts a day.

AND, I just found $30 in cash amongst the receipts! Cool.

Good luck to all the other WAHMs as they prepare their taxes!

Future WAHM?

2011-02-14T03:04:00.000-08:00

Kate (4) enjoys typing on my computer. Notice the cell phone. I adore hearing her "make calls" while working.

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to work from home - something not available to previous generations.

You know you're a WAHM...

2011-02-03T02:23:00.001-08:00

You know you are a thankful Work at Home Mom when you don't have to commute on icy roads to get to work.

Crazy cold and icy weather here in North Texas. Just making our way through the Walmart parking lot was a slippery adventure.

I'm able to sit here at my desk in my fleece and a blanket (yesterday I even wore the heated neck wrap) and work away.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2010-12-30T02:52:00.000-08:00

I love this tip for small businesses who receive frequent requests for donations for silent auctions:

"Hunt uses auction donations to boost business. Instead of a gift card, she donates a private party for the auction winner and 40 friends. Party attendees enjoy a complimentary dessert and drink – and get 20 percent off any purchases they make that night."

It's brilliant! Get them into the store along with their friends to experience your shop personally!

This quote comes from an article in the Dallas Morning News about how "Locally owned shops innovate to compete with online stores." You can read it here.

This article also said if you don't want vacant retail strips, shop the local stores! Good reminder.

You know you're a WAHM...

2010-12-23T02:49:00.000-08:00

You know you're a WAHM when you can take sticks of butter and cream cheese out of the refrigerator at 3 a.m. to have them softened and ready for baking by 8 a.m. when the kiddos are awake.

Merry Christmas to all the other WAHMs!

Do you have a You know you're a WAHM story to share? Send it to me for consideration lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

The End of ‘Social Media’

2010-12-16T10:46:00.000-08:00

I love how this article says,

"Ten years ago, almost no one had heard of Google, there was no online video and consumer ratings were unknown.

A friend who runs an auto dealership tells me that customers today typically know more about the cars they want to buy than his own salespeople do. Some now come into the showroom knowing precisely what other people have paid for cars at his dealership within the last couple of months. Think of how that changes his business. And what’s happening in auto sales will happen in every single industry."

The End of ‘Social Media’

You know you're a WAHM...

2010-12-12T18:41:00.001-08:00

Thank you God for blessing me with a home-based business so that I can capture photos like these.

You know you're a WAHM...

2010-11-29T01:56:00.000-08:00

You know you're a WAHM when the AC tune up guy arrives at the same time the "Release the newsletter" email arrives from the client.

Of course the entrance to the attic is RIGHT above my desk. I had to maneuver around the ladder while holding the 1-year old to schedule the newsletter.

You know you're a WAHM...

2010-11-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

You know you're a WAHM when your 3-year old tells your husband, "Mommy eats a lot of chocolate while she's working."

Ha!

Don't worry, hubs. I'm not sitting here chowing down on Bon Bons. It's 16 chocolate almonds (I counted) I guess that would be a lot to a 3 year old.

You know you're a WAHM...

2010-11-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

You know you're a WAHM when your 1-year old takes an epic three-hour nap.

Not only did I get my afternoon work done, I also got random things around the house done. Things that most stay-at-home moms get to do every time their kids nap.

Clean the kitchen, pick up toys, etc.

You know you're a WAHM...

2010-10-11T01:37:00.000-07:00

You know you are a WAHM when you are sitting at Starbucks nursing your baby in one arm and emailing and jotting notes with the other.

Hannah Holthus' Reasoner
Natural Birth Advocate
Read her blog here.

Do you have a "You know you're a WAHM..." story to share? Send it to me for consideration. lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

Why are you working?

2010-10-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

By Mary M. Byers

Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who don't know why they are working. Most assume that they are working for money. But when I talk to people about the topic, I hear a lot of different reasons for work. Some work for the mental stimulation. Some to keep their skills up to date. Other work to support their scrapbooking habit or to be able to purchase cosmetics at a discount.

There's a big difference between working to put food on the table vs.working for the "extras" such as summer camp or a vacation. Both are legitimate but it's essential to be honest about your motivation. Knowing what drives you will help you keep your priorities in order. When my children were young, I worked for the extras. However, instead of stopping when I earned enough to help with vacation costs I kept right on going, becoming a workaholic in the process. It didn't serve me or my family. When I recognized my error, I was able to cut back on work in order to create a healthier balance. Now that my children are school-age and I'm working to help cover orthodontia, tuition and retirement, I've increased my hours accordingly.

Understanding why you are working makes it easier to make tough work-related decisions. Will you work on the weekends? Stay up late to get it all done? If you're working to put food on the table, the answer will more likely be yes. But if you're working for the fun of it, you may choose not to compromise family time by late night or weekend work. When you know why you are working, it gets easier to decide what kind of boundaries you'll adhere to.

Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. You can learn more about making work at home work by subscribing to Mary’s free blog at http://www.makingworkathomework.com/. Interested in more articles like this? Join the blog ring here.

Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk

2010-10-01T02:49:00.000-07:00

Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk

A client suggested this marketing book, so I figured I'd better read it.
It's been well over a year since I've read any marketing books. Since I work by myself from home, I don't get to learn from other professionals as often as I would if I worked in an office setting. I always appreciate reading good, inspirational marketing books.

Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk was very inspirational!

I've already suggested the book to many of my clients.

He basically explains how to build your brand using the power of social media.

He has emphasized a concept I've tried suggesting to my clients in the past. While I'm the "social media editor" (cool term he used to describe folks like me) for my clients, and my industry articles and perspectives are important and beneficial, they can only go so far. It's even more beneficial for clients to get into their social media accounts and post inside information as well.

Here's how Vaynerchuk explains this point:

"My business already has a Twitter account and a Facebook page, we’re set in the social media department.

This is the equivalent of claiming twenty years ago that just because your business bought a TV spot and a few ads in the newspaper, you didn’t need to pay attention to your advertising department. Social media isn’t about joining in, it’s about being involved."

Share your surgery schedule, share birthday photos of staff members, share what your diet coordinator is eating for lunch, share what your dental staff gives out at Halloween, share the exercise techniques of your cosmetic surgery staff, share your experiences during a hair training class.

A cool point about blogs from the book, "A website is for communicating logistics and facilitating sales; your blog is for communicating the essence of your brand. It allows you to expand your topic in ways that a static website simply can't.

Vaynerchuk gives a step-by-step marketing strategy that is easy to follow and will help readers "Crush It."

From the Amazon link:

Learn: Why social media has evened the playing field, destroying the “gate-keepers” who had previously dictated the distribution of content.

Learn: How to beat unemployment and create wealth-building opportunities by building and maintaining a personal brand.

Learn: Why storytelling is the most important business concept in the current marketplace.

Learn: How you can build an online business around your passion without quitting your day job.

Learn: Why Twitter and Facebook are just tools and not a social media strategy.

Learn: How to take advantage of the half-billion dollars in advertising that are moving to the internet.

Learn: Why transparency and being true to yourself are now winning marketing formulas.

Learn: How to build and maintain an online community around your passion and brand.

Learn: Strategies for turning attention into money.

Learn: Why the legacy element of the internet era is so underrated.

Babywearing at Work!

2010-09-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

Working mother cradles her baby in sling as she casts her vote at EU Parliament

My friend sent me this news story.

"It's probably one of the few occasions when sleeping on the job would be positively encouraged.

Afterall, if Licia Ronzulli's baby did wake up, she would prove something of a distraction to other members of the European Parliament."

"Mrs Ronzulli, an MEP from Italy, took her tiny daughter Victoria to a vote at Strasbourg. She kept her baby carefully cradled against her in a sling and occasionally leant to kiss her on the forehead."

So sweet!

I have been known to wear my baby at work too!

Read the full story here.

You know you're a WAHM

2010-09-22T02:47:00.001-07:00

You know you are a work-from-home-mom when your work "day" is interrupted at 4:30 a.m. by a 16 month old who needs a diaper change, some milk and wants to be read, "Good Night Moon."

Luckily she goes back to sleep so that I can go back to work!

Do you have a "You know you are a WAHM" story to share? I'd love to read it. Send your story for consideration. Photos are also welcome.

lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

7 Facebook Marketing Tips From World’s Top Pros

2010-08-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Some good tips here!
7 Facebook Marketing Tips From World’s Top Pros

9 Ways to Use Social Media to Inspire Your Writing

2010-08-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re a personal blogger, business blogger, article marketer, copywriter, novelist, poet, student writing an essay or any other form of writer, social networks provide a vast array of ways to get inspired to write.

This can be considered one of the best ways to beat a case of old-fashioned writer’s block. You just need to know where to look and set up some channels to provide at-your-fingertips-access when you need it.

Here are nine ways to use social media to find writing inspiration.

Originally posted on the Social Media Examiner.

13 fun, easy ways to find content for your blog

2010-08-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

13 fun, easy ways to find content for your blog

7 ways blogging makes you and your employees smarter

2010-08-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

7 ways blogging makes you and your employees smarter

Book Bloggers

2010-07-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a long list of book bloggers that the Publicity Hound included in her recent newsletter. It was found in the Publisher's Weekly ezine.

Some of them discuss books. Many write book reviews.

The timing couldn't be better, as more newspapers and magazines are eliminating book review sections.

Check them out if you need to promote a book.

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email the handy cheat sheet "89 Reasons to Send a Press Release."

You know you're a WAHM

2010-07-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

You know you are a WAHM when you can take your daughter to swim lessons in the morning and coordinate an interview for your client on FoxNews.com later in the same day.

Do you have a "You Know You're a WAHM" story to share? Send it to me for consideration to lori @ lbpublicrelations dot com.

Dallas Morning News Features Story About "Haul Videos"

2010-07-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

Teens and young women share their purchases in homemade videos.

Many of them have huge amounts of followers.

"Haul videos are an offshoot of beauty and style tutorials ..."

"It's easy to show off a $2,000 Versace shirt, but these women are finding fashion on a budget and finding style on their own and sharing what they love with others who feel the same way."

Don't look for the trend to slow down anytime soon. Quinn predicts social media sponsorships will increase 24 percent this year to $56.8 million.

"Ad agencies are pulling their hair out trying to figure out how to reach the youth audience," he said.

Click here to read the full article.

How can your company create "Haul Videos?"

Can you ask some customers to provide video diaries? Maybe invest in some video equipment to film them right then and there in your place of business?

2010-06-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

Expanding and Contracting: Managing Your Stress Level
By Mary M. Byers
My work is seasonal. I make about 30% of my income for the entire year in one month! That's
the good news. The bad news is that it can be stressful getting through such a busy time. That's
where the concept of "Expanding and Contracting" comes in.
Expanding and contracting requires making a conscious decision regarding how big your life
view is going to be at any given time. For example, I once had a speaking engagement in my
home town. Since my mother lived there, I decided to take my children along so they could
spend some time with grandma.
Several weeks before the engagement, my world view was still large. I could look at the
calendar for the entire month, make plans for later in the summer, and keep an active “To
Do” list for the week. As the engagement approached, however, I narrowed my focus to
getting my presentation ready and getting myself and the kids packed. The day before our
departure, getting out the door and to Grandma’s house was ALL I focused on. As soon as my
presentation was over, however, I was able to expand my focus again and begin planning for
our next trip—a family vacation.
You’ve probably used these concepts of expanding and contracting without even knowing
it. Think about the last time you had friends over for dinner. When you called to extend the
invitation, your life view was still large. As you approached the day of the meal, your view
contracted as you began to plan the menu and make your grocery list. The day of the event,
your view likely contracted even more, to the point of being focused on straightening the house
and getting the food prepared. After your guests arrived, your view could begin to expand again
and by the time they left, you were probably already thinking ahead to what the next day would
bring.
Expanding and contracting your view is extremely useful in staving off stress. As I view my
calendar some days and an overwhelmed feeling starts creeping over me, I simply take a
deep breathe (or two, or three, or ten, depending on the situation!) and ask myself, “How can
I contract my focus?” Doing so keeps me from being paralyzed and gives me a focal point
toward which to direct my energy. It's an extremely effective means of staying sane when you're
running a home and a business under one roof. Having a laser focus is necessary sometimes
just to get you through the day.
What techniques do you use to help you get through your work-related busy times?
E-mail me at mbyers@marybyers.com and I'll share your tricks in my next post. Until then,
now that I'm done traveling for awhile, I'm expanding my focus again and it feels good!
______________________
Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and
a Family Under One Roof. You can learn more about making work at home work by subscribing
to Mary’s free blog at www.makingworkathomework.com.

How Much Is a Facebook Fan Really Worth?

2010-06-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

I recently read this article on Gigaom.com.

Lots of companies — more every day, it seems — want to have Facebook “fan” pages, where customers or would-be customers can connect with them and become part of their online community. But what are those fans actually worth to a company?

Click here to keep reading.

Think Social Media is a Fad? I Dare You to Watch This Video

2010-06-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

I saw this video and blog post on the Publicity Hound Blog.

By Joan Stewart
The Publicity Hound

If you work for a company, and the boss won’t let you participate in social media on company time “because it’s just a fad,” here’s a powerful video that will prove the boss wrong.

Or maybe YOU’RE the one who needs convincing. If you own a business and you already wear a dozen different hats, you don’t want one more to worry about.

Before you totally discount social media, please watch this video, think about the social media statistics you see here, and then decide.

How to Catch CNN's Attention

2010-06-10T01:52:00.000-07:00

I read this in the recent issue of The Publicity Hound Newsletter.

If you've been pitching CNN and you're getting nowhere, take matters into your own hands.

Go to the network's IReport page where you're invited to write your own story, be heard and shape what CNN covers.

"One of the goals of CNN IReport is to expand the current definition of news. Please share the stories you think are newsworthy and participate in discussions you think are interesting. CNN's producers will check out the most compelling, important and urgent stories, so we can verify the information and add them to CNN's coverage."

The stories in this section are not edited, fact-checked or screened before they post. Only ones marked "CNN IReport" have been vetted by CNN.

But if you can pique the network's interest here, where you KNOW they're paying attention, you might end up on the televised news. Be sure to stop by the assignment desk so you know exactly what kinds of sources they're seeking. Your IReport article doesn't have to tie into one of the assignments, but it helps to know what they need.

You Know You're a WAHM

2010-05-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

You know you are a WAHM when you set up a carpet picnic for your 11 month old so that mom can participate in a conference call.

You know you're a WAHM

2010-05-06T03:47:00.000-07:00

You know you're a WAHM when you eat breakfast at 4:45 a.m.

I'm like my dad when he says, "I do more work before 9 a.m. than many people do all day."

Have a "You know you're a WAHM" story to share?

Email it to me at lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

Encouragement

2010-04-29T01:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Our Daily Bread and it encouraged me today.

Is your schedule demanding?

Follow the example of Jesus and set aside a specific time for prayer.

Then depend upon God’s power to help you meet each day’s demands.

The many tasks we face each day
Can burden and oppress,
But spending time with God each day
Can bring relief from stress. —Sper

To keep your life in balance, lean on the Lord.

Dallas developer devotes staffer full time to blog and tweet | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Dallas Business News

2010-04-27T03:34:00.001-07:00

Here's a great story about Kendall Shiffler, who spends hours each day on blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

It's her job as social media maven for Lower Oak Lawn, a new residential and retail development in Dallas' Design District between the Trinity River and Interstate 35 East.

I do similar work for my clients and am their "voice" on social media pages.

Quoted from the article, "Small businesses have lagged in using social media because they don't have the staff or time," said Janet Wagner, director of the University of Maryland's Center for Excellence in Service. That's changing: A study by the center found the use of social media by small firms doubled to 24 percent last year in the U.S.

Reporter Sheryl Jean shares these tips for small businesses:
1. Know your target audience or customer.

2. Develop a social media marketing strategy.

3. Make sure your website or blog has the best search engine optimization.

4. Find the right voice for your business.

5. Join Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

6. Join Linkedin and other professional networking sites.

7. Start a company or personal blog.

8. Integrate social media into your traditional marketing.

9. Research what your competitors are doing.

10. Address negative feedback immediately. Don't ignore it.

Dallas developer devotes staffer full time to blog and tweet | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Dallas Business News

Posted using ShareThis

You Know You're a WAHM

2010-03-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

You know you're a WAHM when your afternoon "sound track" is your 3 year old reading her books in her room during "rest time."

I sure will miss hearing her when she goes to Kindergarten.

Have a "You know you're a WAHM" story to share?

Email it to me at lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

You Know You're a WAHM

2010-03-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

You know you're a WAHM when going to the tax man is a family event.

We left the 3 year old with a friend but took the 10-month old because she's still nursing and is unpredictable about taking a bottle.

Hubby and I took turns entertaining baby. She thankfully fell asleep in the baby carrier for a good while.

Tax man talks numbers with my hubby because he gets a blank stare when he discusses them with me.

Brilliant Publicity Event

2010-03-09T16:30:00.001-08:00

I just read about Henry's Homemade Ice Cream parlor in the Plano Insider.

They have an annual tradition that is just brilliant.

They coordinated an event around current news (Girl Scout Cookies) and paired it with a charity event.

The company celebrates all the hard work of Girl Scouts by buying two boxes of Girl Scout cookies from any scout, wearing their uniform who comes inside. The owner guesses he has purchased from about 200 scouts. As you can imagine, the boxes of cookies add up! (30 cases this year!)

He then makes the cookies into ice cream flavors. Uh, I'd love to try some Thin Mint ice cream!

The company has been doing this for 17 years!

They also employ celebrity scoopers including the former Mayor of Plano. I would suggest that this company invite the food reporters from the Dallas Morning News as well as news reporters to be scoopers.

Congratulations to Henry's Homemade Ice Cream Parlor on such a brilliant event.

You can click here to read the full story.

You know you're a WAHM

2010-03-08T03:21:00.000-08:00

Dusty Reid
Co-owner & Designer, BB&G
Baby Bouquets and Gifts
Flowers That Bloom Into Babywear

Check out this photo. It's made with one of my favorite baby products: Baby Legs! (baby leg warmers)

Dusty sent this to share:

You know you are a WAHM...
"I'm a WAHM, we all are, I know, but I also run my business from home. This is a new thing, it's only been a few months so we are still having friends over that we drag downstairs and proudly show 'the biz' to.

I make flower bouquets with silk flowers and baby clothes rolled into flowers so there are all these lovely arrangements everywhere.

Our friends dutifully ooo and ahhh over them as I excitedly pull them all out for show and tell.

Inevitably, with a 7 yr. old daughter in the house, there are many bouquets on display that SHE has made and (you know this is coming :) inevitably, our friends will point to one of HER bouquets and exclaim with feverish excitement "OOHHH, that one's gorgeous! I REALLY like that one"!!

I strongly oppose child labor but am seriously beginning to wonder if I should be increasing my daughter's allowance in return for some design work?

Maybe I should just be proud!!"

Check out the Baby Bouquet website here.

Have a You know you are a WAHM... story to share?

Email me your story for consideration. lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

You know you're a WAHM

2010-03-01T04:26:00.000-08:00

You know you're a WAHM when you go into your baby's room after her nap and she's standing in her crib!!

I'm so thankful to be able to work from home and experience these thrilling milestones.

My little one has since perfected the standing technique and has been pulling herself up on everything.

Do you have a "You know you're a WAHM" story to share? Email it to me for consideration

lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

You know you're a WAHM

2010-02-22T01:24:00.000-08:00

You know you're a WAHM when your 3 year old uses her play cell phone to call Dr. Caruth and Von Anthony Salon. (Two of my current clients.)

Do you have a "You know you're a WAHM" story to share? Email it to me for consideration:

lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

Container Store co-founder shares secret shopping encounters

2010-02-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

"How are you doing today?" and "Can I help you find anything?"

Along with Garrett Boone, co-founder of the Container Store, I find these questions VAPID! And CRINGE WORTHY!

Cheryl Hall of the Dallas Morning News wrote about Boone's "mystery shopping spree."

Any business owner who services customers can learn from his experiment.

He spent time looking carefully at items that interested me. He gave sales associates "every opportunity to connect."

Only two clerks connected with him and that is where he spent the most money.

The others used the VAPID, "How are you doing today sir?"

This is also from the article:
"Garrett Boone went mystery shopping, he called himself "Inspector MID." That's Container Store code for "Man in the Desert" selling.

Here's how Boone explains MID:

"A man lost in the desert for weeks stumbles across an oasis and is offered a glass of water. But if you stop to think, you probably realize he also needs food, a place to sleep, a phone to call his family, a pair of shoes and a hat and umbrella to screen the sun's rays.

"When a customer comes looking for shoe storage, most retailers help her find a shoe rack – that glass of water. We know she needs a complete solution for her entire closet.

"Man in the Desert selling teaches our salespeople to become so immersed in the customer's needs that we complete their solution instinctively."

Besides water, what else do your customers need?

Engage your customers in conversation. Read the full article to learn how.

Working With a Coach

2010-02-15T04:22:00.000-08:00

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

Working with a Coach

By Mary M. Byers

I took the plunge and hired a coach late last year. She’s been a fabulous addition to my team and is worth every penny. Here’s how I’m benefiting:

Accountability: At the end of each session, we identify 3-5 activities for me to complete by our next session. I don’t want to disappointment my coach or embarrass myself so I find I’m highly motivated to get my “homework” done each month.

Advice: I’m able to outline my thoughts and then ask for her advice. Though she doesn’t always say, “This is what I think you should do...” she is always able to ask pertinent questions to help me come to a decision I’m comfortable with.

Expertise: My coach has small business acumen and more importantly to me, is an expert in online marketing, something that intimidates me. I have a lot of questions about how to implement my online marketing ideas and she’s a great resource for getting the answers I need. When I’m stuck, she reminds me that I don’t have to know how to do everything and that between us, we can find the resources to implement even the craziest ideas.

Companionship: Let’s face it, being a solo-preneur can be a lonely endeavor. My coach gives me someone to bounce ideas off of as well as the comfort of having someone along on the journey with me. Knowing someone else is rooting for me encourages me to continue to strive for excellence.

If you’re looking to help your business reach new heights in 2010, consider hiring a coach. Doing so is a great way to stretch yourself and grow your business.

Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. You can learn more about making work at home work by subscribing to Mary’s free blog at www.makingworkathomework.com. Interested in more articles like this? Join the blog ring here.

A Day in the Life of a WAHM

2010-01-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

A Day in the Life of A WAHM

Kids ages 3 and 7.5 months.

2 a.m. - Hear baby humming in her sleep. at 7.5 months, she still not sleeping through the night. The humming never amounts to anything and she goes back to sleep. So do I.

3:15. "Sleepy humming" starts again. Big sigh. It would b nice to get my remaining 15 minutes of sleep before my alarm goes off.

Get up. Change baby. Nurse. She goes off to blissful "La La" land. I go start my computer.

3:30 - Eat banana with peanut butter. Take vitamins. Drink water and clear some clutter off the kitchen counter.

3:40 - Read a chapter in "Power of a Praying Wife" and indulge for a few minutes in some of my favorite blogs.

3:45 - Internet goes down. Since I work from home, I'm my own IT person. One reset of the router, and I'm back up. Finish reading blogs, check email and start work. This includes adding to a press release, blogging for my clients, respond to emails, finish listening to an interview with a client that I recorded a few days prior.

6 a.m. - Wake up hubby. Chat for a few minutes before our day goes in separate ways. Go down stairs and make oatmeal with raisins and almonds. I also eat some chocolate covered raisins. I read somewhere that it's best to eat your junk food in the morning so that you burn off the calories. This makes me feel OK to eat chocolate at 6 in the morning.

6:38 - Baby is awake. Daddy brings her down stairs.

Say bye bye to Daddy.

Finish oatmeal while baby nurses and scan the health section of the paper. Baby is done nursing and starts clawing at the paper.

7 a.m. Put her down to play. Load some dishes and brew some tea. Finish scanning the paper.

Baby gives me some smiles. Makes it worth getting up at 3 in the morning so that I can be with her during the day.

7:10 - Baby wants to be held so we play. Baby seems to be fussy and has a bit of a runny nose. Catch the weather report while nursing. It's going to be really cold. I mentally adjust my schedule for the week and decide to go grocery shopping tomorrow before the cold sets in.

7:30 Sister awake. Sister picks out her ballet outfit for the day. I put her hair in a pony tail. She brings down a bag of books. She makes her breakfast TV time selection and has a hard time deciding between "Little Bear" or her Barbie movie of the day, "Rapunzel." I get her drink while she decides. Barbie wins.

I feed Kate her oatmeal myself. It's the easiest way for me to get whole grains and veggies into her.

8 a.m. Baby need to go down. Grab trash out of baby's room and send a quick email.
Back to feeding the 3 year old.

Take advantage of the TV and water the cat, take out the trash, get spinach out of the freezer for dinner, get shoes, pack a snack and get 3 year old warm clothes.

Baby is fighting her nap and today it's a good thing because we have ballet. I go and put her in the carrier.

I realize our library books may be due. A quick check on my receipt confirms. I make Kate clear out the books she's dropped behind her bed. Get her dressed.

Search for the keys. Warm up the car. Kate complaining that she wants to go to ballet. When it's time to go, she complains that she wants to read. Sigh. Life with a 3 year old.

9 a.m. Kate enjoys ballet class.

10 a.m. Talk Kate into getting her coat back on to head to the library.

10:20 - Pass the post office on the way to the library and realize I forgot a package I wanted to mail.

10:30 - Kate cuddles in my lap while we enjoy story time.

11 a.m. - Head for home. Lauren still hasn't taken her morning nap and she's desperate for one.

11:30 - Baby down. Make lunch for me and Kate. Kate said she wanted PB&J. I make grilled cheese for me. When it's time to eat, Kate insists that she wanted grilled cheese. We compromise by splitting our sandwiches.

I read Kate two books and start her new book on tape that she got at the library.
12 Noon - Back at my desk. Check email. Schedule a hair cut appointment.

1 p.m. Baby awake. But I'm in the middle of trying to work with the web designer to get photos for client's newsletter. Play with baby while I wait for web designer's email.

2 p.m. Kate awake. Feed her veggies while she watches TV.

2:30 Images arrive! Talk with client. Finalize newsletter and distribute. Get ready for a walk.

2:45 - Baby is tired and wants to go down again. Play with Kate.

3:15 - Share an apple with Kate. Put chicken in oven for dinner.

3:45 - Baby awake.

4 p.m. - Over to a neighbor's house; a sweet, sweet lady who loves my girls.
4:30 - Go home. Daddy is home! Make a deal with Kate that if she helps clean the living room, she can have chocolate milk.

4:45 - Daddy plays with girls while I work on dinner.

5:15 - Daddy goes to work out.

I wrestle baby into her pj's.

Girls play while I assemble the chicken lasagna. I'm out of mozzarella, cheddar will have to do. This seems to be how my grocery trips go. I always forget something.

5:30 Baby down. Share an orange with Kate. Look through a magazine together. I make up names of the models in the photos.

Brush Kate's teeth, wash her face and hands, give her a massage. She chooses a dress for her pj's.

6:20 - Daddy is home. He reads to Kate while I put the lasagna in the oven. I do some yoga stretches. We say prayers and Kate gets to read for a bit.

6:30 - I iron hubby's clothes while we catch up on our day. I then melt in a hot shower.
6:50 - Lights out for Kate. Head to the kitchen. Timer is dinging. Lasagna is ready.

7 - Eat dinner with hubby.

7:15 In bed. Ready to enjoy my sacred "me time" by reading.

8 p.m. Lights out for me.

9 p.m. Baby wakes up. I nurse her and go back to sleep.

More Reasons to Blog

2010-01-13T02:25:00.000-08:00

You know you're a WAHM

2010-01-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

Marcie Carson, Principal and Creative Director, IE Design + Communications

Author of the blog, womoments.com.

Co-Author of a future book working motherhood (http://www.womobook.com/) These girls are right on when describing the "master multitaskers" that are working moms! I'm thinking of submitting my own "mom word" for their WoMo Glossary.

I'm sure most WAHMs work when the kiddos are asleep, but sometimes, when the inspiration hits, we just gotta get to that computer and quickly bust it out. It's not always that easy to do and Marcie shares this funny, "You Know You're A WAHM" story:

"It's usually much easier to write after the wee ones are in bed, but I'm
inspired and the kiddos appear to be entertaining themselves quite well.

So, I'm going to go for it ooop, well, see here we go, hold on a sec. (5:10)

Didn't think that would happen so fast, but no worries, they needed help
with a pen cap. (5:12)

So, I was saying, inspired, yes! I went into Pete's this morning whoops, sorry, just a minute. There's screaming. (5:18)

Alright, I'm back. 3-year old was crumpling 7-year old's masterpiece. Boy,
is he pissed.

Anyway, I was getting a coffee ARGH! What now? (5:35) OK.

Nothing alarming, older one was sitting on younger one's face. It happens
all the time.

Soooo, I forgot where I was. Oh, yes, I'm walking into Starbucks, wait, no. It was Pete¹s. I was running into Pete's and this guy.

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Back, forth, back aaaaaand forth. (6:04)

I'm back. Not a problem. I'm getting a little confused (and winded), but
they're fine.

Back to my story. Something about running late for coffee.

Can you hear that? Is that a soccer ball hitting? oh, uhoh, crying.

Sooooo sorry. One second. (6:30)

Yes, that was a tad longer than one second. I had to take the clothes out of the dryer.

So, as I was saying, I'm running with coffee and and there's this guy named Pete oh, crapola, what time is it?

I need to go make dinner."

Thanks Marcie! I can definitely relate to this one!

Do you have a "You Know You're a Work at Home Mom" story? Email it to me for consideration! lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

Dumbest Excuses for Not Blogging

2009-12-31T02:30:00.000-08:00

Reprinted from "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email the handy cheat sheet "89 Reasons to Send a Press Release."

If you aren't blogging yet, or you've stopped blogging, you can't use these three excuses:

--It takes too much time.

--I don't know what to say.

--Nobody comments at my blog.

Let's address them one by one.

Of course it takes time. But if I had to choose just one social media tool, I'd probably choose a blog. It positions you as an expert in your field far better than noisy sites like Twitter and Facebook can.

You don't know what to say?

Finding content is one of the biggest complaints I hear from Publicity Hounds. But once you know about shortcuts like creating Google Alerts and checking them each day for topics you can write about, you'll have more content than you'll ever need. That's what I do.

Nobody's commenting at your blog?

It could be because your content isn't compelling. Or perhaps you aren't feeding your blog into sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, where thousands more people can share your information with friends, followers and fans. Or maybe you aren't ending your posts with questions like "Am I wrong?" or "What's your take?" or "Share your best tip here and let's see how long a list we can create."

Results of my customer profile survey earlier this year show many Publicity Hounds are hungry for time-saving tips on how to blog. So I asked Patsi Krakoff of The Blog Squad to join me for a teleseminar at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, Jan. 13, called "Time-saving Tips for Smart Business Blogging."

Make 2010 the year you finally commit to a blog and build in efficiencies that will make the job go faster. Read more about what you'll learn and register.

Making Work At Home Work: Holiday Strategies

2009-12-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

Making Work At Home Work: Holiday Strategies
by Mary Byers

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

As I look ahead to the approaching holiday season, I thought I’d share a few suggestions for you to consider for your business.

• Give yourself a break. Most employees get time off for Christmas. Sometimes I give myself time off, too. But I'm not always intentional about it. This year, I'm going to actually mark off a couple of days that I'm gifting to myself. I'll turn on my auto reply and get myself out of the office. I know it will feel good and will be rejuvenating for me.

• Make a list of office supply and equipment needs. I know it is difficult to spend money on work when you need to spend money on holiday gifts. But there are two great reasons to make work related purchases this month and next. One, there are great sales. Two, if you've had a successful year in 2009, you can reduce your taxable income by purchasing things you need (and want) for your business.

• Consider developing a one-page plan for next year. I spend one morning each December writing a one-page business plan for myself. I simply identify four or five initiatives that would help my business. I capture them on paper, jot down my action plans, and post it on my wall. This helps keep me focused throughout the year.

• Set a financial goal (unless it will make you a slave to your business). I set financial goals for myself early in my business. But I abandoned them when they became the be-all and end-all for me even though I had two preschool aged children. Instead, I focused on taking the work that came my way. No more, no less. Now, however, I've started setting goals again. And I'm pleased to report that I had my best year ever in 2009! Don't be a slave to a goal. But consider setting one if it will motivate and encourage you or if you have something special you're saving for.

• Take time to be thankful. I am grateful I get to work from home. Sometimes I forget my gratitude when I'm overwhelmed or behind in my work. But I don't want to lose sight of what a privilege it is to run my own business. I plan to keep this in the forefront of my mind as I approach this holiday season.

Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. Sign up for her work at home blog at www.makingworkathomework.com.

Paul Gillin's Message to Graduates

2009-12-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

Social Media Expert, Paul Gillin, spoke to Dr. Nora Barnes’ social media marketing class at the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth.

He had some VERY important things to tell them.

Here are some of my favorites:
- Much of what you’ve learned about marketing over the last four years will be irrelevant five years from now.

- You should discard much of what your teachers have been telling you about the media. Traditional media is collapsing and what emerges from the rubble will look very different than the institutions we now know.

- Traditional media was built upon a foundation of inefficiency. The clothing retailer who wanted to reach the .01% of the population who want to buy a wedding gown at any given time has had to pay for the 99.9% who don’t. That’s crazy, but it’s the only way we could get a message across in the past.

- In the old days, the marketer’s job was to media-train a few key executives. In the future, the marketer’s job will be to media-train the entire company.

Here's the full list.

CEOs, Get Your Blog On - Article About Corporate Blogging in the Latest Issue of D CEO

2009-12-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here

Black Friday is Great for Work at Home Moms!

2009-11-27T16:32:00.000-08:00

I got a really good deal at Office Max on a HP All in One printer, fax, scanner. It's wireless!

Many thanks to my tech guy (hubby) who installed it.

Now I just need a black, wooden file cabinet to complete my home office.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T04:20:00.000-08:00

Once again I'm thankful to God for blessing my business.

For giving me the strength to get up in the early morning hours and to get through 17 hour days.

I'm thankful for the professional mentors in my life.

I'm thankful for the brilliant entrepreneurs/clients that I get to learn from.

I'm thankful for clients who are doing such good in this world and they've been able to use me to reach the community.

I'm thankful for the internet, my new computer and the beautiful home office my husband made for me.

My first media hit on the Dallas Moms Blog (part of the Dallas Morning News(

2009-11-16T02:32:00.000-08:00

Dallas Moms Blog, November 15, 2009
Lori Jordan Rice: Teaching Kids about Thanksgiving Through Miss Trimbles Trapdoor

http://momsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/11/lori-jordan-rice-teaching-kids.html

You know you're a WAHM

2009-11-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

You know you're a WAHM and grandma is visiting. While working in the home office, the wonderful sound of someone else doing the dishes as well as fresh baked cookies fills the air.

Thanks mom!

Take Advantage of Free Directory Sites

2009-10-29T05:21:00.000-07:00

Are your clients listed here?
Take Advantage of Free Directory Sites

Introducing The Work at Home Girls

2009-10-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

Introducing The Work at Home Girls

Let's face it: a lot of people want (and in some cases need) to set their own hours and work from home. Are you one of those people? What's stopping you? If you're serious about making money from home, you'll do what it takes - including investing in your own learning-either to get your company off to a strong start or to help you move to the next level more quickly. Work at Home Girls is designed to help you.

The Work at Home Girls is the brainchild of Jill Hart and Mary Byers, two successful work at home moms and authors. They've teamed up to offer help, ideas, challenges and mentorship from for women that work at home. Jill and Mary have over 20 years combined experience running a business from home. One is a techie (Jill, founder of Christian Work at Home Moms and author of So You Want to be a Work-at-Home Mom) and the other is a wordsmith (Mary, freelance editor and author of five books, including Making Work at Home Work).They've teamed up to share what they wish mentors had shared with them when they started their businesses over a decade ago. The Work at Home Girls share their Simple Secrets to make your business a SUCCESS -

Traits of Successful Work-at-Home Business Owners
By Mary Byers and Jill Hart

While many people like the idea of working in their pajamas and having a minute-commute down the hallway, not everyone is cut out to work from home. Those who do so successfully have the following traits:

Passion. It’s essential to love what you do and do what you love when working from home. Passion will keep you going even when the going gets tough, as it does in even the best of jobs.

Self-Motivation. It’s important that you’re a self-starter, especially when you are your own boss. There’s no one to motivate you other than yourself when you are self-employed.

Resourcefulness. Work -at-home CEOs aren’t just the head of the company, they ARE the company. That means being the janitor, the technology guru, the marketing manager, and the brains behind the operation. Often, this requires skills you don’t possess. But when you’re resourceful, you’ll be able to find the knowledge you need to keep your business moving forward.

Confidence. It takes guts to run your own enterprise and confidence to manage it effectively. Though there will be times you experience self-doubt, overall you need to have the confidence that you can, and will, figure things out when you run into obstacles.

Like this? Want more? Join the most recent teleseminars!

* Making Your Business Work for You: How to Choose, Launch and Run a Winner (available soon as a download)

* Realistic Expectations: What You Need to Know About Working from Home Successfully (available soon as a download)

* Marketing Your Business Online (October 26)

* The Business of Business: Rev Up Your Profit! (November 2)

Work at Home Girls give you specifics, examples and personal business experience that you won't find anywhere else! Check them out today!

Andrea Hughes Studio Productions

2009-10-19T05:42:00.000-07:00
I recently helped a friend edit her web copy. I also wrote/updated her bio.

Andrea Hughes Studio Productions

Commercial photography with a printer’s eye and imaginative web design will make your brand flow.

We take your vision, photograph it, ink it and web it.

Here's her bio/website.

Media Hit!

2009-10-12T05:39:00.000-07:00
For Adonis Aesthetics

Fox 31, Denver
October 1, 2009
Water liposuction featured on the "Everyday with Libby and Natalie" show.

This is the 3rd Body Jet TV segment I've secured. I have three markets to pitch (Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver.) I've only secured three media/TV segments. This has been a tough market to break into.

Dallas was all over this new form of lipo.

Here's the segment.

You know you're a WAHM

2009-10-05T17:35:00.001-07:00

When your 2 year old pretends to come into the house after walking her baby doll and says, "I've got to check my email."

Do you have a fun "You know you're a WAHM" story? Send it my way!
lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

Today as a WAHM

2009-09-08T15:56:00.000-07:00
Today as a work-at-home-mom, I played Play-Do with my daughter and took her to library story time.

I also coordinated a segment to have my client appear on a TV morning show. I even did some media training with her over the phone while wearing my baby in a sling.

What did you do today as a WAHM?

Send me your story lori at lbpublicrelations dot com.

Public Relations is not your typical 9 - 5 job

2009-09-04T18:03:00.001-07:00
One of the great things about being in public relations, is all the fun and creative things I get to do for my clients.

I've met celebrities like Daisy Fuentes and Deepak Chopra.

I've been to amazing places like the actual baseball field for the San Diego Padres, eaten at 5-Star restaurant, Nana at the Hilton Anatole and also gotten spa treatments at the V Spa as well as the Chopra Center for Well Being in La Jolla.

I've even gotten my daughter involved and had her on TV for a babywearing segment as well as a baby sign language segment. (She signed more as she inhaled blueberries.)

The latest adventure had me making Grilled Prosciutto Mozzarella Biquinis (a fancy grilled cheese) in my kitchen. Notice how I was wearing my baby. My husband helped style the photo.

My gracious neighbor, who is a professional photographer, donated her time to get some amazing shots of this sandwich.

It was all for Dallas Child Magazine featuring the executive chef of Dallas’ Nana restaurant, Anthony Bombaci in the Celebrity Chef: Kids de Cuisine profile. Check out the recipe/media hit here.

This was a fun photo shoot! I enjoyed seeing my husband and neighbor in the "creative zone."

Doesn't my neighbor do amazing work? I'm so proud of her!

Want to live your life, your way?

2009-09-03T16:56:00.000-07:00
Want to live your life, you way?

This is on the receipt for my Pampered Chef order.

It's for an ad for Pampered Chef Consultants. "You'll earn the income you want with the flexible schedule you need."

This is exactly what it's like being a WAHM.

I work when my kiddos sleep. I can run errands and clean my house during the work day.

New Book: So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom

2009-08-25T17:14:00.000-07:00
Home-based businesses are estimated to be a $427 billion-a-year industry. In recent studies it was found that as many as 105 million people in North America alone were working at home. Considering this information, it is obvious that home-based businesses can be successful and authors Jill Hart and Diana Ennen will help you succeed with your own.

So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom details all the basics of starting a business in a spiritual, motivational, and comprehensive manner. From deciding what type of business to start to keeping your family and faith first, this helpful tool details every aspect of establishing a business. With proven success tips utilized by the authors and others who own work-at-home businesses, this inspiration approach will provide you with the resources you need to start your own home-based business.

So You Want to Be a Work-at-Home Mom includes:
* Detailed information on types of businesses to start
* Ideas and assistance for setting up, operating, and marketing your business
* Definitions and descriptions of work-at-home terminology and processes
* Help for developing your Website
* Explanations of the business nuts and bolts, including bookkeeping, taxes, and more

About the Authors
JILL HART is the founder of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com. Jill is a co-author of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom. Jill has published many articles and is a contributing author in Laundry Tales, The Business Mom Guide Book, I'll Be Home for Christmas, and Faith Deployed. She holds a bachelor's degree in human development and family studies. Learn more about working from home at http://www.cwahm.com/work-at-home/ .

DIANA ENNEN has been a leader and mentor in the work-at-home industry since starting her business, Virtual Word Publishing, in 1985. She is the author of many books, including Virtual Assistant the Series; Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and Words from Home: Start, Run, and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business. She resides in Margate, Florida, with her husband and their three children.

Below is an interview with the authors of So You Want To Be a Work-at-Home Mom – Jill & Diana.

If
have questions they are happy to answer your questions anytime. Leave a comment below or email Jill@cwahm.com or Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com

How long have you been working at home?

Jill Hart - I've been working at home since 2000. I had to go back to work full-time for a brief period in 2003 when my husband got out of the Air Force. At that point I got even more serious about making my business work and I've been home full-time since then.

Diana Ennen – I’ve been working at home since 1985, when my son was born. He’s now graduated college and already working towards his own career. I absolutely love it. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What types of businesses do you operate?

Jill Hart – I run Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com, a website full of free resources, job listings and information about home businesses. I also write articles and books (yes, more books to come!) and am a blogger for sites like Time/Warner's Christian Momlogic.com and a member of the Guideposts blogger team

Diana Ennen– I’m the President of Virtual Word Publishing. I’m a virtual assistant and specialize in marketing & publicity. I’ve also written numerous books on how to start a VA business and offer PR and VA Coaching.

Tell us about your book? How do you think it can benefit those who want to start a business?

Jill Hart - The book has been such a "God thing." He orchestrated the entire sequence of events - from putting Diana and I together as co-authors to bringing us to the right publisher. The book is a hands-on practical guide for anyone who wants to build a business from home. We cover topics ranging from how to select the right type of business for you, to how to get started, to how to market and grow your business.

Diana Ennen - I think one of the best features of our book is that it’s not only informative, but motivational as well. You’ll feel like friends are helping you on your journey to success. Also, we discuss numerous types of businesses to start and provide proven methods to achieve success. We also often hear how starting a business can be so overwhelming. That’s why we pay special attention to all the how tos. We feel very confident our book will help, not only those starting a business, but those already in business wanting to expand it.

What types of businesses are featured in your book?

Jill Hart - We have such a great range of contributors - everything from direct sales companies like Southern Living at Home and Avon to unique product-driven businesses like BSM Media and GrillCharms. These woman are amazing and give readers a great insight into how they've grown their businesses in very different ways.

Diana Ennen - We cover everything from direct sales companies to specialized areas such as medical transcription and virtual assisting. Also, Jill shares detailed information on starting a community based membership site. We think you’ll get a lot of helpful tips too from such work-at-home powerhouses as Maria Bailey and Lesley Spencer Pyle.

Do you have any tips for success for Christian entrepreneurs that you’d like to share?

Jill Hart - I think my favorite tip - shared with me by one of our contributors, Tammy Degenhart, almost ten years ago is that working together benefits everyone. She told me, "Jill, what you give to others God brings back tenfold" and I've seen that hold true time and time again. It may not be in financial gains and it may not look like what we expected but God is so faithful in that when we work together there is no competition - it's a win-win situation.

Diana Ennen - Do what you believe in and use your own skills and prior experience to find the business that’s just right for you. Research/Research/Research. The more you research, the better your business. Continue to market and be out there. So many once they find a few clients stop marketing. You need to get out there continually. You then become the go to person when someone needs services or products that you offer.

What are some of the challenges that you see with those starting or operating a business?

Jill Hart – In my experience, I've talked with many women who get frustrated because success doesn't come easily or quickly. Working from home may sound easy, but in reality it can actually be just as hard as working outside the home. There are many unique challenges, especially when working at home while raising children. If women don't prepare themselves, they can become discouraged and disheartened.

Diana Ennen– One of the major challenges I see is losing belief in yourself that you can do it. That’s why I think a faith-based book will be so beneficial. Even when times get tough, you can rely on your faith to forge ahead.

With the economy, do you believe it’s still a good time to start a business? Why?

Jill Hart – I think it's a better time than ever. The internet is so much more widely used than it was even nine years ago when I began my website. If people do their research and find a company that fits them as well as their budget this can be a great time to break into the work-at-home field.

Diana Ennen – Absolutely. In fact, I think there’s never been a better time. You might have to work a little harder, but it absolutely can be done. Plus, there are so many businesses who need us more than ever because of the economy. For example, with virtual assistants because businesses are downsizing they are seeking the help of a VA to help on an as needed basis.

Your book is written from a Christian perspective? Tell us a little about that and how you feel that makes it so unique?

Jill Hart – My faith is central to who I am and therefore central to my business. I began Christian Work at Home Moms because I wanted women to have a safe place where they could discuss not only business things, but also talk about an area that doesn't get talked about a lot in business circles - how our faith affects our businesses. The book is written in a way that doesn't hit anyone over the head with our faith, but it's true to who we are and talks about things from the vantage point that we see life - through the lens of our faith.

Diana Ennen – There are so many books out there today on starting a business. However, few have the Christian mom in mind. We provide a lot of scriptures and examples of how you can use your faith to help you. Our hope is that not only will your business thrive, but it might just give a little boost to your faith as well.

Learn more about the book at Beacon Hill Press or SoYouWantToBeAWAHM.com.