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.

All you need to do to enter is share the funniest or most surprising thing your child said to you this summer. And get your response in by August 31.

For me personally, I had two funny moments I'd love to share:

One night recently, my daughter had her pull-up diaper on and she pulled down her pajamas so that they were below her bottom and hanging around her thighs. She walked with a swagger down the hallway and said, "Look mom... I'm a teenager!"

Another day, my kindergartner-to-be said, "Mom, how long until I am six?” when I said, "This December, which is four months out," she said, “You know, I feel ready for college... I am ready to take that next step in my life." Oh my goodness! I am in for it!

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

Again, To enter to win, please leave a comment below and share the funniest or most surprising thing your child said to you this summer. 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 Monday, August 31!

Invite your friends to post their dreams too!

Winners will be notified by email.

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.

Dear Tamara:

I invented a product and InventHelp is handling it. I am disappointed with their services. I dont know how to get this product off the ground. I feel InventHelp took my money and is not performing. Could you give me some ideas! Thank you.

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

I'm sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with using an Invention Promotion Company. You are not alone. I hear again and again about people losing their money in this way, and I warn about this in my first book. You can visit the United States Patent & Trademark Office to view the list of complaints against these companies. You may want to consult with an attorney, but I suspect that there is little you can do at this point other than post your own complaint.

You'll also need to decide if it makes sense for you to take your product to market now. I have always held the belief that the inventor is the best person to take her product to market, but it takes work and there are really no shortcuts. Gain knowledge about bringing a product to market BEFORE you spend any more money. Then, do market research to make sure that there are enough people out there to purchase your product. There are ways to conduct this market research for little or no money. This approach is outlined in my book, The Mom Inventors Handbook, as well as in others.

Do you have a question for Tamara? Send it to us or leave it in the comments.

What is your product line and how did you develop it?

My first product was developed because as a busy mom, I needed a product that simplified my life and allowed me to track my valuables in one compact place. I wanted something that was versatile, affordable, and more fashionable than an outdated fanny pack.

You mentioned that the Mom Inventor's Handbook was your bible. How so? Can you give any specific examples of how it helped you?

Tamara's book helped me every step of the way, from "Taking Your First Steps" to "Finding a Partner." I read the book from cover to cover, took notes, dog- eared important pages, highlighted helpful advice, and stuck yellow Post-its on the "must remember" pages. (If you saw the book, you could tell how much I referred to it).
I loved the fact that she shared a lot of her personal experiences, so I knew what to look for and what to be careful of. Because I am a very sequential person, this book helped me stay organized and it gave me confidence that all bases were being covered.

How did you get on QVC? What was the process in getting there?

Through networking groups, I was referred to Lianne LaReine of Star Selling Inc. who helped me break through the doors of QVC. QVC gets thousands of product submissions every year. I thought it was well worth it to hire someone who already had relations with the buyers at QVC.

Although the Joey Jam Pack did not sell out on the initial airing, the sales exceeded my expectations. I was very happy that many more people (thousands) are walking around with my product! It truly is a dream come true!