QuickBooks Online for beginners (Part 1 of 2)

  This week’s “Ask the Mompreneur” features an interview with Kimberly Gervase, owner of So Snaps , an innovative hair and clothing accessory company.   Ask the Mompreneur:   You’ve been using QuickBooks for several years to manage multiple companies and to successfully partner with your accountant at tax time.  I know you switched to the Online version a couple of year ago and wanted to know if you would recommend it to ...

Building Your Business

Building Your Business: Give website a checkup periodically

When was the last time you gauged the overall health of your business website? If it's been a while, you're not alone.

3 ways to eat for energy

  This week’s “Ask the Mompreneur” features an interview with Lisa Woodie, owner and chef at Homemade Fresh , an in-home meal preparation service located in Charlotte , NC.   Ask the Mompreneur:   I run a growing business and a busy household and don’t always have time to eat.  There are days when I suddenly realize I’m starving and exhausted!  What advice do you have for mompreneurs like me?   ...

Do you need a virtual assistant?

This week’s “Ask the Mompreneur” features an interview with Nina Feldman of Nina Feldman Connections , a provider of freelance services for small businesses and individuals.   Ask the Mompreneur:   One of my friends recommended that I look into using a virtual assistant (VA) for my growing small business.  She has been using one for years and finds the service to be indispensable.  What advice can you offer on getting sta...

3 green business ideas

  This week’s “Ask the Mompreneur” features an interview with Amy Malloy of Everblue , an environmental training company .   Ask the Mompreneur:   There’s been a tremendous amount of buzz about “green jobs” and building a “green economy.”  What kind of environmental business opportunities should entrepreneurs consider?   Amy Malloy:   Entrepreneurs of all kin...

Building Your Business

It pays to do what's natural

Some entrepreneurs are awkward inventors, others are aggressive MBAs. Some start a business to escape corporate life; others dream of their IPO. There are as many paths to business success as there are dreamers blazing their own trail, and yet it is always tempting to read about how someone else got there.

Business inspiration from the new school year

School is starting and students at all levels are strapping on new backpacks and tromping off towards another year of firsts.  Parent or not, you can feel the shift in the air and in the traffic patterns around town.   No matter when you start your fiscal year, the school year is wired into all of us as an exciting time filled with promise.  Here are some ways to tap into that inspiration as entrepreneurs and business owners.   Freshen up your l...

Building Your Business

Before you delegate job, take time to teach skills

Do you want it fast, or do you want it good? I'm not talking about pizza; I'm talking about delegating.

3 Tips to Protect Your Kid's Inheritance Online

  This week’s “Ask the Mompreneur” features an interview with Chris Jensen, CEO of the online document storage company VaultWorthy.   Ask the Mompreneur:   I manage all my assets online these days. Between online banking and electronic 401(k) statements, how can I make sure everything will be handed down properly should anything happen to me?   Chris Jensen:   With multiple online accounts and...

Facebook for business in 4 steps

  Yesterday I took part in the Facebook Small Business Boost event in Charlotte, along with scores of other small business owners and social media types.  The event was hosted by Extravaganza Depot , where we gathered to hear the presentation, “How to use Facebook to promote your small business.”  This unique opportunity to learn “from the horse’s mouth” was put on in partnership with the DNC Host Committee and the Charlotte Chamber . ...