Moms In Business Magazine - June2 2011

AT&T’s Green Guru!

Interview with

Beth Shiroishi

Look Ma! No Carbon Feetprints

Congratulations!

MIB Grant Competition Semi-Finalists

Prosperity Parenting

Smart Women Make a Great First Impression

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 1

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Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 3

NOTES

From The Founder

Gina Robison-Billups; NAFMIB Founder, CEO

Wondering if YOU are Still a MOM?

T

he end of school is near! Graduation day is upon us. Kids are (supposed) to be moving out, and this reminds me of something I hear a lot from moms of older/adult children. Believe it or not, I hear, “Do I qualify for membership to National Association For Moms In Business? I’m not really a mom anymore. My children are grown.”

Hello? “Not really a mom anymore?”

Maybe for some that is wishful thinking after two or more decades of inflated expenses, inflated drama, sleepless nights, and no love-life to speak of. Okay, so maybe there’s even a little bit of resentment for all you gave into the relationship with your children and didn’t receive the equivalent in-kind, but to say you are no longer a mom is ridiculous (saying that you no longer want to be a mom is a different matter entirely and that feeling usually passes).

You share the same hurdles the moms of young ones do: equal pay, bias in business contracting, health and wellness, that elusive thing called “balance”, business taxes, personal taxes, education issues, marketing, management, and of course, parenting.

I’m fourty-three years old, and I would guess if my mom was asked, she’d say she doesn’t necessarily “parent” me, she “advises” me. If you ask me on the other hand, I’d say she does still “parent” me, and I’m blessed for it. A mother’s job is to guide, cheerlead, advise, and keep us safe whenever possible. With older children, it takes on a different form, but it’s still parenting.

As a woman and mother who did not have all of the advantages the younger generation now has, you need to know that you are still valued – as a mom. Younger mothers would not be where they are at today if it hadn’t been for you. It was the steps you made forward that made, and keep making it, possible for other women to succeed at even greater heights.

So are you still qualified as a “mom in business” even if your children are grown? You bet! You are the grandest kind of mother of them all. You made it through, and because of you, we know we can too.

Happiness and Success to All!

Gina Robison-Billups Founder/CEO

PAGE 4 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

INSIDE

May

2011

4 NOTES

About Our Contributors

from the Founder/CEO, Gina Robison-Billups

Joy Chudacoff

NOW 6

Moms Minutes

8

Moms Vote Matters

10

Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.

If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion. Visit: www.Smartomensolutions.com. .

Important Tips and Briefs Instant Impact Legislative Update

Events

Featured events, conferences and more

FEATURES 12

Prosperity Parenting

Invest In Her Success - Invest in the Future

Randy Gage

14 Cover Story: AT&T’s Green Guru Interview with Beth Shiroshi

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21 24 34

Randy helps audiences recognize and reject roadblocks to wealth and prosperity with warmth, wit and wisdom drawing from his rags-to-riches story. A former high school dropout, Randy rose from a minimum wage job and spending time in jail as a teen to become a self-made multi-millionaire who has inspired millions of people around the world. He is the author of eight books on success including Prosperity Mind and Accept Your Abundance that have been translated into more than 25 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide. Learn more about Randy at his public website: http://www.RandyGage.com and on Prosperity TV: http:// www.youtube.com/randygage.

Smart Women Make a Great First Impression Do you make the Best First Impression?

MEMBERS The Heros and Sheros Supporting Moms In Business Grant Competitors Part 2 MIB Grant Semi-Finalists 10 Semi-Finalists Pitch thier Venture

There’s More. . .

.

Wisdoms for Thought

14

On The Cover

Beth Shiroishi Angela Edgeworth

Now Accepting Article Submissions for the National Association of Moms In Business Magazine.

For guidelines and submission information visit the NAFMIB Writer’s Guidelines

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 5

NOW

Moms Minutes

Do Some Good!

Quote of the Month: ““It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends.”

- J. K. Rowling

The Family that Moves Together,

This new app connects users to shortterm charity assignments.

Tasks require a maximum time commitment of 5 minutes, and can range from answering survey questions to snapping photos of a local park. An engaging alternative to textto-give entreaties, the app allows users to contribute proactively in their downtime— appealing to Mom’s multitasking mindset.

So far it’s only available in the UK, but expect a US spin-off to pop up soon.

Loses Weight Together!

App Curbs Parking Rage Public service initiative SFpark seeks to reduce fuel consumption in San Francisco while also saving drivers from aimless cruising in pursuit of parking spots. Sensors installed in parking spaces and city-owned garages track parking availability in real time.

The data is then uploaded wirelessly to a public feed. Using the SFpark website or iPhone app, drivers can track not only open spaces but also how much they’ll cost, since the system also varies meter prices based on demand. In some cases, rates drop to as little as 25 cents per hour in lots where demand is low and will inflate to as much as $4.00 per hour on the most congested city blocks.

Together Counts is a nationwide program to inspire active and healthy living. The idea is to get families and community members – starting with you – to take a simple pledge: Eat at least 1 meal and do at least 1 activity together every week.

The ways to fulfill the pledge are endless. They can be as creative as organizing a neighborhood potluck followed by a game of, say, football – or as simple as sharing a meal, then going for a walk. The important thing is that you do them together.

If you take the pledge as a family, involve your kids: let them choose activities they enjoy and give them a say about what’s on the menu. This way they’ll gain a sense of ownership and look forward to together time.

The overall goal is to find a balance between the calories we consume and those we burn, to strike this balance regularly and to have some fun. This way, getting more active and healthy becomes easy – easy as a dinner date followed by a walk with the people you care about most.

Together Counts is about to launch across the country, but it starts here, with us. Click here to get involved now!

600 Schools Flash Mob Dance with the First Lady You may have heard that the National Association of Broadcasters organized over 600 schools nationwide to perform a dance popularized by Beyonce in her video for “Move Your Body”, which encourages kids to get up and get moving.

All the performances took place at 1:42 pm today. First Lady Michelle Obama stopped by Alice Deal Middle School in Washington, DC, to check out their event, and had some fun herself. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/03/ first-lady-michelle-obama-drops-dc-school-watch-students-do-let-s-move-flash-workout

PAGE 6 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

Look Ma! No Carbon Feetprints!

Efforts to be greener in fashion has now hit the shoe industry with some new and innovative brands breaking into the footwear business. More and more companies are phasing out the slow-to-decompose synthetic materials traditionally used in the composition of sturdy soles.

The three brands below are innovating by embracing biodegradable materials that afford improved durability with impressive comfort.

OAT: Two years ago, the brothers behind this ecominded Dutch company conceived went where no man had gone before: biodegradable footwear. It that leaves no footprint – carbon footprint. They have designed sneaker’s uppers of bio-degradable canvas, and a SEED-embedded cork sole. Seriously, when a pair of these sneaks wear out, just plant or compost them and they will decompose completely, sprouting fresh flowers as they do!

INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS: is an LA-based shoe and denim brand producing 100% biodegradable summertime slip-ons.

“Industry” distinguishes itself with a woven rope sole, made of jute, one of the strongest natural fibers. The rope soles are woven in a small agricultural village in Uruguay, where “Industry” employs the native people to execute a century-old production technique in an effort to preserve local custom and protect villagers from having to seek work in urban centers.

Serious runners don’t worry. You are no longer left out of the green shoe revolution. You now have many options for sneakers that are both supportive of your feet and environmentally friendly with BROOKS. The traditional running shoe midsole—which provides stability and absorbs shock—has been made with EVA, a synthetic compound that can take more than 1,000 years to decompose. But, most Brooks styles now feature their patented BioMoGo midsoles, which biodegrade 50 times faster than their EVA counterparts. Even though that’s a little over 25 years, BioMoGo technology could save nearly 30 million pounds of landfill waste.

Moms Minutes

Hotties

For in the Bedroom

Few alternatives exist for those seeking to upgrade their classic cotton bedding. Inspired by the feel, breathability and quick-dry features of the performance fabrics worn by their players, two former women’s basketball coaches have created the world’s first line of performance linens.

Made from a blend that marries luxury bedding with high-tech athletic apparel, SHEEX help control body temperature, and manage moisture, better than conventional cotton. Soft and stretchy enough to always stay taut, these sheets will keep users cool under the covers when things get hot and heavy.

Do You Have Klout?

Since the inception of social media, one’s worth has been measured by sheer number of “friends” or followers. However, online reputation and influence are emerging as the new signifiers of one’s social standing.

Social media analytic tools are emerging that quantify the quality, rather than quantity, of online connections—and provide a score to anyone with a social media presence and eventually becoming a relevant way to evaluate the worth of an expert, consumer, or friend—even becoming vital to one’s career and personal life.

Online reputation and influence will become increasingly significant for consumers, brands, and marketers alike. The platform making your influence your sellable quality is Klout, a social scoring system that assigns individuals, and some companies, a grade from one to 100 based on data points from Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Instead of focusing on the typical social media popularity contest, Klout scores are founded on the new social media currency of retweets, likes, and comments.

Source: Trendcentral.com Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 7

NOW

Moms Vote Matters MomsVoteMatters.com

Moms Vote Matters is a program for moms in business to learn, influence, communicate, and engage in community and national policies that effect their families and their businesses

Moms Urge Toys “R” Us to Live Up to Its Promise to Pull Toxic Toys from Shelves. National Mom Advocacy Group Sends Card and Petition to Company Headquarters Urging Removal of Products Containing or Packaged with PVC. In 2008, Toys “R” Us issued a news release indicating that it would reduce the use of a common but dangerous toxin called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in products and packaging and offer more PVC-free products. That has not yet happened. MomsRising.org, an online and on-the-ground grassroots organization for moms and everyone who has a mom and cares about family economic security, is urging the company to make good on that promise.

The group has sent a card to Toys “R” Us headquarters along with a petition bearing the signatures of nearly 15,000 moms, dads and others concerned about children’s health, urging the company to keep its promise “to keep kids safe from toxic PVC chemicals in toys and packaging.”

PVC chemicals have been linked to rising chronic diseases in children, including learning disabilities, obesity and cancer. According to a report from the Center for Health, Environment & Justice, toys that have tested positive for PVC include Barbie, “Toys Story 3” Woody and Buzz Lightyear figures, Disney Princess Royal Giggles doll, Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Hangout, Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and Diego figures, Sesame Street Elmo Faucet Cover, Club Penguin figurines, Imaginext toddler action figures and many others, from dolls and balls, to baby bath time toys and products, and even My Name Sippy Cups. PVC was also found in toys whose brands are owned by Geoffrey LLC, a subsidiary of Toys “R” Us, including You and Me dolls, Especially for Baby, and Sizzlin’ Time items. The tests were conducted by the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“Chemicals that can irreparably ruin a child’s life and health have no place in our stores or our homes,” said MomsRising Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner. “Toys ‘R’ Us made a promise to its customers. We teach our children that when you make a promise, you have to keep it. And keeping this promise can make the difference in children’s lives. We are only asking Toys ‘R Us to live up to its word.”

Senate Small Business Innovation and Technology Bill is Tabled -- the Senate voted to pull from consideration legislation to reauthorize the SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Through SBIR and STTR, the nation’s small, high-tech innovative businesses are able to play a significant part of the federal government’s research and development efforts.

PAGE 8 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

Funding for SBIR and STTR programs is set to expire on May 30, 2011 and this bill, S. 493, would have continued funding through 2019. Sources say that Senate majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) may bring up the bill later this year if agreement can be reached to limit amendments to the bill. Despite this setback in the Senate, the House will work on a bill that would continue funding the SBIR and STTR programs. Later this week, the House Small Business Committee will markup their version of reauthorization with the Creating Jobs Through Small Business Innovation Act of 2011, H.R. 1425. Read S. 493, the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 and H.R. 1425, the Creating Jobs Through Small Business Innovation Act of 2011.

‘Gang of 6 Working on a Compromise Budget Plan A bipartisan group of Senators’, referred to as the Gang of 6, has been working on a long-term solution to the budget deficit. The Members of the Gang of 6 include Sen. Warner (D-VA), Sen. Dubrin (DIL), Sen. Conrad (D-ND), Sen. Chambliss (R-GA), Sen. Crapo (R-ID), and Sen. Coburn (R-OK).

Four of these Senators were members of the President’s Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform - the bipartisan Commission that proposed a six-part plan in December to tackle and stabilize the budget.

The Gang of 6 has not yet released a proposal, but is continuing work on one. Confused about what you are hearing on the news about the budget debate in Congress? Looking for facts without all of the political rhetoric? Visit WIPP’s brand new Budget Information web page for the facts and answers. To view WIPP’s new Budget web page, click here

NAFMIB Support Simplification of Business Activity Tax - NAFMIB, in partnership with WIPP, along with more than 170 businesses, trade associations, and taxpayer groups signed a letter in support of the Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (BATSA), H.R. 1439.

This legislation creates a uniform standard for when businesses must pay a business activity tax.

This includes income tax, gross receipts tax, gross profits tax, single business taxes, franchise taxes, capital stock taxes, and business and occupation taxes. Currently, every state has a different set of criteria for when the Business Activity Tax (BAT) applies. In many cases, small businesses are subject to BAT in states where they have sales consultants that cover multiple states without a physical office. This bill establishes a clearly defined physical test - Businesses must have an in-state physical presence for more than 14 days a year to be subject to BAT. We believe that eliminating existing confusion will benefit small businesses. ****

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 9

NOW

Events

Every FRIDAY at 8AM Moms Making A Million Radio Show

LISTEN LIVE: Moms Making a Million - A Fast-Paced Fun Weekly Radio Show On Saving, Earning & Investing Money 8:00 AM PACIFIC TIME - 11:00 AM EASTERN TIME Call-in Number: (646) 378-1417; www.MomsMakingaMillion.com

June 28, 2011

B2BMoms Summit 2011 This fully online summit will help you master the skills you need to land ”the big contract” with howto sessions from actual sales experts, book authors and corporate buyers. A certificate of achievement will be presented to attendees who successfully complete the summit. Meet and Connect with Purchasing Executives From: TBA More Information Coming Soon!

July 26, 2011 Power Mom NetworkTM Summit - Las Vegas

For members of the NAFMIB PowerMom NetworkTM. Details of program can be found at PowerMomNetwork.com. Official Date TBD (subject to change) Invitation Only. The Power Mom NetworkTM Summit is a private event open only to members of the Power Mom NetworkTM -- a private, exclusive and trusted social and business network of mom entrepreneurs and corporate mom executives to receive support, peer mentorship, friendship, strong relationships, business growth, connections and advocacy. If you are interested in finding out more about the Power Mom NetworkTM and becoming a member, please go to www.PowerMomNetwork.com to view detailed terms and qualifications.

July 29, 2011 - 9:00am PT/12:00(noon) ET Moms In Business Grant 2012 - COACHING Moms In Business Grant is the first-ever crowdfunding business grant in the nation! We launched this innovative program in March 2011, and it was a brilliant success. See more at www.MomsinBusinessGrant.com.

We are doing it again for 2012 and giving one lucky mom a chance to win $15,000 in business growth tools and cash. We are also giving all of our members a head start for 2012 by starting a coaching series in July 2011 for grant applicants to have all training to substantially increase their chances of success the Moms In Business Grant program.

Coaching is every FOUR (4) weeks on Friday (NOT every last or first friday, etc.).

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Leadership and Innovation: The SBA Green Procurement Programs

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Moms Making a Million Radio Show Moms Making a Million Radio Show Moms Making a Million Radio Show

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Moms Making a Million Radio Show Moms Making a Million Radio Show Moms Making a Million Radio Show Moms In Business Grant 2012 COACHING

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Moms Making a Million Radio Show

31 Visit http://www.MIBN.org to view updates and the entire NAFMIB Calendar of Events Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 11

Prosperity Parenting

By Randy Gage

How parents sabotage their kids’ success and how they can ‘change the story’ Every parent wants the best for their kids. Yet millions of adults unknowingly sabotage their children’s chances for success.

parents stop to think about how their own views on getting ahead influence their children’s ability to succeed?

Your core beliefs about everything related to prosperity – money, relationships, health, and spirituality – are set by the time you’re 10 years old. And no one influences those beliefs more than parents.

Millions of parents do this by conveying a negative vision of prosperity and success. If you tell yourself things like “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all,” and “I’m always a day late and a dollar short,” you will, consciously or subconsciously, convey these messages to your kids.

People have a hard time believing they are sabotaging their prosperity at age 30, 40, or 50 because of a belief that was formed when they were six, but I see it all the time. And that’s the book that gets written, unless you become aware of the plotline and decide to change the story.

It starts with understanding your beliefs. Most people have very limiting beliefs when it comes to money and prosperity.

And generally how they view money will be consistent with how they view their prospects in health, relationships, and careers.

The good news is beliefs can be changed. And if you change your own beliefs about money and prosperity, you will show your kids by your thoughts, words and actions what it means to have prosperity consciousness.

The truth is it’s really not that hard to change your beliefs – If you are aware of them and make that choice. Here are some tips:

I

grew up poor. I was jealous of rich people and didn’t like them. So over the years I kept trying to get rich, not realizing that my subconscious mind was telling me, “Better stop doing that, or you’ll become one of the evil, mean, nasty rich people!”

The messages against wealth and prosperity are all around us, in our culture, media, and religions. But how many PAGE 12 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

uu Identify negative beliefs you may be creating in your children — Do some critical thinking about what kind of beliefs you developed in childhood about money, rich people and wealth. Honestly ask yourself, are you programming your children with thoughts such as money is bad, rich people are evil, or it’s spiritual to be poor? I call these “mind viruses.” Defeating them starts with acknowledging you have them. uuHelp kids identify anti-prosperity media messages: Did you ever stop to think about how blockbusters like Titanic and Avatar portray wealth, and how

those stories can set kids up with attitudes that sabotage their future success? Talk to your kids about the subliminal messages they receive on TV, in movies and other media. Help them to become self-motivated critical thinkers. uuCreate a positive vision of prosperity: Examine how you react to families with more wealth than yours when speaking to your kids. Do you discuss them with envy or jealousy, or admiration and respect?

Talk to your kids about how their thoughts about wealth can shape their future.

It is important to realize that creating true prosperity consciousness is about expanding your vision of what can be for you and your family.

Abundant people see opportunity.

They never think something is too good to be true. They expect good things. So think about these traits and the example you set for your kids.

People with prosperity consciousness are dreamers.

They imagine a better way, then work to make it so.

More importantly, they don’t buy in to the negative and erroneous beliefs around them. When they are told something is too difficult or not possible, they simply smile at the thought. They are not easily swayed with the cowardly cautions of the crowd. Instead of thinking what is “realistic,” people with

prosperity consciousness dream about what they really want in life.

Parents who share their dreams with their kids give them the gift of a larger worldview. Studying vacation brochures, reading luxury magazines and even driving through wealthy neighborhoods are some of the activities families can do together to expand their view of what is possible and develop a larger prosperity consciousness.

Why is this so important? When your prosperity consciousness expands, your subconscious mind works to make these dreams come true. It creates confidence, drive and ambition. Your beliefs change and you begin to attract more prosperity in all areas of your life. It all starts with mindset.

Developing a prosperous mindset is a continuous process.

Whether you and your children are on the path to poverty or prosperity is determined by the thoughts you give precedence to every moment of every day.

Remember, your thoughts come from the type of vision you have. Everyone has a vision. Millions have a negative one; many more have a neutral one. It’s vital to help your children develop a positive one for a lifetime of prosperity consciousness.

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 13

AT&T‘s Green Guru

Beth Adcock Shiroishi

PAGE 14 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

Beth Shiroishi Chats with

Moms In Business Magazine

By Gina Robison-Billups

At&t’s Assistant Vice President, Corporate Citizenship & Sustainability, Beth Adcock Shiroishi shares her life and successes as a business executive and mom with Moms In Business magazine readers.

GRB: Beth, thank you so much for taking this time to share important parts of your life with our readers. First of all, how many years have you been in this business?

BAS: 13 Years GRB: How many children do you have?

BAS: I - we have two of the most awesome girls – 4 and 7. I know I’m biased, but they are truly the best kiddos ever!

GRB: What does your company do?

BAS: Our mission is to connect people with their world, everywhere they live and work. As part of that, I have the good fortune to work in our Citizenship and Sustainability group, where we focus on issues that are at the intersection of the needs of our company and the needs of society. So, on any given day I might be thinking about the roll-out of our annual sustainability report; the energy efficiency of a cell phone charger; participating in a job shadow event with high school students aimed at showing them the value of graduating from high school; activating our employees around sustainability; or sharing some new technology research from AT&T Labs about ways to prevent the elderly from falling.

GRB: What’s on the horizon for you and your business?

BAS: We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to keep consumers connected, whether through a revolutionary smartphone or through a pill bottle that reminds you to take your medicine. As we help people find new ways of connecting, we’re also looking for new ways to help educate consumers. We have been at the forefront of consumer education and continue to look for innovative ways to get the right information into the hands of consumers – whether that be through online safety programs for kids, with privacy and security initiatives to protect their personal information or by helping them understand their rate plans and available options. Along the same education angle, I’m really excited about tools we have coming online to help our business customers understand the environmental benefits of our travel substitution products.

GRB: What’s your greatest achievement?

BAS: I view life as a continuous lesson, so I’m not sure I’ll ever

be able to say I had one greatest achievement. I also believe that the greatest achievements are sometimes the seemingly insignificant ones that don’t grab headlines. I remember one day last year when I had a breakthrough in what had been a really difficult relationship with a particular colleague. It was amazing how liberating it was to turn that corner and how, at the end of the year, I considered that to be my one of my biggest accomplishments.

Or sometimes it is the unexpected things . . . a few months ago while getting ready for work, I heard the familiar gallop of my four-year-old (imagine a lightweight horse) coming towards me. I suddenly felt so incredibly happy that this little person’s life was such that she chooses to skip as her primary mode of getting from place A to B. Now, we’ve not hit the teenage years yet, so I’m savoring this while it lasts!

At work, my greatest achievement is a culmination of all the work we’ve done over the past three years around sustainability.

I had the privilege of coming into a brand new position and organization and helping to build a sustainability group from the ground up with a great team of coworkers and under the amazing leadership of our Chief Sustainability Officer, Charlene Lake. It’s awesome to stand back and survey the work so far – its impact on the engagement of our employees, the financial return to the company, and the external recognition that helps validate decisions we’re making every day. While we don’t do the work for purposes of recognition, it’s rewarding to be recognized through things like the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index and the Corporate Responsibility Officer’s Top 100 companies. We still have a long way to go on our sustainability journey, but little successes along the way make the ride more enjoyable.

GRB: What advice do you have for other moms in business?

BAS: In no particular order, my random stream of consciousness would be to: 1. Support each other – emotionally: Often, I think we moms can be our own toughest critics.

Recognize that, while everyone has their own style of mothering and their own strengths and opportunities, we all share a common bond in loving our children and in trying to do the best we know how to do.

Continued on page 16 Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 15

my kids. Through the joy, worry, laughter, tears, and everything in-between, they motivate me to be the best person I can be and to really examine what message it is I am sending. And as a self-confessed “semi” control freak, they teach me daily that control is highly overrated, and there is a higher power in play here! It is amazing to watch them grow into their own unique identities, while also providing a really honest “mirror” back to me as the parent. But the optimism and hope that they embody truly inspire me, and drive me in my work around sustainability at AT&T. It may sound cliché, but I truly want this world to be a better place for them, and for the kids that they will hopefully one day be blessed with and be inspired by.

GRB: How do you manage it all?

BAS: Well, the big caveat is that I don’t manage it all. My husband is a total partner, and does a ton. And even on the stuff that is mine to do, it doesn’t always get done flawlessly.

2. Support each other – financially: Try to shop online and at places that are mom-owned or that are good employers to moms. Whether it be eBay, Etsy.com, the deli down the street, or the company that has great family-friendly policies, reward good behavior with your purchasing power – whatever size it may be.

3. Support yourself: Build a framework around what you need to keep your energy level high and your mental state healthy, and try to live within that framework.

This varies by person and there isn’t a one-size-fitsall solution, so spend some time thinking through what it means for you. Then build an action plan to hold yourself to it. For example, it took me a while to figure out that something crucial for me is having a chunk of time every weekend just milling around my house as a family with no set agenda. But now that I recognize that, I try hard to make sure that is a part of most every weekend. It is easy to get into “go, go, go” mode and to feel guilty if your kid isn’t in every class, sport, or event. For some people, that is how they get energy, and that works wonderfully.

But I (and my kids) need downtime, and I’m always amazed at the fun and creative things that happen when we just let the day unfold around us. Last weekend my older daughter, inspired by Pippi Longstocking herself, decided to build a path where she and her sister could maneuver through the house without touching the floor. Chairs, stuffed animals, clothes, and boxes were everywhere. The ensuing chaos brought the laughter, craziness and fun that we all needed. And I’m betting those memories will stick with us far longer than some planned event would have.

GRB: Who has been your greatest inspiration?

BAS: I believe there is something to be learned from everyone we meet, and many people and experiences have shaped the person I am today. But hands down, my greatest inspiration is PAGE 16 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

Having said that, here are my coping mechanisms: 1) Make a list. You can tell my stress level by how many lists I have with me at any given moment in time.

2) Dispel the myth of “balance”, which conjures up the image of that scale, showing all your credits and debits down to the well-calculated ounce.

Instead, go for “juggle,” which conjures up images of fun and chaos and where there is more room for error! And remember that a dropped ball can even sometimes be a source of laughter.

3) Think in long increments of time. If your goal is to have every day be a perfect blend of work vs. life, you are going to be feeling disappointed in yourself frequently. So look at the landscape over a longer period of time, and with a peaks-and-valleys mentality, you’ll get closer to success and reality.

4) Manage guilt – don’t let it manage you. I think guilt can serve a good purpose, but the key is what you do with it. Am I feeling guilty because I really have been working too much and need to spend more time with my kids? Then figure out a solution. Am I feeling guilty when I’m with my kid because I had to work late nights this week? Let it go, and shoo away the guilt by being fully present in the moment with your child.

5) Let some of it go. I often laugh that I do have it all – all the stress, worry, to-do lists a mile long, etc.

But in all seriousness, you have to decide what is important. My house is rarely straight (because Pippi lives there, remember?), my yard is not perfectly manicured, and I’m always behind on catching up with friends and family. One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to “just reframe it.”

I can choose to walk into the house at the end of the day and feel my chest tightening at the mess. Or I can choose to walk into the house and think, “Wow – isn’t it great that my kids have had so much fun playing in the living room today?” It really is a choice – if you start reframing it with what you say to yourself, you really do start to change what you feel and think.

A Day in the Life of Beth Shiroishi (with the caveat that every day is different!)

5:45 – Stumble out of bed 6:45 – Leave for work, with a hug and a kiss to the kids getting out of bed 7:00 – Stop by the drug store for some needed items 7:30 –Join TelePresence meeting with coworkers in London 9:00 - Conduct weekly staff meeting 10:30 – Hold a one-on-one meeting with one of my employees 11:00 – Take a quick trip to my oldest daughter’s school to surprise her for lunch (a pretty rare treat) 12:15 – Return to work for meetings, meetings, meetings 4:00 – Join a conference call with an industry group

5:30 – Head home 5:45 – Enjoy a huge hug around my knees from my 4-year-old, accompanied by, “I TOO much love you!” (a pretty good boost for my morale) 6:00 – Have dinner with the family (thanks, dear husband, for cooking) 6:30 – Help the kids finish homework, followed by baths, dessert, random meltdown by someone in the house (sometimes me!)

7:30 – Read with the kids and put them to bed 8:15 – Do a quick check of personal email and news 8:30 – Log in remotely and work 10:30 – Go to bed Lather, rinse, repeat. . .

Beth’s Work is Really Doing Great Things for Our Environment Check out the impact of her work worldwide!

Our commitment to operate a more efficient fleet led to a 4.3% reduction of fleet GHG emissions compared to 2009. Much of this progress has been a result of fuel efficiency gained from our adoption of 3,487 alternative-fuel vehicles and operational efficiency. This is part of AT&T’s commitment to deploy approximately 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles through 2018.

We have commissioned three solar systems. In 2010, a third solar system was installed at one of our data centers in San Diego. The 262kW system will produce 444,000 kWh of electricity per year. We launched our solar initiatives in 2009 by contracting two systems — one at our San Ramon campus, which generates 1.6 million kWh annually, and one at Secaucus, NJ, which generates 1 million kWh per year.

We also continue our involvement with Austin Energy’s GreenChoice renewable energy program through which we purchase wind power for 10 percent of our electricity consumption in all AT&T facilities in Austin, Texas. This effort will help us avoid 7.2 million kWh of fossil-generated electricity each year.

Beyond traditional office recycling, which we maintain in more than 130 employee sites, we manage a program to reclaim network resources such as copper telecommunications wire and central office equipment. The AT&T Supply Chain Investment

Recovery group works company-wide to reuse, sell and recycle materials. The group sent less than five percent of the materials it received to the landfill. The Investment Recovery group oversees six strategically located warehouses that handle recycling for a majority of the 50 states. In 2010, we kept more than 56.9 million pounds of aluminum, plastic, lead, steal, copper and copper cable from landfills.

In 2010, we collected more than 96,000 computers, monitors and servers for donation, reuse and recycling.

We have a relationship with Xerox Corp. to help us complete a Print 360 review of the printing devices in our office buildings.

As part of this effort to consolidate and replace this equipment, we removed more than 19,000 devices from nearly 3,000 AT&T locations. Xerox estimates this effort reduced our annual printer-associated energy use by 38 percent and our affiliated GHG emissions by 32 percent per year.

This is just the beginning. More can be found about at: http://www.att.com/gen/corporate-citizenship?pid=8506;

http://networkingexchangeblog.att.com/author/beth-shiroishi/

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 17

SmartMakeWaomen Great First Impression

By Joy Chudacoff

A few days ago, our family made a trip to the local bank here in our community so that our children could open their first savings account. The piggy banks were overflowing with money due to various visits from the tooth fairy, as well as rewards for all of their good deeds around the house. What happened when we entered the bank made a big impression on me and got me thinking about how Smart Women entrepreneurs always make a good first impression.

W

hen we entered the front door, an energetic young woman who wanted to know how she could help us immediately greeted us. She escorted us to someone who could help our children open their accounts. We were invited to try a beverage from their vast menu (water, coffee, tea, soda, juice and hot chocolate) and of course the children were immediately given lollipops to welcome them as new customers. (By the way, the complimentary drinks were not just for new customers. I could overhear the conversation at the teller window and they were offering this to everyone who entered the bank.)

The representative that helped our children open their accounts was knowledgeable. He answered our questions and he treated our children with respect. He spent a lot of time with us and we never felt rushed or confused about what was going to happen next.

We walked away from the experience feeling like we made a great decision to open the accounts at this bank and it was a great “first” experience in banking for our children as well.

No matter what type of business you’re in, first impressions count – a lot. People want and expect a very personal, hightouch experience. If you are a woman entrepreneur and you PAGE 18 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

want to create raving fans for your business, I invite you to take an inventory of the process you use to create an unforgettable first impression.

Here are a few tips on setting yourself up for success for a great first impression: 1. You had me at Hello! What’s the point of first contact with you and your company? If it’s email, make sure you have a system in place for you or someone on your team to receive email inquiries quickly. If it’s by phone, does your

message state clearly what you want the caller to do? Do you have a system set up so that you return calls within 24 hours? Here at Smart Women Smart Solutions® response time is a valuable part of laying a good foundation with our clients. Our goal is to provide “red carpet” treatment to everyone we come in contact with. Review your systems for how someone makes that initial contact with you. Make sure your system works fast and efficiently.

a solo entrepreneur and don’t have any team members working with you yet, I invite you to sit down and think about what you want your first impression to look like with your ideal client. This is time well spent and can mean the difference between incredible business growth or hohum results. (It was when I took this part of my business seriously that I began to see huge jumps not only in my income but also in the quality of the clients I serve.)

2. It’s contagious – Having a friendly, positive attitude from the initial point of contact is important. People want to associate or be with people who are friendly and helpful.

It makes them feel supported and cared for. Several years ago, I walked into my office one day to find my assistant at the time talking rudely to someone on the phone. I was horrified! Needless to say, that particular person did not work out well, however it was a valuable lesson for me. I want to attract support team members who hold quality client interaction to the same standard as I do.

Spend some time reflecting on your first impression process.

I invite you to set the intention to create “royal red carpet” treatment from that first point of contact so that you too can enjoy big leaps in your income along with quality clients who rave about you everywhere they go.

3. Plan Your Process – Create a process for your ideal client so that the first impression with you is seamless and successful. Decide now how you want the process to work and enlist your team to help you roll it out. If you are

Anything is possible.

Everything is waiting for you. **** © 2011 Joy Chudacoff

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 19

The

Heros and Sheros

Supporting Moms In Business Grant Competitors

This Month’s Featured Heros & Sheros Part 2

RTS Publishing

RTS Publishing – Richelle Shaw, CEO

Richelle is the leading expert and authority in building successful million dollar businesses. Richelle’s experience comes from building her first business to $36 million, losing it all after the 9/11 World Trade Center Tragedies, then, successfully rebuilding her million dollar company in approximately 5 months.

As the only female African American public utility owner in the nation, Richelle has won local and national awards including Top Woman Entrepreneur from AKA Las Vegas Chapter, Marketer of the Year from Glazer-Kennedy Insider’s Circle of 20,000 members and Unstoppable Woman for the Women’s Leadership Counsel.

She was also nominated for the GreenLeaf Award, Top 50 Collection Professionals and the Top 40 Under 40 when she was 27.

After writing the book, How to Build A Million Dollar Business in Las Vegas- Without the Casinos, Richelle set on a journey to help other women of color build their own million dollar businesses. Since 2007, Richelle has successfully mentored over 6400 women of color in her international coaching program designed to help take business ideas and make them a business reality.

Richelle is also a mentor for Make Mine A Million, an expert content contributor on multiple internet sites and featured in over 30 publications including Inc, Entrepreneur, Black Enterprise, Smart Money, plus the covers of Collection Advisor and MOMEO Magazines.

Currently, Richelle shares her knowledge with several business owners across the United States as their business advisor and implementation coach. She and her staff implement the strategic plans to help build businesses for several physicians, a beauty school, a race car association, a restaurant and an auto repair facility. She has helped business owners in over 98 different industries.

Richelle is providing the grand prize grant winner with: One Year Onyx Level Membership and Mentoring to The Million Dollar Equation with Richelle Shaw. Included: uu Monthly coaching and training calls on essential business building strategies included in the Million Dollar Equation uu Step by Step Checklist on how to use different tactics and media uu Downloadable examples of strategies uu Access to the Million Dollar Equation Solutions Center where all small business questions are answered.

Total Value: $3,000.00 Http://www.TheMillionDollarEquation.com PAGE 20 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

She Gets Results Brenda Prinzavalli

She Gets Results

Brenda Prinzavalli is a writer, consultant, seminar developer and business owner. She has a passion for helping others achieve greater balance in their busy lives. A former educator, trainer and consultant in the field of education, Brenda is the founder and owner of Balanced Organizing Solutions, LLC, a unique organizing business that perfectly marries her professional expertise as an educator and problem-solver with a personal commitment to health and wellness of the body and mind - beginning with a simplified, organized life.

Brenda has served a variety of business and residential clients on projects large and small, and she regularly works with corporate executives to create more profitable businesses and greater work/life balance through streamlined systems. She also works with individuals and families who want to simplify their lives and gain more time to pursue their passions.

Brenda is also in various forms of media, whether writing her Organizing eNewsletters, contributing to a variety of publications or appearing as the Dream Team Organization Editor for the FOX show MORE! on KVVU FOX 5 Las Vegas.

This gives her the opportunity to spread her gift of organizing on a broader scale.

Her memberships include The National Association For Moms In Business, the National Association of Women Business Owners and the National Association of Professional Organizers as a Golden Circle Member. She has served as National Chair for the National Association For Moms In Business National Board, Committee Chair for theCreate Your Dreams Gala, Co-Chair of the Women of Distinction Awards, and Nevada Ambassador for the National Association of Professional Organizers.

Brenda holds a master of elementary education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a bachelor of elementary education from the University of Iowa. She and her husband, Brian, currently reside in Las Vegas, NV. Brenda co-founded She Gets Results with Gina Robison-Billups to help provide a place of resources and connections to help women to get better, faster and greater results. Contact Brenda at www.BalOrg.com.

She Gets Results proudly supports the Moms In Business Grant Competition with the following benefit.

Matching Dollar Sponsor!

SheGetsResults.com is going to match dollar-for-dollar up to $1000 to the Grand Prize Grant Winner!

Value: $1000.00 (in Cash!)

Http://www.SheGetsResults.com

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 21

Supporting Heros and Sheros con’t Promotional Partners SBE Council

The SBE Council

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) is the nation’s leading organization devoted to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. Through advocacy, education, and training opportunities SBE Council works to foster and promote small business start-up and growth, and entrepreneurial opportunity. The SBE Council is celebrating their 15th year in operation. Http://www.SBECouncil.org.

WE Inc.

WE Inc.

WE Inc. is a a project of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) -- a prominent advocacy and research organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. WE Inc. aims is to improve and enhance the economic climate for women’s entrepreneurship. By advocating for policy solutions that encourage business ownership by women, and providing information and resources to entrepreneurs at all stages of their business development, WE Inc.works to increase economic opportunity and financial security for those seeking the rewarding and challenging path of business ownership. Http://www.SBECouncil.org.

Hybrid Mom

Hybrid Mom

Hybrid Mom was conceived in 2006 and came into the world in the same way most babies do, not without struggle, but full of excitement, joy and love. Our motivation and passion is to create one authentic, inspiring, and reliable resource for the multiple roles today’s mom plays - loving parent, unique individual and business-minded person. Http://mibn.org/www.HybridMom.com.

ACTiVATE

ACTiVATE

There are many programs to assist entrepreneurs, even programs specific to women, but ACTiVATE targets a unique market - technology transfer - and delivers results. An internationally acclaimed program, ACTiVATE provides innovative and intensive development along with a community of support created to unlock the true potential of experienced women - a largely untapped market - to start and grow technology-based businesses. Http://www.PathForwardCenter.org.

PAGE 22 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

Congratulations!

To theTop10 Moms In Business Grant Competition Semi-Finalists!

Chances are that you know a Mom, have or had a Mom, are a Mom that has had the challenges of starting a business - a dream, or perhaps there was an opportunity to expand their existing business only to not have enough support or finances.

Moms In Business Grant Competition

SEMIFINALISTS

Moms that take an idea/dream and create a business while juggling children, grandchildren, family and more...have additional hurdles to conquer.

The purpose of the Moms In Business Grant Competition, valued at over $10,000, is to provide enterprising Moms with vital tools, education, support and cash to achieve their goals and success

These Semi-Finalists need YOUR help NOW! to achieve their goals uu BROWSE through the 10 Semi-finalists and read about their inspiring ventures throughout the following pages uu FIND one or more that you feel you would like to see succeed uu VISIT their project uu VIEW their generous offers for your support uu PITCH IN and Make A Difference in the future of a Mom and her life



Get Started Now!

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 23

MEMBERS

NEWS

Moms In Business Grant Competition Semi-Finalists

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Angela Owens - Owner: Heads or Tails About My Venture

If your passion was an art and a gift that you could share with others, how would you go about telling folks? Heads or Tails creates custom bows and dresses for children of all ages. This business is built on the quest of sharing, caring and making moments special by adding their products to the moments remembered. Peerbackers has created a platform to help businesses grow with a twist. Heads and Tails has set a goal to raise $11,100 in less than 45 days.

Heads or Tails needs you right now to make a pledge. If the goal is reached, Heads and Tails will use the funds to purchase a van, sewing equipment and hire additional staff. I need your contribution to help Heads or Tails to fulfill its fund raising goal. Even more, your support will help Heads and Tails make even more moments special with its bows and dresses. Make a pledge of support today!

About: Heads Or Tails manufactures and supplies Custom Children’s Hair Bows for Babies, Toddlers and Girls of all ages. Heads Or Tails will be launching their New Dress Line. This Line will consist of an array of styles of Pillow Case & Jumper Dresses.

What Do We Need? Heads Or Tails is in need of a Commercial Van and a Commercial Embroidery Machine.

Why Do We Need? Heads Or Tails is expanding and needs the necessary equipment to keep up with the demand and for the business to grow. The Commercial Van will be used to transport products to Vendor Trade Shows, Festivals, Markets and other Craft Shows. The Commercial Embroidery Machine will be used to do the embroidery directly at the Shows and at the office location.

Goal: Our Fundraiser Goal for this project is $11,100 (Van-$5000 & Embroidery Machine $6100). Any contribution big or small will help Fund Heads Or Tails Goal. As the business continues to grow Heads Or Tails will be able to give back to the community through Employment Skill Training, Entrepreneurship as well as Special Events giving a certain percentage of revenue back to a specific organization.

Motto: At Heads Or Tails we “Strive in Dressing Your Little One from Head To Tail”.

Thank you in Advance for Your Support!

Visit http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com.

PAGE 24 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Arline Saiki - ONEdersave About My Venture

BACKING A WIN-WIN PROJECT: EcoBioBlock was developed in Japan to revitalize and purify polluted waters in rivers, canals, and the ocean over a decade ago. It is presently being used in a variety of outdoor and government projects in Japan, Korea, India, Malaysia, and China. Using nature’s own system of cleaning water, EcoBioBlock clarifies cloudy water in aquariums, ponds, and in other environmental uses, with beneficial bacteria and nutrients infused in a volcanic rock which multiply and disperse regularly into surrounding waters keeping bacteria levels consistently high enough to breakdown organic waste into less toxic nitrates and keep water clear, odor-free and healthy.

It also appears to encourage an increase in the levels of microbes which breakdown nitrates into nitrogen gas which then dissipate into the air. It has a U.S. Patent and is certified to international safety standards. The pond/environmental products which are known as the “nsM” and “Wave” are generally effective for about 3 years. The nsM are shaped like stones, come in a box of 4 and can treat from 100 - 400 gallons of water, depending on the condition of the water and the amount of fish). The Wave’s design is based on hydrodynamics and is made to keep mud out and allow bacteria to multiply easily. For large pond use, it can treat from 300 to 1000 gallons of water, (also depending on water conditions and fish populations). It normally takes from 2 to 6 weeks to see optimum results, but factors such as temperature can cause a variation in the time frame. This product is easy-to-use, mess-free, and reduces maintenance in ponds and other water features.

OUR PROBLEM AND OUR PROJECT: ONEdersave Products LLC http://www.Onedersave.com is the exclusive distributor of EcoBio-Block Family Products in the U.S. and Canada. It was the recipient of the 2008 Pet Age magazine “Pinnacle” Award for aquarium product of the year. The pond and environmental products are brand new additions to our product line, but this absolutely unique product faces a major hurdle. Despite the fact that it has been thoroughly researched and is being used with great results overseas, we face a credibility problem.

The product sounds too good to be true and we are pretty much being ignored. We want to have a major American University study and publish the data on this product. We need to have easily accessible information by a respected source to back up our claims that it will be a boon to the environment as it cleans, purifies and deodorizes polluted waters and creates a healthy environment for aquatic life.

With a project like this, everyone wins!

Visit http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com.

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 25

Moms In Business Grant Competition Semi-Finalists

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Tobi Kosanke - Crazy K Farm - The Kitty Holster About My Venture

Why we need your support Sales of our popular Kitty Holsters® cat harness are about to exceed our supply!

Demand for our Kitty Holster® increased exponentially after being featured on CBS Sunday Morning and being given the highest rating (5 out of 5) by Cat Nip magazine based on its comfort and difficulty for cats to wiggle out of.

Our sales have consequently gone through the roof and we are at risk of running out of product. We need to make more harnesses sooner than expected, cotton prices have soared significantly increasing the cost of manufacturing the Kitty Holster®, and we need to expand our line with new colors, patterns and sizes to meet customer demand. Without your help it is unlikely that we will be able to start production before we run out of harnesses.

What your donations will do for us Your donation will help us fund a grant to produce more Kitty Holsters®. We are adding several new colors and patterns as well as two additional sizes to fit a wider range of cats. The colors/patterns we are adding are camouflage, pink, tiger stripe and jaguar. 10% of sales of the pink Kitty Holster will be donated to charities that support the fight against breast cancer.

What you can do to help 1) Donate to this venture 2) Forward our project link to others in your network 3) Share our project with your friends on Facebook and LinkedIn 4) Tweet about our project on Twitter.

What you will receive in return In addition to a sense of satisfaction that you are helping cats get the chance to enjoy being walked outside, supporting the fight against breast cancer, and a very important part of our growth, everyone who pledges will also receive a gift specific to their pledge level and become a member of Crazy K Farm’s Circle of Friends, which will entitle them to exclusive discounts on our products and behind-the-scenes access to our company and the farm that inspired it.

More information about our company 1) Watch a video about our harness. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=qhjrtuKiNQI 2) Learn more about the harness on the Kitty Holster website: www.KityHolster.com.

3) Learn more about our company and the farm at:www.CrazyKFarm.com.

We look forward to your support, thank you.

Visit http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com.

PAGE 26 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Temeca Jone - Funducate About My Venture

Funducate is an exciting company that has a line of educational tools and merchandise for children that are fun and engaging. Funducate was founded by my husband Todd and myself. It is registered as an Ohio Limited Liability Corporation.

Funducate is the Trademark name for all of the Sing Along with Happy Handy, Fun Bunch, Peek at You Kids, Tribute to Heroes, and Living in Faith Everyday (LIFE) books, videos, and merchandise.

The Fun Bunch Series, and Happy Handy book series 1 and 2 collectively has 10 books self published, with the initial trial period using the first series as an educational tool has been used in school and educational facilities to teach children ages 12 months to 11 years of age. Within 1 to 3 years all books directed by the Non-Profit Corporation; All in One (AIO) Books at all levels of non-profit business has reached the market north, south, east, and west within the United States to areas with educational and literacy challenges.

Through AIO Outreach Program, AIO Books has also partnered with learning institutions and organization to incorporate a multi-systemic approach, establishing a continuum of mental health, community, school, and home based interventions to further demonstrate/ promote fun learning and education. I dress as Udder the Cow one of our Fun Bunch character. I read our Tribute to Heroes books, sing songs, discuss about our heroes the Military, Fire and Police Department with children during AIO outreach program.

Also, through the outreach program I am able to donate books and help bring fun to education and assist educators.

Please visit: www.Funducate.net.

Thank you in Advance for Your Support!

Visit http://www.

MomsInBusinessGrant.com.

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 27

Moms In Business Grant Competition Semi-Finalists

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Natalie Ahlstrom - Seniors Helping Seniors - Las Vegas About My Venture

Seniors Helping Seniors – Las Vegas, NV When Employees Become Parent’s Caregivers.....HELP SHS CREATE OUR SHS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYERS!! About US…..

My mom was a great lady. When she developed Alzheimer’s in 2002 she was still an intelligent, outgoing and fun loving person. I wanted to spend time with her before the disease caused her to become unaware of her family and her surroundings. Thankfully I was able to quit my job and stay with her. I lived with her for over two years and it was some of the best spent times with her in my life.

However, many adult children can’t always help with the caregiving of their parents or risk any consequences with their jobs due to absenteeism or lack of productivity.

In most caregiving situations the elderly parent wants their daughter or son there to help, because they know that they are trustworthy. Upon my mother’s death I knew that I wanted to continue to help elder seniors as well as the older children of senior parents. That is when my husband Doug and I discovered Seniors Helping Seniors, an exceptional and unique program of compassion and care. It matches senior caregivers with seniors who are looking for a little help to stay independent in their own home for as long a possible; a way to give and to receive. This innovative program creates the support you need from people with life experiences, who will understand your parent the most.

This has been a great business for my husband and I because we both enjoy helping others. But we have realized that there are so many adult children caregivers today who are trying to juggle their families, their job and their aging parent(s) throughout their daily lives. It has become a 24/7 struggle for them, not allowing them to enjoy being their parents’ kids anymore, just their caregivers.

What we want to accomplish…..Seniors Helping Seniors provides in-home, non-medical caregiving services to seniors in our community. In addition, Seniors Helping Seniors wants to start an SHS Educational Program to provide information to our local employers about their employees who are responsible for the caregiving of an elder senior. In the 1980’s American businesses adapted their human resource policies to accommodate the needs of workers with young children.

Now many of those same workers face a new responsibility: providing care for an older parent, relative or friend. Just as childcare did, the growing need for eldercare presents companies with a new reality – workers who must juggle multiple demands on their time and energy. Yet this reality presents genuine opportunities for those firms that recognize it.” We hope that by implementing the SHS Educational Program we can develop various elder caregiving resources for the benefit of the employee, employer and company.

What We Will Plan For… Basic Packet – information about local agencies and support groups for employees as an option to help deal with caregiver stress, reduce absenteeism and increase productivity in the workplace

Employee How to Guides – help employer in developing a manual, as simple or complex as they want to help their employees with caregiving and family caregiving “burnout” issues

Benefit(s) Packet – provide owners/managers with ideas about eldercare policies that they can implement into their overall existing benefits and policies packages, such as: Flex-time, shortened work weeks, modified schedules Telecommuting Long-term care insurance plans to cover spouse and parents/parents in law

Speakers Forum – provide employers with ongoing presentations to educate their workforce on how to make good choices regarding caregiving & eldercare.

Host “Caregiver Fairs” Visit http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com.

PAGE 28 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Stephanie Williams - BlueEyes & BareFeet Clothing Designs About My Venture

BlueEyes & BareFeet Designs is a clothing and design company featuring a collection for children created from vintage, vintage-inspired, modern and recycled fabrics.

Each piece is handmade and ultimately inspired by my children - two daughters, Abigail and Elise and my son Isaac. You will see them in many of the pictures as they are my regular ‘models’ and everyday users of the designs. Right now, we are a one-man show....hopefully about to change all that.

Our Unique Proposition - What makes BlueEyes & BareFeet Designs unique is our focus on use of fabrics that are either recycled, upcycled or sustainable. 70-80% of our designs follow this concept. Upcycling, according to an article in the April 2011 issue of Entrepreneur magazine, is “ushering in an entirely new wave of entrepreneurial innovation”. Upcycling, by nature, also leaves room for higher profit margins, giving me the opportunity to outsource areas I need support in through partnerships with other local companies earlier in the business cycle, rather than later, boosting our chances for solid and consistent business growth.

Clients love the fact that I can take clothes they no longer want, heirloom pieces or ‘leftover good intentions’ of fabrics they never used and bring them back to life as a boutique style outfit for their little one(s). A quick example is in the use of a t-shirt. One t-shirt will either be turned into a jersey scarf, a t-shirt tutu, or play a role in the construction of a jersey dress or a combination thereof. There is very little fabric left as waste when I am finished, allowing the fabrics to reach their full potential and be used again in a different purpose; saving energy, time and money versus the use of new fabrics. I currently find my fabrics through donations, thrift stores and vintage stores. We have set styles of designs, but each piece usually ends up slightly or largely different bringing in the added value of one-of-a-kind looks.

Our Growth - Last year I launched this clothing collection for children as a project, and an outlet for my creative mind. The collection has quickly surpassed my expectations and has grown to a spot where I felt compelled this year to take a leap of faith, resign from my position as a financial advisor, and go fulltime on February 1. I am a faithdriven person and to make a long story short, truly believe this business is not mine. I am merely the first employee, entrusted to bring it to its full potential. The doors and opportunities opened by God have been truly mind-blowing.

The collection has steadily grown through word of mouth and personal marketing and is now at a point where growing demand justifies hiring help in the areas of production and administration. This will allow my focus to be on design and expanding the product line through strategic partnerships with other local designers or further in-house production.

Your support in this funding will help to ‘bridge the gap’ in costs for hiring and branding.

Three pivotal elements to the growth have been: ·Participation as a featured designer in the Children’s Fashion Show during Midwest Fashion Week in March ·Publicity through articles in local newspapers and publications ·Wildfire word of mouth marketing from the best clients ever!

I really work hard to build a community around my designs and have tremendous support in doing so locally and am ready to take this to the next level. BlueEyes & BareFeet products have already made their way into local boutiques through our partnership withAesthetic Design Style House, providing the framework necessary to do what I do best; design and innovate. I am a born entrepreneur with the drive and business acumen to make this a sustainable company and am so excited to work with Peerbackers and National Association of Moms in Business to take the next step in my business growth Your Dollars - Your backing of this venture does not mean that money goes into my bank account to sit. It will be distributed into a whole community of support for this venture. From branding to website upgrading, production to promotion, your dollars will filter through the hands of MANY local businesses and designers! Your funding will be a pivotal and defining moment for BlueEyes & BareFeet Designs and every dollar is truly appreciated.

Thank YOU in advance for your support! Visit http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com.

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 29

Moms In Business Grant Competition Semi-Finalists

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Abstinence Education Council; Non-profit Organization About Our Venture

WE NEED YOUR HELP! The Abstinence Education Council operating under the trade name AEC-I Decide (http://www.AECIDecide.org), works with young people in rural central NY to help them to make good choices for a happy healthy future.

Our young people today face challenges that we could never have imagined. Instead of getting good role models, they are bombarded from all sides with messages that are confusing, unhealthy, counter-productive, and too often inappropriate. This often has the effect of encouraging high-risk behaviors.

OUR PROGRAM: All high-risk behaviors essentially come out of the same basic problems. Starting with a lack of self-esteem (self-respect), and encompassing other issues from poor role models to problems with ADD/ADHD, studies like those from State University New York Cortland’s Center for the 4th and 5th Rs (http://corland.edu/character/aboutus.htm), have found that character education reduces the likelihood of children getting into high risk behaviors and increases the likelihood of success in life.

Since the late 1990’s abstinence programs have started focusing on addressing the reasons for all high risk behaviors, and developing character, as well as promoting developmental assets (http://searchinstitute.org/content/what-are-developmental-assets), and protective factors. This has influenced our decision to expand the focus of our programs to address the root causes of deadly behaviors.

OUR NEED: The problem we have been having with our programs is that we have had to tailor them to the specific needs of the organization which is making a request, which means pretty much developing something new for each group. We need to be more proactive, so instead of waiting for people to call us and have them tell us what they want us to do, we plan on booking the local libraries (which are free or very cheap) and just offering this program ourselves. It will be for girls only, ages 8 to 12 and 13 to 17. What we are doing now is putting together an 8 to 10 week program which we are calling “Healthy Beauty”. It will start with Dove’s Self Esteem program which you can review at http://www.dove.us/?dl=/CFRB/aspxlcp-dfrb/articlesvideos). The rest of the program will cover physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual beauty with an emphasis on modesty, and self-control as well as real tips on healthy beauty (inside and out). The program will loosely follow Sean Covey’s book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens”.

OUR PROBLEM: There are so many kids that we would like to reach, but this is a ministry and we don’t charge for our programs. We are funded by donations, which were down this last year. We have a very small staff and very limited funds.

OUR SOLUTION: WITH YOUR HELP! We are tapping into volunteers from Christianvolunteering. org and are looking forward to the boost we expect from their help. We are going to concentrate on girls, ages 8 to 18, to simplify things for us. And we are trying this innovative new way to raise funds and expand our base, raise our visibility, raise awareness of the problems our children face and offer helpful solutions.

We can do it, with your help! Be our “Angel” and ask your friends to check us out at http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com.Thank you!

PAGE 30 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Tarrah Jennings - On Par Empowerment Day for Women About My Venture What is this venture all about?

There are four key questions to ask or steps to any new idea. Read on as I ask and answer the top questions!

1. Do you Love It or Like It A Lot? It must be something you like, ideally something you love! There has to be a passion or strong desire to learn and know more about something before venturing out. Answer: I love the game of golf and believe any woman can learn life lessons from golf that she can carry to her friendships, her family, and her business.

2. Does anyone else like it? Are there other people that like some part of the activity involved.

If you were starting an ice cream shop, there would have to be someone somewhere that liked ice cream in order to be in business. Answer: I am one of those that would hop in the ice cream line.

There are many women that feel overwhelmed by all things golf and that is the first hurdle we will climb with them together!

3. Have you made a decision? Any idea remains between the ears if a decision is not made to take it to the next level and beyond. Answer: The merge of golf, business, and friends in a casual setting that introduces women to the world of golf is a decision that needs no thinking!

4. Will you promote, promote, promote? This is essentially the get busy step. Answer: This is the make it all happen phase and why I am here. I have been through three of phases and am beyond ready to promote this as the concept for teaching life lessons around!

I want to use the game of golf to teach women life lessons in a blend of areas to include self-esteem, parenting, and business. A game that uses precision, skill, and patience is THE place to negotiate and even close business deals. As with any venture or undertaking, its important to plan a maneuver, take a step forward, and just swing! Golf is a venue to be celebrated by other women and learning to play through our golf partner match up website, peer-to-peer lessons, and the largest part of the endeavor, a one-day golf clinic with a second day for open play and mini tournament. The funding from peer-backers would be used to design, create, and maintain a website, purchase starter sets of clubs and other golf equipment, and to promote the clinic.

Why help fund this project? I have a long standing background in event planning and have coordinated, planned, and run numerous golf tournaments, hole-in-one fund raising events, and social events with golf as a primary focus. I also co-own multiple other businesses, so I have started, managed, and successfully run multiple businesses. I have the ability to kick start any concept and one that includes good times, great learning, and golf--that’s an adventure I will undertake and grow!

Why is This So Special? This project is unique because it combines the elements of friendship, mentoring, business coaching, and empowerment in one place and has so many ways to branch out in the future. The endeavor is a personal passion, but does so much for the community, expanding the views of others, and broadening the mind on how to include golf lessons in everyday life.

Visit http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com.

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 31

Moms In Business Grant Competition Semi-Finalists

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Rebecca Buscemi - The Savvy Women’s Business Solution About My Venture I Marketed my Business Basically for Free and I Teach You How to Do the Same!

While on bed rest with my second child in 2008, I became severely depressed and worried about everything. I dealt with my depression in a very careless way...I drove my family into severe debt. I spent money on every and anything to keep myself ‘happy’ and those around me happy too.

One month of bed rest and my pregnancy I was slapped in the face with the reality that I had put my family in a horrible financial position and I wasn’t sure how to fix the situation. With a two year old already at home and a new baby arriving any day, the last thing I wanted to consider was going back to work. So I explored my options and made the decision to build a business from home. The little money I had was used to take care of the legal pieces such as getting my business license. I was stumped on how to get the word out about my business with no money. Enter Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. I was already on some social networks socially, but decided to take a chance and see if I could spread more info about my new venture using the Internet. I was quickly able to spread the word among friends and family and potential clients. I landed my first client four days after joining Twitter. I learned about other ways to strategically place myself in front of people that could were either potentially clients or like-minded individuals that I could possibly collaborate and network with. Today The Savvy Women’s Business Solution still puts very little money out for marketing and I’m working hard to help fix the financial burden I put my family under.

Would You Like to Learn How to Market Your Business on the Internet Also? I would love to teach other moms and women in the Baltimore area how to market their businesses using social media and I want to do this for as little money as possible.

By reaching my goal of $3000, I will hold four hands-on trainings in the BaltimoreWashington DC in the next 12 months. Additionally, I will be able to use this money to market locally in print media that I normally would not be able to afford on my own. I can help other women like myself establish a professional presence for themselves, a social media strategy for their business and fun, innovative ways to get your clients, customers and community involved with your business.

I thank you for your support and feel free to connect with me with any questions you may have. Feel free to share my venture using the easy social media share buttons.

Visit http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com.

PAGE 32 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

COMPETITION

SEMI FINALIST

Julianne Wish - Buy By Mom About My Venture The purpose of BuyByMom.com is to promote moms in business and get them out on the web. BuyByMom. com is owned by Julianne Alvarez-Wish, a WAHM to 4.

My passion is for the moms who want to stay at home with their children while bringing in an income by selling the items they create or the products they believe in. A friend of mine started an online boutique and tried so hard to market it and get word out about the products that she offered. However, in over 2 years, she only ever made 2 sales from the boutique. She was heartbroken. All the time, money, and effort she was putting into the website was bringing her nothing in return. She was frustrated, to say the least, and decided to close up shop.

BuyByMom.com was born because I wanted to keep that from happening to other moms. I wanted to see mothers succeed in their businesses and be able to stay at home with their children. I wanted to spread the word about the amazing talents moms possess and I wanted to see them succeed beyond their wildest dreams in your business. I truly believe that by working together, we can make each mom a success.

Some of the Features of BuyByMom.com: •Free Listings for any mom in business on our Mom Shops & Blogs page •Random Spotlight links every few days for more exposure to your business •Featured Mom opportunities where your business is in the spotlight for an entire week •Reviews and giveaways of some of the best mom-made products you will find •Reasonable advertising rates so that your 125x125 button is on every page of the website and blog We want you to succeed! Stop by BuyByMom.com today and add your free listing and check out all the other wonderful WAHMs and the products we have to offer.

Visit http://www.MomsInBusinessGrant.com. - we welcome your support.

Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 33

PAGE 34 • June, 2011 • Moms In Business Magazine

Wisdoms for Thought “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.

Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.

Dream. Discover.” ~Mark Twain “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Thoughts are things!

And powerful things at that, when mixed with definiteness of purpose, and burning desire, can be translated into riches.” ~ Napoleon Hill “People are definitely a company’s greatest asset. It doesn’t make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps.” ~ Mary Kay Ash “Success or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities.” ~ Walter Scott “What I know for sure is that behind every catastrophe, there are great lessons to be learned. Among the many that we as a country need to get is that as long as we play the “us and them” game, we don’t evolve as people, as a nation, as a planet.” ~ Oprah Winfrey “Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.” ~ Unknown

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Unattended Children will be given an Espresso and a Free Puppy Founder Gina Robison-Billups Editor Design/Layout Eugenia Martini-Jarrett Eugenia@MIBN.org Advertising: Gina Robison-Billups Gina@MIBN.org Published by NAFMIB, the National Association for Moms In Business.

The Leading National Association Representing Executive, Entrepreneur and CEO Moms MIBN.org, NAFMIB.org Copyright 2011, © International Association For Moms In Business.

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Moms In Business Magazine • June 2011 • PAGE 35