If you have to trudge in to work this Memorial Day, you can take solace in the fact that you won't be alone.
Although 97 percent of employers have designated Memorial Day as a paid day off, more than 40 percent of companies still require at least some employees to work the holiday, according to a new study from Bloomberg BNA.
Along with Christmas, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day and July Fourth, Memorial Day is one of the six paid days off for nearly all U.S. workers, said Matt Sottong, Bloomberg BNA's managing editor of surveys and research reports.
"However, as with most federal holidays, where most Americans receive a paid day off, some will be required to punch the clock, particularly technical workers and public safety and security personnel," Sottong said in a statement.
The study revealed that nearly 20 percent of businesses have at least some members of their technical staff working on Memorial Day, and 15 percent of businesses said they'll have security and public safety workers doing the same.
In addition, 13 percent of organizations will have professional employees working, 12 percent will have managers on the clock and 11 percent will make service and maintenance personnel report for duty. Just 10 percent of businesses will have sales and customer service employees working on Monday.
The good news for people who have to work the holiday is that their paychecks will be a bit larger for doing so. The research discovered that 85 percent of companies that have employees work on Memorial Day provide them with some type of extra benefit.
Specifically, 28 percent will give time-and-a-half pay, 20 percent will provide both extra pay and compensatory time, and 15 percent will pay double time or double time-and-a-half.
Large companies are the most likely to have workers on the clock Monday. The study shows that 80 percent of businesses with more than 1,000 employees will have at least some employees work Memorial Day, compared with just 31 percent of small businesses.
The study was based on surveys of more than 100 human resources professionals.
Live chat is quickly turning into the customer-support option of choice for consumers, new research finds.
Customers who use live chat for support come away satisfied more often than those who call, email or turn to social media for help, according to a study from customer service software provider Zendesk. The company offers a variety of customer service software, but discovered that live chat is the feature customers like most.
Specifically, customers who need support come away content 92 percent of the time after a live-chat session. That's compared to just 88 percent of the time when calling on the phone, 85 percent when filling out a form on a website or sending an email, 84 percent when using Facebook, and 77 percent when using Twitter.
"Customers are gravitating more towards live chat as their preferred channel," Jason Maynard, senior manager of data and analytics at Zendesk, said in a statement. "Organizations who use live chat move customer requests away from Web forms and feedback tabs to real-time chat, where questions can be answered directly in the Web or mobile experience."
Customers seem to like live-chat support because it provides a back-and-forth conversation style. The research revealed that customer satisfaction increases with live chat as the number of chat messages exchanged rises. The study's authors said they believe one reason for this is that consumers are happier when customer service agents are more engaged in the support process, such as by asking more troubleshooting questions or finding out how the customer's day is going.
The study discovered that the average live-chat response time is 1 minute and 36 seconds, with the most popular time for consumers to use live chat options coming between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Another sign of the growing popularity of live-chat support is that after adding the option, businesses see a drop in the number of help requests they receive via their websites
"We found that 30 days after implementing live chat, ticket volume from embedded Web forms plummets, suggesting that customers prefer to communicate with support directly from the company website, instead of waiting for a response to arrive via email," the study's authors wrote.
When it comes to overall customer-service satisfaction, regardless of option, the following industries were rated highest: government and nonprofit, IT services and consultancy, and health care, the research showed. Social media, Web hosting, and manufacturing and computer hardware were the industries that showed the most improvement over the past three months.
The study was based on data from 2,261 Zendesk customers. To be included, companies must have conducted at least 25 chats in the first quarter of 2015.
The number of women taking the plunge to open their own business is on the rise, new research finds
Female entrepreneurs launched 887 new businesses each day last year, on average, and now own 30 percent of all enterprises in the United States, according to a study from American Express OPEN.
The study's authors believe the growth rate is another sign that business creation has recovered from the Great Recession. The number of female-owned firms has increased by 21 percent since 2007, which is more than the 20 percent increase in the five years before the recession. Additionally, it's significantly larger than the 7 percent growth rate during the recession.
"Women-owned businesses are key contributors to the post-recession recovery," Lisette Bernstein, vice president at American Express OPEN, said in a statement.
The number of women opening their own businesses has grown tremendously over the last two decades. Since 1997, the number of female-owned businesses has increased by nearly 75 percent, while the revenue they generated has grown by 79 percent. In addition, these new businesses have created more than 800,000 jobs.
Helping lead the growth has been minority women. In 1997, minorities started just 1-in-6 female-owned businesses. Today, that number has increased to 1 in 3. In the past year alone, minorities launched nearly 500 of the 887 new female-owned businesses started each day.
Overall, researchers estimate that in 2015 there are just over 9.4 million female-owned businesses in the U.S., generating nearly $1.5 trillion in revenue and employing more than 7.9 million people.
Women are focusing their entrepreneurial attention in some areas more than others. The study revealed that the industries with the highest concentration of female-owned businesses are health care and social assistance, educational services, administrative support and waste management services.
The research also shows that some states are doing more than others to foster the development of female entrepreneurs. In the past 18 years, Georgia has seen a 132 percent increase in the number of female-owned businesses, more than any other state. Texas, North Carolina, North Dakota and New York are the other states with a large increase in female-owned organizations. Alaska, West Virginia, Iowa, Kansas and Maine are the states that have seen the slowest growth. The report also found that the states with the highest combined economic clout for female-owned firms, which combines the growth rate with their generated revenue and job creation, are North Dakota, Wyoming, Washington, D.C., Arizona, Georgia and Nevada.
The study was based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, specifically its business census, which is conducted every five years.
Successful businesses all have one thing in common: They solve a problem for their customers. Unfortunately, some problems are less pleasant than others, and some are downright disgusting.
Don't want to clean up after your dog? There's a business for that. Dealing with a lice infestation? There's a business for that, too. Hate the hassle of dirty diapers? Not to worry, there's a business out there ready to help you.
These seven businesses give new meaning to the phrase "it's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it."
An in-home lice removal company
Parents of school-age children (and anyone whose job or day-to-day activities are likely to expose them to head lice) will appreciate LouseCalls, an in-home lice and nit removal service located in Florida. Founded in 2005 by Amy Graff, LouseCalls helps people get rid of head lice infestations. Graff, who has a master's degree in public health, was inspired to start the business after her daughter's elementary school class became infested with lice.
LouseCalls' technicians make it a point to educate customers about head lice along with treating them (including manual removal of lice and knits, as according to the company's website, many over-the-counter and prescription-removal methods are less effective and can even be harmful to those who use it). The company's unique house-call business model allows technicians to instruct customers facing lice infestations on how to properly remove lice from their homes, too. Technicians even stay in touch with customers for the week following treatment to make sure the infestation doesn't return.
A cloth diaper cleaning and delivery service
Disposable diapers may be convenient, but they're not exactly good for the environment. New parents who want to go green by switching to cloth diapers, but who don't want to deal with the mess and hassle of cleaning them, can turn to Blessed Bums, an organic cloth diaper service in Los Angeles. Owners Chris and Laura Gately started the company in 2010 when they realized Laura was pregnant. The pair wanted to use organic cotton diapers to minimize their impact on the environment and their baby's health.
So how does Blessed Bums' service work? The company delivers a set amount of diapers right to your door every week, in a diaper pail with a reusable pail liner and a deodorant disk. When your baby is done with a diaper, just drop it in the pail — at the end of the week, Blessed Bums will collect the dirty diapers for cleaning and deliver a new batch in a clean pail liner. And the cost? Just $24 per week, plus a $25 pail rental fee when you sign up.
A skeleton cleaning business
We've all got skeletons in our closets, but Skulls Unlimited International takes that saying to a whole new, literal level. As the world's leading supplier of osteological specimens (e.g., skulls, skeletons, teeth and fossils), Skulls Unlimited International, located in Oklahoma City, doesn't just buy and sell skeletons and replica specimens. They're also tasked with a very unique and disgusting task: cleaning them.
Cleaning these specimens doesn't just mean dusting off dirt and debris from bones and fossils. The company has to clean off any remains, degrease the specimens and then whiten them with chemicals. In an interview with Entrepreneur.com in 2007, owner Jay Villemarette admitted that it's not the most pleasant job to take on, noting that some specimens (like humans) are greasier than others or have distinct odors.
And don't worry, all of the specimens Skulls Unlimited International takes on are legally and ethically obtained, according to the company's website.
A high-tech hygiene company
The word bidet may conjure up images of commodes in upper-crust European society. But you might be surprised to know that not only have bidets gone high-tech, their demand is alive and well, even in America. Brondell, located in San Francisco, is one business prospering from the "bidet boom."
Brondell was co-founded in 2003 by David Samuel and Scott Pinizzotto, after Samuel accidentally got soaked by a bidet in a Japanese restaurant bathroom. After some research, the pair found that most American homes did not have bidets, and a company was born. Brondell’s product line includes a bidet called the "Swash 1000," which the company describes as a "highly functional toilet seat that provides users unparalleled comfort and personal hygiene."
Brondell's core market focus is North America, but they also distribute internationally and through various partnerships.
A dog poop clean-up service
Dog owners may love their pooches, but most people would rather not have to pick up their furry friend's poop. Unfortunately, it's a fact of life for pet owners. The good news is, there's a business that will do that for you: POOP 911. Started in 2005 by Geoffrey Bodle, a former consultant for Fortune 500 companies, POOP 911 is a dog poop clean-up service based in Orange County, California, that will keep you, your dog and your lawn happy.
With a startup investment of less than $5,000, Bodle initially operated POOP 911 as a weekend-only outfit until he could gauge the company's real money-making potential. Thanks to publicity, customer referrals, and simply driving his POOP 911 vehicle around town, the much-needed service and recognizable phone number got people’s attention. The company has even grown into a franchise, and services start as low as $7.95 per week.
A junk removal chain
They say one man's trash is another man's treasure, and this business is proof — sort of. Longtime friends Michael Andreacchi and Brian Reardon launched Junk King in 2005 to provide environmentally friendly junk-hauling services. What initially began as a service offered to family and friends quickly became much more when they realized the potential in the market — now, Junk King operates in 45 cities in the United States and Canada.
Headquartered in San Carlos, California, Junk King removes junk of all shapes and sizes, ranging from old furniture, appliances, tires, yard waste and practically anything in between. The company even does foreclosure cleanouts. And, according to Dennis Mulgannon, director of franchising for Junk King, their approach to junk hauling has saved nearly 2.3 tons of waste from local landfills by recycling up to 60 percent of what is collected from customers.
Andreacchi and Reardon began Junk King with their own personal investment, but potential franchisees can own and operate their own exclusive Junk King territory for an initial investment ranging from $83,500 to $150,000.
A bacteria-fighting baby business
Poor baby! For Joe and Linda Smaldore of Springfield, Virginia, necessity really did breed invention. Noticing that their new grandson had crusty, yellowish patches on his scalp (an ailment commonly known as "cradle cap" — or seborrheic dermatitis, to get technical), they sought a product that would help remove the dry skin. Cognizant of his tender scalp, they searched for a product that that did not contain harsh chemicals or toxins that might harm the child.
To their shock, no such product existed. As a result, they created their own solution in 2009: Bean-B-Clean, a scalp-massaging brush that helps combat cradle cap. According to the company's website, Been-B-Clean is a more hygienic alternative to the brushes hospitals use that have sponges on the back. Why? Because those sponges "can become a breeding ground for bacteria" and are only meant for one-time use. The Bean-B-Clean is a safer tool that is also soft and soothing for cradle cap-afflicted babies.
Generational differences are often a source of tension and struggle between parents and their children. In some cases, though, these differing perspectives — along with a strong, loving familial bond — can serve as the basis for a successful business partnership.
We asked the leadership teams of nine family-run businesses about the advantages and challenges they've had working with their parent or child, and their advice for other parent-child business owners.
Authentic Foods
This wheat- and gluten-free food manufacturer was founded by Steven Rice in 1993. His son, Aaron, now works with him as Authentic Foods' vice president of sales and marketing.
Business News Daily: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your father?
Aaron Rice: It makes communication easier because we know each other well. There is something different about the communication of a father and son than other relationships.
BND: What has been the greatest challenge?
A.R.: Getting my father to give up some control. He's been doing everything himself for many years and it is an adjustment to have a partner.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
A.R.: Open communication is key. Start by delineating clear responsibilities about who is in charge of what and fall back on those when there is conflict and a decision must be made.
Beija-Flor Jeans
Mother and daughter Kathy Moça and Emilie Whitaker were inspired by the figure-flattering jean designs of Brazil and created Beija-Florjeans together.
BND: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your mother/daughter?
Emilie Whitaker: Having a partner who really knows me, and whom I have a great amount of respect for. When we started, we didn't have to go through the process of getting to know each other and figuring out how to work with one another, which allowed us to produce quick results.
Kathie Moça:The shared passion we have for our company. This is truly what has carried us through tough times. When one of us is running a little low on passion, the other one kicks it up a notch!
BND: What has been the greatest challenge?
E.W.: As in all family businesses, boundaries are hard to set and even harder to preserve. I think both of us have a hard time "leaving the office" and transitioning back and forth between partners and mother-daughter.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
E.W.: Be patient and kind to each other. Unfortunately, sometimes it's easy to treat those we love the most with the least care.
K.M.: Share the work. From the very beginning we had a division of roles and responsibilities, with the understanding that sometimes we have to cover for each other.
John Paul Mitchell Systems
John Paul DeJoria, co-founder and chairman of the company responsible for the renowned Paul Mitchell hair care products, currently works with his daughter, Michaeline, who is vice chairwoman.
BND: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your father/daughter?
Michaeline DeJoria.: Getting wisdom and knowledge that you wouldn't otherwise get. Many people get to observe what [my father] does, but to have the opportunity to have it explained and taught to you behind the scenes throughout your life, and the understanding behind it, is really special (and so valuable!).
John Paul DeJoria: The pride of having and seeing a very proficient daughter. She never ceases to amaze me, but most importantly ... my executive staff feels the same. I'm definitely a proud dad.
BND:What has been the greatest challenge?
M.D.: Our generational differences. Something like social media, for example, took me ages to convince him was a relevant thing. We think a lot alike, but have very different sets of eyes in some ways. Bridging that gap between things being the way we know them and things being totally new and different in this day and age sometimes takes a little extra effort.
J.P.D.: The biggest challenge in working with my daughter was ... letting go of certain areas so that she can complete her mission. She is part of the millennial generation, so it's also a matter of keeping up with her and learning from her.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
M.D.: Don't have an ego. It's not about who is the boss, who is entitled to what, and certainly not about who knows better. We both have one goal: to grow the business for our staff and our customers' sake. When you have selfless intentions that are united, just do what needs to be done.
J.P.D.: If you are lucky enough to have a child that is proficient, you learn that your past knowledge may not always be right, so be open to your children informing you of what they think and why.
Minuteman Press of Medford
Dave Greenhalgh is the current owner of a Minuteman Press printing franchise based in Medford, Oregon. His stepson, Sean Byrne, is his co-owner and future successor.
BND: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your stepson?
Dave Greenhalgh: I hired Sean because I was convinced he was the best person for the job.There are some obvious advantages such as Sean's enthusiasm and go-getting mentality. Leader ... is a title that cannot be given to someone. It must be earned, and Sean has certainly done so.
BND: What has been the greatest challenge?
D.G.: The fact that [Sean] is family initially gave me concern. The potential for having to fire a family member and the effect it would have not only on the business, but on our entire family relationship was not something I wanted to put anyone through. However, I am very happy to say that Sean is the best hire I have made in the 20 years I have been in business.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
D.G.: Consider the possible negative impact of hiring a family member. The possible resentment of the staff and the harm it could do to family dynamics is a very serious consideration.
NuFACE
NuFACE, an at-home anti-aging skin care device, was founded in 2005 by Carol Cole and her daughters, Tera and Kimberly. Today, Tera serves as the CEO.
BND: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your mother?
Tera Valdez-Peterson: Each one of us has very different backgrounds and talents [that] are complimentary to one another. My mom, Carol, is what I call the mad scientist; my sister, Kim, is the worker bee and gets all the office stuff done; and I am the "assertive" sales person. Without each part we wouldn't have been able to launch and grow our company.
BND: What has been the greatest challenge?
T.V.: We are all doing this for the first time so we are constantly learning as we go. That's definitely the biggest challenge since we are starting from scratch. Fortunately, we have good heads on our shoulders, a knack for business and know our customers very well.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
T.V.: You can't change someone. Embrace each other's differences to recognize the value in a different point of view. My weaknesses are my mom's strengths and vice versa and we love to learn from each other.
Nuts.com
Jeff Braverman is the third-generation owner of Nuts.com, which was founded by his grandfather in 1929 as the Newark Nut Co. He currently serves as CEO, after inheriting the company from his father, Kenny.
BND: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your father?
Jeff Braverman: This came down to years of knowing one another and trust. I could wholeheartedly trust my dad and he in turn ultimately put blind faith in my stewardship. After showing my potential, I was summarily handed the keys [to the business].
BND: What has been the greatest challenge?
J.B.: Encountering typical family tension. Sometimes, this can be emotionally draining.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
J.B.: I think parents should expose their children to as much as possible, as early as possible. I know many peers that wanted to work with their parents, but were frustrated that their parents kept things very guarded and were reluctant to share. It's important to note that humility and curiosity are very important characteristics, especially in a family business.
Origami Owl
In 2010, Chrissy Weems helped her then-14-year-old daughter Bella co-found Origami Owl, a custom jewelry company that now operates on a direct sales "home party" model.
BND: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your daughter?
Chrissy Weems: Having the opportunity to work alongside each other, learning how to grow a new business together and seeing firsthand the importance of people over profit. It has been fulfilling watching her grow as a young woman in business as well as in her compassion for others. We both have been empowered to effect change in this world by sharing the Origami Owl business opportunity with others.
BND: What has been the greatest challenge?
C.W.: Reminding my daughter that education must come first and that she must find time to be a kid. I never wanted Bella to miss out on opportunities with her friends; however, she is committed to Origami Owl and was willing to sacrifice a lot to support growing it. Weekends were spent at the mall kiosk before we expanded into the social selling platform.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
C.W.: Find something you are both passionate about and set goals. Be willing to commit the time necessary to build the business and surround yourself with others that lift you up. When Bella and I started out we sacrificed a lot, which impacted our entire family, but we were willing to do what needed to be done to be successful and provide a life-changing opportunity for others.
PB Crave
Natural "peanut butter with a twist" company PB Crave was founded by Curt Riess. His son, Austin, serves as the company's general manager.
BND: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your father?
Austin Riess: We are able to connect and work together on strategy with [my father] having the experience for input but also having ... the new-age ideas that I am able to bring forward to improve and build a stronger business model.
BND: What has been the greatest challenge?
A.R.: The greatest challenge is [our] age difference. My father is in his 50s and I am 24. I come from a different generation and background, and have new ideas and ways of doing things. So you need to be able to compromise on different things.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
A.R.: Work somewhere else for a year or more [if you're the son or daughter]. That was a requirement for me to come into the business. I had to go out and prove myself and experience a different work environment to see the different benefits and downfalls. You also will be able to see how vastly different business models vary by company. This is good to understand and it will allow you to be able to react better in different business environments and bring some experience to the table.
Skyline Windows
Skyline Windows, a New York-based custom window company, is currently run by CEO Steven Kraus and his son, senior vice president Matthew.
BND: What is the greatest advantage of running a business with your father?
Matthew Kraus: I'm learning from someone that I truly admire and respect. I've been watching my father run Skyline Windows for as long as I can remember and I greatly value his insight. Furthermore, my father knows me better than anyone and he is able to use that knowledge and deep connection in order to properly challenge and encourage me.
BND: What has been the greatest challenge?
M.K.: My father and I both have very strong personalities and in some areas we have differing opinions. It can be very difficult to appropriately challenge someone from a business standpoint when you've looked up to that person your entire life. You need to be able to remove the personal relationship from the picture and solely focus on the fact that you are ... having a professional discussion with a colleague, not your father.
BND: What advice do you have for other parent-child teams?
M.K.: Ultimately, you have to understand that your child is his own person with his own ambitions, dreams and goals. You cannot force your child to follow in your footsteps or else you will have nothing but resentment, [and] the company's future will not be as successful as you hope it will.
Fans of "The Office" know that Michael Scott (played by Steve Carrell) may not have been the best boss all the time — in fact, he's guilty of some not-so-HR-friendly behavior and wasn't the most productive employee, either. However, Michael did have some admirable qualities that made him a good boss. What he lacked in political correctness and business savvy, he made up for in enthusiasm about his job and compassion for his employees.
Michael Scott once said, "Sometimes I'll start a sentence and I don't even know where it's going. I just hope I find it along the way." And what he usually found was a statement that was equal parts bold, hilarious and yes, even inspiring.
These eight quotes from The Office's self-appointed "World's Best Boss" may make you laugh out loud, but they can also teach you a thing or two about business.
The quote: "Make friends first, make sales second, make love third. In no particular order."(Season 6, Episode 20)
The lesson: The quote itself may be a little silly, but the sentiment behind Michael's words still rings true in sales. If you want to make sales, you can't focus on making sales — you have to focus on making and maintaining real connections with clients first.
The quote: "Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." (Season 2, Episode 6)
The lesson: As a leader, you have to find the right balance between being liked and being respected. Sure, that's not exactly the sentiment Michael was trying to convey when he was explaining his leadership style, but he does have a point. Being a scary boss isn't the best route to take, but being a lovable boss with no backbone isn't any better. A little bit of both, however, can make a great leader.
The quote: "You need to play to win. But you also have to win to play." (Season 2, Episode 4)
The lesson: This was one of Michael's "ten rules of business" and on first read, this quote doesn’t really make much sense, but if you think about it in terms of attitude, it's actually great advice. You need to participate to even have a chance at winning anything, and you also need to have a winning attitude to take a risk and try in the first place.
The quote: "I swore to myself that if I ever got to walk around the room as manager, people would laugh when they saw me coming, and would applaud as I walked away." (Season 2, Episode 14)
The lesson: Before he actually became the regional manager at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company's Scranton branch, Michael Scott had big dreams and goals for himself in the future, as all professionals should. And this quote reaffirms the idea of finding balance between being liked and being respected — Michael wanted to be a leader who could laugh with his employees, but also be taken seriously.
The quote: "People will never be replaced by machines. In the end, life and business are about human connections. And computers are about trying to murder you in a lake. And to me the choice is easy." (Season 4, Episode 3)
The lesson: OK, so computers aren't exactly known for committing murder in lakes, but in a world where technology evolves on a daily basis, the idea of machines replacing human interaction is a real concern. As always, Michael valued and appreciated the importance of human connections, be it relationships with his employees or with the company's clients.
The quote: "The most sacred thing I do is care and provide for my workers, my family. I give them money. I give them food. Not directly, but through the money. I heal them." (Season 1, Episode 3)
The lesson: In this episode, Michael may have been taking the responsibility of choosing a new health care plan for his employees a little too seriously — he even compared himself to a doctor — but this quote is a nice (albeit kind of hilarious) reminder of the importance of offering quality benefits to employees. Michael always made it a point to ensure that his employees were taken care of, even though he himself didn't ask for a raise for years.
The quote: "The people that you work with are, when you get down to it, your very best friends." (Season 7, Episode 21)
The lesson: Michael was a problematic manager in many ways, but he always valued his relationships with his employees above all else. Maybe your employees shouldn't be your "very best friends" and you might not always get along with your co-workers, but the truth is, you'll be spending most of your time around the people you work with — you should make it a point to at least establish a friendly relationship so that everyone enjoys coming to work every day.
The quote: "Granted, maybe this was not the best idea, but at least we care enough about our employees that we are willing to fight for them." (Season 4, Episode 10)
The lesson: When another Dunder Mifflin branch tried to lure one of Michael's employees away from Scranton, Michael refused to go down without a fight. He didn't want to lose one of his team members, and that's another important leadership quality. Good bosses need to be able to recognize their employees' value, no matter what they bring to the table.
Two of the most challenging, but rewarding endeavors a person can undertake are raising a family and starting a business. Both are full-time commitments that demand a whole lot of patience, perseverance and love. Doing one or the other on its own can be difficult enough, but plenty of entrepreneurial-minded parents willingly choose to do both — and they couldn't be happier about it.
In honor of Mother's Day, we asked women who have both businesses and families why they love being "mompreneurs." Here's what they had to say about work-life balance, serving as role models, and finding personal and professional happiness.
Your children can serve as your business inspiration
"My favorite thing about being a mompreneur is all of the inspiration I gather from my children. After planning so many birthday parties and celebrations for them, the idea to create Partyology came from my desire to streamline the party-planning process without compromising that professional look we all want. Without being a mom, I wouldn't be where I am today, with an app that makes the lives of moms a little bit easier!"– Barbara Edelstein, co-founder, Partyology
"When I say 'kid tested, mother approved,' I really mean it with all of my designs. My son, Liam, inspired me to create a clothing line that made getting dressed in the morning easier for him. He was the very first to try on my samples, and because of that, the very first satisfied customer was me." – Lauren Thierry, creator and CEO, Independence Day Clothing
Mompreneurship offers a whole new level of work-life balance
"I love that I can set my own schedule, even though it's a crazy one. I operate on a 24-hour clock where I fit in all facets of my life. Some days look more traditional, 9-to-5-ish, and others flip-flop all day between work and personal responsibilities. The flexibility of being a mompreneur helps me to be both a better professional and a better mom." – Allison O'Kelly, founder and CEO, Mom Corps
"While being a mompreneur has its own set of stresses regarding work-life balance, it has been the healthiest part of living the startup life. I have learned so many things in regards to communication, business, leadership and going for the gusto to pursue something I believe in. But my daughter's health and happiness is by far more important than any business decision I will ever make. Her well-being puts all of the stressful business moments into perspective, which is invaluable. I can't wait to share these lessons with her one day, and tell her how she was such an important part of this journey." – Cortnie Purdy, CEO, The Venue Report
Your kids can learn valuable, hands-on business lessons
"As my children have gotten older, we have developed such a profound level of respect for each other as it relates to my career. We discuss business and trends and logistics of events, and they bring an insightful younger perspective, often impacting the direction I may take in guiding a client. I feel the most immense pride emanate from them with each successful event that we produce, each post-event thank you we receive, each time we raise the bar and are acknowledged in some way. For your children to be proud of their mother's accomplishments is an extraordinary feeling."– Claudia Wagner, executive vice president, Gourmet Advisory Services
"The best part about being a mompreneur is involving my children in my business and teaching them that being an entrepreneur means hard work and lots of it. My children understand that building a business is a slow process that takes time, energy and quite often sacrifice. They know that failure is only failure if you quit. Instead, they have the practical understanding that failure can be the best thing that happens to you if you pick yourself up, learn from your mistakes and power on." – PJ Jonas, founder, Goat Milk Stuff
Motherhood and entrepreneurship go hand in hand
"I have the luxury of doing the two things I love and am passionate about. My children are and always will be my number one. The joys, the difficult moments and the challenges of full-time parenting prepared me for perseverance in my other passion, the competitive world of horse racing. They are so different, yet parenting taught me the grace of patience, and the strength to deal with all of the ups and downs."– Sheila Rosenblum, owner, Lady Sheila Stable
Your sense of purpose goes beyond just family or career success
"I get to be boss lady/creator/innovator by day, and mommy all the time. I have a different purpose now, and being a mom has changed the way I look at everything. Plus, having a toddler tugging on my leg while I bounce a baby in one arm and type on my phone in the other makes life more interesting — and fun!" – Leila Lewis, CEO, Be Inspired PR
"Being in business for yourself is empowering, because all the work that you do directly benefits your own family, the clients that you have chosen to work for and the team of people who work with you. That makes doing work extremely rewarding." – Lisa Kroese, owner, Expert Estates
Mompreneurs make incredible role models
"I can show my daughter that absolutely anything is possible. As a single mom in my mid-30s, starting a tech company wasn't going to be easy, but despite the odds I have shown my daughter and other women that with hard work, passion and tenacity, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to." – Sheri Atwood, founder and CEO, SupportPay
"The best thing about being a mompreneur is being able to spend quality time with my daughters while teaching them the importance of having a passion of their own outside the home. Teaching by example shows them how you can become self-sufficient, gain more confidence and have a degree of independence, whether it be financial or psychological." – Julie Karlitz, CEO, strap-its
"The best thing about being a mompreneur is the message I'm sending to my two daughters. I don't buy the dichotomy of motherhood and business success, and hope they won't either. If you can't 'have it all' under someone else's rules, create your own rules and pave your own way." – Stephanie Winans, COO, Bundoo and current MBA@UNC student
Etsy is a great place to sell vintage and handmade items, and many collectors and creatives have found a way to make a living selling their wares on the site.
There, you can find everything from antique furniture to handcrafted jewelry, and it's the perfect place to shop for gifts for your crafty or vintage-obsessed loved ones, or unique home decor items. But while mostly everything on Etsy is unique, not everything on Etsy is normal — in fact, some shops are downright weird.
Here are 10 strange Etsy shops you likely didn't know existed.
Ramshackle Rascals
Credit: Ramshackle Rascals/Etsy
If you've ever wanted to decorate with (or even wear) broken-down doll parts, this is the Etsy shop for you. Ramshackle Rascals sells handmade art and decor pieces using "old, forgotten dolls" according to its Etsy page. The shop sells planters made out of doll heads, brooches featuring Barbie doll faces, and a series of art pieces called "Pickled People in a Jar" — sculptures made from dolls and wax pickles inside mason jars, each featuring a short poem in the item description — among other unique items. Shop prices range from around $15 to $75 depending on the item.
Flavored Toothpicks
Credit: Flavored Toothpicks/Etsy
On the surface, this Etsy shop seems like a perfectly normal (and yet interesting) business idea. People use toothpicks all the time, so why not give them a little flavor? While it's true that cinnamon, grape, wintergreen and even bacon toothpicks are intriguing, there are some other, stranger flavors that will leave you wondering, "Huh?" Under Flavored Toothpicks' "Weird & Unique Flavors" tab you'll find toothpicks that taste like fireworks, baby formula and more. Overall, there are more than 70 different toothpick flavors to choose from. The toothpicks sell for $5.95 and come in a small, sliding metal tin.
Anna's Uncanny Creatures
Credit: Anna's Uncanny Creatures/Etsy
This shop definitely does "weird" well. From faux-zombie parts to strange stuffed animals, Anna's Uncanny Creatures has it all. The shop, which has been open since 2011, features eerie-looking, yet somehow endearing, teddy bears and stuffed animals with piercing acrylic eyes, faux fur and oddly humanlike mouths, complete with teeth, all handmade to order. Anna's Uncanny Creatures also offers a custom message-in-a-bottle letter service and sells zombie finger keychains and bookmarks along with "bodily candles," incredibly realistic vegan wax candles shaped like parts of human heads and faces. The teddy bears sell for around $55 each, while other prices vary.
Cappy Sue Creations
Credit: Cappy Sue Creations/Etsy
You know the old saying, "one man's trash is another man's treasure?" Cappy Sue Creations is a unique Etsy shop that takes that mantra to a whole new level. Along with random paintings, jewelry and art pieces that range from strange and unusual to traditional and beautiful, Cappy Sue Creations will also take your random, unwanted junk, turn it into something new and more interesting, and send it back to you for a fee — now you know what to do with all those white elephant gifts! And in addition to these custom projects, you can also find some not-so-safe-for-work items in the form of pendants, ornaments and more. Prices vary by item.
Leaves of 3
Credit: Leaves of 3/Etsy
This jewelry shop actually doesn't seem so strange, and in fact, many of the pieces for sale are quite beautiful. Leaves of 3 turns nature into jewelry, with things like moss, butterflies, flowers, seashells and four-leaf clovers preserved in clear resin and turned into pendants, earrings, rings and more. But what makes Leaves of 3 even more unique is the fact that the shop offers an entire selection of jewelry made with real poison ivy — yes, the plant that's best-known for giving people painful rashes. But don't worry, these pieces are beautiful and definitely won't make you itch. Prices vary, but most items range from $20 to $50.
aKNITomy
Credit: aKNITomy/Etsy
Like dissecting things? Appreciate knitting? This shop combines the best of both worlds. According to its Etsy page, aKNITomy is an "icky and cuddly world of knitted anatomy." The shop sells framed, knit versions of human anatomy and dissected creatures (like frogs, rats, bats and aliens) that are both strange, and oddly, kind of cute. There's even a dissected Easter bunny full of colorful grass and knit dyed eggs. And if you're interested in knitting your own science projects, aKNITomy also sells patterns and DIY kits for a small fee, too. Finished projects sell for anywhere from $75 to close to $200.
Funereal Ephemera
Credit: Funereal Ephemera/Etsy
If you've always been fascinated by death, you'll love this Etsy shop. Funereal Ephemerea is a shop that specializes in "vintage cemetery, funeral and postmortem photography" according to its Etsy page. There, you can find old photographs — some haunting, some beautiful — of everything from flower-covered cemeteries and bodies in coffins to religious and medical paraphernalia and even taxidermy. Prices vary, but most of the photographs fall between $10 and $40.
The Curiositeer
Credit: The Curiositeer/Etsy
Do skeletons and all things creepy and crawly fascinate you? What if you could wear a bat's skull around your neck or wear a spider like a ring? The Curiositeer makes it possible, with jewelry and other items made with materials like human teeth, insects, animal skeletons and more. Items like frog hearts, scorpions and bird skulls are preserved in resin and mounted to pendants or rings. And for the faint of heart, there's also a selection of jewelry made with flowers and rocks. Items vary in price, but most of the jewelry falls between $20 and $50.
DigitalSoaps
Credit: DigitalSoaps/Etsy
What do you do when you can't put down your video games long enough to take a shower? You take them with you … at least, in the form of soap, thanks to this Etsy shop. DigitalSoaps makes handcrafted soaps in the form of gaming accessories, like Nintendo game cartridges and PlayStation and Xbox controllers. The shop also sells shampoos and body washes in soda bottles (popular brands like Dr Pepper and Mountain Dew) and soap inspired by cartoons and anime.
Terrible Origami
Credit: Terrible Origami/Etsy
According to its Etsy page, this shop "puts the OMG in origami." Some people are talented at origami, the art of paper folding, but others, not so much. The sellers behind Terrible Origami are of the latter category — instead of making beautiful, intricate swans, this shop sells what looks more like crumpled paper. These terrible origami items are listed for outrageous prices, many of which are over $100, and it's clear that the shop is more of a joke than anything. However, the shop also sells Terrible Origami-branded T-shirts for fans to purchase, and has even somehow sold a few origami pieces as well.
All entrepreneurs need a little inspiration now and then to help them start or grow their businesses. And few famous entrepreneurs are as inspiring as the late Steve Jobs.
As the co-founder and former chairman and CEO of Apple — one of the biggest companies in the world — Jobs became a household name long before his death in 2011. He was known for his charisma, and throughout his life gave many motivational speeches and interviews, full of great quotes that entrepreneurs and leaders can learn a thing or two from.
Here are eight Steve Jobs quotes every entrepreneur should know.
"Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations." (Source)
It's easy to get so wrapped up in trying to make your idea successful that you think failure is not an option. But being so hard on yourself won't get you anywhere. This quote is important because it's a reminder that you're only human, and humans make mistakes. Instead of letting it get to you, accept it, admit it and keep traveling on your path to success.
"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." (Source)
Being an entrepreneur usually means taking a lot of risks — sometimes you have to leave a great job to pursue what you love, or invest a lot of money into your ideas. Jobs knew that at the end of the day, no matter how scary it may be to take that leap, following your heart is always the best course of action, and that's how he became so successful.
"I'm convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the nonsuccessful ones is pure perseverance." (Source)
Along with risks, entrepreneurship can come with a lot of challenges and obstacles. This quote couldn't be more true — those who are cut out to make it in the business world won't let these hardships get to them, but rather use them as motivation to get better. Perseverance is key.
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." (Source)
Jobs knew that to truly be successful, you need to be happy. And to be happy, you need to do what you love every day and stand behind your work. If you're not happy sitting at a desk from 9 to 5 working the day away, there may be a better option out there for you — you just have to find it. Settling for something that doesn't make you happy or inspire you can only lead to regret.
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." (Source)
Anyone can be a manager, but being a good leader means never being afraid to share and pursue your ideas. If you want to stand out as a leader, you need to be willing to share your creativity with others. And you need to work with your employees to keep molding your ideas until those ideas either solve the problem at hand or improve what you're already doing.
"I'm as proud of many of the things we haven't done as the things we have done. Innovation is saying no to a thousand things." (Source)
Sometimes, as a business owner, you just have to say "no." Whether it's rejecting a less-than-stellar idea from an employee or turning down a potential business deal, the truth is, you can't say "yes" to everything. This quote is a great reminder that being a good leader means recognizing when turning something down might actually be the best course of action — and then accepting and standing by your decision.
"Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles." (Source)
No matter what the situation, Jobs knew that putting out quality work is much more important than putting out a lot of work. It can be tempting to take the easy way out and churn out content or products, but taking the time and putting in the effort to make the best content or products you can make is what will make you successful in the end.
"Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." (Source)
Most importantly, as an entrepreneur and a leader, you need to set an example and practice what you preach. Your employees and clients won't respect you if you say one thing and do another, and you can't hold workers accountable for things they do wrong if you're making the same mistakes yourself. To set an environment where excellence is expected, as Jobs said, you need to be excellent, too.
In just about every industry, freelancing has become a popular option for professionals looking for more control over their careers and work experiences. The freedom to set your own pace, work from anywhere and take on projects for numerous different companies sounds appealing to those tired of the 9-to-5 office grind, but what's the reality of earning a living as a freelancer in the modern world?
Payoneer, a global payment platform, surveyed more than 23,000 freelancers from 180 countries to uncover trends in billing rates, experience levels and expectations when it comes to their work. According to Payoneer's data, the average freelancer works 36 hours a week at a rate of $21 per hour, giving them an annual pretax salary of more than $39,000. This is significantly higher than the average non-freelance wages in most of the countries in the survey. It's important to note, however, that these numbers are only global averages, and freelance take-home pay can vary greatly depending on the industry, billing method, and whether freelancing is a person's primary source of income.
Jonny Steel, vice president of marketing at Payoneer, said one of the most surprising data points uncovered by the survey was that freelancers with a college degree typically earn $20 an hour, less than the $22 an hour earned by those whose highest education level is high school. This, he said, suggests that companies who hire freelancers favor experience and client reviews over formal education.
"Not everyone has the same access to traditional higher education, but the beauty of the Internet is that as long as you're connected, you have access to an almost infinite amount of knowledge," Steel told Business News Daily. "People can learn skills from watching online tutorials, reading e-books and following the latest trends on top-notch blogs. So when it comes to making an impact on the freelance marketplaces, it matters a lot less where you acquired your skills from, as long as you can do the job."
Scott Galit, CEO of Payoneer, echoed what many freelancers have discovered in recent years: Today's hyper-connected, "borderless world" has created unprecedented work opportunities for talented professionals, no matter where they're located.
"There's an obvious appeal to freelancing — businesses worldwide can tap into a larger and more diverse talent pool than ever before, and ... freelancers and service providers [can] secure work with international companies," Galit said in a statement. “Freelancing offers smart, talented, hardworking professionals and business owners in emerging economies such as Argentina, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines and Serbia a major breakthrough in job prospects and earning potential that they would have never thought possible a few years ago."
For freelancers who want to market themselves better and earn more money, Steel advised creating a presence across multiple freelancing networks and asking clients to leave reviews on those sites. He also noted that branding yourself and promoting your work through a blog and social media channels can help you gain exposure, credibility and, ultimately, business growth.
"If you're good at your job, there really is no limit to how much you can grow your business," Steel said. "Many of the most successful entrepreneurs we come across just keep growing, and it's because they're bold and eager to promote themselves. Companies will be more drawn to you — and be willing to pay more — when they see you're serious."
To view the full Payoneer Freelancer Income Survey 2015 report, visit Payoneer's download page.
A business is nothing without productive employees, but sometimes stress and other factors can make workers feel too sluggish to perform at their peak. The good news is, science can help you.
As it turns out, small details like the color of an office's décor or where employees sit can make all the difference in the world when it comes to improving performance. Even changing the way you drink your coffee can have a bigger impact on you than you realize.
Here are five simple, proven ways to increase productivity in the workplace.
Let in natural light
One way employers can increase productivity in the workplace is to make sure their employees are getting plenty of exposure to natural light throughout the day. Research from the Interdepartmental Neuroscience program at Chicago's Northwestern University shows that employees who worked in offices with windows were exposed to 173 percent more white light than those who worked in windowless offices, according to Psychology Today.
The study also found that employees working in windowed offices slept an average of 46 minutes more per night, experienced better sleep quality and efficiency, and reported higher quality of life scores than those who did not. Employees working in windowless offices reported more sleep disturbances and daytime dysfunction. This is because the lack of natural light can disrupt they body's circadian rhythms and even cause seasonal affective disorder.
If your office or cubicle doesn't have a window nearby, you can purchase light boxes or therapy lamps that mimic natural outdoor light.
Decorate with the right colors
To keep inspiration and productivity high, make sure your office walls aren't stark white. A University of Texas study that looked at the impact of color on productivity found that white walls are bad for productivity and quality of work.
The study tested three groups of people by having them work in three different colored rooms — red, aqua and white. Subjects made more errors in the white room than in the others, Fast Company reported.
"White doesn't help us be productive, and most work environments are white, off-white or gray," said researcher Nancy Kwallek, noting that shades of blue or blue-green seem to be the best choices for an office color scheme.
Another study by the University of British Columbia found that red can increase performance in employees with detail-oriented assignments, while blue is calming and promotes creativity and communication. Green is also great for inspiring creativity and innovation, however, yellow, can cause anxiety and frustration, and gray can lead to energy loss and depression.
Try taking 'coffee naps'
When you're feeling sluggish at work, you likely either turn to a cup of coffee or find yourself longing for an afternoon nap as you trudge through the rest of the day. But while coffee or naps alone may not help much, several studies show that combining the two may be exactly what you need to boost your productivity.
Drinking a cup of coffee and then taking a 20-minute nap immediately after, or taking a "coffee nap" is helpful for several reasons, according to Vox. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine (high levels of adenosine make you feel tired) in the brain to keep you awake — but it can't block adenosine from all of your brain's receptors. That's where the nap comes in, as sleep also naturally clears adenosine from the brain. Napping for 15 to 20 minutes ensures that you'll get a little rest without falling into a deep sleep, and you'll wake up just in time for the caffeine to start kicking in (with less adenosine in the way.)
A study from the Sleep Research Laboratory at Loughborough University in England found that the combination of caffeine and a short nap was more effective in combatting drowsiness and driving impairments than caffeine or naps alone, Vox reported. And a study from Hiroshima University found that the combination was the most effective for increasing performance, with the effects lasting for about an hour upon waking up. So, employers, you may want to invest in a nap room!
Try new seating arrangements
Switching up where your employees sit can be another way to boost creativity and increase productivity in the office. Christian Catalini, assistant professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Sloan School of Management, told the Wall Street Journal that grouping workers together by department can foster focus and efficiency, but mixing them up can also lead to innovation.
And Sigal Barsade, a University of Pennsylvania management professor, said that workers' dispositions can actually be contagious, so grouping people based on their temperament can really have an impact on a company's work environment.
"People literally catch emotions from one another like a virus," Barsade said, adding that if you want to cheer up a stressed-out employee, grouping that worker with cheerful, energetic employees is the best strategy.
The Wall Street Journal also reported on several companies that have experimented with different seating arrangements and have seen interesting results. Representatives from HubSpot found that grouping their executives together made employees feel like they were too far removed from the company, for example. And Kayak.com's co-founder Paul English found that placing new hires in specific areas based on their personalities and work habits could really change the dynamic of different groups in the office.
Take breaks together
Everyone needs a break or two during the work day, but as it turns out, taking a break with your co-workers, as opposed to spending your break time alone, can have a huge impact on your performance.
Giving employees the opportunity to take breaks together can improve productivity and decrease stress, according to a study conducted by Sociometric Solutions, a Massachusetts-based management services business.
The study, which tracked employees at a Bank of America call center for three months, found a 15 to 20 percent bump in productivity, a decrease in turnover (from 40 to 12 percent) and a 19 percent drop in stress levels among employees who were allowed to take breaks together. These communal breaks gave employees the opportunity to let off steam and share tips about customer service, Phys.org reported.
Ben Waber, the co-founder and president of Sociometric Solutions, told Phys.org that changes like this can produce, on average, a 20 percent rise in employee satisfaction and productivity, as well as a similar decrease in turnover.
