Great List for Entrepreneurs and Job Seekers

Welcome back!

It’s getting very difficult to keep track of all the great biz/career websites I refer to on a regular basis.  I don’t think I’m alone so I thought I’d do a quick and handy business/career reference list today. It is by no means inclusive but it is a great start.

A few sites of interest to those starting or managing their own business:

www.myownbusiness.org - this site provides great free services like business templates for business plans, letters, start up kit information and even a free internet business course.  The U.S. Small Business Administration uses the online course as a resource for small business owners.

www.mommasterminds.com – a great online based organization for networking with other women who have started businesses or in the process of doing so.  I’m a member of this group and I can tell you it is one of the best internet based networking/business resources anywhere.  Not only is there a very active forum used by serious and knowledgeable business owners but the learning resource center is phenomenal. NOTE: there is a fee associated with joining this group but the 7-day free trial offer helps you to get a better understanding of the value of this membership.

www.iamawahm.com – Are you a mom in Ireland or the UK? Then you likely already know about this site.  If not you’ll want to visit soon as it’s a great site for work at home moms in the UK or anywhere!

www.internetbasedmoms.com- another great online resource geared to women looking for not only networking but great educational resources too.  This resource is free!

www.assistu.com- an online educational service for individuals who want to develp the skills needed to be a virtual assistant (independent “virtual” contractor who uses the internet to provide administrative and other related services to businesses).

www.thevacoach.com - another educational service for individuals who want to learn how to become a virtual assistant in a more one-to-one type environment.  The “VA Coach” is Erin Blaskie–an up and coming young and successful entrepreneur.  I spoke to her a few months back and discussed her services with a few others – consensus is she’s done the work and she’s visionary!  That’s a good start.  According to Erin’s sales page she’s the person to contact if you “Would like to learn How to Create a Six-Figure Virtual Assistance Business.” If you succeed at earning a six-figure income give me a call!

For those women who want to network to build their business or find their next new job/career:

www.needlestackjobs.com – NeedleStack Jobs is a job board for professional, flexible jobs.  Perfect for working parents or baby boomers striving for their ideal work/life balance.

www.workitmom.com – Work It, Mom! describes their group as “an online networking community for professional women, features career advice from top leaders, skill-building tips, and access to Power Contacts and other resources.”

www.iabc.com - The International Association of Business Communicators is a professional network of more than 14,000 business communication profesionals in over 70 countries.   They have one of the best job boards anywhere.  I’ve got to toot my own horn here to say that I received an IABC Vision award for best internal communications (membership magazine).

www.diversityworking.com – This group provides a link between corporate America and professional job seekers from the African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Women, Gay and Lesbian, Veteran, and Disabled Communities.

www.aswa.org – The American Society of Women Accountants was formed in 1938 to increase the opportunities for women in all fields of accounting and finance.

www.bpwusa.org – Business and Professional Women/USA is a multi-generational membership organization for working women that provides career advancement resources, work-life strategies and personal and professional connections.

Thinking About a Career or Job Change?

For several years now career counselors have proclaimed the end of the notion of a job for life (or at least until retirement). This of course isn’t news. But what many aren’t so sure of is how and when they should start upgrading their skills and looking elsewhere for self employment or another competitive career position.

That’s really a question only you can answer after doing some research and inventory. Research your career and those positions that interest you and do some inventory on your skills and what you need to take that next fresh step in your career.

As urban/suburban women we tend to have a lot of choice in that regard which is yet another reason to appreciate and nurture the new urban lifestyle.

Local universities, colleges and private institutions often offer an array of continuing education options to help you brush up on those skills you want to improve or develop. Even if your community isn’t one with much in terms of local colleges, universities, etc., most of these kinds of schools offer long distance learning opportunities online. Spend some time at your local library to find out which higher learning institutions are close to you or offer some long distance learning opportunities that would suit your schedule.

Even if you’re quite satisfied in your career or job, it never hurts to see what competing firms are offering in terms of job flexibility and compensation. ALWAYS glance at the career section in your newspaper and let people know what are your career interests and strengths. Trust me…you never know who’s looking for someone with your abilities and experience.

If you’re feeling like now is the time to branch out on your own as an entrepreneur or an outside contractor for a firm, remember to visit your local chamber of commerce. Talk to them about upcoming networking opportunities and what is available for non-members. When you’re ready then you can look into joining.

Another great resource for career inspiration and job search leads are professional associations. Contact the professional association representing people in your field to find out more (for contact info trying searching for your groups using Google). There are all sorts of trade groups covering a wide range of professions. Here’ s a sampling of the kinds of professions with groups that provide continuing education, certification, job boards, networking, etc:

• Public Relations Managers
• Marketing Professionals
• Market Researchers
• Engineers
• Nurses
• Home builders
• Hospitality Professionals (caterers, hotel sales)
• Meeting Planners
• Apartment managers
• Insurance professionals
• Advertising Sales Representatives
• Real Estate Agents
• Internet Marketers
• Writers
• Film directors
• Film Industry Technicians
• Graphic Designers
• Administrative Assistants
• And hundreds more…

At the very minimum look at this research as a kind of career spring cleaning – throw out old mind sets about work and career and keep a fresh and open perspective about your job, who you’re working for and where you might like to work in the future.

Win a Color Printer

This comes under the heading: better late than never.

If you’re the kind of person who likes contests and could use a new Kodak Easy Share All-in-One Color printer read on.

The ladies over at Two Moms in a Blog are sponsoring a contest to win this great printer. Most of the activities took place in November but there are still a few activities still open so enter now to improve your chances of winning.

30-Day Challenge

This website is all about supporting women who choose to adopt the “new urbanism” approach to living healthy and productive lives in community with those who mean the most to us.  We’re changing our communities and today’s wired world helps us to do just that with fantastic communication tools like blogging.   In this spirit of conversation and community I’ve joined a 30-day blogging challenge! 

While this is like most challenges (designed to keep participants on task) I think it’s a great opportunity for you to meet some other moms with different insights and interests who also blog and maintain websites that you might like to visit.  The women involved in this challenge are women I’ve come to know through a wonderful business networking organization called Mom Masterminds (see button on the left).  These innovative moms are working women and entrepreneurs just like so many of you who visit this site.   I’m happy to list them here for your convenience and reading pleasure.

Crystal Misener of Happy Mommy Thoughts 

Jenni Hunt of Snacks For Toddlers Diana of The Cravings Coach 

Kristine McKinley of Financial Tips For WAHMs Marie Ynami of Mommy Community 

Courtney of Mom Needs A Clone Carrie Lauth with her own Carrie Lauth blog 

Casual Friday Every Day

Many thanks to Crystal Misener for getting us into shape!

Local Networking Key to Success

One of the key challenges for new business owners and job hunters alike is to find effective ways to meet prospective clients or employers. This can be a tall order for moms who have to squeeze this into a day already filled with existing work projects, family priorities and life’s daily surprises!

If you’ve just started your home business your top objective is to get business ASAP so you’ll want to start promoting your services or products to your target prospects. If you are looking for a new job perhaps closer to home and family, your chances will improve if you can find venues where you can meet prospective new employers in your community. [Read more]

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