Fact: I have a small business. I pour hours into it – waking up early, staying up late. I spend money on marketing and development. I strategize. I seek mentors. I have business lunches and virtual conference calls. I pay taxes.
That business? You’re looking at it. Metropolitan Mama.
Every once in awhile, I get the message from other bloggers that if you’re trying to make money or review products or sell advertising or any combination of those activities, then you’re a sell-out. I disagree adamantly.
Business is not a bad word. On the contrary, businesses can be run with integrity. Businesses can do good in the world. Businesses can turn out excellent products. Businesses can be the foundation for strong relationships. And – yes – businesses can help put food on the table.
Just because I am seeking a profit as a blogger does not mean that I sell out my voice or compromise my content. In fact, I protect both things unwaveringly (my husband would say I protect them a little too much sometimes). Example: a notable popsicle brand recently invited me to be a part of a paid campaign. I declined because they have “high fructose corn syrup” in them (an ingredient my family tries to stay away from).
That being said, I eagerly enter into partnerships with brands that coincide with my family’s lifestyle and philosophies. I sell advertising spots and have sponsorship campaign packages (feel free to contact me if you’re interested). I enjoy public speaking, being an ambassador for products I believe in, and attending conferences. I have tens of thousands of readers from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond.
I certainly respect that blogs exist for many different reasons. Some are journals; some are photo-logs. Some are meant for family & friends. Some have tens of readers; some have thousands. Some bloggers don’t want to maintain a business; some do. And all those reasons for blogging are good.
My particular blog exists as a business. I’m in the business of encouraging, inspiring, and challenging mothers. I’m in the business of writing, publishing, and creating relationships. I’m in the business of changing the world in the best way that I know how.
I am *also* bringing in an income for my family…and I’m cool with that. I hope you are too.
Do you blog? If so, do you consider it to be a business or would you like it to be?
If you are an entrepreneur of any kind, what are your favorite books, websites, and/or conferences?
She also still talks about the plane. Lately, she’s been wanting to pretend that we’re on a plane several times a week. She always want to cook me food on the plane – steak and potatoes, vegetable lasagna and cheesecake and peach tea. If only REAL food service on planes was that good.
4. My Airport Busy Kit. The 
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At 6 months old, my baby is at that overwhelming stage when babies put everything in their mouths.
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DOVE Chocolate Discoveries offers you a way to “Eat Chocolate. Make friends. Make $$$.” Essentially, you host a DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ Tasting party and invite your friends to try…chocolate. Serve chocolate martinis, 5-minute chocolate mousse, chocolate-covered graham crackers, truffle fudge brownies, or fondue.
