Comments for Women Can Have it All

Comment on Before you continue working, look. Is your space organized to your convenience? by Jordana Jaffe

Jordana Jaffe — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:06:38 +0000

WAY TO GO Vera!!!!

Comment on Focus! Damn It: Self-employed vs Employee by Alex -Hamm

Alex -Hamm — Fri, 08 May 2009 06:41:17 +0000

Damn It :
Focus,Focus,Focus
The only reason I found this site is because I am not focusing. Running my own automotive repair facility at 24 with my fiance and a two year old son can be can I say CRAZY. Wait, is this for women, great I guess I cant even focus when I try. Maybe had I read the top of your page and not just looked at it that would be smart.
My problem is I am young but still stable on my own, Ok I guess thats not a problem but I like making my rounds each morning to visit all the other shops and dealers in the area that I have made contacts with because the social interaction with others in the field feels good, and with automotive diagnostics we never can have quick fixes all the time so we share information and experiences constantly to help eachother make money. I guess somehow I have to not always do what feels the best but do what makes money which is staying in my shop all alone with the radio and phone and computer and house 10 ft away and get the cars fixed or fixed and sold.

Comment on Are current events making you feel guilty? by SKL

SKL — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:37:14 +0000

There is nothing to feel guilty about. Most likely, the thing that distinguishes you from at least 90% of the troubled people is your thoughtful choices (and your husband’s). You could just as easily be in debt and lack the skills to remain marketable in an economic contraction, but you did some things differently. Other people ought to be comparing themselves with you, not the other way around. (But I know that’s not human nature.)

But if it makes you feel better, look around for some volunteer opportunities or charitable giving opportunties. Better to do some small thing than to feel badly about what you can’t control.

Comment on May I delay my business services due to natural and predictable mothering challenges? by SKL

SKL — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:27:28 +0000

Every male professional I know has taken time off for family emergencies. I find women professionals are actually more likely to get work done during these times. Men don’t ask for permission or even forgiveness. They just say, “suck it up, I have bigger fish to fry right now.” So why should women feel guilty for doing the same thing?

I think part of it is how you tell people. Don’t make it sound like this is the first of many incidents that will render you unreliable. Give a brief professional apology with an even briefer explanation and move on.

Comment on I can’t claim childcare expenses as a budding entrepreneur? WTF? by SKL

SKL — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 05:18:39 +0000

This is a problem! There may be some creative ways to deal with it. In my business, the company has an arrangement with an independent contractor who provides child care services for all personnel who need them. I happen to be the only member with kids at this point. My salary reflects the fact that I enjoy this perk, but at least I don’t have to pay taxes on it. I am not sure if your business structure would allow for this or not.

It doesn’t seem right, indeed. My childcare provider pays both income tax and self-employment tax, and obviously the amount we pay her has to be grossed up to cover these taxes (along with her individual health plan, etc.). If I had to pay this directly from my paycheck, the total amount of tax the government would get would be well over 50% of the cost of the services. And I’m not rich! My salary isn’t much more than the childcare provider’s. The government ought to be thanking me for supporting another taxpayer, not penalizing me.

Comment on Re-entering the workforce by starting a business or getting a job in this economy? by Kim Croft

Kim Croft — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:58:32 +0000

Hi Sara,

In my business we always ask people “what’s important to you?” (Freedom and flexibility? Spending time with family? Helping other people? Being debt free?). If you know what is important to you then you can find the business that is the right fit for you. This is the first step. Other important things to consider are marketplace demand, timing and trends, start-up costs and income potential. For example, I chose my business because I needed a business with great income potential and minimal start-up costs that could be built from home alongside my current profession. My business provides these things and gives me an alternative way to achieve financial freedom. Additionally, my income is based on my effort not someone’s budget or idea about what I should be paid. Decide what you are looking for and then look for a business that provides those things while being a solid investment.

I would welcome talking to you in more detail. I can be reached at 631-671-6347 or kimcroft5@gmail.com.

Kim Croft

Comment on Vision VS Reality NOT Vision = Reality by Laura

Laura — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:30:34 +0000

Keep holding your vision, Vera. It is a crucial part of your success and I believe your passion will drive it to fruition. I am really enjoying getting your emails. I have an upcoming seminar in July in Sedona, Arizona that I would like to invite you to attend as my guest. I will send you more details as we get the website and other materials developed. The name of the program is “Powered With Passion”. It is a two day intensive for entrepeneurs (or budding entrepeneurs) to gain effective design tools for balancing their personal and professional lives. All the Best, Laura

Comment on Now that I learned the basics of starting a business and have actually started a business, baking, what should I anticipate next? Should I hire staff? (At this time I am home based). by Starting A Child Care Business 3

Starting A Child Care Business 3 — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:45:33 +0000

Nice job! Like many others, I am just getting started on my new blog. The tips you provided are most useful.Thanks.

Comment on Increasing sales by building relationships and following up professionally by Starting A Child Care Business 3

Starting A Child Care Business 3 — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:45:05 +0000

Nice job! Like many others, I am just getting started on my new blog. The tips you provided are most useful.Thanks.

Comment on To Share or Not to Share… by Roxana Gheorghe

Roxana Gheorghe — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:16:38 +0000

I perfectly understand and I agree with you. I still have friends employed in large corporations who give me a kind of a “cold shoulder” when I share my successes with them. It feels that we are not on the same page anymore. Thus, I feel more comfortable with my business owner peers. They know what I’m talking about, they experienced the same difficulties or situations in their business. Running a business by yourself is a more difficult task.

However, I do not give up on my old friends because I can still learn from them and get feedback from them. I even find myself talking like a “CEO”. I realize that I have been exposed to many more situations in business, and I have worn many more different hats than my old friends. Thus, I forgive them.

Thanks for allowing me to share.