The Boss Mom Podcast

Welcome to the Boss Mom podcast! Today Dana and NJ are bringing you 30 jam packed minutes about business and life- this episode is full of pop culture references and they couldn't stop laughing. We hope you have as much fun listening as we did recording. Let's dive right in. Listen to the podcast: Subscribe to the Boss Mom podcast on iTunes. In this episode we talk about: East Cost vs West Coast jazz hands Why NJ doesn't understand the current lingo What NJ has to say about 50 Shades of Grey Why it is important to think about your business cycle in seasons. Season of uncertainty and how to handle things when there is something out of your control. A defining moment in Dana's life. Why it matters to work with people you enjoy. Pop culture party hour references (affiliate links present) Bring It On Mary Katherine Gallagher Buzz Feed Grandmas read 50 Shades Of Grey Robin Hood Prince Of Thieves The Flash Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris The Muppets on primetime Friday Night Lights Dr. Horrible Sing Along Blog Gilmore Girls Can I quote you on that? What is a bae? -NJ I feel like I'm on one of those Buzz Feed grandmas. -NJ I need to not be in public while I'm reading this. - Dana We do not endorse non consensual reading. We do not endorse it. NJ Is there a happy medium where you can be consensually manipulative? - Dana Everything on my plate has a deadline for a reason. I have to push because it would cost me money and stress to move those dates. - Dana I have a hard time not working. - Dana I'm finishing up a season of striving and stretching to get all of my responsibilities done and get my home unpacked so my family feels cozy and settled in their new space. - NJ I had an idea of what was going to happen, but there were some things out of my control. I could see most of the big picture, but there were four puzzle pieces out of my control I had no choice but to wait and see. - NJ If it isn't working, stop and reassess to see if you need to try something new. - Dana If you are in a season of waiting, my best advice is to hold your cards really close. Find a few people to you really trust and tell them what is going on. It just feels better to let it out. - NJ Amazing things can happen just by letting it out. - Dana I do think you're crazy, but I'm crazy about you. - NJ I don't know why Frozen is like crack for kids. - Dana I can't carry a tune in a bucket, but I don't care. I'm owning my biscuits. -NJ Grandma thinks that they've ripened very well. -NJ I have a secret crush on The Flash. - Dana I hustle hard. 90% of the time, I'm hustling hard- either for my clients or my kids. -NJ Boss Moms... we work hard, we hustle hard, and I think we should get to play hard too. - NJ I heart your face, all the heart eyes. NJ

Bev Feldman is creative entrepreneur and a stay-at-home mom to one very adorable (and energetic) toddler. When she's not chasing after her daughter at playgrounds and storytimes, she can be found managing her jewelry business and blogging about creativity, motherhood, and all things handmade at Linkouture: Musings on the Creative Side of Life. Bev and Dana talk in this episode about finding creativity and why it is important for moms to carve out space for themselves. They also chat about something most all of us need more help with- time management. Let's dive right in, shall we? Oh! And make sure you listen through to the end of the show. Dana is sharing an extra dose of wisdom about Boss Mom life in this episode! Listen to the audio: Subscribe to the Boss Mom podcast in iTunes. In this episode you'll hear: How Bev developed and carved out time to write her e-book. What creativity is and why it is important to make time for it. How Bev balances being a stay at home mom and a creative entrepreneur. Bev's time management tips and why she works in chunks. Bev's biggest challenge as a work at home mom and business owner and what she's doing to over come it. Bev's grass roots marketing plan for her book launch. Bev's number one tip to find creativity in your life. Can I quote you on that? I want to inspire other moms to live creatively.... and to not feel guilty for wanting to do that. - Bev A happy mom = a happy family. - Bev As moms, we give and we give, but we need to make sure to find time for ourselves. - Dana I'll admit, my house gets messy sometimes. I treat my daughter's nap time as work time and I act as if I was working.... not cleaning the house because I wouldn't be home. - Bev I've given myself permission to take breaks from work. - Bev Recommended resources, links, and books (affiliate links may be present): Bev's e-book: Creativity for Moms Bev's guest post for the Boss Mom blog: 4 Tactics That Helped Me Write My E-Book So I Could Teach Busy Moms How To Be More Creative. The pomodoro technique for time management. Evernote Connect with Bev: Visit Bev's online space: Linkouture: Musings on the Creative Side of Life. Bev currently has a giveaway happening on her blog, in celebration of her book launch. Head here to check it out! Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Periscope How do you connect with your creativity? Answer in the comments below, or connect with Dana on Instagram to continue the discussion there.

Rach Wheatley is business consultant and coach, speaker and blogger. She’s a proud mum and wife who juggles day care drop offs, collecting pretty things and getting sweaty via a range of fun/crazy fitness adventures. She thrives on hearing women’s stories and helping them create a new story for their future that it meaningful, peaceful and happy. Project: Breathe is home to her blog, consultation, workshops and shop, all of which are designed lovingly to help women go from ‘pie in the sky’ dream stage to ‘wow this business is actually happening’ stage. Rach’s unique style blends emotional support with practical tools leaving clients feeling empowered to move into a new phase of their lives. This podcast with Rach is a great listen with lots of amazing advice about finding your why and intention setting.. Let’s dive in, shall we? Listen to the audio: Subscribe to the Boss Mom podcast in iTunes: In this episode you’ll hear: Rach’s journey from working in management to working for herself, and how motherhood influenced her decision to become an entrepreneur. How working with the wrong business coach helped Rach plan the right course for her business and following her passion. What being heart-centered is and why it is important to being in business for yourself and being a mother. Why having vision and purpose is powerful. Why uncovering your “why” is hard (but important) work and why it is worth it. Rach’s intention setting method, how it differs from goal setting and the impact it has on Rach’s business and personal life. Why we need to practice the art of self compassion. How having a mantra can slay the feeling of guilt. Can I quote you on that? After becoming a mum (and taking 12 months off to be home with my son), I tried looking for a job the conventional way and found that no one wanted me. That was really really hard. - Rach I said to myself, “When I was pregnant, I knew I didn’t want to go back to my old career, so why was I even trying?” - Rach I stopped, and had a really good think about what I really wanted and what my purpose actually was. - Rach I realized, I could be a mum and have the type of business that was meaningful to me without compromising either. -Rach When you know what is important to you, you can build your business to support that kind of life.- Dana Women are getting this message that they have to do things this normal traditional way, or else this (business) isn’t going to work. And it just increases that mother’s guilt that we’re already feeling….. I really wanted to be that person that says to them, we can work through this. You can work it out and you can have both. - Rach There is plenty of judgement out there- we don’t need to be putting it on ourselves and each other. - Rach We just have to figure out what is your vision and what is your purpose and how can we put that into your everyday. -Rach We can make business decisions with our intentions in mind. - Rach The biggest tip I can give for intention setting is to have self compassion, you have to as compassionate to yourself as you are to your kids or anyone else. The intention setting has taken the guilt out of being a mother and an entrepreneur (I used to feel guilty for spending time on one or the other). There is no place for guilt because I’m focusing my feelings, thoughts, and energy on other more positive emotions. -Rach I’m going to give myself permission to change my mind, if that’s the best decision for my business and family. - Dana Recommended resources, links, and books (affiliate links present): Rach’s free Intention Setting worksheets The Law Of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson Connect with Rach: Visit Rach’s website. Rach has current availability for four Boss Mom's to have a Purpose Strategy Session with her for AU$99.00. In this session you’ll clarify purpose, set goals and create focus. Must book prior to October 23. Details at http://www.projectbreathe.co/purpose-strategy-session/ Rach on Periscope: @WheatleyRach Website / Twitter / Instagram What intention will you set for today? Answer in the comments below, or connect with Dana on Instagram to continue the discussion there.

Autumn Witt Boyd is a lawyer who helps creative entrepreneurs who grow their business. She helps her clients develop air tight custom contracts that you can actually understand and protect the business they’ve worked so hard to build. She’s got over 11 years of experience as a business lawyer and has experience protecting intellectual property through copyrights and trademarks. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her twin sons (who are 4) and her husband. We are really excited to bring this interview to you today, because Autumn shares some amazing nuggets of awesomeness. Let’s dive right in! Listen to the audio: [smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/bossmom/EPISODE8-AutumnBoyd.mp3" title="How to Protect What You Love: Business, Contacts, Copyright, and Family with Autumn Boyd] Subscribe to the Boss Mom Podcast in iTunes. In this episode you’ll hear: Autumn’s journey from working as a corporate lawyer who traveled frequently to becoming an entrepreneur and how her husband influenced the switch. How Autumn’s business found success quickly, even though she didn’t bring any clients with her when she left her law firm. Why Facebook groups are a powerful marketing tool. Why it is okay if your target market and ideal client evolves over time. What the some of the biggest assets for a creative entrepreneur are and an easy way to protect them. How to navigate contracts when you’re working with friends or people you trust. Why it is important to put downtime on your schedule. Can I quote you on that? Going out on my own as an entrepreneur was challenging, scary, and exciting all at the same time. I had a well paying job and even though I was unhappy, I thought to myself that this is as good as it gets. As it turns it, it wasn’t as good as it gets. I went to a ton of networking events, but no one hired me…...I realized that they were not my people. If you think about your ideal client, it should be someone you want to have a relationship with- it’s easy to engage with them. Having a well prepared contract will protect you from having a client who decides decides half way through the project they’re not happy with you and they’re not going to finish paying you for what you’ve done. All business is about relationships but in the end, it’s just business. And people will do things that you would have never imagined they’d do. You’ve got to look out for yourself, no one else is going to. Contracts are great for both sides. It tells both parties, these are the rules of the game and this is how we’re going to conduct our relationship. Recommended Resources, Links, & Books: Being Boss Podcast Autumn’s freebie available for download: Answers to your top 10 copyright and trademark questions. To access this, head on over to her website! Connect with Autumn: Autumn offers affordable contract templates at her website, “Contracts keep things from going wrong in your business. They lay out all the terms and expectations of the parties, such as what you’re doing to deliver, and how much you’re going to be paid for it. In a nutshell, contracts protect you, your business, and your sanity. My contract templates are sent to you in Word format so that you can fully customize them. No more waking up in a cold sweat worrying about misunderstandings, when you’ll get paid, or whether you'll be sued.”Website / Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn What is the number one thing that’s valuable in your business that you want to protect? Share with us on instagram by commenting @danamalstaff .

We are so excited about today's podcast guest, Kelsey Murphy. Kelsey is a certified Career & Life Coach, and the founder of Whiskey & Work, a global community of women created to inform and inspire while injecting a little bit of purpose, adventure and humor along the way. Previous Advertising Director for Nintendo and Elizabeth Arden, turned career coach and personal development workshop facilitator - Kelsey specializes in career transition, relationship communication, conflict resolution and is certified through the International Coaching Federation in personal & business coaching. She has been featured as an expert, speaker, and writer for Forbes’ top ranked career site, The Daily Muse, Living Healthy Magazine, SheKnows, and UCSD Rady School of Management. On her other business card it might say snowboarder, eater, dreamer and fresh-air-addict. Kelsey and Dana are friends and collaborators in real life, and we're pleased as punch to welcome her today! In this episode you’ll hear: How Kelsey made the transition from working full time to working for herself by being brave in the small moments. Kelsey talk about her breaking point and the decision to pursue her passion. How Kelsey found her passion and how her husband helped her. The value of freedom and flexibility in work and life and how Kelsy is positioning her life and business for motherhood. Kelsey's unconventional vacation and travel style. Why Dana thinks Kelsey should wear a ninja outfit and about Kelsey’s 30 day passion challenge. How passion and curiosity go hand in hand. The artists and entrepreneurs that inspired Kelsey's business Can I quote you on that? One night, after a long draining day in the office and a few too many tears, I just decided that I had to listen to my gut, and find the courage to go after what I really wanted. I had no idea what the next step was, but I found very small moments in my day and week and month to really start listening to what I really wanted to do and exploring it. It really was a journey of exploration. Before I knew it, those small moments started to gain momentum and turn into really big ones. Be brave, have courage in the small moments. That is going to make a difference. It wasn’t these big giant moments, it was small small moments of courage. You can’t just find your passion, it’s not like a random needle in a haystack. It is about deciding you want to be more passionate about life. PERIOD. You want to laugh more, you want to feel more, you want to get lost in something more. You have to decide you want to go out and create it. You have to discover and create it and the best way to do that is by dedicating a tiny bit of time a day to really focus on something you think you’ll love. Before you can go out and find your passion, you first need to go out and find your curiosity and live a bit more curiously. Its not always about reaching a goal, its often about doing something you’ve always wanted to do or be someone you’ve always wanted to be. Resources mentioned (affiliate links present): Danielle Laporte: Desire Map Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon Marie Forleo Gabby Bernstein Connect with Kelsey: Kelsey's website. Kelsey on Periscope: @KelseyMurphy Whiskey And Work:, a free community for women who wanting to work to balance their life in a meaningful way. Align Workshop: It’s a time for likeminded women, with more passion than time to discuss some of the most important issues that often times get swept under our proverbial rug. Issues that can seem unrelated (jobs, love, life) but are actually all linked by how we view ourselves, make decisions, communicate with one another and most importantly – evaluate and interpret life’s realities, big and small. (copy source from Kelsey's website). What emotion do you want to feel more of? Share with us on instagram by commenting @danamalstaff

This episode of the Boss Mom Podcast features NJ Rongner. NJ is part of the Boss Mom team and also works as a blogger and freelance writer. She's super intentional about carving out family time and making her minutes matter. In this episode you'll hear: The reason why NJ made a family mission statement and how she uses it. How NJ's family mission statement convicts her everyday and helps her become a better mom. Why Dana doesn't keep her work email on her phone. Why saying no really means saying yes. What happened when NJ said no to her someone who wasn't an ideal client and industry. What happens when you switch the word have to with the word get to. The rhythm NJ's family follows based on the different seasons and why it works for them. Three things NJ's loving: Dino's Pizza joint- a place that has both cheese pizza (for the kids) and chicken tikka masala. The This Is My Fave community on Instagram. Instagram link here. Email sign up here. New England in the fall. Can I quote you on that? "When you've got a million things going on, a family mission statement will help you make quick decisions." "My work time is my work time and my family time is my family time." "My blanket decision for everything is no. Straight off the board, no. It's so much easier to change a no into a yes than a yes into a no." "When you are really careful with your ideal client and you turn down the ones who aren't your ideal client, the right ones will come as long as you're putting out the right product for your ideal client." "I want my kids to live in that sweet spot where their passions and talent intersect. And the only way I know how to make that happen is to model it myself." "If I want my kid to live a life where they're passionate about their work, I have to find my passion for work and live it." "As boss moms, it is really important to think about the things that make us happy and do them. Because, when we have our feet planted firmly in both worlds, there are a million demands coming at us from all the fronts. So make time and space that's just for you. When you take a little time for self care, you'll carry it over and will be able to be a better boss and a better mom. "It's okay that something that worked for you for a season doesn't work for you anymore because you've grown and changed into a new season." Links: On Work Life Balance and the Family Mission Statement where NJ expands upon the idea of the family mission statement and has five questions to help you craft your own. Expand Your Reach podcast where Dana & NJ chat about social media and life. Connect with NJ: Blog: A Cookie Before Dinner Instagram is my jam: @acookieb4dinner The next time you say no, what are you actually saying yes to?

Hey there passionate moms and passionate entrepreneurs. Welcome to Episode 3 of the Boss Mom podcast. I don't know about you, but I get exhausted with all of the decisions I have to make each day between my business and my family; sometimes it can be overwhelming. Over the years I have discovered a few things that can help battle what I like to call decision fatigue, and I wanted to share them with you in today's episode. Listen to the audio... [smart_track_player url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/bossmom/EPISODE_003_Decision_Fatigue.mp3" title="EPISODE 003: How to Battle Decision Fatigue"] Subscribe to podcast in iTunes There are two types of decision fatigue that I want to talk about today. The first, is when there are just too many options. Think of all those times you are trying to find the right tool for your business or family. There are so many options, and maybe you have felt bogged down, frustrated, or overwhelmed. I mean, you don't have enough time in the first place to go and research every single option out there, right? The second type is when you have too many different decisions to make throughout the day. We make tons of subconscious choices each day, but these are the choices that you consciously make, and then worry about later. Now there is one thing that can really help battle both of these...and it's a good strategy. Having a clear strategy for your business, and family, will not only make decision making easier, but it can really how much time and effort you're putting into each decision that you have to make moving forward. Here's some of the ways to help you create a good business strategy: First, is to really know your purpose or what is commonly referred to as these days is your "why". What is it that you want to achieve? What is it that you're really trying to change in the world? How does this help battle decision fatigue? Because, when you know why it is you're doing what you're doing, all of a sudden, making decisions becomes so much easier. Now you are able to use your 'why'' as a sounding board to make sure your decision really aligns with what you're trying to accomplish? Second, is set priorities. A lot of times we have decision fatigue because we have shiny object syndrome. There's so many cool new things coming out, so many new courses, so many new people to follow, so many social media platforms we should be on. Then, all of a sudden you can't decide what to do, because you have your hands in so many pots that it's really tough to know which ones to continue. How does this help battle decision fatigue? Well, when you are super clear on your main priorities to grow your business, it becomes easier to stop yourself from trying to make too many decisions on things that don't actually get you to your goal. Basically, it becomes easier to just say no, and not feel bad. Third, is to create a schedule. When you are thinking about creating your schedule, think about what items are prerequisites of others. So, what do you have to do now, before you can do the next thing? How does this help battle decision fatigue? When you consider the elements of your day, week, month, that have to get done first in order for other things to happen, then you are making sure that you stay on schedule AND not wasting time or money by not fully utilizing your resources. You are also able to limit the number of larger decisions that need to be made each day, which can really help cut down on your decision fatigue. Here are some things you can do to help eliminate that decision fatigue when it comes to making a decision with just too many options. Set a time limit of how long you're going to allow yourself to research that particular tool, or resource. Know who your influencers are and then listen to their preferences and let them, well, influence you. List what you need. Why do you need this tool? What do you need it for? The more details the better. Make the best decision you can in the time you've given yourself, and then act. And that is how I deal with decision fatigue. I would love to hear how you deal with decision fatigue. Share in the comments below.

Hey there Boss Moms and passionate entrepreneurs. Welcome to Episode 2 of the Boss Mom podcast. I'm really excited to talk about this topic today, because I don't think it gets talked about it enough, and I don't think we give to ourselves enough as mothers and as business owners. In EPISODE 1 we talked with Adria DeCorte about how to make healthy eating part of our hustle, so going along with the same idea that we should take care of ourselves, I wanted to share four things that I do just for me, that I believe help me run a better business and family. I think that it's really important to do things for ourselves, because a lot of times we think that if we can just do everything then we'll be that super mom or superwoman that we so desire to be. We seem to want to show that we can be strong and manage everything, but when you try to do everything, you really can't be great at anything, right? It's sort of that jack of all trades but a master of none idea, and we want to be really good at running our business and really good at raising our family. So, here are four things that really, I think, help me be a better person, just in general, but ultimately run a better business and raise a better family. I buy myself flowers every week. Yep I buy myself flowers, and yes, I do believe it helps me raise a better family and business. I'm actually usually a big believer in not spending a lot of money on flowers because they die, right? I've always had that mentality. I tell my husband, "No need to get me flowers, because what's the point. I would rather get something that lasts longer." But when I really stop and think about it, there is something about bringing life into your home.So, every week I make it a point to go buy a couple of flowers, and bring them into your office, and other high stress areas like the kitchen. The flowers allow me to see something beautiful, to be reminded that there is this amazing beautiful life, that it smells beautiful, that it's feminine, that it's lovely and elegant. And, let me tell you, for anybody who has got an infant or a toddler, and is trying to grow a business, you don't always feel feminine. We don't always feel elegant, and beautiful and lovely. Sometimes that's hard to achieve.When you buy yourself flowers, even one flower, to put into your office or to put into the place you spend a lot of time, it will help bring this calm to your life. To remind you how much calm and beauty there is in the world even in moments of total stress and anxiety. In it's simplicity you are able to take just a moment and recognize this beauty, this elegance, this loveliness, this breath of fresh air that is in the world. Now, I am not saying you don't get those moments from your family and business too, but sometimes it is important to see the world outside of family and work. So, number one, get yourself some flowers, and don't let them die and then have these withered flowers in your office, or in your kitchen, or wherever you have them. You can spend a couple of bucks and go and get something, and it is absolutely worth it. Make that couple bucks apart of your budget every week, because I will tell you, it will help you to be a happier person. If you are near a Trader Joe's they have the best priced flowers around. I just got these beautiful six roses, beautiful pink roses, for $3.99. So, you can absolutely get flowers without breaking the bank. And you don't have to get a ton. I actually only get a little bit. I have a couple in the kitchen and a couple in my office. Shower and look your best at least once a week. If you work at home, whether you have kids with you or not, we often don't take the time to 'get ready' for work. I bet you cannot tell me that you don't get up half the time, not shower, and keep your pajamas on. We wear that as a badge of pride, because, "Hey, that's why I run my own business, so I don't have to get up and shower and put make-up on and look great." And I absolutely agree. There are those wonderful times that I can get up and get something done without having to take the time to make myself look "presentable", and that's part of why we started a business, right?However, if you don't take the time, especially if you have kids, and especially if you have small kids, you have to make it a part of your weekly plan. You have to find the time. You have to give yourself the time to 'get ready'. It doesn't have to be a lot if you don't wear a lot of make-up, or dress-up a lot, that's ok. Do whatever it is that you would normally do to feel pretty, and I don't mean this to say, "Hey, we have to superficially care what we look like, because that is really important." I mean, YOU feel like YOU look pretty. Who cares what anyone else thinks? I mean, you look in the mirror, and you say, "Wow. I'm not just a mom right now. I'm not just a business owner who's scrambling to get a million things done. I didn't just get spit-up on an hour ago. I am a woman. I'm a woman who deserves to feel beautiful and feminine." So go get yourself ready at least once a week (I shoot for 3) and strut your stuff, even if it's just to the grocery store. Make sure you stretch. Now, of course we all need to exercise, but I'm not talking about exercise to help you lose weight, I'm talking about stretching. It should be a daily part of your life, even if just for a few minutes. We sit and look at a computer, or we standing all day long and selling, or we're holding our children. A lot of times we go, "I'm fine. I'm not in pain. I'm totally good," but that's because you have lived with it so long, and it's been so gradual, that you just don't know what it feels like to feel great. Stretching will help. I like to stretch at odd moments of the day; like when I'm waiting for something to load, waiting for something to open, or waiting for something to happen in a conversation online. There are a lot of amazing stretches that you can do, you can look them up on Youtube and do the ones that work best for you. If you just do that a minute here and a minute there throughout the day it totally allows you to relax a bit more; it allows you to just feel good, and oh my gosh, we don't let ourselves feel good enough. Let yourself cry. Don't hold back from crying. I know there are tons of you Boss Moms out there just like me who say, "No, no, no, no, no. I am strong. I don't cry because of business. I don't let my kids get to me. I love everything about my life, and everything is amazing." I'm a huge proponent of proactive crying. Oh yeah, turn on something that makes you cry, and just proactively let it out. Or, if you don't want anybody to see, hop in the shower or the bath, but you need to let it out. There is something chemically and hormonally important to allowing yourself to cry, and if you don't, your business will begin to see that. You will have a harder time not getting frustrated, not getting stressed out, with your business and your kids. You know, the things that used to not bother you so much begin to bother you, because you are bottling it up until something explodes. And when that happens we tend to say things we regret. So let yourself cry. It's not about being weak. It's actually about loving yourself and giving yourself permission to be vulnerable. We need to; our bodies need to; everybody needs to. The key is to let yourself cry, and then afterward, recognize that this is just a bad day, tomorrow will be better. And remember that if you don't don't cry today, then tomorrow will be another bad day, and you can't afford to have any more bad days then you need, right? We don't have time for that, but when you cry you shorten those bad days, because crying is a relief, it's this amazing relief, and you need to let yourself do it. Ok, so those are the four things that I do just for me that I believe help me run a better business and a family.