Graphic Credit: Green Daisy

I almost did not read Kim Lavine’s book Mommy Millionaire simply because of the name. I’m not a mommy and I found the rest of the title How I Turned My Kitchen Table Idea into a Million Dollars and How You Can, Too really annoying. Although I kept seeing the book everywhere, I resisted picking it up for months because I also assumed it was going to be another book filled with fluff and lies about how you can get rich quick by doing nothing. When I finally saw the book in the library, I relented only because I was not going to be spending money.

My assumptions about Kim Lavine’s book were completely unfounded. Mommy Millionaire will not fill your head with big dreams, but instead gives you a glimpse into the hard reality of starting a product-based business. And yes, Lavine walks readers through the basics of how she turned her kitchen table idea, a product called Wuvits, into a million dollars. I sincerely appreciate the fact that Mommy Millionaire does not lie and presents women entrepreneurs with the honest truth.

While this book is useful for any business owner, this is an especially good read for entrepreneurs who have or are thinking about starting a product-based business. From graphic design and product manufacturing to opening mall kiosks and knocking down doors at QVC, Lavine is a great resource for every category. She’ll walk you through the Do’s and Don’ts of cold calling and fill you in on everything you need to know about shipping. If you are thinking about selling your products at a trade show, read Mommy Millionaire before you go.

Kim Lavine lays out the small details, enabling you to learn from her mistakes. Reading this book could save your business and family thousands of dollars.

Because of Lavine’s great business insight jam-packed into this well-written book, I am adding this book to everyone’s business “Must Read” list. Do not let the name mislead you if you are not a mommy. I promise, you’ll Wuvit!

Buy it, keep it, and use it as a resource:

Check out other books recommended by Entrepreneur Goddess.

Visit Green Daisy for more information on Kim Lavine’s products.

Katie Skow
Entrepreneur Goddess
“Inside every woman is an entrepreneur”
www.entrepreneurgoddess.com

Entrepreneur Goddess Presents:

Photo Credit: Laurie Sandell

Someone forwarded me this BBC article and I just have to share. This is everything we can’t stand about offices and corporations all rolled into one article. If you ever had a coworker tell you, “back to the trenches” you know what I mean. Some of this annoying corporate jargon is sure to make it into a future remake of Office Space. Have fun with it, make a list of obnoxious corporate jargon banned in your small business, and send it to me. I’ll post it! Or, just be happy you work for yourself.

50 office-speak phrases you love to hate

I love to hate all of them, but here are some of my favorites:

“Until recently I had to suffer working for a manager who used phrases such as the idiotic I’ve got you in my radar in her speech, letters and e-mails. Once, when I mentioned problems with the phone system, she screamed ‘NO! You don’t have problems, you have challenges’. At which point I almost lost the will to live.”
Stephen Gradwick, Liverpool

“You can add challenge to the list. Problems are no longer considered problems, they have morphed into challenges.”
Irene MacIntyre, Courtenay, B

“Business talk 2.0 is maddening, meaningless, patronising and I despise it.”
Doug, London

“Capture your colleagues – make sure everyone attends that risk management workshop (compulsory common sense training for idiots).”
Anglowelsh, UK

“We too used to have daily paradigm shifts, now we have stakeholders who must come to the party or be left out, or whatever.”
Barry Hicks, Cape Town, RSA

“When I worked for Verizon, I found the phrase going forward to be more sinister than annoying. When used by my boss – sorry, “team leader” – it was understood to mean that the topic of conversation was at an end and not be discussed again.”
Nima Nassefat, Vancouver, Canada

While I’m on the subject of annoying corporate stuff, here’s a great scene from office space:

Katie Skow
Entrepreneur Goddess
www.EntrepreneurGoddess.com

It’s always good to know movers and shakers. Fortunately, the Women’s Global Network in San Diego, California has no shortage of high caliber women!

Tired of suits and the typical restaurant setting, the Young Professionals Group took networking to the next level. We traded in our heels for tennis shoes and our usual sit-down meal for a catered bag lunch on the beach. Despite the heat, a hike at Torrey Pines was a great way to build relationships outside the traditional avenues of networking.

Here are a few highlights:

Katie Skow
Entrepreneur Goddess
www.entrepreneurgoddess.com