Therefore, I invite you to explore different programs at Mom Invented that are designed to offer information, training and inspiration.

People often ask me what steps they should take first. I know that the words "business planning" often fail to conjure feelings of excitement and our reasons why we can't plan rapidly come to mind (don't know how, don't know the numbers, don't have time), yet deep down we all know that we really "should" plan.  How about rephrasing it to say, "I am going to design a business that I LOVE."

The One Page Business Plan for Women in Business workbook is the fastest way to design your business. There are plenty of examples in the book of other women (many without business backgrounds) that are leading the way. You will be inspired to join them. In addition there is a fabulous CD included in the workbook that offers budget templates. In other words, you plug in the numbers for your business and it automatically generates your budget. As you engage others to support your business, they will be impressed that you have a budget and plan that clearly articulates how you are powerfully designing and building a successful business. (Note: The price of this workbook is higher because of the valuable CD. Many of us spend money on our kids, families and friends and often we find it hard to spend money on ourselves. Isn't your business worth the investment?)

In addition to business planning, there is so much more to do here at Mom Invented.  If you are ready to get your product or service into the Media Spotlight, join our affordable PR Program and get ready for dramatic results; sign up for our one-on-one Media Training and perform your personal best; and get honest feedback about your product with our Product Evaluation Program. Get involved in our free Mom Community. You will be amazed by how generous your fellow mom entrepreneurs are -- sharing resources and information -- so that each one of us will succeed!

If you are looking for direction and tools to regain control and be your own boss, check out my new book, Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss.

"Your Million Dollar Dream really is the definitive start-up guide for this day and age. Tamara Monosoff has covered EVERYTHING and created the ultimate small business reference book.... and as with Monosoff's other titles, I just love the real life anecdotes, making YMDD such an entertaining (as well as informative) read. Huge Congrats to Monosoff and the Mom Invented team- this book will be referred to in many different circles (not just Mums) for the next decade I'm sure. "  Edwina D.

If you have a product that you are developing, The Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing will walk you through the steps to help you get started bringing your great idea to market.

If you are ready to sell your product in today's intensely competitive retail environment, read my friend Karen Waksman's book, How to Sell Your Product, Invention or Craft to Major Retailers...No Sales Experience or Existing Buyer Relationships Required. You can view her insightful video to learn more. She is offering our community a special discount. Make sure to include the promotional code: MomInvented to receive $50.00 off.

If you have a friend, family or group that would benefit from participating in the free Mom Invented community, please forward this newsletter and invite them to JOIN US.  Tell them to sign up for our free newsletter to hear about upcoming product searches and exciting announcements.

As always, I want to hear from you on Mom Invented, Twitter and the Mom Invented Facebook Fan Page. Please join me in whatever way works best for you. Thank you for being a part of this vibrant community.

Warmest wishes,

Tamara

Our New Mom Invented products are hot off the presses! We are so excited to share them with you. They are fabulous, practical items that you (and your kids) are going to love. Each new item is available at: www.GinseyStore.com.

Good Bites Sandwich Box

Introducing our new Good Bites Sandwich Box. Send your kids a message...adhere a note!  Box up a nutritious snack/lunch. It fits into a lunchbox, backpack, or purse. It's dishwasher safe & BPA free.  (Available in Green, Blue, Purple & Pink).  Good Bites Sandwich Box is currently featured in Baby & Children's Product News (September 2010 issue).

Good Bites Puzzle Bites Crustless Sandwich Cutter

No Mess. No Fuss. Lose the Crust! And, most importantly, our new Puzzle Bites are FUN! Even the pickiest eaters will smile eating puzzle pieces for lunch (Available in Purple). Puzzle Bites are featured in Disney Family Fun Magazine (September 2010) and in Baby & Children's Product News (September 2010 issue). It's dishwasher safe & BPA free.

Sippy Straw Cleaner

Why didn't I think of that? The Sippy Straw Cleaner cleans inside unsanitary straws in millions of sippy cups and sports cups around the nation! The brush is narrow enough to clean the entire length of a sippy straw. How many times have you found a sippy cup on the floor of the family van with stale milk caked inside the straw? I know I have! It's impossible to scrub the inside of the straw until now! Thank you to mom inventor, Jennifer from Austin, Texas, for inventing this brilliant product and joining the Mom Invented family. The Sippy Straw Cleaner is featured in Real Simple Family magazine (September 2010) and Baby & Children's Product News (September 2010).

The Cover Plug

Make unused outlets "disappear," with the only PAINTABLE outlet cover! This ingenious plug protector, brought to us by Ann from Englewood, Colorado, not only shields double outlets from curious little fingers, but blends seamlessly into the wall. You can even remove and repaint it if you redecorate. Simply paint and press into place. Out of sight, out of mind! We are delighted that the Cover Plug has joined the Mom Invented family of products. You can purchase a two-pack online at One Step Ahead.

Please support Mom Invented products. Each purchase directly supports an independent mom entrepreneur -- just like YOU!  These make great practical gifts for friends -- and Grandma's house. You will find them ALL at GinseyStore.com.

Let us know what you think about these new items!

Warmest wishes,

Tamara

Annette took time out of her busy schedule to share her story with us!

Mom Invented: What inspired you to start this company?
AG: My then 10-year-old-daughter, Elli, broke her 6th bone and received the biggest, ugliest cast. To lift her spirits, I whipped up a cover and a matching sling, then another set, and another. The sets received rave compliments. Relying on my research experience, I discovered that there are nearly 4,000,000 fractures in the US, alone! That's when I realized there was a viable market and CastCoverz! fills a need. My goal is to transform the medical after-care market with functional and stylish designs that place the patients' well-being first.  We put the fun into function.

MI: Tell Us About You & Your Family
AG: I'm a serial entrepreneur, but this is my first venture into manufacturing. My father was a successful small business owner. As a result, my children are a big part of my business. My daughter was the inspiration, my son named it, and my husband funded it. I want to set a good example for my children and I want them to learn about business the way I did. Alongside my biggest cheerleader, my Dad. My children help select fabrics, assemble boxes, label products, take inventory, come to the bank and visit contractors and retail establishments that stock CastCoverz!

MI: What was your 'aha' moment when it came to starting your business?
AG: I was inspired by two seemingly unrelated events. First was seeing a friend of mine carrying a "picc-bag" - a cumbersome, ugly, whirring bag that pipelines life-giving nutrition and medicine into ailing bodies. I noted my sister carried a picc-bag for her battle with cancer four years earlier. I made a mental note that both of these beautiful and vibrant women, deserved something more stylish and fun. Then my 10-year-old daughter broke her sixth bone, just two days, later. And that's when the lightbulb went off and I asked, "Why do necessary medical products have to be so dull and unappealing?"

MI: How did you find a manufacturer for your product?
AG: It is a business strategy of mine to have my products made in the USA. Unfortunately, most "cut and sew" contractors are no longer in business (most of the business went overseas). My challenge was to find the remaining independent shops. Interestingly, my sister Googled and found my manufacturer in Southern California. Her Google search found it, mine didn't! So keep going back to Google!

MI: Were there any setbacks in product development that had to be overcome?
AG: CONTINUALLY! Certain fabrics stretch and sew better than others. Some catch more often on fiberglass casts and velcro straps of braces. Our customers have become my best field testers.

MI: What was the biggest learning curve in terms of marketing your product?
AG: Marketing is my background so I feel like I'm right where I should be.  But, selling is NOT everyone's best talent or skill. You MUST believe in your product. Otherwise, your doubts will overshadow any victories you may have.  And remember, success builds on success. Celebrate every sale, every milestone and benchmark.

MI: How did you finance your business? How much money have you invested so far?
AG: I financed my business with personal contributions and credit cards. We've invested $30,000. My financial goal is to break-even and be financially solvent and sustainable.

MI: Have you experienced a low point in business? If so, how did you get back on track?
AG: Just as we were going into full mode launch, I was diagnosed with a very rare cancer.  I pulled back and went through surgery, 7 weeks of radiation and recovery. I've come out even better and believe I am called to make this a great company. A company that will create family-sustaining jobs, give back to the community AND manufacture and distribute fabulous products, worldwide.

MI: What surprised you most about the process of starting your business?
AG: The obstacles. There are a lot of naysayers, wet towels, vampires and Eeyore's out there. You MUST avoid them like the plague. If you live with them find your strength and support in other (healthier) relationships.

MI: What advice would you offer other moms developing their products/ideas?:
AG: Cultivate a relationship with someone you admire. But, not necessarily someone who is a "yes" person. You need solid advice and someone willing to ask you the difficult, uncomfortable questions. Seek people out that have the answers. You don't know financing? Ask a CPA to lunch.  You don't know how to manufacture? Ask a local manufacturer (doesn't have to be in your industry) to breakfast. MOST successful people want to help other people. Wouldn't you love to be asked for help by a young entrepreneur someday?

MI: Is there anything else you would like to add?
AG: If fear grips you, just ask yourself one question, "what is the worst thing that can happen?" Once you've identified what it is and can live with that possibility you're over half way to success.

Thank you, Annette, for sharing your story! To learn more about Annette's CastCoverz! visit CastCoverz.com

If you have a great story to share about your product or business, we’d love to hear it! And if you’d like to connect with other amazing women inventors and entrepreneurs, join the Mom Invented Community!

Over the years, I have made costly mistakes and learned the hard way. After 300+ media interviews on all the major networks (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX & CNN), I have identified the key steps to acing a broadcast interview every time. My TV segment last week on NBC (pictured here at the news desk in Colorado) inspired me to write this post.

Broadcast media interviews represent a great opportunity to bring life, excitement and awareness about you and your business to hundreds of thousands of people. Unfortunately, live segments are over quickly and most people fail to make the most of this terrific opportunity. The main reason this happens is that live TV (and radio) eliminates the possibility of total control of your message and the ability to make revisions like other forms of marketing. The key to success is to recognize the areas that you can control and focus on them.

SEVEN TIPS TO ACE YOUR TV SEGMENT:

Think First and Then Come Up with your Outfit
Often when we get our first invitation to be on TV, there is so much excitement that we focus our attention on how we'll look (what to wear, nails, hair, etc.) rather than on what we say. THINK carefully about the message you want to share. Identify three main points that will both be interesting to viewers but also benefit your business and don't forget to mention your business name, website, product name or book title. Practice these points out loud over and over again until it feels natural.

Clinton Kelly (fashion expert) & Tamara on the set of ABC's Sonoran Living Live

Dress the Part
Once you have your message down, dress the part. Spend some time thinking about the show you will be on and the viewers that will be watching. My choice of clothing is quite different for the Wall Street Journal Report in New York than it is for ABC's Sonoran Living Live in Arizona.  One is a hard business news program and the other is a soft news/entertainment show. Either way, never wear all white or busy patterns that make it difficult for the TV cameras. Solid colors are best!

Prepare Questions for the TV Host even if They Don't Ask for Them
I have found that if I send questions ahead of the TV segment to the producer, they will be used about 90% of the time. They may change the wording a bit but for the most part they are the same. This will help you relax because you already know the answers to the questions you've created. And, your preparation greatly helps the over-worked producer save time.

One Private Minute with the TV Host that Counts!
In most live interview settings, even when done by remote split-screen, you will have at least a brief moment with the host prior to going live. While most guests respond to the host with a smile and some chit chat, I want you to remember why you are there. Make these seconds count! I have found that sometimes the host has not received the key points about my business or books. Even if they have, I cannot assume he or she has gleaned the most important points. With attention to not sounding overbearing or controlling, I will convey the key points I want to make in one minute. This nearly always increases the accuracy of the host's focus.

For example, for my recent book tour for, Your Million Dollar Dream, I met every TV host with a smile and said, "I wrote this book because so many people are at a crossroads trying to figure out what to do next for work. I'd like to talk about the three approaches to entrepreneurship. I have three quick, great examples. My book hit #1 on Amazon in all three business categories."  Then I take a breath and smile again. Nearly every time the TV host directs the conversation based on that one minute summary that I just shared.

Avoid Darting Eyes
If you are being interviewed by a host, look directly at the host and not the camera (unless you are instructed otherwise). If you are feeling nervous, imagine that you are sitting in your living room speaking to a friend.  If you are being interviewed remotely, you will be looking into the void of a dark camera lens and you won't be able to see who you are speaking to and this can be a challenge your first time (See news desk photo above. I am looking at a camera not a person). Focus your eyes at the center of the camera and force yourself to be expressive and engaged even though you are not picking up those cues naturally from the host since you can't see him or her. As long as your eyes are on the camera and not darting around you will convey confidence and comfort which is what you want viewers to feel.

Make the Host Look Good
The main concern of most hosts is how they look and sound, not you.  Answering a question by beginning with a brief, "that is such an insightful question..." makes the host feel good, builds rapport and leads you into your answer. Only do this once or twice during the segment -- not for every answer -- or it will feel contrived.

Show Your Appreciation on Social Media
After each TV segment (or radio show) jump on to your social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. Tell your followers and fans how great the segment was and express your gratitude to the TV show and host for having you as a guest. Often TV shows are posting the video segments on their websites within 24 hours of your segment. If so, grab the link and share that on your social media networks too! Not only will this create good feelings with the TV show but it broadcasts to your followers and fans that you're in the media and further extends the reach of your appearance.

Tamara is offering a NEW MEDIA TRAINING program!  Why?  Because it's FUN and she has the experience to help you.  The program includes two personal sessions with Tamara to help you prepare for TV, Radio & Print media interviews. She will help you identify your key talking points, conduct mock interviews with you, provide a readiness check-list, and offer insider tips that will help you perform your best!  To learn more click here and write:  I want MEDIA TRAINING with Tamara in the subject heading.

Congratulations to:

Mommy Messages - Los Angeles Times!

CastCoverz - Parenting Magazine!

The Cupcake Tower - Woman's World!

MiaMy - Chicago Parent!

ReUsies - Working Mother Magazine!

If you're looking for phenomenal media coverage for your business, we are taking sign-ups now for September in our special PR program. This media opportunity with Ann Noder and Pitch Public Relations is designed specifically for moms in our community! Submit an inquiry on our Special PR Opportunity page if you'd like more information.

Knowing who you are in relation to others is a key factor in being a successful businessperson.

There are many tools and assets we bring to the table when starting a business. None is more important than you. Each of us is wired differently, and to some extent this wiring will play a role in determining what we will be best at, enjoy most, and find most challenging. With that in mind, I want to share insights and research that will prove useful in understanding personality and what role it plays as you begin to formulate, plan and grow your business. Turning inward for a little self-evaluation is the first step in making money your way.

One mistake common among business owners is the expectation that everyone is -- or should be -- just like them, and that these people should accommodate the owner's communication needs, rather than the other way around.

There are tests that can help inform you about how to approach business, how you process information, how you interact with others, and how you make decisions. One of these was developed by Dr. David W. Merrill and Roger Reid back in the 1960s and is still in use today for achieving success in sales and management careers. The Social Style Model divides people into four Styles: Driving, Expressive, Amiable, and Analytical.

What's Your Style?

Driving Style:
These people thrive on the thrill of the challenge and the internal motivation to succeed. Driving Style people are practical folks who focus on getting results. Words that describe them include action oriented, problem solving, direct, assertive, risk taking, and independent.

Expressive Style:
These people are very outgoing and enthusiastic, with a high energy level. They are also great idea generators but usually do not have the ability to see the idea through to completion. Words that describe them include verbal, motivating, convincing, impulsive, influential, charming, and confident.

Amiable Style:
They are dependable, loyal, and easygoing. They like things that are nonthreatening and friendly. Words that describe them include patient, loyal, sympathetic, team oriented, relaxed, and trusting.

Analytical Style:
Analytical people are known for being systematic, well organized, and deliberate. Words that describe them include controlled, orderly, precise, disciplined, cautious, and logical.
Source: TRACOM

If your style is Driving (which I happen to be) and the person you are speaking with is Amiable, you need to alter your way of communicating or the two of you will most likely clash. The relaxed Amiable Style may be put off by your action-oriented Driving Style. You may be seen as demanding, impatient, and forceful, which would instantly conflict with his or her easy-going and patient Amiable Style. However, if you can quickly assess that this person approaches things from an Amiable Style, then you can tone down your focus on results and instead recognize that this communication would be much more effective if you adjust and connect in a more personal and nonthreatening way, allowing time for things to unfold. On the other hand, if an Amiable person wishes to connect with you, he or she will need to adjust his or her own behavior to get right to the point.

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to expect others to be just like us. It's when this occurs that roadblocks occur in our communications rather than openings. For example, I recently spoke with a business-woman (Amiable) who hired a financial planner (Analytical) to help her figure out her next steps. She said that although he is offering sound advice, she finds herself drained of energy in his presence and resistant to his recommendations -- so much so that neither of them wants to continue working together. We had a brief discussion about Social Styles. As an Amiable person, she felt the need to make tough decisions in a relaxed, friendly environment, with time to process the information. As an Analytical Style, his approach is, "Here are the facts, now make your decision."

However, armed with this new recognition, she realized how the two could work together and that she could, in fact, get her needs met. She came to understand that she does need his expertise and that she cannot take his style personally. She has adjusted how she interacts with him so that she now takes the information he provides home, which gives her ample time to digest it and make critical business decisions on her own terms and in her own time.

You can determine where your personality fits in this framework through books, career coaches, or Internet sites, but the originator is the TRACOM Group, which offers a variety of Social Style tests and books.

Excerpt from Chapter 2 of Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss by Tamara Monosoff May 2010.

Therefore, the key is to focus on doing things that will have a dramatic impact on the development and growth of your business in the shortest amount of time.  Now is the time to lay some essential ground-work so that come September, when the kids are back in school, you will be ten steps ahead!

Here are a few programs & activities that may help you:

Mom Invented Product Evaluation Program

I’m so glad that many of you have taken advantage of our Product Evaluation Program this Summer. If you are trying to figure out what to do next with your product and are looking for honest, detailed feedback, check out our Product Evaluation Program. Our goal is to provide you with clear information and candid feedback about your product. As part of this evaluation program, I will personally speak with you for 30 minutes about your product.

"It will save you so much time and energy. These people know what they are doing and they are sincere in helping you. I never felt like they had any other agenda other than my success." - Tammy

"The service will provide insight and direction, and will speed up the process by giving a clear plan of action and will evaluate the idea objectively." – Rebecca

What if You Could Turn Your Ideas into Actionable Steps?

The way to turn your ideas into actionable steps is to plan.  However, few terms in business conjure a greater emotional reaction than “business planning.”  For many people, including myself when I first started out, just hearing those two words causes a sudden rise in blood pressure and a flood of self-doubt.

Imagine what it would feel like to have clarity, focus and confidence.  This is truly possible to attain and I am living proof!

A One Page Business Plan is not a lengthy, arduous, boring financial document. In fact, it's your best thinking (and your heart) on paper. It’s where you can focus on what you are building and who you are serving. You may even surprise yourself and fall in love with your plan!  To get an overview of the process, listen to the webinar that my friend and co-author, Jim Horan and I held in March. Then get your copy of this engaging workbook and get started.

I know you can do it!

You Are Not Alone! Join our free monthly book chat -- LIVE online

Since the release of my book, Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss, we have held two live chats. It's been fabulous to hear what people are building and where they are feeling stuck.  Together we have offered resources and information that have helped many move to the next step.  Here's what one participate shared after the last live chat:

Thank you Tamara for the wonderful advice during our chat last night! As always, you are right on the money! The wisdom and experience that you provide is always so practical and resourceful! (So when is you NEXT book coming out??!!??) Thank you too to the supportive community of moms out there!

Our chats are the first Wednesday of each month. I hope you'll join us for our next chat Wednesday, August 4th at 5:30pm PDT / 8:30pm EST.

Ann Noder, CEO of Pitch Public Relations says, "Magazines often have extensive gift-guide round-ups and there are other opportunities to get product features during the buying season from stocking stuffers to unique gift ideas. But the PR process starts in August, not November."

If you're looking for phenomenal media coverage for your business, we are taking sign ups now for August & September in our special PR program.  This media opportunity with Ann Noder and Pitch Public Relations is designed specifically for moms in our community! Submit an inquiry on our Special PR Opportunity page if you'd like more information.

Know Your Customer

First things first: a key truth to understand before you even begin to sell your product or service is that it’s actually not about you, your service, or your product at all. It is also not about how well, how elegantly, or how loudly you can tout your products or services. It is, instead, about your customers.

But what exactly does that mean? If you don’t know your prospective customers, don’t go into business, because who they are and what matters to them is the only thing that should matter to you (as it pertains to marketing). It is all about your customer...

When you think of “who they are,” you should be able to describe them in some detail. What is their age, gender, socioeconomic status? These are called “demographics.” Where do they live, what do they drive, what is their marital or family status?

Next, you need to go a little deeper to understand their needs, motives, and concerns. What do they like to do for fun? What has made them successful? What do they fear? What publications do they read? To what groups do they belong? Who are their industry opinion leaders? Who are their partners, allies, and competitors? These are often termed “psychographics.”

At this point you’re probably wondering, “How do I get this information?” Excellent question. The answer to that may be the most useful secret shared in this book. This is highly confidential advice, so please read carefully. Here is the answer:

Ask them and LISTEN.

Yes, it may sound obvious. But time after time, entrepreneurs simply assume that they know their customers. After all, we all have the same basic needs and concerns, right? Wrong! I have been guilty of believing this too many times myself.

Here’s an example. One time we spent three weeks creating an online seminar series thinking we knew what courses and topics our community wanted and needed. When we launched the series, eagerly awaiting the imminent rush of registrations, what happened was quite surprising. There were a lot of registrations. However, those registrations were for only three of the dozen or so courses we offered. While these were filled to capacity, others did not get even a single registrant.

This came after weeks of work in creating the entire program, and I would have saved a lot of time and money had I just taken time to find out first, from my community, what mattered to them.

DISCOVERING WHAT MAKES YOUR CUSTOMERS TICK

There are a number of ways to “ask” your potential customers for information.

To some degree, the methods you choose will be driven by the nature of your business, your target customer, and your own comfort level.

When you contact existing customers or those you think fit the profile, do so solely with the intention of gaining more information about their needs—and do not turn it into a surprise sales call. You will find that people will be surprisingly forthcoming, as long as your task remains on course. Make it crystal clear that this is not a sales pitch and that you have no intention of making it one. Then ask them a series of questions you have prepared in advance. Here’s how to create an effective list of questions:

1.  First, brainstorm every question you can think of, and write it on a board or notepad.

2.  Next, reread each question and look for ways to extend or deepen it. For example, if your product is a gizmo for the consumer market, you might ask, “What stores would you expect to carry a product such as this gizmo?” Then you might go further and ask, “In which departments would you expect to find it?” and “How would you feel about this store if they did not carry this item?”

3.  Consider the negative or opposite of each question as well. Continuing the example above, you might ask, “Where would you not expect to find this product?”

4.  Be sure to ask financial questions. “How much would you pay for this service or product?” Then ask the opposite question, “What price would be too high?”

5.  Include questions that focus on the customers’ needs, not just the product’s or service’s attributes. For example, “Describe any issues you face daily, weekly, monthly that relate to [insert language describing the need your product or service addresses]?” “How big an issue is this for you?” “Have you ever discussed this issue with friends, colleagues, and peers?” “How have you addressed this need in the past?”

Once you have a long list of possible questions, go through and select the ones most relevant to you. Then tighten the language of each question so it is as clear and brief as possible.

During the interview (covered in chapter 5 of Your Million Dollar Dream), carefully document the answers. Also be sure to make any notes you can about the individuals (your potential customers) that could prove useful in your later analysis, such as their gender, ethnicity, estimated age and economic status, marital and parenthood status, and anything else that comes to mind.

People will often deviate from your expectations—but in so doing will share the most useful tidbit you get out of the entire interview. The key is to be quiet and listen, even after the interview is over. Often this is when people will drop their guard and make some of their most interesting and useful comments.

Excerpt from, Your Million Dollar Dream: Regain Control & Be Your Own Boss, Create a Winning Business Plan, Turn Your Passion into Profit, by Tamara Monosoff