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“So, what do you do for a living?”

A question I hate outside of work-related activities. Someone I have just met who does not know a thing about me first wants to know what I do for a living? They don’t even know my name!

This very American question grates on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. I’m a businesswoman, but my life and my being is not only defined by what I do for a living. I have many interests, activities, and ideas to discuss outside of how I make money.

Is it really necessary to talk all business all the time? No.

Here’s a challenge for all Entrepreneur Goddess readers: STOP ASKING PEOPLE WHAT THEY DO FOR A LIVING.

Instead, here are a few ideas on topics to get you started:

Family
Politics
Sports
Philosophy
Current Events
Trips
Art
Science
Culture
Environment
Pop Culture
Random Facts
Food
Drink
Restaurants
Parks
Fashion
Community
Local Happenings
Pets
Climate
Fitness

When you’re not discussing business, notice how refreshing it feels to keep your brain checked out of the mental office during non-working hours.

But what if they ask what you do for a living? Give a quick answer and exit the topic. Don’t reciprocate.

Practice making real conversation and you’ll be amazed at how much your social skills will improve. You’ll also maintain a peace of mind about your work and life balance.

Katie Skow
Entrepreneur Goddess
www.EntrepreneurGoddess.com

Welcome to the new technology column at Entrepreneur Goddess “TOYS FOR GIRLS.” Here you will find all the latest information on must-have gadgets and gizmos that will help you succeed in both your business and personal lives.

Now we can charge our phones, ipods, and PDAs from the sun! No electricity necessary.

EarthTech Products carries a number of solar products, including the Soldius1. According to the Soldius1, your device is completely charged after 2-3 hours of sunlight. Amazing, no? That’s about the same time it takes to fully charge my phone in the wall.

The miniature solar charger weighs only 85 grams and can fit in your pocket. To see if your device works with the Soldius1, check their compatibility chart.

The Soldius1 is available at EarthTech’s website for $89.50 or Amazon for $99.87. Buy it directly from EarthTech for the best deal. It comes in white, black, green, or pink.

Katie Skow
Entrepreneur Goddess
www.EntrepreneurGoddess.com

Birthing the Elephant is an interesting read for those interested in finding out more about the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship while avoiding the pitfalls of the territory. Authors Karin Abarbanel and Bruce Freeman give readers a glimpse into the rollercoaster of sentiments entrepreneurs face throughout the various stages of business ownership.

The book walks you through what you can and should feel throughout the four stages of entrepreneurship (Starting, running, turning breakdowns into breakthroughs, and finding your business rhythm) and interviews real-life Entrepreneur Goddesses about their stories. Birthing the Elephant is an honest inside account of life on the inside for successful entrepreneurs Bobbi Brown, Liz Lange, Lisa Druxman, and about two-dozen others.

While Birthing the Elephant started off a bit textbookish, the tone soon changed and I was drawn in after a few chapters. I soon felt at one with the emotions described during the various stages of birthing a business. And yes, it probably feels like birthing an elephant at times. Knowing these two-dozen Entrepreneur Goddesses, whose stories are told throughout the book, have been through the same roller coaster ride was both refreshing and mending.

Birthing the Elephant is a recommended read, but not a must-keep book for your Entrepreneur Goddess Library. Read it and pass it on to another woman in business or contemplating entrepreneurship.

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I just checked email and to my surprise, a message from an author about an Entrepreneur Goddess book review! Check out what Mommy Millionaire author Kim Lavine had to say about my book review:

“Dear Katie,

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments about my book Mommy Millionaire! Nothing makes me happier than hearing that my HONEST journey helped save someone the heartache that comes from unrealistic expectations. Thank you also for reviewing my book on your great blog! I love the name! Stop by and visit my community at www.mommymillionaire.com and consider posting an excerpt there. It’s a great community of women entrepreneurs supporting themselves in the achievement of a dream.

God Bless,

Kim Lavine”

It’s always great to hear from authors! Your feedback about my feedback is always encouraged! Go check out Kim’s online community!

PS- I love writing about products, services, or books that help woman entrepreneurs. Do you have a book, service, or product you want EntrepreneurGoddess.com to review? I’d love to hear from you. Please direct all inquiries to info (at) entrepreneurgoddess dot com.