Look!  I created my first Squidoo lens.

It includes this Top 10 list for getting your business started right, practically speaking.  Things like:

1. Do the URL hunt.
2. Establish your company name
3. Legal Formation
4. Open A Bank Account
5. Trademarks & Service marks (optional)
6. Hire A Graphic Designer For Logos & Branding
7. Hire A Web Designer For Your Website
8. Find A Hosting Company
9. Set Up Your Social Networking Sites
10. Get To Work

You can see the details about each item listed here.  Read ‘em and weep (…with joy…because you did all these things already, right?).

What business did you start up?

A professional organizing business, Organizing Philly, that helps residents and business-owners maximize their space and simplify their lives.

What motivated you to do it?

Although I had a fulfilling career practicing law, I always fantasized about being my own boss doing something I loved — organizing. The ability to set my own schedule to spend more time with my family was my primary motivation.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

2 children — 3 years old and 6 months old.

How long have you been running your business?

18 months.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

I’m still not sure how I measure success. I had clients immediately. My business continues to grow in many different ways.  I recently returned to taking on clients after a 5-month maternity leave for the birth of my second child.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

My family is incredibly supportive in every way! My husband really pushed me to make my dream a reality.

Easiest part of your job?

The easiest part is doing the hands-on organizing.  This comes naturally to me and is really fun.

Hardest part of your job?

The hardest part has been becoming comfortable selling myself and my services.  As an attorney I had no background in running a business, let alone in sales.  To me, this has been the most challenging and interesting part of being an entrepreneur.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Again, sales.  I’m always soliciting advice from more experienced businesswomen about how they network, get business, promote their services, etc.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I’ve received so much helpful advice.  Perhaps the most useful was the advice to network and meet as many people (other business-owners, potential clients, etc.) as you can.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Making a difference in my clients’ lives makes me most proud.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Interacting with a client on a job.  Hearing about their struggles to get organized and offering solutions tailored to their lifestyle and needs.

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

Maybe a question about how to manage work-life balance.  Maintaining work-life balance isn’t easy even when you are your own boss. In some ways it can be harder. But it’s worth the struggle.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….to do my best.

Fondest memory….my wedding day and the first days with my newborn sons after their births.

Indulgence….massage.

Last purchase…..brunch.

Favorite magazine…..Vanity Fair, The Atlantic Monthly

Inspiration…..my husband and children.

My Life…..my family.

We have a venue.  A venue!  I’m thrilled about the place where we will hold our Exchange–at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago.  This incredible space, founded by famed artists the Zhou Brothers, will accommodate everything that we want to do at this event and then some.  The history of the center alone is amazing–I could not be more excited to share the space with all of you.  If you could not tell, I’m a bit excited…now that the Exchange has a home, it is feels much more real than a mere that I’ve had thus far.

I’ve spoken with dozens of potential speakers, and everyone has had a very positive reaction to the conference, its purpose and participating in it.  I’ve connected with several local momtrepreneurs through The Momtrepreneur Meetup and will be coordinating with a few of them to help continue to develop the conference in early 2010.

It’s March.  The sponsorship hunt is on.  Cross your fingers.

What business did you start up?

My best friend, Helen Huckaba, and I started an online baby boutique offering clothing, accessories, and gear for little ones up to 24 months. We were two peas in a pod with a knack for hunting down the most unique baby gift, and so Two Blue Peas was born.

What motivated you to do it?

Helen was pregnant with her first little pea, I was queen of giving the perfect baby gift, and we were both simply looking for a way to leave our corporate jobs and hang out (and of course work tirelessly!) together all day.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

My husband and I are still hopeful, and Helen has two precious little girls – 9 months and 3 years. Working out of Helen’s home, I definitely feel like a second mom to them at times. Although I do love my “favorite Aunt Boo Boo” status.

How long have you been running your business?

We made the leap from our previous jobs nearly three years ago and launched Two Blue Peas in March of 2007.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

Business started with a small bang thanks to our closest family and friends, and then slowed down a tad until we really found our marketing groove. I’m happy to report that we turned a small profit in our second year, and we’ve been growing exponentially ever since. Our repeat customer base is also a huge marker of success for us. Once customers started coming back again and again, we considered our website and service a success.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

Both of our husbands were more than supportive during the start-up process. They urged us on when we were scared and pitched in when we were overwhelmed. They were fully on board with our ultimate goal of staying home to raise the kiddos while working together on something that challenges and excites us. Starting your own business is tough enough, and I can’t imagine enduring it without the full support of your spouse.

Easiest part of your job?

Customer service. We love working closely with customers who call in asking for advice on what to buy their friend or sister for her baby shower.

Hardest part of your job?

Walking away. It is very hard to be so invested in something and force yourself to walk away from it to take a vacation every now and then.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Thicker skin and a more hardball attitude. I wish we were better able to negotiate deals with our vendors. There are many expenses associated with an inventory-based business, and passing some of those costs along to the customer can be really tough in these days of comparison shopping.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I wish someone had told us that failure is not necessarily all negative, and not to beat ourselves up over it. Had we not made some of our mistakes and wrong turns, we would not have learned and evolved from them. Now we know to take missteps in stride by turning them into opportunities for growth and improvement.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Our proudest moment to date was landing ourselves in the Oprah Magazine 2009 Holiday Gift Guide. The sheer satisfaction of seeing our name on that beautiful glossy page was amazing…and the sales impact was not too shabby either. It takes lots of hard work, creative spinning, and persistence to crack the pages of the famous book, but we did it! And yes, the “Oprah Effect” really does exist.

Favorite part of a typical day?

We still love waking up to an in-box full of orders and seeing what customers have picked out. Did our “delicious pea picks” (recommended items) make it into any shopping bags? Are any of our latest additions making a splash yet?

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….to be the next Joan Lunden.
Fondest memory….our midnight champagne toast the night Two Blue Peas officially launched.
Indulgence….anything from the bakery next door, but specifically their “brookie”, a brownie/cookie hybrid.
Last purchase…..knocked out all of my Christmas shopping in one day – online of course!
Favorite magazine…..still pouting from the loss of Domino.
Inspiration…..my amazing family.
My life…..gets better and better each day thanks to my successful business, loving husband, and a true appreciation for the beautiful world we live in.

http://www.relishrelish.com

I signed up and have been trying it out for a little while.  Literally EVERY meal that I’ve made and eaten so far has been super easy and absolutely delectable.  (I know, I sound like a spokesperson for the company–I swear I’m not.)

Why is it awesome?

1. Upon signing into the site, you pick your week’s worth of recipes from a menu that changes weekly.

2. You can choose the # of portions you want to cook and it will change up the portions for you.

3. It collects an Ingredients List and all the recipes into a printable pdf.

4. 5 dinners is under $85 in groceries.  Each dinner takes 30 minutes or less to make.

Seriously, it’s been too good to be true.  And since I know that most of us don’t have time to cook during the week, this helps tremendously.

Oh!  Coupon code “dinner” lets you try it free for a week.  Relish THAT.

I’m pretty sure, though, that this year will be a huge one for us momtrepreneurs.  There are already signs everywhere we turn:

1. At the end of last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that women were nearing the work force majority–as though it was something to be afraid of?

2. The Economist’s January feature is titled, “The Rich World’s Quiet Revolution:  Women Are Gradually Taking Over The Workplace.”

3. Major marketplaces like Startup Nation, Ladies Who Launch, Yahoo’s Shine and more have recently launched (read: put big money behind) “Mompreneur Cafes” and other networking sites where momtrepreneurs can network, share information and resources and see how many other women are doing it.

You can bet that there’s plenty more to come…in the way of forums for momtrepreneurs to do what we do best–gather together and make things happen.  How much am I looking forward to seeing more momtrepreneurs come on board this year?  Very, very much.

What business did you start up?

Have Baby Will Travel – an online guide for family travel with babies & toddlers. It features destination information, useful links and articles, packing lists, and first-hand accounts from parents of trips they’ve taken with their babies and toddlers.

What motivated you to do it?

We wanted to take a family vacation before my first maternity leave was up.  In the early days of motherhood, I found leaving the house a challenge, never mind leaving the country.  I turned to the internet expecting to find a community of like-minded parents hoping to still travel with their baby.  When I couldn’t find a website that could provide all the information I needed, I decided to start one myself!

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

My daughter is 4 and my son is 8 months.

How long have you been running your business?

I launched the website in April of 2007 and re-launched it with a professional design in October of 2008.  Presently I’m in the process of revamping it again!

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

From the moment we launched I received such favorable and supportive feedback that I knew we were truly on to something.  As traffic continued to increase, we knew it would be worth it to invest a little money into getting it professionally done.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

When I speak of “we” I mean me and my husband. His unwavering faith in me and my ideas keeps me motivated when I’ve had a tough day or am feeling discouraged.  He found a way to help make this happen, and for that I’m eternally grateful.  He taught himself how to build a website and created the very first incarnation of Have Baby Will Travel on his own!

Easiest part of your job?

Connecting with and helping parents who are planning their first trips with their new families.  If I’m not traveling, I love hearing about other people’s travels!

Hardest part of your job?

Prioritizing tasks that need to be accomplished and still being present for my kids.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Time management! Without a doubt, going into an office everyday made it easier to stay focused.  I do tend to be easily distracted since I’ve been working from home!

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I wish I had discovered the value of social media from the start, and not been so tentative about developing relationships with people in complementary businesses.

Can you recommend 3 essential websites for moms in, or going into, business?

Seriously, I’ve learned more in the past 6 months on Twitter than in the past 2.5 years of research.  Twitter has introduced me to a wealth of knowledge from experienced professionals and wonderful personalities.  It can get a bit addictive (hence the time management problems!), but Twitter has taught me so much and made me aware of how much I need to learn.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

For my big giveaway last year, I rounded up all the gear to be featured and pitched the segment to our city’s highest-rated morning television show. It was an exciting couple of weeks!

Favorite part of a typical day?

Call me crazy, but I love our mornings.  It’s a great walk to school to drop off my daughter, and once we’re home my son goes for his nap and I have an hour or so to work.  A lot’s been accomplished by 10am and it feels pretty good.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition…..movie star.
Fondest memory…..my daughter on the beach for the first time.
Indulgence…..monthly manicures and pedicures – would love to make them bi-weekly one day soon!
Last purchase…..birthday gifts for my daughter.
Favorite magazine…..I LOVED Cookie – I’m so sad it’s gone!
Inspiration…..I’m inspired by my family – I want what’s best for us and that’s what’s best for me.
My Life…..is a work in progress, but I’m headed in the right direction.

I was just profiled in a brand new book.  A Cup of Cappucino For The Entrepreneur’s Spirit (Vol II) is now published and on sale thanks to the wonderful folks (especially Cindy Thompson) at Entrepreneur Enterprises.  It’s chock full of stories by and about entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes.  Makes for an interesting read over the holiday season–you can revv up on your momtrepreneurial spirit by checking out these profiles!

Happy Holidays, all.

What business did you start up?

I started a boutique music website, Valslist, that targets the over 25 crowd.   Many in this age group have lost track of music and find it hard to keep up with new music. So Valslist does it for them. We search for the best new artists and introduce you to music you might not find on your own. We collect the best tracks, list them on our site in easy-to-download playlists, and add new music each week to keep you current. We take the hassle out of the music search and help you get great music back into your life and onto your iPod. We’re an iTunes Affiliate, so the format is familiar.

What motivated you to do it?

I’ve been a serious music lover my entire life. I’ve always been the music “go-to person” with my friends. The older I’ve gotten, the more requests for help I’ve gotten, which proved how out of touch with music busy adults get when real life, family, kids, and career start to take over. I thought if I provided a user-friendly website with a great list of the newest music, as well as some vintage oldies sprinkled in, I might help people get back into the music scene, effortlessly. Music is such a part of life, everyone should have it.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have four boys, ages 24, 21, and twin 17-year olds.  They had a lot to do with me starting this business!

How long have you been running your business?

My busines is 2 1/2 years old.  I launched the site in August of 2007.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

My website is an iTunes Affiliate – iTunes pays me for every song that I sell on my site. They don’t pay a lot, so my website was never intended to be a big money maker. It is intended to launch my brand.  I’ve gotten a paycheck from iTunes every month since I launched, so people are buying from my site. But the biggest measure of success was when the biggest music analyst in the industry, Bob Lefsetz (an industry favorite) wrote about Valslist.  He touted Valslist as a fresh new idea in a struggling industry. He said I’m a (human) music filter which is necessary because there’s “too much” music out there to weed through, most people don’t know where to start.  He said “whoever owns the filter owns the future of this industry.”   Needless to say, my inbox was jammed the next day by artists, managers, producers, etc. and I’m still catching up a year later!  Very quickly many other opportunities came along; presenting shows, artist interviews for my podcast series, linking with the Lollapalooza Music Festival in my home town of Chicago, etc. The biggest surprise? The day after Lefsetz wrote about me, I received an email from David Gilmour of Pink Floyd who praised my website and my ‘eclectic mix of music’ and asked my permission to use my site as an example for his UK Radio Broadcast Associates!

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

My family has been great, with a few surprises along the way. My husband is in business and is completely behind me, offering ideas and strategy.  My boys are older so I’m obviously not balancing young ones and this – that would be harder, as I’m on my computer in my office all day every day. But some days the boys make comments like, “How many hours have you been on the computer?  You’re in the same place you were 9 hours ago.”  Also, sometimes it’s tricky due to the product I’m selling. Sometimes its awkward when your mom knows more new artists than you do when you’re a college kid.  But all in all they’re very proud of me and support me all the way.

Easiest part of your job?

Listening to music. I’m so lucky to be making a job out of a lifetime passion. I will never ever tire of trying to find the next new artist.

Hardest part of your job?

Two sets of balancing acts:   1)  Stopping the work to get my other things done (household things, meals, kid stuff, other obligations…)  I’m so passionate – almost obsessive about the music that it’s really hard to turn it off!    2) Getting it all done – the business has gotten so busy and multi-faceted, I’m almost running every minute to get things checked off the to do list. I’m dealing with artists, magazines, blogs, doing playlists for those, music things for my community (pro bono), all on top of my marketing strategy – we’re doing an iPhone App and pitching some big businesses now.  I have 5 college interns working for me but it’s busy just to delegate things.   I’m a right brain creative first and foremost:  following a structured business plan is not so easy for my personality type!

What skill would you most like to improve?

Organizing and budgeting my time.  It’s been a huge learning curve coming from being an at-home mom for 21 years, where your day is laid out for you with schedules and obligations with the kids.  Now my day is a clean slate for ME to prioritize;  that’s much harder. Every day I challenge myself to follow my to do list for that day and not deviate!

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I wish I knew more about press/news releases: how they’re used and how to write one.  The PR and marketing aspects of the business are the most challenging for me. Not that I don’t like them or understand their importance and role in my success, but rather, they exhaust me!  I LOVE the creative side of the marketing – and think I’m pretty good at it – but the PR side is way too busy for me – I’d much rather hire that part out!

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

I had an idea for a business and made it happen. I want Valslist to become a household name for finding great music, and my brand exposure is growing every day.  The fact that it’s an internet business is even a bigger deal for me: I’m 52 and didn’t grow up in the cyberworld, but I’ve learned something new every day and I’m not afraid to say yes and try new things.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Sitting down to plan my workday. I’m like a kid at Christmas. Every facet of my business excites me because the sky is the limit. The music industry is really struggling; it’s a great time to have a fresh new idea.  But in the end, my biggest thrill  is knowing that somewhere out there I’m helping a busy person find new music – effortlessly – and I know how good music makes them feel.

Anything else I should have asked you that you should answer?

I need to give accolades to my husband for supporting my endeavor because I don’t have to pay the rent with my Valslist paycheck; it makes it a more stress free startup.  For some who do need to support themselves, a startup is trickier.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition….to have my own business – something creative.
Fondest memory….the birth of each of my kids.
Indulgence….to sit and read (type A’s rarely do this!).
Last purchase…..skinny leg jeans to wear with boots.
Favorite magazine…..MORE and Architectural Digest
Inspiration…..life outside the box: discovering the new.
My Life…..and everything in it is a gift that I appreciate more every day.

It’s a huge collection of thoughts on things to do and think about this year…a nice recap from some serious players in the blogging world.  Enjoy.