Mom & Shark Tank Entrepreneur Gets A Promotion!

By Lori Lite

After years of running my business from my kitchen table…I decided to give myself a promotion. A vague memory of a promotion in corporate America meant a corner office with a view. In a work from home mom’s world (WAHM) it meant moving my papers, computer, files and self to my dinning room. I would never again have to pack up my mobile office each night to serve dinner! I had arrived!

Last year I had the good fortune of being selected to appear on ABC’s Shark Tank. National exposure got me out of the kitchen and forced me to look at my business like a shark.

Mompreneur Ideas Tips:

1. Get Out of the Kitchen!
Meet other entrepreneurs for lunch. Tell your neighbors about your business. Network with other enthusiastic entrepreneurs. You might find out that your business is more impressive than even you thought. I personally had no idea that selling 30,000 books from my kitchen without the backing of a nationwide publisher was an amazing feat. I was prepared to defend my sales to the investors (sharks), but they stopped me in my tracks…no need to defend…it was time to be proud.

2. Surround Yourself with Dream Keepers!
Spend your time and share your ideas with friends and relatives that believe in you. It is hard enough to be an entrepreneur. A positive attitude supported by positive people will bring positive results.

3. Outsource!
Most of us try to do everything: bookkeeping, marketing, writing, social media, oh and did I mention… run a family. It is impossible to be effective in all areas at the same time. Hire help on an as needed basis. Even 1 hour a week of help can be rejuvenating and allow you to focus your talents where they are most needed.

4. Have a Business Plan!
We all dread the business plan. I practically cried (OK, I cried) while writing mine, but it opened my eyes and helped me to see where my focus was needed in order to grow my business and live my dream.

5. Over-Prepare!
If you are speaking, going to a bank or investor, or pitching in any way… be prepared. I learned that when you think you are over-prepared you are barely prepared. Many of us think our passion is enough. Passion will get you in the door but you better be ready to back it up with hard-core numbers. Sharks get hooked by numbers.

And that’s how it is when you get out of the kitchen!

To view Lori’s Shark Tank Pitch Click Here

Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite has created a line of books and CDs designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, and yoga instructors. Lori is a certified children’s meditation facilitator and Sears’ Manage My Life parenting expert. For more information visit  Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Facebook.

Shark Tank is an ABC Mark Burnett Production featuring Robert Herjavec, Mark Cuban, Jeff Foxworthy, Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin Harrington.

(This article is also posted on The Business Coach For Moms website. Lady T empowers & coaches women to change the world through entrepreneurship. She provides motivational workshops, spiritual retreats and one on one coaching that helps moms grow purposeful, flourishing home businesses. She was thrilled that a mompreneur made it to Shark Tank. You can click here to learn more about this mompreneur expert.)

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