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

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.  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.  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.