The Power MOB Business Articles

When Business is Personal {by Erin Ruff}

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 18:37:05 GMT

Like many Power MOB members, my business began as an inspiring idea which was soon dwarfed by all the business “how to's” and “to do's”. I did all my research and development and finally got to a place where I was able to do a “dress rehearsal.” The price of admission was participation and honest feedback. When the input started coming in, it covered more areas of my business than I had dared to ask about, all with amazing specificity and personal detail. Along the way I was reminded of the power of some of the interpersonal basics that are easy to forget in under the stress of “business.”

Respect matters more than perfection
People want to be respected. The first way to respect your clients is to be proud of your offering. Even as a “test”, it is a representation of your brand, who you are, and what you stand for as a business. It doesn’t have to be “perfect”, after all, the test is about improvement, so there will be pieces that are a work-in progress. Respect your audience by being open about what you are still working to improve and how they can help you do that.

You need to ask, and don’t forget to receive
People want to be liked. Because of that, giving criticism is often harder than receiving it, and giving specific criticism is especially risky because it requires a person to put his or her own idea out for judgment and potential criticism. If you are looking to strengthen your offering, you need to create a way that people can safely give you the information you need.

The first step is to ask for the input you need and mean it. Your honest request for help with improvement is extremely powerful. It shows your own willingness to be vulnerable, which can help inspire someone else to do something risky. It also shows that you value the person enough to believe that you can be more successful with his or her help.

When you ask for feedback, you need to be truly open to whatever comes your way, accepting it gratefully and graciously. People are likely to test you with some softballs, including praise. When people begin to give you what you asked for, get curious. Ask follow-up questions. Be appreciative of their participation, and follow-up if appropriate.

Authenticity is more important than structure
I gave people a dozen ways to get me feedback, and they did them all: e-mail, online surveys, in-class discussions. Then, my students surprised me with invitations to talk more over dinner or coffee. In those settings, they told me that what they liked about the whole process was personal. By sharing my enthusiasm, passions, dreams, imperfections, they became part of the story of my business. When I asked for help, I gave them a chance to be part of my success, and that opportunity in turn changed the nature of their help.

Erin Ruff is Headmistress at Parenthood Academy, where she helps overwhelmed parents make their most important decisions with confidence and clarity. She is Mama to Molly (5 ½) and Atticus (3).

Top 10 Considerations in Protecting the Intellectual Property of Your Business {by Peter Sabido}

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:48:35 GMT

By Peter Sabido
Attorney, Kolisch Hartwell P.C.

1. Identify the intellectual property of your business

Intellectual property may include inventions, marks, brand names, business names, logos, website content, advertising and marketing materials, drawings, cost data, recipes, customer lists, and other creative works.

2. Maintain secrecy

For inventions, ensure that a patent application is filed before any public disclosure or commercialization. For trade secrets, use confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements and restrict access to those secrets.

3. Check third party rights

Ensure that you do not violate the intellectual property rights of others.

4. Check registrability

Check whether you are likely to meet the various requirements required to register your intellectual property.

5. Determine appropriate type of protection

For certain types of intellectual property, you may be able to protect the same piece of intellectual property with a patent, a trademark, and/or a copyright. Each type of protection has its advantages and disadvantages.

6. Select appropriate level of protection

For certain types of intellectual property, you may be able to obtain common law (or automatic) rights, state rights, or federal rights. Each level of protection has its advantages and disadvantages.

7. Register early

There are many advantages to registering your intellectual property early.

8. Provide public notice

Use patent, trademark, and/or copyright symbols or labels to ensure that you can fully enforce your rights.

9. Treat it as intellectual property

For trademarks, you should set the mark apart from accompanying text, and use the mark as an adjective and not as a noun.

10. Clarify ownership when third parties are involved

Ensure that you have an agreement with the third party and/or employee stating that you own the intellectual property rights to their work.

How to Protect Against the Top 10 Business Legal Risks {by Sarah Adams}

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 03:21:56 GMT

By Sarah Adams, Adams Law Office

1. Limit your personal liability. You can limit your personal liability by choosing a business structure such as S-Corporation or Limited Liability Company. The business structures vary in terms of tax implications and management structures; the one that is best for you depends upon your individual company’s goals and needs.

2. Get appropriate business licenses. Check with your local city and county governments to see whether a license is required for your business.

3. Correctly classify your workers. Whether your workers are employees or qualify as independent contractors is a critical decision that if not made correctly may result in penalties and back payroll taxes.

4. Obtain Workers Compensation Insurance. For your employees, ensure that you have workers compensation insurance to avoid potentially business-ending liability.

5. Evaluate your Intellectual Property. Your intellectual property (ie, copyrights, trademarks, and patents) is a valuable asset. Identify it, value it, and protect it.

6. Avoid Discrimination Claims. There are a variety of protections for employees including the right against discrimination in the work place. This includes discrimination or harassment by your customers. Create a policy against harassment and discrimination, teach your employees about it, and enforce it!

7. Avoid Disability Claims. Physically and mentally disabled workers are protected against discrimination and may even be entitled to active assistance by way of a reasonable accommodation. What constitutes a reasonable accommodation is varied and depends upon the facts of a particular situation.

8. Family and Medical Leave Laws. If a worker or his or her family member becomes ill, they may have a right to take medical leave and have their position held for them for a period of time.

9. Contracts with Customers and Vendors. Use contracts with your vendors, customers, and even employees where appropriate. A well-structured contract will cover each party’s obligations, the term of the relationship, and the available remedies for either party when the other breaks the contract.

10. When raising money – Watch out for securities violations. Beware of the potential securities regulations that can come to play when you use other people’s money to run your business. If you run afoul of the securities regulations you risk not only civil liability, but criminal as well.

Sarah E. Adams is an Oregon-licensed attorney. She specializes in advising business owners and individuals protecting their legal rights and preventing disputes in a way that syncs with practical business considerations. Sarah is also a happy mom to two girls ages 1 and 4.

Cost-Effective Summer Childcare Options {by Candi Wingate}

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:42:35 GMT

written by Candi Wingate, Nannies4Hire

School is out, and the search for child care is on! The challenge most parents face is finding quality care for your child that fits within your budget. Here are some cost-effective child care options that won’t break the bank.

Hire a Babysitter or Nanny
Nannies are no longer exclusive to the wealthy. If you have two children in full time daycare you can afford a nanny, and sites like Nannies4Hire cut out the high-priced fee of nanny agency. Whether you need a full time nanny or part time babysitter, trusted online sources provide a massive database of local care providers at your fingertips. You can find candidates quickly based on your personal requirements and budget.

It Takes a Village
There are likely multiple families in your neighborhood with young children. Get with these other parents and arrange shared childcare, in which two or more households take turns attending to the children. Parents might need to take time off work during their turn, but it should be minimal as other households are rotating turns as well.

Go Back to College
College students on summer break are ideal candidates for child care. They can be recruited through the on-campus career centers or through a parent network in your community. Many will be looking for jobs as resume builders, so their pay expectations might be lower for that purpose, and their schedules are typically very flexible during the summer months.

It’s all Relative
Enlisting the help of a relative this summer can be a win-win for everyone. Whether it is a teenage cousin or beloved grandma, your children can enjoy some quality bonding time. Your relative may not accept payment, but you should certainly offer. Treat him/her as you would a hired care provider: Negotiate pay, respect their schedule, keep lines of communication open, and be direct in your expectations.

Summer School
It’s true that kids deserve a break from the intense learning schedules of the school year, but there is no reason the learning must stop completely. Half-day summer school can be a great option to keep your child mentally engaged. Summer schools may be available through your child’s regular school, an alternative school, civic organizations, or churches.

Summer Day Camp
Affordable day camps can range in activities from sports and science to fine arts. Local options might include science museums, arts centers, YMCA/YWCA, Boys & Girls Club, city parks & recreation, and nearby colleges where the Early Education students can gain experience working with children.

Volunteer
City recreational departments often offer a volunteer program for kids 13 and over. Volunteer opportunities can include office work, recreational centers, aquatics, senior citizens, and children’s summer programs. These volunteer programs are a unique way for kids to explore career opportunities, give back to the community, and receive school credit.

You might find that a combination of these options is most efficient and cost-effective. Take your time in selecting the option(s) that works best for your family and budget, and enjoy your summer!

Candi Wingate is an expert in the child care industry with over 20 years experience. She is the founder of Nannies4Hire.com and Care4Hire.com, and author of 100 Tips for Nannies & Families and mother of two.

Wanna Lose Weight? Stop Worshipping "Too Busy" {by Amy Pearson}

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:22:14 GMT

written by Amy Pearson, Bloom Life Design

As a weight loss coach, I work with a lot of moms. I would say the number one reason why moms struggle to loose weight is the excuse “too busy.”

Brooke Castillo, author of If I’m So Smart, Why Can’t I Lose Weight calls excuses “little white lies disguised as reality.”

My guess is that when you say you’re too busy to move more or eat well, in reality you are putting yourself at the bottom of your list. As a mom myself, I used to do this all the time. Before heading out for the morning, I would take great care in preparing nutritious snacks for my children but I was always “too busy” to pack something for myself. (On the way home, I would scarf down a snickers bar.) When I opened the refrigerator to find something to eat, I would think of all the healthy food as “off limits.” It was for the kids. But, I was always “too busy” to prepare something nourishing for myself.

As moms we put ourselves on the bottom of our lists in other ways. We are “too busy” washing, grocery shopping, volunteering, chauffeuring, organizing, cleaning, cooking, etc. etc.

Wayne Muller in his writings on rest, argues that we have a tendency to think “as if our exhaustion were a trophy, our ability to withstand stress a real mark of character. The busier we are, the more important we seem to ourselves and, we imagine, to others.”

I can definitely relate. I used to think the more things I could check off my list, the more useful I became to my husband and my children. This is what I thought made me a good mom.

If this sounds like you, remember, you can’t pour love from an empty pitcher. You already know that when traveling by airplane, the flight attendant will tell parents of small children to put on their own oxygen mask on first. Why? Because if you drop dead from affixation, you aren’t going to be much help to your children. Along the same lines, I came to see that when I’m grumpy and exhausted from running myself ragged, I’m not much good as a wife or a mother.

When I took this advice to heart, my whole world changed. I stopped worshipping “too busy” and it got a lot easier to find the time to move more. I made myself a priority and now there is always a healthy snack for me in my bag; fixing myself something nutritious to eat is a no-brainer.

After all, I want to model self care to my children. I want them to put themselves at the top of their list. I agree 100% with Brooke Castillo when she writes:

You need to remember the best legacy you can give your kids is an example of a life well lived. They may listen to what you say, but they will do what you do. If you tell them to take care of themselves and you don’t do it yourself, what kind of message are you sending?

Amy Pearson is owner of Bloom Life Design. She is a life coach and a weight loss coach. She is mother to Alice and Anthony, 27 months and has another one on the way due in September. Learn more about Amy at www.BloomLifeDesign.com.

Letting Go {by Leslie Roman}

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:14:59 GMT

written by Leslie Roman, Leading Edge Gifts

My husband and I have three daughters. Our youngest is 14, and our two oldest, twins, are juniors in high school. We've spent their entire lives taking care of them and being their champions in all of their endeavors. That's not going to stop, but we've known all along that our job as parents is to teach them to be their own champions and stand on their own two feet.

In a little over a year, our twin daughters will be heading off on their own to college and our job is to make sure they are as prepared as they possibly can be to handle the challenges of being on their own.

This has been a constant process. It started when they went to their first play dates and first sleepovers, having to teach them how to behave when we were not around. Then, as they got older, they had their first babysitting jobs and we realized our little girls were being asked to be responsible, for a few hours at least, for someone else's children. At first, we were reluctant to let them disappear down the block, out of sight, without us - but we knew that it was a natural part of growing up. Our job as parents was to let them. We taught them to behave responsibly, but let them make some mistakes (as hard as it was to watch) without intervening, and trusted that they would learn from them.

It got harder as they got older and closer to leaving home. The challenges were bigger (driving, boyfriends, jobs, etc.), as were the repercussions if they made a mistake. I will never forget the uneasiness I felt the first time my daughter got behind the wheel and drove off without one of us in the car. I didn't relax until she was back home, safe and sound. I felt the same way the first time a boy came by to pick her up in his car and I watched them drive away. Nothing really prepares you for those feelings.

I can't, yet, imagine the feelings I will have when they leave home for college and I know I won't be there, in person, to help them with the decisions they will have to make. Even as I write this, I'm getting a little teary eyed thinking about it.

We've tried to teach them the things they will need to know, including how to be responsible with money, how to change a tire and check the oil in a car, how to fix a leaky faucet, and even how to plunge a toilet. Whenever something comes up around the house we get them involved and try to make it a learning experience. Yes, we've gotten many complaints about having to do some of these things, but hopefully they will be the girls at college that can get things done on their own, without having to depend on someone else to step in and take care of them.

Have we taught them everything they will need to know? Of course not. But I'm confident that they will be able to handle themselves and figure it out. And of course, we'll only be a phone call away.

Lost That Lovin' Feeling? {by Brianne Grogan, FemFusion Fitness}

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:23:04 GMT

Sex is a significant part of most committed relationships. If we’re to believe Hollywood, we should all be itching to jump in the sack at a moment’s notice no matter how fast life is moving. But the reality is that libido can take a back seat to hectic schedules and fatigue from the many roles that we play: mother, entrepreneur, friend, partner, dog-walker, errand-runner, and household organizer (phew!). As moms and entrepreneurs, we’re all disciplined women. This discipline keeps our worlds turning, but there can be a cost: the free-wheeling fun of romance and sexuality can be siphoned off to the end of our “to-do” list. I propose that we add sex and romance back into our task list without making it a chore. Sex (or just cuddling!) is a great stress-buster and renewing the bond between your partner and yourself is a great way to keep the home fires burning brightly. It may even pay off when you ask your significant other to help out more around the house.... Just sayin’.

Here are some simple steps to add into your daily routine. They don’t take long and the return on investment is significant.

Step One: Train. Daily pelvic floor strengthening exercises, otherwise known as kegels, are a great way to improve circulation, coordination, and control of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles happen to be extremely active during sex and you’ll want them in top shape so that they can perform well on game day. To do a kegel, lie down. Squeeze and lift your pelvic floor muscles as if you’re pulling a marble into your vagina. Hold for 5-8 counts, then relax fully (imagine that you’re letting the marble roll out of your vagina). Repeat 10-15 times. Doing kegels regularly keeps the pelvic floor muscles toned and invigorated.

Step Two: Visualize. Let’s face it; you may have to schedule your romantic escapade. Prepare throughout the day by snagging small moments of time to focus on the positive aspects of your partner and your sex life. Replace any negative emotion or anxiety with positive thoughts; memories of your last positive sexual experience, visions of where you were or what you did in the hours before. Whet your sexual appetite.

Step Three: Warm up. Sex is no good if you’re thinking about the sink full of dirty dishes.

When the time for love is near, push those thoughts aside and relax. Take a few moments to breathe deeply and center your attention on your partner and your relationship. Warm up physically as well. Pelvic tilts are a great way to get the blood flowing to the pelvic region in preparation for sex. Lie on your back with your hips and knees bent. Rock your pelvis forward (so your pubic bone goes down and your back arches), then rock your pelvis back (so your pubic bone goes up and your back presses into the ground). Smoothly rock back and forth for 2-3 minutes to improve pelvic circulation.

Step Four: Enjoy. Let your hard work and training pay off - enjoy the main event, whatever it might be. Sometimes cuddling is enough. Relax and embrace the moment, and repeat as often as possible.

Brianne is a women’s health physical therapist and the founder of FemFusion Fitness LLC. She lives in Beaverton with her husband and son, and can be reached at brianne@pelvichealthplus.com

Motherhood & The Lies We Tell {by Amy Pearson, Bloom Life Design}

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:00:21 GMT

I think being a mom is hands down one of the best jobs in the whole world. But, there are definitely things about it that get to me. One is the near constant cleaning of the kitchen floor. Three times a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner - I find myself wiping food off the floor, off the woodwork, off the windows, off the upholstery, off the ceiling. Sometimes I picture it as my own personal version of hell. There I am on the kitchen floor wiping up oatmeal for eternity.

As a life coach, I am trained in the art of watching my thoughts. My training as a life coach has taught me, after all, that it is always our thoughts and never our circumstances that cause us to feel bad. So one day while wiping mashed potatoes from the window seal, I decide to catch some of my thoughts. This one got my attention: “I HATE that I have to do this every day!”

Thoughts are tricky. We are often completely unaware of them. They float in and out of consciousness yet subtly dictate our emotions, our actions and our results. The great part about being a human being though, as opposed to a lizard, is that we don’t have to believe them. Unlike most members of the animal kingdom, we humans can observe our thoughts and, when they feel yucky, question them.

Many times there are thoughts that run wild in our heads that just don’t help. When we question the ones that feel bad, we can change them to thoughts that lead to better feelings, better actions and better results.

Often the thoughts that feel bad are little lies disguised as the truth. So let’s have a look at my thought, “I HATE that I have to do this everyday!”

Upon closer inspection, I spot two lies. The first lie is that I HATE cleaning the kitchen floor everyday. It is much closer to the truth to say I do not enjoy cleaning the kitchen floor as a rule but, after six long years of infertility hell, I am pretty darn happy to be cleaning up after these wonderful kids. As for the second lie, I notice I am also telling myself that I HAVE TO clean the kitchen floor. The truth? I don’t have to do anything. I could leave that mess there, and many messes to come, allowing piles of food to crust over. But, I would never do that because I CHOOSE to clean the kitchen floor. It makes me happy to see the kitchen floor clean. I clean the kitchen floor because it pleases me. When I put it that way, I feel less like a victim and more like the powerful creator I am.

The wonderful part about questioning my thoughts is that it always makes me feel better. When I feel better, I am not snapping at my husband, I am not tossing wet wash clothes at my children, I am not full of self loathing over my bad behavior.

When I get to the bottom of my thoughts, when I can spot what is true and what is not, I am the mom I want to be.

Amy Pearson is a certified Martha Beck life coach. She helps people get unstuck and also specializes in fertility and weight loss coaching. Find out more about Amy at http://www.BloomLifeDesign.com.

Optimal Health for the Optimal Mom

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:12:19 GMT

by Dana Layon, ERYT www.zenflowyoga.com

As a busy mom with two busy kids, I understand the importance of good health for myself. It’s important to not only set an example for our kids but to also maintain our physical, mental and emotional health so we can be the best we can be.

We have to be honest with ourselves and put our health – mental, emotional and physical – first. So what to do? First step: start yoga. Some of you already have an exercise regime and I’m not suggesting you give it up. I’m only suggesting that you try yoga at least twice a week. Why? Because it’s the cornerstone to all fitness programs; incorporating body, mind and spirit. Affording you that space to stop, breathe and experience clarity, if for only an hour a day. I know running or weight lifting seemingly has the same effect but until you try yoga, you cannot possibly experience the difference.

Clarity is what we crave on busy days, during chaotic moments and in the midst of change or perceived turmoil. Yoga births clarity and clarity shines on our best Self. Once you have a disciplined practice of yoga, or even just 5 minutes of yoga breathing plus a few moves you can do at home, you begin to easily fit YOU into YOUR life. You begin to make changes, time opens up for you, you make better choices about what to eat, when to go to bed and how to parent your children.

I’ve listed here, examples of a few simple things you can begin incorporating into your life right now and see changes immediately.

· Go to a yoga class at least twice a week. If you can’t go to yoga, schedule 30 minutes, twice a week to do some breathing exercises, 4 rounds of Cat/Cow and Sun Salutations. Click on this link for more information on how to perform these poses properly.

· Cut (or limit drastically) sugar, caffeine, alcohol, white bread and processed foods out of your diet. Increase your vegetable intake; drink at least half your weight in ounces of water a day. (150 pounds: drink 75 ounces of water)

· Purchase a notebook that is appealing to you and begin journaling at least twice a week about your dreams, your life, and your interests. Taking the time to remind yourself of these things feeds your soul.

We all are busy trying to be the best for everyone else, a good example to our kids, an exemplary business owner, an attentive wife…what about YOU? If you can begin incorporating even one of these things into your daily life, I guarantee you will see a drastic change in who you are and the time you have available each day.

Risk-Takers & Mistake-Makers: That's What Mom Business Owners Are Made Of

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:35:25 GMT

by Marlynn Jayme Schotland
President, The Power MOB and Chief Creative, Urban Bliss

Do you believe you are born with certain smarts and talents? Or do you make an effort to take risks in order to develop your intelligence and talents? According to Dr. Carol Dweck, these different perspectives are known as growth and fixed mindsets. I find that as mom business owners, having a growth mindset proves to be extremely valuable to both our business and to our own children's development.

According to Dr. Karen Reivich, a leader in Positive Psychology and partner with the Pepperidge Farm Fishful Thinking positive parenting program, the growth mindset is the belief that through effort and learning we can develop our strengths, skills, and intelligence. The fixed mindset is the belief that our personalities, intelligence, and strengths are unchangeable. Dr. Reivich says that those with a growth mindset take risks; they love learning, thrive on challenges and are not swayed by setbacks. Meanwhile, those with a fixed mindset shy away from challenges, focus on "looking smart" over learning, and often feel shame when they do not succeed at a task.

I grew up in a household based on the growth mindset; "it can't be done" was never an option. My parents came to the States with very little when I was two-years-old, ready to live the American dream. Despite language, money and cultural barriers, they persevered, and though we were by no means wealthy, my childhood was one rich with optimism, determined spirit, and the glorious freedom of unlimited possibilities. I spent my adolescence pursuing a multitude of passions; while teachers constantly told me to focus on areas they believed I had shown talent and intelligence, I had a strong foundation in understanding that my intelligence or born talents had little to do with my success -- my true success had to do with hard work, passion, making mistakes and learning from them.

In my professional life, I have morphed titles from broadcast journalist to director of public relations to designer to business consultant. People often ask me for tips on how to reinvent themselves, but I am a firm believer in that it is not about reinvention: it's about simply following your dreams. I have a huge passion for communication in all forms: verbal, written, visual. It never occurred to me that I could not be a designer. By showing my kids that I can thrive in an industry I am fiercely passionate about but had to work hard at by learning the ropes on my own, making mistakes, and constantly seeking out educational opportunities to become better at the things I love to do, I hope they too will grow up knowing a world where they are not limited by labels or titles.

"Parents can encourage a growth mindset (in children) by modeling a growth mindset," Dr. Reivich says. "Show your children that you are willing to stretch yourself and that you believe effort matters! Model resilience by calling a "Do Over" when you hit a road block or don't like the way you handled something. Finally, reinforce your children when they take risks, even if the outcome is not what they hoped. The more you praise the process and strategies your child uses when they do well, the more likely they will be to develop a growth mindset."

As mothers, we weren't born knowing how to parent, and we are learning how to be better mothers every day. We should translate that same growth mindset toward our businesses: whether we're in a new industry or not, we take on challenges and risks that are new to us all the time. Our success lies not in how much as already know but inthe steps we take to rise above those challenges.

So mom business owners, I'd like you to take stock in where you are now: are you really where you want to be, or are you holding yourself back with your own labels of yourself? I already know that you can do it, whatever "it" may be...the trick is that you must know you can do it, and be willing to take the risks, make the mistakes, to succeed.

Going Beyond a Sole Proprietorship: LLCs and Corporations

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:13:09 GMT

by Sarah Adams, Attorney at Law
Adams Law Office

Here's a hypothetical. You've operated your business for three years. During those three years you contracted with a variety of vendors and clients as to provide your goods or service. You enjoy your work, in fact you love it, it is your passion. Just this morning however, you were served with a summons and complaint by one of your clients claiming your product or service was faulty and caused damages to their business totaling more than $100,000. Outrageous? Perhaps. Unusual? No. If you're found liable, where will that money come from? The answer depends on the type of business structure you are operating under.

If you have been operating as a sole proprietor your risks are extensive. As a sole proprietor you are personally liable for business debts and liabilities. This means the plaintiff can pursue not only your business and all its assets but your personal assets as well, including your home. The good news is there is a relatively easy and simple way to protect your most important assets.

If you organize as either a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation (C or S) you immediately form a protective wall around your personal assets. This means your home, car, boat, etc. are protected from business creditors. To decide which form is right for you and your company there are many factors to consider, including: tax treatment, potential investors, and your preferred management structure.

One of the first considerations for many business owners is tax treatment. C-Corporations are subject to double taxation; first the company pays tax on money as it comes into the corporation and the shareholders pay tax again when they receive their dividends. S-Corporations and LLCs on the other hand, have what is known as pass-through taxation; there is no company-level tax, instead tax is paid only once when the shareholders or owners receive the money. (Note that due to the passage of Measure 67, S-Corporations and LLCs will now incur a company-level minimum tax of $150 that did not exist before.) In addition, benefits such as cafeteria plans, life insurance, and disability insurance receive different tax treatment depending on the business structure. These are just a few of the tax differences between a C-Corporation, S-Corporation, and an LLC.

A second consideration involves whether and what type of investors your company plans to pursue. Some investors prefer to receive stock in exchange for their investment. Stock however, is only available from corporations and not LLCs. Furthermore, the investor may require preferred stock in place of common stock. Because S-Corporations are restricted to a single class of stock a C-Corporation may be more appropriate.
Thus, your financial plans may dictate the type of business structure that is best for your company.

Finally, you want to consider the management structure. S and C-Corporations retain the traditional structure of shareholders, a board of directors, and officers such as president, secretary, and treasurer. Each title has its own duties and powers. An LLC on the other hand, will be either member-managed or manager-managed. This allows you flexibility for any number of governing structures to run you business. Thus, consider your vision for management in considering the type of structure you prefer.

Once you've weighed your options and acted on your choice, you can focus on running your business and relax knowing your home is protected from business creditors.

Let the New Year Reflect the "New You"

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:58:22 GMT

by Savannah Mayfield
Nurture Life Coaching

I’m sure many of you are now considering business goals and intentions for the New Year: thinking about how to increase your sales, reach a new market or launch an exciting product or service. But before you get too far into planning your business, I am going to challenge you to take some time to think about yourself and your life.

As the owner of a small business, you are your business. How fulfilled you are, how you feel about your life and how you express your talents and gifts are all key to the success of your business.

Most of us get so caught up in the madness of just managing our lives and running our businesses that we forget to reflect on how we actually feel about both of them.

That can lead to ambivalence, disappointing results and a general feeling of being stuck.

To gain some clarity before moving into 2010, try this visioning exercise:

Set aside some time (at least two hours) to be alone in a space that is inspiring and feels safe to you. It might be a room in your house or office, it might be out in nature, at the coast, or your favorite tea shop, for example.

Take your journal or a notebook and some items that encourage you: your favorite music on your ipod, a magazine or book that you love, or even a photo of yourself doing something that really captures the best in you.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What did you enjoy most about 2009? What was most meaningful about that experience? What can you take from it into your life for the New Year?

2. How did you use your strengths/gifts last year? What challenges did you face, what fears did you overcome, what accomplishments surprised you? Consider how these strengths can support your goals for 2010.

3. Where did you feel stuck or unfulfilled? What was missing for you? How can you meet that need in the coming year?

4. What would you have loved to do or experience last year, but didn’t? What would have really made a difference for you? How can you create that for yourself in 2010?

5. Take some real time to listen to your inner voice. You might close your eyes and notice your breath or body sensations. Slow down and pay close attention to yourself. What feels really important to you right now?

This past year was a journey and things happened to get you to this very moment. You might feel like you have grown or changed, and how you relate to your business might be different now as well. How can the New Year reflect the “new you”?

Business Identity Reinvention: The Path to Petit Couture

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:36:48 GMT

by Rebecca Kaykas-Wolff
Founder and President, Petit Couture, LLC

Last fall I had just been offered an AVP of online customer experience role with Liberty Mutual and would be spending my time between Seattle, WA and Boston, MA in the near term. To me, I had started the path to arriving (again) professionally. I was also 9 months pregnant with my son Julien – the third of my three children (Sofie and Simone being my daughters).

My husband, in the same month, had been offered a tremendous opportunity in Portland, Oregon. We had some soul-searching to do. Both of us were executives in our respective fields but our family was growing and very young. Like so many significant life changing moments the searching period was relatively short and I made the decision to take time off, reflect, focus on family, etc. and my husband accepted the role in Portland.

We put our house on the market and for eight months, my husband commuted back and forth between Portland and Seattle each week. We visited him in Portland periodically and I stayed with our young children in Seattle

Although my life was anything but predictable or calm I needed more intellectual stimulation and believed there was no time like the present to finally begin the business I had hoped to years before. I had started/stopped my business concept in the past due to the sheer volume of work that came with my prior career. Each child was born when I was working at a different company and with each birth, I felt as if I was continually reinventing myself once I went back to the office after maternity leave. I’m sure many women have experienced the same thing!

So, when on a play-date with my neighbor and her daughters, we discovered we had both come up with the same name for a children’s clothing line – Petit Couture. I couldn’t help but see the kismet and feel the opportunity. I didn’t need more cosmic wisdom to entice me to start the business concept behind Petit Couture, LLC. I had decided many years prior that the market was missing luxury and sophistication in infant and toddler layette and separates: both blingy and comfortable with an equally important focus on being ethically made.

Fashion is in my DNA. I remember when I was a little girl sketching dresses with bustles in the back. I love fashion. That said, I don’t have a technical or business background in apparel. So, the process of reinvention once again took place for me. I asked my neighbor if she wanted to help start Petit Couture. Within a week I had the Web domain, business license and a PPT deck outlining the brand strategy for Petit Couture.

Petit Couture is what saved my sanity during the last year and continues to drive me professionally. I needed a beacon to focus on when the kids would go to bed and my husband was in another state. I continue to need that focus and forward-thinking to fufill a part of my life. The process of reinvention was a necessary ingredient for me to remain me. Petit Couture is an extension of me. For me, I’m motivated by the excitement that I have and for the possibilities of Petit Couture.

I believe that motivation is what differentiates anyone. To be truly motivated you have to love what you’re putting your time into. I like the Confucius saying: “find the job you love and never go to work another day the rest of your life.” I don’t think I’m the smartest woman in the room, but I do think that I’m resourceful and resilient. I also love what I do.

I believe that when opportunities present themselves, you need to take them. Opportunities have led me to start my dream business in Petit Couture, they’ve lead me to Portland, to Mamapreneurs, to the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network and so many other kismet opportunities that continue to provide me the insights and tools to help me move Petit Couture forward. To me, that is necessary for reinvention – regardless of the reason behind it.

Staying Sane During the Holiday Season

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:52:38 GMT

Staying Sane during the Holiday Season
by Chelsea Harper, MA, BC-DMT, NCC

No Mamapreneur is untouched by change during the holidays, whether your business is a service that slows down in the winter, or a product that funds the business for the next 10 months. Even if your business carries on as usual, the changes in your personal routine are enough to stress anyone out!

One of the models of change I use in my transition counseling work is the concept of the neutral zone from the organizational development work of William Bridges. During transitions, when you’ve let go of the old way, and you are not yet operating in a new way, you are experiencing the chaos, confusion, and creativity of the neutral zone. This model is useful for the American cultural “holiday season” that affects us all, regardless of our individual choices about shopping, eating, visiting, etc. Here are a few tips to manage the neutral zone of the holiday season successfully:

1. Schedule a few days during the holidays to catch up, review your plans, put out fires, or do anything else unexpected that you couldn’t see coming beforehand. Block out this time now and you’ll be much more confident when surprises happen, since you’ll know you have time to deal with them.

2. Take an objective look at any guests coming to visit. Are they a resource in any way? Can they provide support by making meals, doing child care, or helping you package your product? Or will they require just as much time and attention as your business or your kids? If that’s the case, better to realize it now and not be overwhelmed by planning extra work hours the same weekend the in-laws are in town. Perhaps this is the time to call on extra babysitters or support staff at work.

3. Don’t make unnecessary changes in your business. While you’re in the neutral zone you may have new ideas, creative inspirations, and unexpected flashes of insight. You don’t need to take action right away! Keep your fabulous ideas (and even the ones that are slightly less fabulous) somewhere safe to revisit when the hubbub dies down.

4. Consider scheduling a business retreat to mark the end of the holiday neutral zone and the start of the new year. Maybe a day or two, maybe just a few concentrated hours, but find a block of time to sift through any new ideas, revisit your mission, rework your vision, etc. Channel the power of the seasonal change by using the outward darkness and cold weather to focus inward on your business and recharge your batteries.

Being proactive about the holiday season and understanding the impact that changes have on your life will help you to stay sane during the holidays while you continue to balance business and family.

Chelsea Harper can be reached at www.movingtobalance.com

Communication Tips for Business Partners Who Are Also Life Partners by Janet Allison

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:33:20 GMT

Communication Tips When Your Business Partner is your Life Partner
by Janet Allison

Working together can be frustrating and puzzling, and no wonder, scientists have found over 100 differences between the male and female brain! Our brains were shaped by the needs of our hunting and gathering ancestors, with male and female tasks clearly defined. While our society has changed over time, our brains haven’t.
Become more ‘gender intelligent’ and increase your understanding of your business and life partner...

1. His brain is still a Hunter - Her brain is still a Gatherer
As the Hunter, he was aggressive, single-focused and willing to take risks. His priority is still the end result, why waste time on relating?
As the Gatherer, multi-tasking and her ability to relate meant her survival. Now, the deal is important but so is checking in with everyone before it is signed.

2. His stress - Her stress
Testosterone feeds his aggression and one-upsmanship (who’s winning?). Under stress, his brain screams, “Fight! Be the aggressor! Win, no matter what!” Water dilutes this cortisol/adrenaline cocktail in just 5 minutes. Oxytocin, the ‘tend and befriend’ hormone, gives her the desire to deepen her relationships. Under stress, her brain hums, “Stay calm. Stay connected.”

3. He is External - She is Internal
He processes and relates externally. High-fives and back slaps. His anger is expressed in quick, external bursts. Physical activity helps him sort out his dilemmas. She processes (and processes) internally. Self-talk gets her through sticky situations. She considers problems that aren’t even problems yet! She prefers to talk when angry or confused.

4. His Words - Her Words
He uses fewer words to express himself - spoken and written. He wants the facts and prefers data to narrative. Mirror his succinct style when appropriate. She uses twice as many words as he does. When his eyes glaze over, it is time to be concise.

5. His Brain Needs Rest - Her Brain Never Stops
His brain is like a series of boxes, the biggest is the ‘Nothing Box’. His brain likes to rest there. To prevent this, he clicks his pen, swivels in his chair, or interrupts your conversation.
Her brain is like the internet super-highway. It is always on, connecting one event to another at lightning speed.

6. He Thinks - She Feels
He goes for the solution. Ask what he THINKS rather than what he FEELS. She connects her experiences to feelings and can easily put words to them.

7. His Body Language - Her Body Language
He prefers to relate shoulder-to-shoulder. He misses subtle body and facial cues. She prefers eye contact. She notices subtle body and facial cues and interprets them accurately.

8. Separate Your Business Conversations from Your Life Conversations
Agree to a code word or move to a different location, so you both know you are shifting topics. Neither of you will fit any of these categories perfectly, however, when you begin to notice differences between genders, your business and personal relationships are enhanced.

Resource: Michael Gurian & Barbara Annis: Leadership and the Sexes, Using Gender Science to Create Success in Business. ISBN 978-0-7879-9703-8

Janet Allison is a parent educator and Waldorf consultant. She is passionate about helping everyone understand gender differences. She is releasing her next book, “More Boys Alive! Bring Out Their Best!” in November. 503.493.7404 http://www.parenting-advice-from-mom.com

5 Estate Planning Documents for Mamapreneurs by Candice Aiston

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:49:24 GMT

by Candice Aiston, attorney at law

Mamapreneurs usually take legal steps to set up their businesses properly, but often ignore personal estate planning. Now that the kids are in school, it's a great time to think about getting something in place. Here are 5 things that every parent needs to include in an estate plan:

#1: Kids Protection Plan
If you've got a child at home, you need to have a Kids Protection Plan® (KPP) to ensure his or her care in case you can't be there. A KPP names legal guardians; names local friends or family as temporary guardians; provides an ID card listing names and addresses of your immediate guardians and instructions to the people who care for your children; and confidentially excludes anyone you would never want to serve as guardian.

#2: Durable Power of Attorney
A durable power of attorney is something every adult needs. This document will let your family access bank accounts, pay bills, and make financial and legal decisions for you if you are incapacitated. This document is important for business owners, so that business operations can continue during incapacity without court involvement.

#3: Health Care Directive
A Health Care Directive is another document that every adult needs. Healthcare directives appoint the person you want to make health care decisions for you and tell your appointed decision-maker how you want those decisions to be made.

#4: Will:
When it comes to estate planning, most people think of having a Will. Unfortunately, having a Will often provides a false sense of security to people who think "I have a Will, therefore, I've taken care of everything." That's a myth. A Will alone is only appropriate for parents who have no (or very limited) assets titled in their name.

#5: Trust
If you have financial assets or real estate, you want to consider a Living Trust. A Living Trust is the single best way to make things as easy as possible for the people you love by saving time and money and preserving privacy after your death.

These 5 documents are absolutely vital because they will make life as easy as possible for your family, keep your loved ones out of court and get them easy access to your assets in the midst of a crisis, but only if they are kept up to date and your assets are owned properly. There's nothing more important to you than your family. It's far easier for you to take care of things now, while you are living than it will be for them to take care of after you are gone. Legal planning is not about the money; it's about making life as easy as possible for the people you love.

To read Candice's FREE report, "The 9 Planning Mistakes Parents Make," please visit www.candiceaistonlaw.com.

Tips for Taming the Tech Time Trap

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:33:28 GMT

Tips for Taming the Tech Time Traps
by Marlynn Jayme Schotland, Founder, Mamapreneurs Inc & Owner, Urban Bliss

In the early days of e-mail, people used to complain about how much time they wasted writing, reading, filing, and analyzing emails. In today's tech-infused world, we now have e-mail, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, Flickr, and hundreds of other online options that can either be powerful work tools or dangerous distractions. Here are some tips to help keep you from getting sucked into the top tech time traps.

1. Track your time. Sit down with a stopwatch and actually find out how much time it honestly takes you to do what you need to do (or want to do) online. Only then can you plan appropriately; without an accurate picture, you are setting yourself up for failure when scheduling your time.

2. Plan ahead. Now that you know how much time you truly spend on each task, schedule appropriate blocks of time for each item based on your business needs. Some people like to schedule one morning & one afternoon online session, while others like to spread it out throughout the day.

3. For blog articles, write when the mood strikes you. Sometimes you may not want to write that blog post when you've got time scheduled in your calendar, and that's ok. Use that time to work instead on a list of possible topics, and then when the mood does strike you to write, sit down and write up a storm: one, two, three blog posts all at once. Post-date them in your blog or write them in Word and save them for later.

4. Ask yourself why you are using social media and whether you truly enjoy it or not. If you are spending hours on Facebook interacting with faraway friends and taking quizzes, and that's something you enjoy as down time, then go for it. If, however, it's making you angry and you find your work is suffering because of the time you waste on social media, then you need to cut yourself off. Set a timer and shut it down when time's up.

5. Stop trying to read all of the Facebook and Twitter updates. You can't and shouldn't waste your time doing this. Subscribe to the RSS feeds of the folks whose updates you truly don't want to miss, and then just read a few before and a few after your own updates.

6. You don't have to use every social media tool available. If research shows your audience isn't using Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, and you really hate using that particular social media tool, then don't use it, or set up a profile and use it sparingly.

7. Write shorter emails. Mom business owners especially are famous for writing lengthy, friendly emails. Stop wasting your time and cut to the chase.

8. Set boundaries and make your clients aware of them. For instance, I don't answer emails after 6pm during the week or on the weekend, unless it's urgent and time sensitive.

9. Turn off email notifications on your phone or stop receiving emails on your phone. Ask yourself if it is truly necessary for your business success to receive emails on your phone. Sometimes, the convenience of checking emails on your phone turns into an intrusion on your personal life that is completely unnecessary.

10.Delegate. Forward emails to appropriate employees and don't try to answer every single one if someone else can. Hire or have one of your staff familiar with the voice of the company be the voice of the company by managing your social media.

In addition to running her two businesses and raising her two kids, Marlynn Jayme Schotland is an avid online geek and can be found on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and will be teaching the Social Media 201 Workshop.

Eight Reasons to Start Your Business Today

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:18:44 GMT

by Jackie B. Peterson

With the US economy in recession, you may think this is a time to lay low and wait for the economy to improve. After all, the airwaves are full of stories about layoffs and down-sizings, bank failures and foreclosures. It would seem that starting a business now would be a much too risky and foolish undertaking. However, the truth is that now may be exactly the right time to start your business. There are more opportunities now for the small business over than ever before. As a small business consultant, I’ve watched my clients thrive in this economy and you can do the same.

Always Start with the Basics

Before you begin any enterprise, there are many traditional steps necessary to be certain that you are taking on something that is viable and sustainable. You must have a solid business plan based on a good idea that is financially feasible. It’s important that there is growth in the market you want to pursue and most of all, it has to be a business you believe in. But there are some extra benefits that may be available to you right now because of the current economic situation that can help you start and grow a business much easier than you would expect. Here are eight reasons why now is a good time to get started with your entrepreneurial adventure:

1. It’s a good time to find great people. Because so many people have been laid off or downsized, there is a lot of talent out there looking for work. And, you can probably find that good talent at a reasonable price. AS a result, you can be selective about who you hire and what you pay them. Right now you can get the best for better prices than ever before.

2. There might be private money available- more than you think. Remember many of those who have been “downsized” left with severance packages or “golden parachutes” which means they have money in their pockets.   If you have a great idea and a good plan, you may be able to attract someone laid off as an investor or a lender. There are lots of professionals and executives with lots of talent and experience who may be interested in helping your business get off the ground. They can come with advice, connections, resources or even capital.

3. Microloan programs are going strong. Just as traditional sources for money have dried up, many microloan programs have sprouted up offering small loans to entrepreneurs. More and more organizations have found that just a small loan, under $50,000, will help someone start or build a business that will provide several jobs. Check with your local SBDC, your business advisor or the economic development department of your local government; they know who is doing what.

4. Rent is negotiable: Lots of landlords have big empty spaces they are trying to rent. Right now they are willing to negotiate as never before.   You may be able to negotiate rents and rental agreements that would have been unheard of even last year. Sharpen your pencil and go for that space. Often you can win the space of your dreams for a price you never imagined.

5. Vendors will negotiate on price: Many vendors are willing to negotiate their prices especially to beat the competition. Bargains can be found for advertising, for supplies or for other services. When sales go down, vendors are very interested in securing any business at all, and because of that you may be able to make a deal.

6. Business turnaround is timelier: Because work is scarce, you can get your work done more quickly. Service people show up on time and deliveries may be made early. You are welcomed as a customer and can expect better customer service for the goods and services your business is buying.   In some areas, permissions you need from your local governments, city licenses and permits are much faster to obtain. Everyone is eager to work and serve a “live” customer.

7. Government small business loans are less restrictive. See if your business qualifies for any of the stimulus funds or any of the newer, less restrictive SBA funding that has come forth from the Federal stimulus plan. If so, plug in and get your share. Your local government offices can help you find a loan that is right for you.

8. Niche products are doing well: Lots of products and services are still selling well such as businesses related to pets or children. Also, if you have a product that is a small, affordable luxury this is a good time to come to market. For instance high end chocolates or spas seem to be doing well. This is a good time for businesses that offer a special treat that is affordable, and makes a customer feel better.   This is also a good time to start a business teaching a special skill such as how to take advantage of social networking or on line marketing. Many people are starting e-bay stores and on-line businesses to sell items that have a special following. These are often small enterprises that can do well because they are virtual and have almost zero overhead.

Don’t Wait!

So, if you have always had the urge to be an entrepreneur, this may be the right time for you to launch your venture. It is not nearly as foolish as it may sound and your prospects can be quite bright. Don’t assume you have to wait until the economy improves. This may be the time to start your own business and improve your own personal economy yourself.

Jackie B Peterson is a small business consultant and counselor with the Small Business Development center. www.jackiebpeterson.com

Ten Tips for SEO Success

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:22:02 GMT

by Hallie Janssen, Vice President, Anvil Media

1. Set up site traffic analytics and find out how people are getting
to your site and where they are going on the site. Tool I like: Google Analytics.

2.       Do keyword research to find out what people are searching on to find services/products like yours. Tools I like: Google Keyword Tool and Google Trends

3.       Listen to what people are saying about you and your
services/products online, then start to interact with them. Tools I like:
Google Alerts or a more sophisticated tool like http://sm2.techrigy.com

4.       Optimize the copy on your site for search engine rankings. Start by picking a keyword theme for each page on your site and then include that keyword or two in: Title tags, meta description tag, image alt tags, image and other media file names, hyperlinks, and of course copy on the page.

5.       Optimize the code on your site to load quickly for users and to
make it easier for search engine spiders to crawl the site. Be sure to build your site using a CSS and HTML, include a robots.txt file, and a custom 404 error page.

6.       Since part of the search engine's ranking algorithm is based on the
quality of links coming in to your site, it's important to build those links
as much as you can. A great way to do that is creating content that people
will want to link to like blogs, press releases, articles, and white papers.

7.       Set up a Pay-Per-Click advertising program on Google AdWords and
buy keywords that you want to rank for. You can also buy ad placement on
publication sites and blogs that you want to appear on.

8.       Set up social media profiles since that's not only a great way to
interact with your customers but also to build rankings for your keywords
since those profiles will rank. Start with Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

9.       Once the copy and code on your site have been optimized, then
create an xml sitemap file and upload it to Google, telling them to crawl
your site.

10.   Then of course, start promoting to the humans! Put your website domain
address on your packaging, emails, newsletters, social media profiles, and
in your stores. Everywhere!

See Anvil Media's glossary for help with any terms that might be new to you.

Spend Money to Make Money: Myth or Reality?

Marlynn Jayme Schotland — Fri, 01 May 2009 05:14:39 GMT

by Emma Easley Darden, Co-Owner, Reversed Lens Photography

Any business is an investment. We invest time, we invest emotion and we invest money. As mamapreneurs, it's easy to “spend” the first two. We’ve been doing it with our kids all along. Carving out financial resources, though, can feel as hard as the “Should we have another child?” conversation. We either don't plan—and spend with abandon only to wonder later what we were thinking—or we don't spend at all because we get stuck in the muck and fear of the what if’s.

I faced up to all of that last fall when we decided to take our passion-turned-business full time. We’d tossed around opening a studio for some time before that. We knew that having a storefront would give us credibility and help set us apart from the million other up and comers. So when the PERFECT location presented itself I had to face the fears big time. A build-out meant lots of money, the kind that many people take out loans for. I’m someone who makes the waiter narrow down my dinner options for me and so needless to say, I made a pro/con list to rival the best of them. What I learned applies not just to the grand decisions but also the day-to-day operations of supporting a business:

· -- Have a clear vision: Why are you spending the money? What do you want it to do for your business? How long will it take to achieve those goals? Are there other avenues that might achieve the same results? All of those questions should be answered before you even put your pinky toe into the water so that your path is set from square one.

· -- Do not make a decision purely on emotion: This is one of the biggest downfalls that you can make. You get swept up in the process, the dream, and before you know it you’ve committed to things that you had no idea about. Plan, research, and plan again so that you know that the path that you choose is one that will reap real and lasting benefits to your business.

· -- Stick to the plan to avoid “pork”: Once you’ve decided to invest, just go for it. But stay on track. There were things that I didn’t do my due diligence on that added significantly to our costs. And that, in turn, meant cutting out other things that I really wanted to do because going over budget on this project meant cutting other things, like marketing and networking expenses.

I can say with certainty that opening our studio has fulfilled all of my expectations. It has brought us higher caliber clients, increased our sales, and helped garner respect in an industry inundated with competitors. But it has also given me the experience of knowing where and when to spend. And that has been the greatest dividend of all.