Balancing life as a single mom and entrepreneur

June 12, 2021June 12, 2021Leave a comment

I wish that I had advice for single moms…. balance, and entrepreneur life. I do not have much to say other than I need help. I am burnt out, I am tired.

I beat myself up day in and day out, am I doing what’s best for Antonio? Am I taking time for myself? Am I growing my business the way I have planned?

A year ago, I never thought I would be where I am today, but I also know that it is okay to ask for help. I am grateful and blessed, but sometimes being a full time single mom can be overwhelming.

I see my other friends or entrepreneur friends who are married, and they don’t get it. It is one of the hardest things ever to be a single mom to a special needs child and have a business. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I just wish there were more awareness and local groups to help cope. Sometimes it can be hard to cope or find people WHO get it and will offer support.

My advice? It is important to choose good people and build trust with others so you can ask for help knowing that you can rely on them. It is also important to know it is okay to take time off of work and enjoy time with your children. Life is too short to not enjoy it.

Susie Liberatore is the owner, and Art Director, of Visions2images Creative Services. She helps established businesses grow their brand awareness by using digital marketing and professional branding techniques. With over a decade of agency and corporate experience, she brings businesses’ visions to life, while watching their return on investment increase.

Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience.

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

Women Entrepreneur Books

February 27, 2021February 27, 2021Leave a comment

I have taken up reading more books than ever before. I am all about self-development and realize it is a must as a business owner.

I really try to find books that can uplift and motivate me especially when I am down or am having self-doubt. Our minds are our own worst enemy, we have to overcome this.

Here are some of the best entrepreneur books for women:

Do you have a favorite book? Share it in the comments.

Susie helps businesses grow their brand presence and connect with their target audience.

The Ultimate Branding Guide to Win New Clients in 7 Days

How To Become Better With MOM BUSINESS VACATION

September 13, 2019September 8, 2019Leave a comment

About a year ago, I was in a place where I had no idea how to be a business owner but I knew it was what I wanted to do. I had everything in place but something was missing. It seemed like most days I was struggling to find ways to express my thoughts and feeling and get the encouragement I needed.

One day I found my savior – my sales coach! I knew I needed her as a sales coach, but more than that I needed to be a part of a mastermind. I knew I had to lean in on other female entrepreneurs. It was the best decision I made. We all go through things and need to vent, let thing out, or share success stories with one another.

The best thing that I honestly love is the mastermind retreat. Do not get me wrong I love the online networking we do as well as the sales coaching part, but there is something about the retreat. All of the ladies (mostly mom’s) get together and talk about all things business.

We run away from our family and life for about three to four days. The very first one I went to I had MAJOR anxiety now I feel like we are all family and can’t wait for the next one. They say that everyone should experience a vacation on their own, especially mom’s., I couldn’t agree more…

If we were in a work environment we would have team meetings, right? So why not have something similar for entrepreneurs. It is truly an amazing experience! I love this idea and love how planned it is (thank you sales coach Renee)

By the way this post is NOT sponsored by any means. It is true thoughts from myself on why everyone needs some sort of vacation.. Whether that vacation is for personal or business is your call. I like to mix both. 😉

It is the best for mental health. You realize how powerful and amazing you are. You come back happy and a changed person. If you go for business and surround yourself with great people you will get the confidence that you need. I know I always come back from the retreat confident and happy; there is something about being around successful female entrepreneurs.

It is a great time for reflecting. We doubt ourselves all the time, we think no one wants to buy from us.. or whatever. I can’t tell you how many times I came back from one of these and launched something new and it SOLD. Now of course there is much more to it than just talking about it, but I made it happen.

So when is the next time you are going to go on a ‘mom vacation?’ —> Join me over in my private little clubhouse for FREE RIGHT NOW, before we no longer accept new members!!

How Rejection Made Me a Better Person; Rejection is okay

September 9, 2019September 8, 2019Leave a comment

How Rejection Made Me a Better Person; Rejection is okay

There once came a time when I was scared of failing and getting rejected. I had been rejected. so many times in my life that I just had that feeling nothing could get better. I am sure you can relate. I had to change my mind and realize that everything is fine, and that was so hard to do. But when you do change your mind you can achieve just about anything. For real.

I want you to know, Rejection is OKAY, though. Not everyone is going to like you, not everyone is going to buy from you. Some people might not be happy with your service or product. That is okay. I am giving you permission to understand this is okay. It doesn’t mean they don’t value you, or your work, but rather that they don’t need it right now. It might mean they have their own problems, whatever it might be.

Furthermore, It is okay to say no and accept no as an answer in life and business. I have turned away customers for numerous ideas, but I did it knowing that I could save my own sanity and time.

When someone rejects you, either personally or professionally, take some time to reflect. Was it because of an internal battle you had with yourself, or were they just not ready? A lot of times it is because of our own insecurities and problems. We doubt ourselves. People can hear it in our voices and see it in our faces. No matter what, keep doors open and look forward. Sometimes things just don’t happen because there isn’t a need for it at that moment.

Once I realized my worth and who I really was, I realized I didn’t care about rejection. Why? Because I knew I was worthy and knew that I could change it around. What other ways can you get rejected? If you send out a proposal after they already agreed that they wanted the job, but now changed their mind. That is hard. However, it is okay. This type of rejection hurts, but it just means you need to get better with closing your sales. It means you need to communicate better with them.

In order to grow in life and business we must accept rejection and turn it into a positive thing. We often will find ourselves in a rut and dealing with self esteem whenever we get rejected. Don’t do it, you will be just fine. —> Join me over in my private little clubhouse for FREE RIGHT NOW, before we no longer accept new members!!

Top Branding Books

August 26, 2019July 24, 2019Leave a comment

As a branding expert I always love to find books that can inspire me along my journey. I always used to get told, if you aren’t learning and reading then what are you doing? I love to sit back and get inspired so that I can potentially grow my business and self. In fact, lots of people always come to me looking for advice, or the best design books, so I thought I would share some of my favorites.

Here are the top Branding Books:

Branding on the Eastern Front Branding on the Eastern Front is both a testimony of how Western-born approaches must adapt to emerging economies, and a crash course in branding for entrepreneurs, marketers, and contemporary consumers of any kind.
Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen Whether you are the marketing director of a multibillion-dollar company, the owner of a small business, a politician running for office, or the lead singer of a rock band, Building a StoryBrand will forever transform the way you talk about who you are, what you do, and the unique value you bring to your customers.
Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team Whether you’re the project manager for your company’s rebrand, or you need to educate your staff or your students about brand fundamentals, Designing Brand Identity is the quintessential resource. From research to brand strategy to design execution, launch, and governance, Designing Brand Identity is a compendium of tools for branding success and best practices for inspiration.
Brand Identity Breakthrough: How to Craft Your Company’s Unique Story to Make Your Products Irresistible Does your business have a story to tell? It should! From the moment you first opened your doors, you began crafting it. With every new product you release, you carve out an even more unique niche in your industry. This all builds up to one thing—brand identity. Does yours stand out from the crowd?
Branding: In Five and a Half Steps Michael Johnson is one of the world’s leading graphic designers and brand consultants. His studio, johnson banks, is responsible for the rebranding of many notable clients, including Virgin Atlantic, Think London, BFI, Christian Aid, and MORE TH>N, and he has garnered a plethora of awards in the process.
Badass Your Brand: The Impatient Entrepreneur’s Guide to Turning Expertise into Profit Forget everything you think you know about branding and “starting a business,” and throw out your “how to write a business plan” workbook. It’s never been easier to capitalize on the knowledge and expertise you already have, and with a few simple steps you can start making more doing what you love like the Badass that you are.

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5 Things Successful People Do Every Day

July 22, 2019July 4, 201926 Comments

Being a business owner has changed me for the better. I have learned how to get things done efficiently and as best as I can. I have learned along the way, made mistakes, and changed my mindset. I changed my habits and knew that I couldn’t keep going the way I was with getting overwhelmed and stress.

The minute that you change your habits and mindset is when you see your full potential, AND CREATE that potential! Yes, that is the truth.

Here are my top 5 tips that I do daily:

I focus on minutes, not hours. When I am waiting to pick up my son, I respond to emails. I make every single MINUTE MATTER. When I am laying in bed, I make sure I have my calendar ready for the next day. These time management skills have helped me increase my sales.
I focus on only one task. I create a daily list of things to do and make sure the top two are the must get done for the day. I focus on one item at a time and complete it with high quality.
I use a notebook. I print out notes from my computer and create checklists. Then, even write daily in my notebook, random thoughts, lists, and ideas. It is a necessity for my chaos to be organized.
I process emails only a few times per day. My email signature states that I check my email from 10-11 A.M. DAILY. I create CRM and project boards for clients so they can communicate, and if it is an emergency, they text me. I do not look over emails all day, every day.
I avoid meetings at all costs. I only do phone or computer meetings now. In-person meetings are kept to a minimum if done at all. The travel time, the wait time, and the meeting time ends up being a waste, and let’s focus on number 1 — all that time matters. We can use it in a much better way.

BONUS: I delegate a lot. I know where my strengths lie. I know how to communicate, and I use those skills. I outsource whenever the opportunity arises for writing, editing, SEO, sales, and even some marketing. I focus on the graphics that people buy because that’s what sells.

Share with me what you do to be successful with your business? How have you transformed over the years or even months? Do you agree with my list?

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

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Top Six Blogger Books

July 18, 2019July 15, 2019Leave a comment

As a blogger and entrepreneur I love to find things that inspire and motivate me. I have a bookcase full of tons of different books for my learning. I enjoy being able to inspire and motivate myself and others in my field.

These books for bloggers have been my favorite lately:

Starting a Successful Blog when you have NO CLUE! – 7 Steps to WordPress Bliss… (Beginner Internet Marketing) (Volume 1)

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Think You Want to Work From Home? Here’s the Truth

July 15, 2019July 4, 201911 Comments

The idea of working from home always sat in the back of my mind. I was lucky enough to have a few jobs before working for myself that allowed me to work from home as time permitted. You know it sounds dreamy, and people are jealous of it.

But when you are a business owner and work from home on top of being a parent, let’s face it. It’s 1000x harder because you don’t have that accountability.

If you are really making the transition to work from home life, here are some of my BEST TIPS:

TIME MANAGEMENT IS REAL: Do not waste any minute or second of the day. You will want to have a routine and schedule: period. No matter what your career is, set those hours and routines as if you were in the corporate world. You know what you are capable of, how long something takes, and how much time you have, so use that time VERY wisely.
YOU’LL FIND YOURSELF WANTING TO NOT WORK FROM HOME.: You are going to find excuses or reasons. You know, I can do work while the kid watches tv or sleeps. NO. It is never that easy, there is always something, take my word for it. You know that one task will take a whole ten minutes, but the kid is screaming, and the dogs need fed, and you can’t get it done. So, you beg someone to take care of all your problems. Coffee shops, and even the library or a bookstore, are my best friend. I can really DIG IN and tackle the work that matters most.
YOU’LL LEARN TO GET VERY CREATIVE.: You learn that you will find a way. Whatever way that is. I remember when my ex told me he couldn’t take my son to his school on Thursday mornings anymore. Instead of being mad and changing my routine, I was able to create a solution and hire a babysitter. That was my creative choice. You find a way when you need to.

Working from home has its pros and cons like anything else. IF you want to work from home simply to do it, then you won’t be successful or productive. You need to have systems, detailed organization, and time management to truly succeed.

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

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The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals of 2019.

July 15, 20198 Comments

Amazon Prime is my favorite thing ever… The best part about it Amazon Prime is Prime Day that happens once a year. You can get AMAAZZING DEALS, at amazing prices. I love finding so many great deals and I couldn’t help but not share these great deals.

The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals of 2019.

Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell in Satin Nickel with Echo Dot 3rd Gen (Charcoal Gray) This bundle contains Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell and Echo Dot (3rd Generation). Works with Alexa to illuminate and send announcements to Echo devices when your doorbell is pressed or motion is detected. You can also see, hear, and talk to visitors through Echo Show or Echo Spot.
Fire HD 10 Tablet with Alexa Hands-Free, 10.1″ 1080p Full HD Display, 32 GB, Black Brilliant 10.1″ 1080p Full HD display (1920 x 1200), up to 1.8 GHZ quad-core processor, 2 GB RAM, and up to 10 hours of battery life.
Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet, 10.1″ 1080p Full HD Display, 32 GB, Blue Kid-Proof Case Up to $99 in savings on Fire HD 10 tablet, 1 year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, and a Kid-Proof Case, versus items purchased separately ─ plus a 2-year worry-free guarantee.
All-New Echo Dot Kids Edition, an Echo designed for kids, Blue Designed with kids in mind – They can ask Alexa to play music, hear stories, call approved friends and family, and explore a world of kid-friendly skills.
Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, streaming media player (Includes $45 Sling TV credit) Amazon Exclusive: Buy today and get $45 Sling TV Credit. Start streaming live TV for as low as $10 a month for 3 months, up to 60% off regular package prices..
Toshiba 50LF621U19 50-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV HDR – Fire TV Edition Toshiba 4K UHD Smart TV – Fire TV Edition delivers true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality with over 8 million pixels for stunning clarity, deep contrast, and vivid colors.
Echo Show (2nd Gen) Charcoal Bundle with free Echo Dot Charcoal and Philips Hue Bulb Premium speakers with Dolby processing let you stream music and books in crisp, stereo sound. With a vibrant 10.1″ HD screen for watching videos, movies, and TV shows—in a new fabric design.
Certified Refurbished Ring Floodlight Camera Motion-Activated HD Security Cam Two-Way Talk and Siren Alarm, White, Works with Alexa A Certified Refurbished Floodlight Cam is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new
Certified Refurbished Ring Video Doorbell Elite A Certified Refurbished Video Doorbell Elite is refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new
Braun Series 7 Electric Shaver for Men 7893s, Wet & Dry, Integrated Precision Trimmer, Rechargeable and Cordless Razor, with Travel Case – Silver The Braun Series 7 is a 100% waterproof smart electric razor designed for a close and gentle shave – engineered in Germany to last up to seven years
TWS Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds Headset SZSAGO W9 True Wireless Earphones for iPhone/Samsung IPX7 Waterproof Smart Bluetooth Headphones [SZSAGO W9 with Innovative exclusive intelligent charging compartment] The ear-buds start charging when the charging compartment cover closed, and the charging compartment is also charged while charging. W9 can be used for 6 hours in a single full charge, the charging box can charge the ear-buds fully in 3-4 times, 6*4=24 hours of continuous sound music, 6*4=24 hours of talk time, 100 hours of standby time and 1H Fast charging allows you listen continues.
Coleman Expandable Shade Shelter | Adjustable Canopy Tent | UPF 50+ Sun Protection | 10 x 10 Feet 10 x 10-ft. shelter expands to offer up to 13 x 13-ft. of cover. Taped seams offer additional protection from rain
Kygo Life A9/600 | Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, aptX and AAC Codecs, Built-in Microphone, NFC Pairing, Memory Foam Ear Cushions, Memory foam ear cushions for added comfort. Great fit around the ear gives good passive noise cancellation
Rivet Bristol Natural Edge Black Metal Side Table, Walnut With a wood top and metal 3-legged stand, this table is modern yet classic. The wood top is a “natural edge” cut. No two tables are exactly alike; allow for some height variation. This table is a handy landing spot for keys, phones and small table lamps.
Stone & Beam Belgian Flax Linen Bed Sheet Set, Breathable and Durable, Full, Rose The lived-in look and feel of these sheets will envelop you for years of peaceful sleeping. Their subtle texture, durability, and casual luxury will fit into your every day life seamlessly. Belgian flax linen is durable and breathable in warmer months, while hemstitching adds a classic vintage touch. They’re also sized to fit deeper mattresses.
Rivet Mid-Century Swope Curved Arm Swivel Office Chair, 26″W, Felt Grey While designed for the office, this swivel chair adds refreshing style to any room. The Mid-century inspired silhouette features graceful curves and low-profile arms Four metal legs extend outward from the swivel base.
Ravenna Home Parker Coffee Table, 47.2″W, Marble & Gold An eye-catching coffee table ready to display books and décor or to hold snack trays
Monolith 12 Inch Powered Subwoofer – Black | THX Select Certified, 500 Watt Amplifier, 12 Inch Driver for Studio & Home Theater THX Ultra Certified: THX engineers completed hundreds of different scientific tests to ensure the highest audio performance possible.