The results are in and it looks like I'm going to be testing my writing skills to the utmost next year. Almost everyone that responded to my previous questions about my focus for the coming year encouraged me to write the book. I have also been praying for guidance and suddenly, in the last few days, God has provided me with ideas and direction for not one book but four! So, it looks like I'm going to attempt to become an author. This is an entirely new direction for me. I'm so glad that I am friends with many authors. Perhaps they can tell me - can you write 4 books in a year?
New projects are in the works, now for the new look. I am already receiving entries for the logo contest and I must say, they are fabulous! It is going to be a tough decision. I may have a couple of my marketing expert buddies take a look at them to help me make the choice. I hope I keep getting entries - although if they are as good as what I have already received, it will only make it that much harder to decide!
One of the book ideas you have heard me talk about is the interviews with successful women entrepreneurs. The idea came from the success of the series of interviews I did on this blog. I am so excited about the opportunity I am going to have to sit down and with these women and really get to the heart of their success - and then share that information with others. Speaking of successful women, I have one I would like you to meet today. Barbara came to my attention as I was winding down the interview series. I had promised to include her and then life intervened and she was overlooked. My most heartfelt apologies to her! I know I said the series was over, but I also promised if I met someone worthy of sharing with my readers I would still do the occasional interview. Well Barbara has much to offer and I can't wait to introduce her to you - Barbara Bodling!
1. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Barbara Bodling and I live in Round Rock, Texas , just celebrated 27 years with my husband, have two kids named Christina and Andrew and also have a cat named Princess.
2. Tell us about your business.
I have two businesses which is called Heaven’s Blessings and Discount Shoppers Mall. Both of these businesses are shopping malls that are on the internet. The links are http://heavensblessings.net/ and http://www.discountshoppersmall.com/ These malls carry everything for your family from clothes to electronic items. There is a special going on at Discount Shoppers Mall, I am offering a 10% rebate for first time shoppers. These malls are outstanding malls in which a busy Mom can stay home and shop from right from her computer and have her products delivered right to her door. She does not have to worry about bringing her kids to the mall or find a place to park the car at the mall. Also, Heaven’s Blessings is raising money for a non profit organization called Together We Can Change The World so that orphanages can be built around the world or a medical procedure can be done for a child in need. So come one and come all and start shopping at the best malls on the internet.
3. Why did you start your own business?
The reason that I started my two businesses is because I do want to work for a boss. I like the freedom that a business can bring.
4. What do you like most and least about being your own boss?
What I like most about being my own boss is being able to run the business on my time schedule instead of my bosses. If I need to go to a doctor appointment for my child, I do not have to ask for a day for. The least thing that I like about being my own boss is not making money on a steady basis. In the beginning of my business, there were some days when I was not making a profit.
5. What personality traits and skills are needed to run a business?
The personality traits and skills that are needed to run a business is a lot of determination and having a mentality of never giving up on your business, also you should have great customer service skills and outstanding marketing skills.
6. What has been the most difficult part of being an entrepreneur?
The most difficult part of being an entrepreneur is when you first start your business. You have to find ways to promote your business; hopefully, one of these ways will bring in some clients.
7. Do you have any resources you have used to build your business that you would recommend?
The resources that I have used to build my business that I would recommend is network, network, network. A great place to network is Ryze. I also read books and use the internet to find more places to network as well as read articles on how to promote my business.
8. Do you have any tips to share on promoting your business?
Yes, I have one more tip that I forgot to mention. You should always carry business cards no matter where you go. You never know who you might run into, this person could be your next client.
9. What other advice do you have for someone starting their own business?
10. How can we contact you about your products and services?
The way that you can contract me about my products is click on my website for the different products that I sell. The links to my businesses are http://heavensblessings.net/ and http://www.discountshoppersmall.com/ You can also click on the tab “contact me” on the Discount Shoppers Mall website. You can also write me an email at Barbara.bodling@yahoo.com. I would like to offer first time buyers a 10% rebate on Discount Shoppers Mall, click on contact me and let me know that you are one of Melodieann’s readers for your discount.
11. Is there anything else you would like to share?
With Christmas just around the corner, instead of going to crowded malls for your shopping needs, stay home and shop from the privacy of your own home. You do not have to worry about crowded shopping malls or no place to park the car at the mall. So gather your Christmas list, and lets go shop at the best malls on the internet.
