Spotlight on Top Business Owners in Non-Profit Associations

Spotlight on Top Business Owners in Non-Profit Associations - Idea Cafe

WebMomz.com

Name: Kristie Rimmele

Location: Gurnee, IL

Type of Business: National Organizaton for Empowering Women in the Areas of Work, Family, and Life

What does your business do?
We help women to lead more balanced lives. We help women to succeed in at -home business so that they can be at home with their children. We do this thru our business grant, our WebMomz University classes, and the latest parenting, small business, and self care/personal growth information.

When and why did you start the biz?
I started KCD Web Design, my online business, three years ago. My husband and I were working opposite shifts to make ends meet. We never saw each other and it started hurting our marriage. We were exhausted and didn't have much energy left for the children. It was ruining our family. Then I decided to quit the corporate rat race and start my own business. Today KCD Web Design has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs to help THEIR online dreams to come true through creating web sites for their home based businesses. Because I got so many letters from moms wondering how they could do it too, I wrote a book (soon to be published), eBizMoms: The Ultimate Guide to Home Based Business. To bring the dream one step further, in April, we founded WebMomz.com, an online organization for women. Today WebMomz is helping everyday moms to discover their passions, turn it into a business, and succeed online. We believe in helping moms to live richer more balanced lives. WebMomz is making a real difference for women across the world.

Where's your office?
Because I have small kids, my home office is located in the heart of family activity, in the living room. Here I work amidst the tunes of Dragon Tales cartoon themes, coloring books, puzzles, and assorted toys. I actually find the fun environment very stimulating. I do great creative thinking in my at home office.

What's the toughest part of running your biz?
Right now the toughest part is dealing with the work overload. Promoting a new book, managing a national organization, and managing a full time web development business while raising two kids can be tricky. I love helping people - so much that it is hard to say no. But I have to set strict schedules for work and family time. That helps. On my desk are pictures of the family, that helps me keep my values straight and remember to spend time with the kids. I just hired interns this week to assist with my business accouting and other admin work. Delegating is a powerful way to move from having your business own you, to YOU running your business. It frees you to focus on growing and managing rather than the day to day grind. That's the biggest mistake new entrepreneurs make. They believe they have to do EVERYTHING themselves.

What's the most fun part?
I love knowing that everyday I am literally helping to make other people's dreams come true. My clients are thrilled when they make their first sale on their web site. Moms who are desperate to work from home and be with the kids are SO excited to find the information, classes, and support they need to start their own business. I am very choosy about my clientelle. I try to work with individuals and companies who are making a difference in the world. The bulk of my clients are business/personal coaches and not for profits. It's very rewarding to empower others who are making such positive change for people.

Anything you would have done differently?
The hardest lesson I have learned is not to give yourself away. You need to charge what you are worth. If you deliver the best darned product or service, charge for it. Word will spread of your quality and your business will grow. The result? You work less, do better quality work (because you are not exhausted) and you earn more! That's the ticket to success.

What's next on the horizon for your biz?
So many people could lead richer lives. My personal mission is to help others to accomplish that. This year I will be teaching some workshops across the US on how to achieve spiritual, business, and life success. It's all about knowing firmly what you want, boldly claiming it as your own, making a plan to get there, and then moving one baby step at a time. When you are clear about your goals, the world responds with clarity. Everyone could lead a rich life that more closely reflects their values if only they took the time to ask themselves what they really want.

What advice do you have for others?
My best advice is to believe in your personal power. You don't know how strong, brave, successful, and happy you can be unless you put your mind to it. Too many people let fear keep them from accomplishing their goals. Others simply are too busy and don't take the time to do what matters most. Everyday I feel so blessed to be doing something I love and getting paid for it. I work in an office that overlooks my flower garden. I get to spend precious time with my children. I live with the great satisfaction of knowing that I am helping others to do the same. You can't ask for more than that.

How do you use Idea Cafe to help your biz?
I remember hearing about Idea Cafe years ago when I was in the corporate world. Idea Cafe has ALWAYS been at the cutting edge of what's new online. Before the so called internet marketing experts took their claim to fame, Idea Cafe was offering ideas on how to succeed in business. Newbies can gain a WEALTH of information here on where to find business financing and how to market your business. And for a dose of inspiration, they can read the Profiles of others who have succeeded! Rubbing shoulders with other business owners on the bulletin board is a fantastic way to network.

School (where, still in school, degree)?
Western Illinois University: BA in Communications, Minor in Marketing

Prior jobs or business?
7 years Director of Marketing for Efficient Marketing Services, a provider of information for the consumer packaged goods industry. 2 years as Assistant Editor for Film and Tape Works, a television/video post production facility. Reporter/Newswriter for local radio station in my college town TV News Anchor for college news program DJ for college radio station

Favorite Food?
My grandma's oatmeal cookies

What are your pets' names?
Our fish are named: Spike, Buzz, Jade, and Slick Willy Do any of these pets help with your biz?The fish tank is off to the side of my desk. If I get stressed out, I like to sit back and watch the fish. It's very calming.

Is there any one person or event in your life that led you
to go into business for yourself?
I have to thank my mentor John Westby who was my boss at my former corporate job. He taught me the magic of spinning features into benefits. Learning that little secret has dramatically helped me to succeed personally and help others in business.

Anyone you publicly want to thank?
Thanks to Phil Humbert, my business coach and friend. Three years ago Phil offered words of kindness and inspiration that led me to believe that I could start my own business. Today I leave a legacy and am empowering women everywhere to do the same. I am forever grateful for his advice and motivation. He helped me to believe my own success was possible, then I simply reached out and claimed it.

Contact Info:
Kristie Rimmele 847-244-8450
Website:http://www.webmomz.com