Friday, December 24, 2010

Moms and Mom-preneurs, Here's to YOU

Here's a rose for all the Moms and Mom-preneurs out there. Whether you are a working mom, or stay-at-home mom, I applaud you.


Just remember, it is from a woman that boys and girls are birthed. We carry the babies for 9 months, and then take care of them for 18 years. And, then, they never stop being our children, so, for life we have the pleasure and responsibility to be there for our children.


Motherhood is a job of sacrifice and dedication. So, Mom's, Here's to YOU!
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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Kroger announces select pet food recall

While browsing the CNN website, I came across this pet food recall notice, and thought, I have to share. We have to take care of our little furry friends. Read the excerpt below:

Kroger announces select pet food recall
By the CNN Wire
December 19, 2010 5:19 p.m. EST


(CNN) -- The Kroger Co. is recalling select pet food packages from stores in 19 states fearing some of these products may contain aflatoxin, a toxic chemical byproduct that could be harmful to animals.


The recall involves certain bags of Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Kitten Food, Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food, Kroger Value Cat Food and Kroger Value Chunk Food, the company said Saturday.

The Kroger Co. urged customers to immediately consult with their veterinarian if their animals show any signs of sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat. A yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, severe blood or diarrhea are also warning signs, the company said.

Read full article here

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Working Online a Gold Rush? Los Angeles Tribune Scam Alert!

A couple of days ago, I received a link in my Facebook inbox from someone claiming to have a perfect opportunity.  Take a look:












This post is claiming that you can make a whopping $5,000  a month, just by signing up for their "free" program. The thing they are not telling you is that it is not so free. They state you have to pay $1.97 for shipping and handling, eventhough this is done all online. * Scam tactic. They are grasping your credit card info. Why? See the Terms and Conditions below.


___________________________________________________________
EASY GOOGLE PROFIT (securecartcenter.com) – Terms and Conditions






You have also subscribed to a fifteen-day trial to Grant Spring for just $24.87 a month and every month thereafter should you chose not to cancel. Prior charges for all programs are non-refundable but bonus subscriptions can be cancelled and future charges stopped at any time by calling toll free 888-247-2155.



If you choose to sign up for this product and pay the recurring monthly charges using a debit card you hereby provide pre-authorization and consent that blazingkeywords.com may charge $77.82 on a monthly basis. You may stop payment on any pre-authorized charge by notifying blazingkeywords.com at least three business days prior to the scheduled charge date. You agree your pre-authorization and written consent to charge your debit card is given in electronic form by submitting the request for the membership, and that an electronic signature is sufficient to authenticate your authorization to charge the debit card. You further agree that these terms and conditions shall be your copy of your pre-authorization for the debit card.

###

This is absolutely absurd. You are told you will only have to pay $1, but end up paying over $100 initially and then be billed every month. They tempt people who want to make a quick dollar.

I run my own businesses and running them does require risks, but my advice to anyone who is looking to make a quick dollar, don't start a business; home or traditional. Running a business requires patience, dedication, and hard-work. You can't even win the lottery overnight. Statistics show that a lottery winner has played the lottery more than 25 times before actually winning; could be much more. Fast quick easy money is just a delusion. Check your priorities. Don't be fooled into believing that running a business will bring you overnight riches. It is just the opposite. Most businesses take a loss before they make a gain. And some just never make a profit, and end up closing.

You have to not only be business smart these days, but you have to be street smart. All that education we learn in business school is good to a certain extent, but when you are out here in the real world, the experience you have gained throughout the years, sure comes in handy. I know right upfront what a scam looks and feels like.


I evaluated this offer and what alerted me was why would a legitimate News site promote such propaganda? Next, there were too many people claiming that they made a vast amount of money so quickly. If it were that easy, then why wouldn't everyone just quit their jobs and work from home? Also, when you click on the link to sign up, there is no concrete information about the program. There's just a form for you to complete, and to enter your credit card information. There really is not much information about what you will be doing or anything.


I found this website that tells more about this scam:Working Online a Gold Rush? Los Angeles Tribune Scam Alert!


Be alert. There are many people out there who want to make their money by scamming others. They find it easy to do. Let's make it hard for them, by being sober and vigilant. Spread the word like a wildfire.
 
Until next time, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you.

Up Early in the Morning

A mom's work is never done. I believe lying down at night really means, take a pit stop, then get back on the road again. I was awoken at 3 am to start on laundry and feed and care for the cats. Children are still asleep, so I thought would just take some quiet time. Funny thing is, I'm still so tired.



Well, in a few more hours, the household will be busy, busy, busy. I better decide now what I will do. It won't be long before, I won't have a choice. Still with all of the business of running a household, I would not trade it for anything in the world...For that's the life of a Mompreneur...



Have a good day, fellow Mompreneurs and bloggers...Until next time, take care of yourself and yourself will take care of you.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Running a Value-Driven Business

Running a value- driven business means understanding the five dimensions of a company. It's become popular throughout the 20th century to believe that the most important factor of running a business is to make money. This is not true. It is true that a business needs to generate income, but without the development of the 5 dimensions of a company, you can almost guarantee that you will either make a lot of money and lose it, or you will not make any at all.

The five dimensions of any company, no matter how great or small, in order, are: employees, suppliers, customers, community and environment.

  1. Employees are first on the totem pole. They are the back bone of the company. They bring the company to light and life with their gifts, talents, ideas and dedication. They are what makes your company run and what helps it grow. They should be rewarded for being a part of your company, and made to feel part of the company; not to feel like the "hired help".
  2. Suppliers come next. Without any supplies and products, what would you provide to your customers and clients? Treating your suppliers with respect and creating a good relationship with them will not only show character, but will bring you benefits. Your suppliers will be more willing to help you with ideas, and more prompt to negotiate deals and savings with you. This will generate repeat business for them, and you both will come out winners.
  3. Customers are next on the list. Without the customers, you would have great employees, great products, but no sales. Without sales, you will not be able to generate income. What's more important about customers, is not sales. Building relationships and helping people solve problems is.Customers need to be treated like people who need our assistance. They need to feel they can come to us when they want and need to solve a problem. That's what businesses provide customers: solutions. If you are money-oriented, then you will not be interested in helping others solve their problems. This is where value must kick in. Once you do this, then your sales will increase, and so will your income.
  4. Community-The area in which live, and even beyond, makes up our community. We are all a group of people who depend on one another. Your company is a part of a bigger picture. Value-driven businesses give back to the community, through time, resources and service.
  5. Environment-Businesses need to use the environment each day. Did you use water to make your morning coffee? Do you use fuel in your vehicle to drive to the office? Do you need air to breathe? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are using the environment. A value-driven business preserves natural resources and shares in the responsibility in caring for the environment.
Well, there you have it. Business should not be about "being busy making money". It should be about adding value: value to everyone who is involved in your company: employees, suppliers, customers, the community and the environment.

Thank you for reading this article. I really hope I was able to help you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to add them below.

Sarah Kim,

Days in the Life of  A Mompreneur Blog Manager

Resources: Values-Driven Business: How to Change the World, Make Money, and Have Fun (Social Venture Network)