Sweet Tater Momma: March 2010

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

On My Own

I have been working as a contractor for approximately 18 months now and my contract will be ending June 30th. It's funny how in life things seem to happen for a reason... one that is typically not clear at the time.

In May 2008, I was laid off from my job - from an employer that I had served for eight years. I was devastated. I was tired. I was unsure of what to do next. But after eight amazing years of learning so many aspects of business, working very hard and lots of stress, it was time to move on. I knew that. But it did not make it any easier.

I was glad for the break and started talking with my network about possibilities - doing my own thing or other full-time opportunities. I ended up passing on a full-time offer to take a consulting opportunity. My parents thought I was crazy. But it turned into the best thing for me.

Strangely enough, a few hours after my decision and official acceptance, I discovered I was pregnant. I was shocked. Excited! Uncertain of my future. And so many other things. This was the first time in my working life that I did not have my own benefits (maternity leave) or idea of where I might be working, how I would be contributing to our family, etc.

Fortunately, the gig extended and extended. And I was able to work from home. Over time, we traded 35-40 hour work weeks for 20-30 hour work weeks. I don't think I would have made it through the pregnancy or the first year - much less gotten pregnant - if I had continued at my previous job.

So things worked out.

Now, as I am nearing another turning point, I am again considering where to look. I have been debating continuing as a consultant for almost two years now and am moving forward to make my own company official. Why not? I have my own insurance policies and OSHA poster.

What I want to do are the following:
- help startups and/or small businesses develop business plans, growth strategies, determine where to focus and implement marketing plans.
- work with professional services firms (technology and/or marketing agencies) to help their customers. So for example, create end user or customer adoption plans for technology firm customers or branding and marketing plans for technology customers of marketing firms.

What I am working on is a business name. I read a blog post by Seth Godin (marketing genius) this morning on naming a business that was helpful. But I am posing the questions to you (if you made it this far). What makes a good business name? Any recommendations?

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Congratulations!

Two of our friends have just accomplished BIG things, and we are so excited for them.

My long-time best friend is a very talented story teller and writer. She LOVES to read and write, and it has been a long-time dream of hers to be published. And she can now proudly say she has accomplished that dream. Alice has been published in book entitled When One Door Closes: Reflections from Women on Life's Turning Points. It is a collection of stories by various contributors, and Alice's story is about saying goodbye to her best friend, Kelly Hinesley, after a battle with cancer.

And... long-time friend and Finn's mom, Andrea, also announced this week that she is beginning a new endeavor. She is starting a new site for families, entitled Family Friendly Atlanta. She has spent a lot of time uncovering interesting ways and places to enjoy the family friendly side of what Atlanta has to offer and is going to share that. What could be better than a one stop shop for family friendly ideas for rain or shine? I am so glad she has decided to make the leap and who know where it will take her? Be sure to check it out and to become a fan of Family Friendly Atlanta on Facebook.