All in a Day's Work...

Yesterday Rachel and I went to the BX on Base to peddle our wares. 

She was selling her Peruvian jewelry. 

We also set up Christian's organic, handmade soap and Hannah's beeswax candles. 

The kiosks were gorgeous; even had spotlights.  

And we could have asked for a cash register. 

This was better than "playing store" when my sister and I were little. 

We were really doing it in a real-live place of business. 

Yet it felt like we were playing. 

It really is a game. 

How professional can one act?  

How long does one have to "fake it til you make it?"  

Not long.  

Experience truly is the best teacher. 

The more you do it, meet the public and sell your wares, the easier it becomes. 

The day wasn't a hugely profitable day, but it was hugely profitable in a non-financial way. 

E-ship Club on Monday Night

Another great night at the E-ship CLub. 

Dan Stuenzi, a home school dad, entrepreneur for many years,  gave a great presentation on what it is like to be an entrepreneurs. 

SOme highlights from his talk: 

Things learned from past business ventures: 

~needs a profit 

~not fear rejection

~how to properly target customers

~under-promise/over-deliver

~the importance of capital

~importance of networking and reputation 

~how to "fail forward" 

~providing VALUE comes before reward 

WHat struck a chord with me was: 

"It's hard for entrepreneurs to work for someone else!" 

That is so true for me. 

One summer I taught summer classes and I was shocked the administrator was keeping their eye on me.  

WHy? 

Of course I am going to be doing what is right, I am a professional, aren't I? 

I will make good decisions, work hard, etc. 

Good stuff to recognize... 

Next month we have Frank Kumor as our guest speaker.  

HE is a long-time business owner from Olde Towne Bellevue and will speak on customer service and longevity of business. 

It Takes Time and Hard WOrk

Last night my 13 yo daughter and I stayed up way past midnight to finish her video project.

You see, Rachel has her own business and has had one since age 6.

Currently, her business is "Every Girlz Dream Jewelry Company."

What a cute and appropriate name.

She is definitely selling her passion.

For her 13th birthday she got her ears pierced (at a tattoo parlour(!) but, that's another story!) and since then she has been crazy about pierced earrings.

Her video project was the Import/Export Idea Challenge sponsored by the Entrepreneruship Forum.

She made her own Power Point Slides (easy to do I found out!) and showcased her website.

The content was relatively easy to put together; it was the technical side where we struggled.

IT turned out our video was not in the right format and we tried to convert it, to no avail.

We are not sure if her entry will count in the contest.

It may be a learning experience and an exercise in acquiring new skills.

I know our video is not professional and not the best job, but we got it done and learned from the project.

Plus, how many 13 yos import jewlery from Peru?

It is not about perfection, it is about doing it and getting it done!

Here is the URL on YouTube:

Parents as Role Models

I believe parents are the role models in many areas, and especially in the areas of work and views about work.

I am currently preparing my presentations for the Entrepreneurship Educators' Conference in Austin, TX next month.

One of my presentations is on "Mom's E Boot Camp: Raising Entrepreneurially-minded Children."

THE number one factor I believe is: having parents who are supportive and take the time to help their children with their entrepreneurial endeavors.

IF the parental support and confidence is not there, it won't happen.

That's why we require the parents to attend our monthly E-ship Meeting.

Let your child dream, let your child experiment, but nothing is going to happen unless you are there helping and supporting.

Yes, it is another thing to add to your list, but it is SO WORTH IT!