In The Spotlight

Mom in Management

January 9, 2011 By Splitcydotcom 1 Comment

Blogger Name:Daria

Blog Name:Mom in Management

Tag Line:From the Boardroom to the Classroom – Leadership, Savings, and Family Tips.plus a few Deals!

Website:http://mominmanagement.com

Facebook (like page):http://www.facebook.com/mominmanagement

Twitter: @mominmanagement

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1.Daria, how long have you been blogging & why did you begin your blogging venture?
I started blogging in August of 2010. I love to discuss and debate ideas.Â I wanted a blog to discuss various work issues that have been popping up now that I am in a leadership position, to get others perspectives on decisions and conflicts we are facing with staff, and to connect with new ideas outside of my familiar circle.I was also adjusting to having my husband be a stay at home dad and the challenges that poses to our marriage and parenting and was looking for an outlet for those feelings and some feedback from others on how they’ve successfully navigated this road.

2.What can your readers expect when they visit Mom in Management?

They can expect a very open discussion that welcomes conflicting viewpoints.They can also expect some pretty vulnerable topics (finances, parenting, weight, marriage) – pretty much any issue that affects a working parent (especially mom) will get air time at some point on Mom in Management.My kids funny pictures will appear at least once a week and will be followed shortly before or after with a discussion on the Myers Briggs personality type, executive image or some other very professional topic. It is a definite medley of interests with the common theme being working parent.

3. Daria, you share savings tips on Mom in Management as well as many other helpful topics. Could you share one of those topics with us?

We make a concerted effort to live within our means.We do have a mortgage, but that is our only debt. I have learned that some of the financial things we do and take for granted are not common knowledge and are helpful to others.I share some of those *money smart* tips. Recently, our family has had to adjust to a single income budget.I am fortunate to make a good income, but being aware and managing
our finances is even more important than it has been previously. Couponing, sales, and deals are always fun to find and I share them when I think they are worthwhile.

Saving and money management is actually of such interest that I am launching a new site which will solely focus on personal finance.I hope to have it ready by February 2011.It is called SavingToBeRich.com.

4. Which social networks do you use to promote Mom in Management & why?

Twitter, Facebook, Blogfrog, Moms Who Blog, and Bloggy Moms I started using Twitter at the same time that I started my blog and love it. I really like the community and friends that I’ve *met* online and find that Twitter is a great way to reach a lot of people easily.I also have a Mom in Management Facebook page.Â I think that Facebook is becoming more and more prevalent and is especially popular with people that are in my demographic/generation and relate to the topics I discuss on Mom in Management. Blogfrog is a newer system that is popular with bloggers and helps connect supportive bloggers to Mom in Management – the same with Moms Who Blog and Bloggy Moms.Having a support group that comments and re-tweets or refers to my posts is great and these three networks help me connect with those other bloggers.

5. As a career Mom, how do you manage blogging & your career? Also, what management tips can you share with other career moms who blog?

When I first started blogging, I was so incredibly excited about it that I was staying up until 1 and 2 am writing, networking, creating the site graphics, etc. However, as I’ve settled into a sustainable pattern, I’ve had to find a better arrangement to balance work, family, and blogging. I have started going to work an hour early and writing for that first hour. It is quiet, the kids aren’t there and I can get a lot accomplished. I also spend a few hours a couple of nights a week and on the weekends commenting on other blogs, writing articles, and catching up. I have found a few things that help me balance:

I have no blogging nights where I leave my computer at work and promise myself not to write at all that night no iPad or home computer. Just family.It helps if I have an activity.Sometimes we play cards or bake or do a craft, but it is family time.

The editorial calendar helps me plan out posts in advance and then I have a few days that I don’t have to worry about writing.Then if I actually have time to write, I can get ahead for the following week rather than trying to play catch up.
I forgive myself if I don’t post for a couple of days. It isn’t the greatest, but this blog is for me after all, not as another source of obligation or guilt.I have plenty of energy drains, when blogging becomes one, I will stop blogging. I blog for catharsis, for synergy with others, for encouragement and community, and for me.When it is taking more than it is giving then it is time to give it up.
If I don’t have time to blog or am stymied, I will post a recipe or picture post or my favorite poem or book.It doesn’t have to be an in depth, heart to heart post, to be interesting to others.Don’t forget your readers like to know you as a person so they like to see pictures of you and your family. It helps them connect and gives you an easy post.

6. What can we expect to see from Mom in Management this upcoming year?

We are in the middle of my first collaborative Series.The topic is Executive Image and 6 women, plus me, are taking turns posting about the Secrets of Executive Image. The first 3 posts have been published and have been a huge success and have really spurred some great discussions and advice. Each Monday a new post comes out, on a different blog, through the end of January.This series has been so exciting! I expect to extend the Management Monday tips through 2011 and also to launch more Series of this nature. In 2011, I also plan to have more reviews and giveaways. Although I did have two Vera Bradley purse giveaways in 2010, I’d like to reward my readers more often and am looking for opportunities to partner with companies to be able to give more. I am planning on attending BlogHer 11 and think a lot of great things will come from it.
7. Can you share some words of encouragement for other Moms in Management?

You are a SUPER woman, but don’t need to save the world to earn the title. I often find that women try to be everything to everyone and then feel guilty when we don’t live up to our own expectations of ourselves.I certainly have been guilty of this and it is a very defeating cycle.We set ourselves up for failure when we succumb to feeling we need to put everyone else ahead of ourselves in order to earn our Superhero status.I know that you can do it all, but don’t forget to take care of you while you’re at it. Me time is crucial to help you re energize so you can give your best at work and at home. Keep your chin up, know your own worth, and stand up for yourself just as vigorously as you do for your kids or your staff.You ARE a Super Woman and don’t let anyone (including yourself) tell you otherwise.

Filed Under: Bloggers, In The Spotlight, Personal, Professionals

Mommy Reporter

November 29, 2010 By Splitcydotcom Leave a Comment

Blogger Name: DESIREE PEEPLES

Blog Name:MOMMY REPORTER

Tag line:NEWS MOMS CARE ABOUT

Website:http://www.mommyreporter.com

Facebook (like page):http://facebook.com/mommyreporter

Twitter:http://twitter.com/mommyreporter

1. Desiree, how long have you been blogging & why did you start?

I began blogging almost 2 years ago. I got laid off from my job as a News Reporter and still had the “ITCH” and the drive to continue doing news. I launched MOMMYREPORTER.COM as a way to cover the type of news stories that I believe Moms would be interested in. Now I post all types of articles related to anything and everything that Moms can relate to.

2.How did you decide on the blog name Mommy Reporter?

Since I am a Mom and a Reporter, I came up with the name “Mommy Reporter” as a way to describe both myself and my blog.Now, I seem to be known as “The Mommy Reporter” and it also allows me to establish myself as actively doing the two things I love: Being a Mom and being a Reporter.

3.Not only do you blog but you offer your readers pod casts, a weekly web show & more. Can you tell us a bit about that?

My love has always been broadcast. My Background is in radio so podcasting just seemed to be a natural fit.Since I enjoy video too, I thought it would be perfect to do a weekly Web TV Show as well.I actually enjoy doing video much more than I do just writing blog posts, but since I am a mom who works from home, I learned that it is much easier to just write than it is to shoot a video.A video takes planning and editing and that takes time.I can write a blog post anywhere at any time, so written posts are the majority of content that is on my blog.

4.Desiree you’re a single mom as well. What words of encouragement can you offer other single Mom Bloggers on balancing life & blogging?

I think being a single mom can be a blessing in so many ways.Even though it’s not easy, I’ve never had to argue with someone about discipline, school, etc.On the other hand, single Mommyhood is exhausting.It’s really important to develop a strong support system around you.My parents have been a tremendous help and I could not have made it without them. Also, accept the fact that life will never be the same as it was before you had children.This goes for married and single Mothers, but it seems more true for single Moms.And lastly, keep pursuing your dreams and making life better for you and your kids.Oh and pray too, lots of prayer will get you through anything!

5.Do you have a mentor in the blogosphere? If so, who?

I have had several mentors on my journey as a Social Media Mom. In many ways, I just followed certain people on the web and tried to model what they did in a way that worked for me and what I was doing. Some of the mentors I’ve had are Kelly McCausey, Jendi Pagano, Maria Bailey, Stephanie Piche, and Jennifer James. And remember too, that anyone can be your mentor.Just because you don’t know someone personally, does’t mean you can’t reach out and make a connection. I’m actively reaching out to several people right now because I really need to take my business to the next level.

6.What social networks do you use to promote Mommy Reporter & why?

I promote Mommy Reporter anywhere and everywhere.Whenever I can mention my blog or what I do, I make sure I do. Of course I use the common networks like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Linkedin, etc. But I also promote offline as well and that seems to be where I build the most loyal following.

7.You’ve attended some blog conferences this year. Which conference(s) did you attend & are you attending anymore before the year ends?

I only attended one conference so far this year, and that was Blogworld. Since I am a single mom, I choose not to travel or spend nights away from my son he’s still young so I don’t want to make things any harder for him than necessary. I attended Blogworld because it was in Las Vegas and I was living in Las Vegas at the time.

I plan on attending one more conference this year and that is The Lavish Experience here in Atlanta, Ga. It’s at the beginning of December and it should be a great event. The social media mom community in Atlanta is very active and much larger than Las Vegas. I’m really looking forward to meeting more moms and getting involved.

8.What can we expect for the Mommy Reporter in the upcoming year?

Look for lots more video next year. Since I will be done with school in March, I will have a lot more time to produce videos and improve my WebÂ TV Show. Also my podcast blog will start up again with new episodes and some surprise guests. And if things really go well, I am working on a book that Iwant to complete within the next six months. I may partner with some other Social Media Moms and put together a training class teaching people how to use video on their blogs or in their marketing strategy. I know it sounds like a lot, but when you are doing something you love, it feels like you just can’t do enough!

Filed Under: Bloggers, In The Spotlight, Personal

A Techy Mom’s Nerd Paradise

November 20, 2010 By Splitcydotcom Leave a Comment

Blogger Name: Kris Cain

Blog Site Name: A Techy Mom’s Nerd Paradise

Blog Site Address: http://littletechgirl.com

Twitter: @littletechgirl

Facebook Like page: http://www.facebook.com/littletechgirlcom

1.Kris how long have you been blogging & what can your readers expect when they visit your blog?

I have been blogging off and on for about 8 years actually. I’ve been doing it steadily for about the past 2 years. When visting my blog, readers can expect plenty of tech talk, reviews, tips and trick on web stuff, and plenty of shiny things (aka new gadgets).

2.You have been extremely effective in the blogosphere as it relates to getting the word out about products. Why do you think its important to offer quality reviews on products?

I think that consumers are more likely to listen to a friend or peer about the opinion on a product than a store rep. The store or company reps are out to sale the product. But the consumer is likely to give a true opinion on likes and dislikes.

3.Kris, you recently competed in the Mommy Blogger vs Foodie Blogger competition at The Kenmore Live Studio. How was that experience?

It was GREAT fun, even though I lost. I was really nervous, but after a quick glass of wine (LOL!!) I was able to stand up there without shaking too much. I have stood in front of crowds and spoke before, but something about COOKING (or pretending to cook) in front of them made me nervous.

4. Any conferences coming up that Bloggers should be informed of?

I am all conferenced out for this year. However, I will be speaking at the Child’s Play blogger brunch taking place during the Chicago Toy & Game Fair later this month. I don’t have to travel for that one! As for next year. I have no idea where I will end up yet. However bloggers can expect many conferences to happen again this year such as Blissdom, BlogHer, Type-A Mom, and Blogalicious to name a few. There are SO many conferences now. I cannot keep up with them all.

5.What Social Networks do you use to connect with your readers?

I love Twitter and Facebook. I have my blog setup to automatically tweet new posts. Posts also post to my main Facebook profile and my fan page. Even though there is potential on Twitter to get a lot of eyes on your content, I actually think Facebook has more staying power. Twitter moves FAST so your tweets can fly down the page before many people see it. But on Facebook, the post is a little more static and it is easier for readers to comment.

6.You contribute to a few other blogs/websites. Name those for us?

You know… funny that you ask. I was trying to do a bit of a cleanse and eliminate a couple of sites, but I don’t think that I did. LOL!! I am Family Technology editor on the Type-A Mom site although with all the recent travel and conferences I admit that I have neglected that one. Other sites that I write for or are in talks to write for include:

Technorati.com

BlogHer.com

Chicalogic.com

BitMoms.com

Examiner.com

That is actually not the whole list!! There are still a couple that I am on, but not writing for as often as I should. It is a lot, but I think that it is nice to help others sites get off their feet. It also gets your name out there, and shows people that you can be versatile.

I have a couple of my own sites on tap that I really need to finish that have been floating around in my head for a while. And they are on my business cards, so I guess I should finish them huh? If those take off I may have to reevaluate again and calm some things down.

Kris, to add to the list of your multiple talents, is photographer. You’re also the owner of Cain Creative Photography.

1.Tell us about Cain Creative Photography?

My photography biz still exists, but it’s not as active as it used to be. I do still love photography, but I recently decided to reevaluate my passion for photography and cut out a lot of things.

Website: http://caincreative.biz (Sadly outdated!)

2.Which local areas do you service?

I am all over the Chicago area.

3. What are some of the photos you enjoy capturing?

I really love doing portraits. Taking the time to pose and get some nice natural shots. I love outdoor shots, and candid happy shots.

4. Someone interested in services from Cain Creative Photography. How can they contact you?

The best thing to do is email me at kcain(at)caincreative(dot)biz

5.Lastly, what can we look forward to seeing in the near future from Little Tech Girl & Cain Creative Photography?

As I mentioned above I have a couple of things up my sleeves that will hopefully take shape soon and work out. One thing is that I plan to start doing social media training and services in the Chicago area for small business owners trying to make their way on the web. This includes promoting on Twitter, learning to use Facebook, or just setting up a website. I setup a few sites for people, but sometimes they fall by the wayside because once it’s setup, they don’t know what to do with it. I would like to prevent that from happening in the future. Having a great looking website is key. However, you need to know how to use it!