Mother’s Day Giveaway: Win Tamara’s Books!
With Mother's Day fast approaching, celebrating moms is even higher on my mind than usual. I'd love to give you a free copy of my books, The Mom Inventors Handbook and Secrets of Millionaire Moms, to show my appreciation for your loyalty, support and involvement in the Mom Inventors community -- and help you get the inspiration and knowledge you need to finally start that business you've been dreaming of.
If you've already had a chance to read the books, they make great gifts for that special friend or family member that needs some extra support starting and growing her business.
The Mom Inventors Handbook
My first book gives practical step-by-step advice for putting inspiration into action by explaining how to:
- Create prototypes and watch your vision come to life
Safeguard your products, including patent information- Identify funding for your business
- Locate reliable distributors and manufacturing sources
- Market and publicize your product for free
- Learn from the success stories of other mom inventors
- Find a company to buy your idea or invention
Secrets of Millionaire Moms
What’s the difference between the most successful mom entrepreneurs and you? They believed in their ideas enough to commit to them and even in the face of adversity rarely accepted “no” for an answer. I interviewed some of the most successful “Millionaire Moms” of our time including the founders of Lulu’s Desserts®, Baby Einstein®, Shabby Chic®, and Airborne Health®. What I learned will help you make that leap from great idea to booming business, including:
- Priceless advice about business management, finances, and growth
- Tips on balancing the business with family
- What inspired the Millionaire Moms to take action-and what keeps them going
To enter to win, please leave a comment below and share why you are starting or started your business AND what Secret Dream you have for yourself (Don't be shy!). I can't wait to hear from you.
Six winners (3 copies of the Mom Inventors Handbook, 3 copies of Secrets of Millionaire Moms) will be randomly selected on Mother's Day!
Invite your friends to post their dreams too!
Winners will be notified by email.
50 Responses »
Trackbacks
Leave a Response
Follow us on Twitter
Become a fan on Facebook
View our YouTube videos
Inventions Column
Startup Smarts Column
© 2010 
Entries(RSS)
An exceutive manager in technology companies and a mom for two I decided to run my own business so I could manage myself, and have control over the time I put into my work. I decided that I want to use the knowledge that I gained as being a mom for two babies and the managment skills that I have while working for the last 10 years, into my own business.
I have an idea related to baby bottles which I am going to try and I am sure that your books will inspire me.
From your inspiring keynote address at the 2008 Country Living Womans Entreprenurial Conference, I found the courage to launch my company, Doodie Pack. (www.doodiepack.com)...we've come so far! This year we are scheduled to pitch Doodie Pack at the 2009 conference!! Your books would be exactly what I need to tweak it to the next level. We are limitless where we can go now!
Thank you for all your words of wisdom!
Kristin Elliott, CEO
Doodie Pack, LLC
"Leap and the net will appear."
I have an amazing idea that I would like to bring to market and I need your knowledge of what steps need to be taken....and I think it would be a great Mother's Day
Hi Tamara,
I just want to say how thankfull I am for your website. It really inspires me & encourages me to move forward & to follow my dreams.
I always have these ideas for inventing something, but never knew how to start it. My dream is someday to invent something that will help people. Hopefully I will get this idea I have into reality!
Thank you for your time,
~Lolita
Tamara,
I love your site and have found it incredibly inspirational. I have had countess business ideas in the past, but the one I am working on will benefit parents and caregivers, alike.
I work full time and have three small children (6, 3 and 18 months). It has been challenging to find the time and energy to put towards my business. I have been meaning to get a copy of your books for a while now to help me in the final phases of this product launch. When time permits, I am on your site looking for information ranging from patents to marketing. The gift of either book will help me tremendously.
I am committed to not only launching my product, but to make it a huge success. I have many setbacks (financial, self-doubt, and lack of accurate information). Through it all, the one thing that keeps me going is looking into my children's eyes and believing that this will have a tremendous impact on them. They will know that if I can do it, the can as well. I am here to be an example to them, so they won't have to endure the struggles (feelings of self-doubt) as I do. This is all for them and would be the greatest Mother's Day gift. In a sense, it would be a sign that this business is what I should be dong for my family and myself.
Thank you for this site and this opportunity.
Karen
Hi Tamara
I've had many ideas for many years now but have always put them low on my priority list while raising a family.
This web site has now gotten me motivated and hopeful about following thru with my ideas. I'm so excited about reading your books.
I'm 54 and hoping to have a second chance at a successful career.
Thanks
Debra
Tamara,
First and foremost, thank you for your efforts on behalf of Mom entrepreneurs. I applaud your efforts. A year and half ago, I purchased your book, Secrets of Millionaire Moms and found it incredibly useful, inspirational and supportive. It was helpful as I embarked on the journey of becoming an entrepreneur with my company, Little Green Footprints. My evolving dream is to help people, in particular women reconnect with the most important things in life: family, health, space and themselves via my lectures. While my company began as a vehicle to help us "non-green" folks add a little green to our lives and immerse ourselves in life, it has evolved into more now. Understanding that our space is only one element of completing our lives, I have been drawn to speak to women about issues such as forgetting perfect, getting rid of imitations, how comparison is the thief of joy and other "little life lessons." I am currently working on two books, with the hope to have them published. The vision I have for myself is grand--speaking to women all over this great nation and sharing with them that having it all doesn't necessarily mean having it all at once. I believe we have the energy to redefine having it all and the more we talk about it now, the more growth we can expect.
I truly understand many of the philosophies and "life lessons" I speak about ---due to experience. Three years ago, I was at the peak of my professional career as well as filling the great roles of wife and mother. Leading an organization and on the fast track. For 13 years I was pushing myself to reach new levels, but not feeling any joy. I was about proving myself to others, but not myself. Then, I resigned due to stress and two months after was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. So rare, 1 in 100,000 are diagnosed. Life is good at teaching lessons. I immediately was forced to stop and just "be." A new concept for me. The disease opened my eyes to the reality of life and gave me a wisdom unlike any other as well as time with my young son. I tell folks now, I believe I have the wisdom of a 98 year old woman on her deathbed, but I get a do-over. They say, when you find wisdom, share it as it doesn't do anyone any good by keeping it to yourself. This is why I started my company. To help people reconnect.
It is my hope you are willing to share more of your wisdom with me via your other book, The Mom Inventors Handbook. I have no doubt it can provide additional lessons for me to grow my business, evolve and help other women grow. That is my dream--to reach as many women as possible in my lifetime via the written and spoken word.
I respectfully request your consideration.
Continued success to you and your team.
Best,
Danielle Foster
President & Founder
Little Green Footprints
danielle@littlegreenfootprints.org
http://www.littlegreenfootprints.org
Tamara,
My dream for my business is simple... to provide a sense of "normalcy" for my 14 yr. mentally retarded daughter (Gem) and for Gem not to be a burden on society. Since learning about her disability at 3 yrs. of age, I have been on a mission to ensure she is well provided for long after I am gone. She is deserving as much as the next person, but fully understand that her opportunities are limited... which is the reason I must do my part to create them for her... this is when my entrepreneurial spirit was born. What an exhilarating awakening in me! I'm excited about life and life for Gem.
I've dabbled in various businesses over the years with the main goal for it to provide for Gem after I'm gone, but who knew... Gem would be the very inspiration for our business, literally (has worn eyeglasses since 7 yrs. old-created Ficklets for her).
Thanks Tamara for the work you do... the support and generosity of your knowledge and resources reach so many in a profound way... and I'm one of them.
Respectfully,
Ros =)
Ficklets.com
I'm interested in creating a line of products specific for multiples, but also for use at childcare facilities. Have tons of ideas based on my experience, but not sure where to go next! This would be a great treat for mother's day :)
Hi Tamara,
I am a SAHM who has created an educational subscription mail service for kids. I have been at it for 8 months and it has been fabulous, better received that I ever dreamed. I think I am really onto something here, but I am new to this sort of business (done plenty of other people's work but never been the originator of something like this) and can use all the help I can get, so either of your fabulous books would very appreciated here.
My big dream is to send educational mail to kids all over the world, to have an educational fun interactive website available for them to use and to be financially independant for me and my kids. Not asking much huh?:)
Thanks for your time,
Happy Mother's Day to you!
Sherri-Lee Pressman
I started my biz after many years of thinking, thinking, dreaming...and my husband and I finally decided that if we don't just start something, we never will. Dare I say we're middle-aged, but still feel 28, and it's time to go big or stay home! So I've had many starts & stops and fear hurtles to get over in the past year and now I'm about to open with a product; and I've already done preliminary work on a travel-service for parents website, a children's book series, and will assist my husband on his stroller project (when he finishes fixing the tractor!). My secret dream.....to have a "Make it Happen" team! I start developing an idea, get the name, pick colors, a general marketing plan and I call in the team and tell them what I have and say, "Make it happen!" Then I have lunch with my husband and announce to him that I have just bought him an airplane!
Dear Tamara,
Happy Mother Day! I am a mother to a four year old, who blesses me with his presence everyday. My son really inspires me to want to accomplish my dreams so he can live by my example. And , if my inventions prove profitable, I will better be able to provide for his future. I hope to someday have a successful business, and enough money to build my own home. I know I can accomplish my dreams if I just keep trying everyday.
I have a book of ideas of which I have chosen a few to make into prototypes. I am in the prototyping process now. I have so many questions that I think could be answered by your books. Where do I go once the prototype is finished? What sort of things does a prospective company look for in a potential new product? How do I prepare a proposal to a business who I hope will want to license my idea? How do I make sure that I receive a just compensation and the idea is not stolen?
I will hope I will be chosen to receive a copy of your books, but if not hey - my birthday is coming up, and I'll just give a gift of your books to myself!
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and giving mompreneurs a chance to toot their own horn via your webpage.
I hope someday to be featured on mominventors.com.
Warm Regards,
Shannon
i am so busy as a single mother, there's not enough time in a day! i have so many ideas and am just dripping inspiration, but every time i try to start this process i hit some kind of wall. i believe everything happens for a reason, and i think coming across this website could mean it's finally time to charge it!! i can't wait to take the first real step!
Hi Tamara,
My name is Chris. I started a medical transcription service ten years ago just after having my second child. I decided I wanted to start a home-based business to allow me to spend as much time as possible with my family, avoid putting the children in daycare, and to avoid the office politics and guilt many working mothers face when trying to balance work and life.
I created an infant/toddler product for which I'm currently going through the patenting process, and my secret dream is to see the product I created on store shelves soon so it can help other caregivers.
Chris
THANK YOU TAMARA FOR YET ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO GET CLOSER TO REACHING OUR DREAMS. I’VE BEEN COMING UP WITH IDEAS AND INVENTIONS SINCE MY FIRST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR. MOST OF THEM ARE NOTES AND DRAWINGS IN NOTEBOOKS, I’VE DONE PATENT SEARCHES ON SEVERAL AND HAD PROTOTYPES MADE ON TWO, WHICH I LATER DECIDED WERE NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH. BUT THE IDEAS KEEP COMING AND FOR THAT I AM GRATEFUL. BEING A SINGLE MOM MINIMIZED THE TIME & MONEY I HAD TO DEVOTE TO MY INVENTIONS, WELL MY DAUGHTER IS NOW FINISHED COLLEGE AND I AM SEMI-RETIRED SO IT’S “ALL SYSTEMS GO”. I HAVE A GREAT NEW INVENTION FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS AND I WANT TO TAKE IT ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK. I’VE DONE MY DUE DILIGENCE & PATENT SEARCH AND I MADE A PROTOTYPE, NOW I NEED THE MONEY FOR A PATENT SO I CAN EITHER LICENSE THE PRODUCT OR MANUFACTURE MYSELF. I'M FORWARD TO READING YOUR BOOKS TO FURTHER EDUCATE MYSELF ON THE NEXT STEPS.
MY DREAM IS TO SUCCESSFULLY GET MY PRODUCT ON THE MARKET WITH GREAT SELLS SUCCESS SO THAT I CAN AFFORD TO MANUFACTURE SOME OF MY OTHER INVENTIONS IN MY COMMUNITY TO CREATE JOBS FOR SOME OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS WHO ARE STILL ABLE TO DO SMALL JOBS & HELP THEM SUPPLEMENT THEIR INCOME SO THEY WON’T HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS
MEET.
BETTY J.
Moms,
Thank you for your wonderful posts! I am touched & inspired by your messages!!!
Keep them coming!
Big hugs to each of you,
Tamara
Tamara!
I neeeeeeeeed your booooookk!! please!
Hi Tamara!
My name is Nicole Quiroga and I am the creator and designer of preppymommy.com, a line of accessories for moms and babies, as well as women all ages in between. You may have seen my products on The View and the Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. I have also been on the Today Show several times. I started preppymommy about 5 years ago when I noticed an absence of cute, chic accessories for new moms.
I am working with a few other "mompreneurs" to develop a revolutionary new way to bring these special people (moms who are starting their own businesses) together for the benefit of all. Stay tuned because this idea is going to be huge!
Hope to hear from you soon -- would love to chat and would really love a copy of your book!
Best,
Coco
I have a ‘To Do” list that I have had for many years, I believe firmly in goals and continue to work on those goal/projects even given the state of our economy… however life has taken some interesting turns.
We all know that the state of our economy has left many families in ruins and mine was no exception. My family found ourselves in a position of having to sell many of our possession along with letting our home go. We have also been one of the lucky people where family has helped out tremendously, and we are forever grateful! Now my ‘to do’ list has been altered because as we know EVERYTHING seem to cost money however, I still keep working on my goals/projects and am so grateful for a healthy, wonderful family. My goal has always been to provide a comfortable living for my family and give back to those who have helped me along the way as well as give back to those other families who have also been were I was.
I will always hold on to my goals and will pursue the best way I can. What I dream of is too simply to finish my projects by getting them into the market place and to be able provide a comfortable and wonderful life for my family!
Hi Tamara,
Your books have been an inspiration to me. I have worked for myself, selling my art from my studio while raising my children - 6 of them! - for the last 17 years. I love being at home with them and always being available, but I've always dreamed of taking it to the next level. When I read your inventors book, it awakened my dormant dream. I've always known that at age 40 I would become an entrepreneur. How I would go about that was always tucked away somewhere. You opened my floodgates, and I'm very grateful to you.
I am developing my products that bring my art and craft to everyone. I've been teaching art on a small level for years and have been selling kits to create projects on a small level as well. Now, with my youngest in Nursery school, I believe I can soar. Thank you for the guidance and inspiration to grow my business.
Goldie
I have subscribed to your website for a while now and am always inspired when I visit or receive your e-newsletters. My husband has had a terrible time with unemployment for the last two years and it is my hope that your guidance will bring my inventions and dreams to fruition.
Thank you so much for the service you do for Mom's all over!
I am a 53 year old female trying to rebuild my life. I have MS which has greatly deteroriated my physical lifestyle. I am also a dietition, focusing on my skills re:nutrition, and trying to develope programs around this. Happy Mother's Day to everyone!
Dear All,
I have thought of ideas that would be great in the market. Thats what I do best, is think of ideas. I dont know how to bring them to fruition. Thats where I get stuck and really need some help. I would greatly appreciate some materials to help me with this process. I got laid off about 3 weeks ago and would like to spend my time getting my own business running and make my life secure financially, rather than making it more secure for someone else. (and being underpaid). I see this as an oppurtune time and want to make the most out of it, so I dont have to return to the grueling world of working for someone else.
Its wonderful to see support among women to help us achieve more. The website has been really informative. I had a feeling the invention companies may not be the best place to take my ideas.
Happy Mothers Day to all.
Tamara,
I guess I have always been an "observer". Even as a small girl, my Mom would have to get on to me for "staring at people". To me, I was only looking and learning. As I grew up and started to work at many, many different jobs I noticed that I always thought of ways to do my work more efficient and usually more effective. Now as an adult, and a stay at home Mom of five sons and one daughter, I have had many hours of "thought" sitting nursing my little ones. Usually thinking of how to better "run" or "organize" my house. My boys are always asking if I am going to change their room again? Or, fear the, "Go get the trash bag!" Through this time and lots of trial and error I have developed some wonderful ideas that I would love to get on the market. Some are for Moms, some for kids, some for the environment, some for road systems, some for hair salons, and even some for the refrigerator, plus many others . I have been thinking and developing in my mind for years. I thought of the Kindle Book reader when I was 17, I am now 38. There are two baby products that hit the market just recently that I thought of 10 years ago. As disappointing as it is that I was not the one bringing them to market, I feel very encouraged that I could possibly be successful with one of my other ideas.
Why you might ask have I not worked at getting one of my ideas to market? My priority of being a Mom first! I never wanted a career to come before my children. I wanted to be there for them while they were little and that is what I have done. I have been having children for almost 15 years, with my oldest being 13 and my little girl now a year and a half.
I have decided to take one of my ideas and go for it! I am anxiously waiting for the Mom Inventors product search too! My goal is to be one of the products chosen!
My dreams for my self really is to just be an example to my children. Sometimes in life we have to put our own needs and wants on hold. Having priorities and sticking to them is so important in life. My children have been encouraging me to go for it! They think it is so cool that I want to do this. The beauty is that they will be able to see and understand the process, the determination, the sweat and tears, and the success when it comes! Success for me will be the journey and knowing that when I do make it I will know that I did not compromise my time as a Mom to six beautiful children to get there! Really, it's because of them, I will make it! I am only just beginning.........
Thank you Tamara for being such an inspiration to me and to so many others. My hope is to one day be able to meet with you about one of my ideas and have you as excited as I am about it. Have a lovely "Mothers Day"! God Bless You and God Bless America.