Metropolitan Mama

Products for People Who Work at Home: Board Dudes

January 12, 2010 By Stephanie 28 Comments

I may be a Tech-Savvy Girl, but I’m also a very visual person…and I like having bulletin boards handy for posting clippings from magazines, party invitations, and pretty pictures that our 3-year-old paints. We have one in our makeshift office space in our master bedroom and one in the laundry room. Right now, the one in our “office” just has two things on it…my “Dream House” sketch (I’m a wanna-be architect) and my Life Goals.

Board Dudes sells a HUGE variety of dry erase boards, bulletin boards, and chalkboards…at great prices. You can find them at Michaels, Target, Fred Meyer, JoAnn’s, and a long list of other merchants.

YOUR TURN: How do you use bulletin boards in your house?

WIN IT! One winner will receive 1 bulletin board and 1 dry erase calendar by Board Dudes. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, January 19th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.). ***NOTE: The Board Dudes products can only be awarded to a Southern Arizona winner.

* I received product samples for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #17 Donita. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Giveaways, working mother Tagged With: board dudes, bulletin boards, chalkboards, dry erase calendars, products for people who work at home

Products to Promote Your Business: DPS Banners

January 10, 2010 By Stephanie 26 Comments

When I was filming the promotional video for my ebook several months ago, I had to do a few takes (okay, a lot of takes…).

As a result of those practice sessions, our 3-year-old took to saying, “MetropolitanMama.net” out of the blue…which is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

In fact, I joked to Tim that she should just stand out in front of my trade show booth and say it…and we’d be the talk of the show!

Since that isn’t exactly a realistic way to attract attention, we opted for a retractable banner from DPS Banners. Take a look – It’s the tall, impressive-looking sign to your left. Catches your eye, doesn’t it?

The banner that I reviewed retails for $299 (but is on-sale right now for $229). It is 35″ x 82.5″ and it retracts into that tiny stand for easy storage and portability. It’s the perfect tool for an entrepreneur or work-from-home parent because it won’t take up much space in your home/garage.

There are a variety of banners available from DPS Banners with prices ranging from $160 to over $1000 – depending on the size and features. Entrepreneurs may be tempted to scoff at the price, but if you consider that the stand can be used again-and-again for years to come, it’s a worthy investment. It can be used at trade shows, conventions, conferences, speaking engagements, or as a prop for photo shoots. The banners are equally ideal for small businesses, bloggers, schools, and non-profit organizations.

———————————————————————————————————–

Because I like dressing up and because I *know* you want to see “real life” pictures of a person standing next to the banner, here you go…

Exhibit A. My Favorite Plum-Colored Business Suit, paired with boots by Sofft (It’s the Tyla boot…no longer sold). When I walked out from the closet, my 3-year-old said, “I like that.“

Exhibit B: A new Little Black Dress that I bought at Target last week for $29.99 for a wedding that I was attending.

Exhibit C. Same Dress. Same Shoes. Sand-Colored Coat from Old Navy. I’ve had it forever and I like it, but I *never* wear it because it gets wrinkly so fast…and I’m not one to iron.

Okay. Enough of that.

Here’s what I’m *REALLY* wearing today. Blue Jeans. Boots. A Black Sweater. And…the best accessory of all – my blue-eyed baby!

WIN IT! One winner will receive a discount code for 70% OFF a deluxe retractable roll-up banner stand (currently on sale for $229) by DPS Banners! To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, January 18th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received a product sample for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winner is #17 Chris. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Blogging & Social Media, fashion, Giveaways, working mother Tagged With: business banners, dps banners, dpsbanners.com, products to promote your business, promotional products, retractable banner, roll-up banner

Products to Promote Your Business: Post-Up Stand & Ghirardelli

January 10, 2010 By Stephanie 57 Comments

Sometimes you have to spend a little money to make a little money…whether your blogging or starting an Etsy shop or launching a coonsulting biz.

For example, if you plan to exhibit or speak on a local or national level, it would behoove you to purchase a few promotional pieces that you can use again and again.

One item worth investing in is a classy and professional table throw. You can check out mine above. It’s from Post-Up Stand, an Ohio-based company that “provides banner stand displays and mobile presentation solutions to trade shows, retail stores, restaurants, hotel lobbies and any advertising displays users.” Their focus is on “high quality, low prices.”

The picture above doesn’t do the runner justice. It is absolutely beautiful and utterly eye-catching – printed professionally and elegantly with modern colors. The accompanying throw is equally sturdy, stain-resistant, and made to last. I love that the throw is blank, which makes it truly multifunctional. You can purchase separate runners for multiple businesses…or even use it as a tablecloth if you’re in a pinch. Best of all, it’s an investment that will last you for years. As you use it again-and-again, you’ll realize that it will pay for itself in no time.

What’s that on the table, you ask. Well, I have a promotional flyer on the left that tells a little more about my site and I have a sign-up sheet for my e-newsletter on the right (speaking of my e-newsletter…the one that I haven’t sent out in months…cough…that’s a topic for another post, but you should still sign up in that little box along my right sidebar…good surprises coming…K?). And then there are two chocolate towers on either side. I passed out those yummy Chocolate Business Card Gift Boxes to people who stopped by my booth…and they were a huge hit! Sold by Ghirardelli, you can choose either a gold or silver box. Each box comes with one square of milk chocolate and one square of dark chocolate. Tim designed the corresponding insert and – voila! – WAY better than a traditional business card!

————————————————————————————————————

Post-Up Stand also sells super cool Removable Custom Wall Decor posters at great prices! Submit any photo and they’ll send you a great piece of art in just days…but bear in mind that this isn’t your average-joe poster. It sticks right to the wall and you can move it around as you redecorate and reorganize. It’s great for entrepreneurs, but it’s also great for parents. What better way to dress-up your child or teen’s room?

WIN IT! There will be two winners. Each winner will receive a 24″ x 36″ custom wall decor poster by Post-Up Stand. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Sunday, January 17th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

* I received product samples for review purposes.

*UPDATE* The winners are #23 Susan and #45 Michelle. Congratulations!

Filed Under: Blogging & Social Media, working mother Tagged With: business card gift boxes, business products ghirardelli, business table throws, chocolate business cards, custom wall decor, post-up stand, products to promote your business, professional table throws, removable wall decor, table throw and runner

How to Promote Your Business at a Trade Show or Expo

January 9, 2010 By Stephanie 14 Comments

I live in a small town with over a million people.

That is the best way to describe Tucson, AZ.

We have lots of people and lots of wide open spaces and lots of communities within the larger community, but…few freeways, no real public transportation system to speak of, and no hoppin’ downtown environment.

I sometimes bemoan the fact that this place is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, not particularly “happening,” and a little bit behind the times.

That said, there are a lot of things that I like about this city:

The spectacular sunsets.
The unbelievable weather. I wore short sleeves today. Not to rub it in or anything.
The smell of the desert after the rain. It just can’t be replicated anywhere else.
The casual, laid-back, non-stuffy way of living and the friendly people.

In October, I read an ad in a local circular, advertising an upcoming community fair…with free booths on a first-come, first-serve basis. I thought to myself, “Why not? I’ll go out there, smile at all of the mamas, and invite people to discover my community at Metropolitan Mama.”

So I went. I saw. I met people. And I was reminded of some important DOs and DONTs for making the most out of trade shows and expos.

Ready. Set. Go…

DO consider who will be attending the event. When you see a notice about an upcoming trade show, fair, or expo, ask yourself who the target audience is…and if it matches yours. Reserving a booth will likely cost you money and it is wise to choose your venues wisely. In my case, the best places for me to exhibit would be something along the lines of Kidsfaire or the Arizona Babies and Childrens Expo.

DO have something for people to see/do at your booth. If you’ve ever been to a big fair/expo, you know that there are A LOT of people there…people vying for your attention and people who are milling around trying to figure out what to do. Somehow you have to figure out how to make your little space stand out. The best way is probably to have something interactive happening at your booth. At my booth, I had a sign-up sheet for my newsletter and free high-quality chocolate (more on that later). Next time, I think I’ll step it up a notch and do something extra fun…give people the opportunity to have their photo taken with their family, have a video playing, have a laptop available for contest sign-ups, something like that…

DO smile. Never underestimate the power of positivity and friendliness. Say “hi.” Comment on that little boy’s cool green shoes or his mom’s awesome yellow trench coat. Be genuine. Be real. Be happy.

DO bring someone with you. I found myself wanting to wonder around the fair myself to see the other vendors and I did a few times, but I had to leave my poor husband behind as the representative for Metropolitan Mama…which actually kind-of makes me laugh. My “Mr. Masculine/Athletic/I-Don’t-Wear-Pink-and-I-Eat-Meat” husband was the spokesperson for my blog for moms. And you know what? He actually did a great job explaining the whole thing to the moms that stopped by.

DON’T talk about yourself. So there was this lady at the event…She went from booth-to-booth and shoved her business card in your hand and just went on-and-on about how she was this big time expert connected with Tony Robbins and blah-ditty-blah-blah-blah. Actually, her first line was, “You NEED me.” Not, “Hi. What do you do?” or “Look how cute your baby is!” Nope. “You need me.” And then she didn’t even catch a breath before giving her long string of accomplishments and successes. Oh.My.Word. I wish I were joking. The only thing I learned from that conversation was how much I DIDN’T need her. Anyway, please don’t be like the Tony Robbins lady. Listen first. Talk second.

DON’T be a business card pusher. See above point. Business cards are a tool…and just getting them into people’s hands is so not the point. Read my previous post for some pointers, How to effectively use business cards at conferences (1-2-09).

DON’T forget to follow-up. If you meet someone great or jot down someone’s contact information, make the most of that connection. Send out an e-mail, make a phone call, or tweet a friendly little hello within a week of the conference…sooner rather than later.

YOUR TURN: Have you ever exhibited at a trade show, conference, expo, or fair to promote your business/blog? Why or why not?

***Over the next three posts, I will be spotlighting three great products that can help your business/blog stand out…and you’ll have the opportunity to WIN a few of them too. Fun, right?

Filed Under: Blogging & Social Media, working mother Tagged With: dos and donts exhibiting, exhibiting at trade shows, how to effectively use business cards, how to promote your business, making the most of trade shows, tucson az

Paging Dr. Stephanie

October 31, 2009 By Stephanie 44 Comments

scrubs and beyond iguana med 1 Paging Dr. Stephanie When I was a little girl, I often played “Doctor” with my little sisters. I set up my clinic in the bathroom and carefully examined my patients. My favorite diagnosis was a broken arm because I could then ever-so-carefully create a cast out of water and toilet paper – wrapping it gently ’round and ’round the injured limb.

As the years passed from elementary to middle to high school, I still considered going the medical route. I certainly had the qualities necessary – I loved school and could easily see myself in academia for a long stretch. I also have a natural ability to memorize things. I’ll often look at a word/paragraph once and be able to recall it instantly.

Somewhere between childhood and young adulthood, I was enticed away from science by literature and poetry. The English language and all of its marvels captivated me. I went on to study English at the undergraduate level, then went to seminary very briefly, and then eventually landed on getting a masters in school counseling. It’s funny how life unravels – a series of choices based on the places we are, the people we meet, and the doors that we walk through.

scrubs and beyond iguana med 2 Paging Dr. Stephanie Someday I still might like to get my PhD. Maybe. I wouldn’t go the medical route though (too many years, too much time away from my family), but perhaps I could pursue a doctorate in Family Studies or Communications. That said, it’s really not on my radar right now. I’m already “studying” my family and I’m learning more about communication right now than I ever could in a classroom.

Sometimes people talk about having “mommy brain” or feeling like their mental capacity is draining from at-home motherhood, but I don’t buy it. I am more innovative, bright, and courageous than I ever was. I am constantly reading, studying, writing, collaborating, and creating. My kids inspire me to be the best version of myself. I am more qualified than ever to do research, to speak at conferences, to write books, and to serve as a consultant.

I am choosing to be an at-home mother and I firmly believe that my education and my credentials are not wasted in this line of work. On the contrary, my intellect is sharpened daily as I teach, inspire, and play with my two daughters.

P.S. I’m wearing scrubs in these pictures not because I’m a doctor and not because it’s Halloween (although it would make a great costume…), but because one of my readers gave me the best idea awhile back. She said she wears scrubs around the house because they are as comfortable as PJs, but you don’t have to run for cover if a neighbor or the UPS guy happens to stop by. I thought that it was such a brilliant idea that I decided to steal it.

So whether you just want to wear a pair around the house or you really do work in the medical industry (as a doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, dentist, or dental assistant), I encourage you to check out Scrubs & Beyond - an online destination for medical scrubs and uniforms. The company offers 25 different brands, including Baby Phat Scrubs, Disney Scrubs, Grey’s Anatomy Scrubs, and IguanaMed Scrubs. Scrubs & Beyond also has an online outlet, home of $8.99 specials and other great clearance items.

YOUR TURN: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a $25 gift card to Scrubs & Beyond. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Saturday, November 7th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #15 Sara. Congratulations!

Filed Under: fashion, Giveaways, working mother Tagged With: baby phat scrubs, clothes to wear around the house, designer-inspired scrubs, dickie scrubs, disney scrubs, doctor scrubs, grey's anatomy scrubs, iguanamed scrubs, medical scrubs, medical uniforms, nurse scrubs, scrubs & beyond, solid scrubs

How to Start an Etsy Shop

September 11, 2009 By Stephanie 24 Comments

Etsy is awesome.

What’s that, you say? You don’t know what Etsy is? Well, I’m more than happy to introduce you. It’s “your place to buy & sell all things handmade.”

I absolutely adore Etsy. In fact, I “window shop” on Etsy at least once a week.

For example, I just took a peek around Etsy and found these wonderful things (click on each picture to see larger image):

———————————————————————————————————–

Perhaps you have a great talent that you would like to share with the world (Do you make Soap? Cards? Cookies? Tutus? Paintings?).

Perhaps you would like to make some money doing what you love.

Consider Etsy.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Danielle Maveal – an Etsy associate – about how to start up an Etsy shop and I thought you might be interested in our discussion…

Q. I have a great product that I make (candles, clothes, jewelry, artwork, etc.) and would like to sell. What are the advantages of starting up a shop at Etsy as opposed to starting my own store/website?

A. Setting up your Etsy account and shop is free! The low overhead cost is probably one of the most enticing advantages to selling on Etsy. You can set up your account, put up a banner and avatar, and get the feel for Etsy and the community without having to put a single dollar in. Once you set up an account, you can hang out in Etsy’s Virtual Labs (our online classrooms) or converse with other community members on the forums. So, you really can get a good feel for Etsy and once you’re ready to start your shop, you can fill it up with products for under a few dollars, since it only cost $0.20 to list an item.

Another great thing about having an Etsy shop vs setting up your own web-based shop is not having to worry about being the sole traffic driver to your own website. Think of Etsy like a 24 hour, global craft fair, with tons of shoppers looking for the most unique handmade and vintage items.

Q. Okay, you convinced me. Where do I go to get started?

A. Etsy can walk you through the shop set up process. First thing you need to do is think of your Etsy shop name (your username and shop name are the same). Once you have that decided, check out our Sell section. It will walk you through each step of setting up your shop. If you happen to hit a bump in the road, we have FAQs and Help Guides to get you back on track!

Q. How easy is it start an Etsy store? Do I need web design experience?

A. The great thing about starting a shop on Etsy is that you do not need web design experience! This gives you more time to focus on your products. I’d say you could start and stock an Etsy shop in an afternoon. How easy is that?

Q. Does Etsy take a “cut” of my profits? Is there a monthly fee? What kind of expenses am I looking at?

A. There is no monthly fee. Here’s how it works: for each item you list $0.20 is added to your monthly Etsy bill. When you sell an item your bill is charged 3.5%. So if you sell a $50 item on Etsy, your bill will be charged $1.75.

Q. Do I have to have a business license or pay taxes as an Etsy shop owner?

A. This is a question I get asked often. Think of Etsy as a space for rent – we give you the platform to sell your goods and you are responsible to follow your own state laws and regulations. It’s hard for me to give advice in this area since every state and country has different requirements when it comes to licenses and taxes. My advice is to give your local small business center a call and ask a few questions.

Q. How do I get my shop featured on Etsy’s home page?

A. My biggest tip here is to have great photos. You also want to make sure you are getting found – not only by the Etsy Admin who select the images featured on Etsy’s homepage…but by buyers as well. You can do this by listing new work often and keeping your shop fresh! I also want to give you a bit of information about the way search works on Etsy. Search is directly related to the keywords you attach to your items in the listing process, these keywords are called “tags.” Using the right tags can help bring more traffic to your Etsy items. Make sure you are using every single one (we give you space for 14) and include specific colors, styles, and motifs found in your work. This article on tagging is the very best resource on that subject.

BEST WISHES…and happy Etsying!

YOUR TURN: Do you have an Etsy shop? If so, leave the link. If not, do you shop at Etsy? What are your favorite stores?

Filed Under: Mom-Owned Business, money management, working mother Tagged With: best etsy shops, cost to list on etsy, cost to set up etsy account, etsy, etsy costs, how to set up an etsy store, how to start an etsy shop, monthly fee etsy, place to buy handmade, sell handmade, sell handmade goods, what is etsy

My Work-From-Home Wardrobe

June 15, 2009 By Stephanie 251 Comments

professional outfit My Work From Home Wardrobe If you were to walk into my past and see me at any of my former jobs (before I became a mommy), you would find me in a business suits and heels – or at least in a button-up shirt with a pencil skirt or slacks.

I always dressed to match upper level executives. In essence, I took note of the attire of my superiors and tried to “mimic” the formality of their dress.

I’m a firm believer that what you wear speaks volumes about who you are. It may be unfair that people judge you on your outward appearance…but they do. People automatically size up your intellect, your ambition, your ability to succeed, even your character, by the way you look.

That said, heels are impractical and suits are unnecessary now that I’m a mom and I work from home. I know that what you wear effects how you feel, but it would just be weird if I walked around my house, all decked out and dressed up. That’s really just a Wisteria Lane way to live. REAL moms do not wear 5-inch stiletto heels and form-fitting mini dresses at home (or…anywhere?).

That said, I’ve been thinking that it would probably help my productivity if I dressed up a little bit. At this very moment, I am wearing a blue v-neck t-shirt and charcoal-colored wide-leg yoga pants. My hair is held up loosely in a bun by a ponytail holder; a cascade of curls on the top of my head. That’s pretty much my “normal” daily attire.

It’s not bad, but I would feel prettier if I wore something a little…well…prettier. I’d like to be able to wear something that I’d feel proud to answer the door in if a neighbor or friend just happened to stop by.

For example, I’d like to start wearing these two items that are hanging in my closet:

Anoname Jeans ($100-$120) : Fashion-Forward. Flattering. Fitted. These designer jeans are sized by waist (25-32) and are available online and at select department and boutique shops. I was sent the Joelle Bootcut jeans to try and I’ve been wearing them EVERYWHERE lately. If you’ve seen me lately, you’ve probably seen me in these jeans {The minute I get home, I change back into yoga pants…a strange habit, I know…I think it has something to do with the fact that I have a 3-month-old baby.}. I wish it was possible to select your “length” of choice when you order (I couldn’t find the info on their website, but think the jeans all come with a standard 33″ inseam…), but they’re amazing jeans even so.

Kenneth Cole NY Metro Denim Pants ($59) : I’m not sure how I feel about white pants overall, but these ones are super cute. The material is flattering and the fit is fabulous. The flared leg elongates the leg and the crisp white is a nice change from “every-day denim.” I’d also love to see these same pants in a deep navy or in navy/white vertical stripes. They’re just a tad bit tight around my mid-section at present, but I’m hoping I’ll be able to wear them around later this summer (I’ve been doing crunches and curls diligently, but I need to get to work on my “cardio” routine!!!).

Since I’m nursing, I’d want to pair either of the above “bottoms” with a zip-up, button-up, deep-v, or “slouchy” top for easy nursing access.

I have these tops on my “oooh…I’d wear that!” list:

YOUR TURN: What do you wear when you work-from-home? If you are a stay-at-home mom, what do you wear on an average day?

WIN IT! One winner will receive a pair of Anoname Jeans of her choice (retail value $100-$120; limited to available styles and sizes) AND a 30% off coupon for Kenneth Cole New York. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, June 23 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner is #183 Amanda. Congratulations!

Filed Under: fashion, Giveaways, working mother Tagged With: Anoname Jeans, designer jeans for $100, Joelle Bootcut, kenneth cole new york, metro denim pant, nursing friendly tops, what do you wear when working from home, what to wear when working from home, white denim pants, white jeans, work-from-home wardrobe

Products for People Who Work at Home: Board Dudes

Paging Dr. Stephanie

How to Start an Etsy Shop

My Work-From-Home Wardrobe

Subscribe via email

Latest Tweets

Me…On ABC News

Books I Recommend

Blogs I Read

Causes I Care About

Link To Me