Addressing the concerns of crafters and artisans:  Consumer Reports:  The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has extended a one-year delay in implementing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).  This Act was intended to increase product safety in products geared towards children with respect to such hazards as lead paint.  However, it would have severely hurt small toy, clothing and craft businesses by implementing expensive testing and standardization (even for, say, those who didn’t use paint in their goods).  The provisions regarding lead paint prohibitions for certain children’s products remain in full effect.  So, don’t go shutting down your Etsy store, crafters!  

 Fair Pay, Okay!  In one of his first Presidential acts, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Act into law.   As discussed earlier in this blog, this act will allow suits to be brought to bring pay equality in the face of gender disparity (reducing a Supreme Court decision which made it harder to do so). 

Don’t Get Overtaxed!  It’s that time of year - after you digest your Superbowl wings, and heed the call of the groundhog, you business owners may want to be considering your tax filings.  Here’s some year-end tax tips you may find useful!

Since no one can count on their jobs there are alot of women thinking aboutstarting a business either as a side hustle or because you are so over of the rat race.  Even though people may be telling you that you are crazy to start a business in this economy, they are wrong. The one thing that I keep emphasizing to my clients is ABUNDANCE!  The empire that you want to create starts in your mind. This is the time to start that business!

I want to give you three resources you can use to get your business going, flowing, and GROWING!

*Count Me In-Count Me In is a fabulous organization that is having a year long business growth marathon to help women grow their businesses. In the marathon you can walk, jog, or run!  Count Me In is offering resources, business education, and community.  It is a dynamic program and community is highly important as you are grow your business. Some of the sponsors for Count Me In are American Express, Dell, and Jet Blue to name a few. There is a $100.00 fee to join the marathon. For more information, www.countmein.org

*Wealth Success and Women- This is a new program that I am happy to be a part of that is officially launching in February. Wealth Women  and Success has the goal of empowering women through entrepreneurship and create
millionaire lifestyles. This program is FREE. That’s right free to join in on the millionaire  diva programs and millionaire diva mastermind.You only need a positive attitude and be ready to take action. Sign up for the useful tips  that come to you everyday that can help you grow your business. The weekly Millionaire Diva calls are great as well because not only do you get information, you can ask questions that specifically affect your business. You will get out of this program what you put in.  www.wealthsuccessandwomen.com

*The Luscious Life Business Strategy call- I offer one hour strategy calls that can cover massive information about starting a business, helping you pick a niche, resources, ideas, etc. that will save you time and money in the long run. The strategy call is great especially if you are on a shoestring budget. Forget that saying that  ”you have to spend money to make money”.There is a world of free resources via the internet, you just need to know that they exist. Email me for more information or to schedule a call.

There is never a perfect time to start a business so stop waiting and dreaming about it. There is no time like the present. There are resources, organizations, and groups to help you. You do not have to do it alone. Remember that massive action=momentum. Begin to day and take your business all the way to success.

In the last few weeks, I have been meeting a lot of folks who are freelancing. Either I am just totally unaware of how many freelancers exist out there or this is a sign of the economic times. No disrespect to freelancers as I am actually one myself and no this is not your standard “In These Economic Times” article.

Whatever it is that you do, let’s face it. You are probably tired of the constant doomsday economic message put out by big media. While it may be true that the economy sucks and yes it probably going to get worse before it gets better, a negative message is not going to get you very far. Rather, use this time regardless of whether not you have a job to refocus your energy on something constructive.

Here are three posts that I’ve enjoyed and can be helpful along the way.

1. You are reading this blog so you must be somewhat tech savy. Use those skills to make yourself stand out from the crowd by creating a social media resume. Check out Mashable’s HOW TO: Build the Ultimate Social Media Resume. Learning how to set up a simple website to showcase yourself is not difficult and will give you an advantage. Not ready to take the plunge just yet? Start small by building a LinkedIn profile.
2. The New York Times Shifting Careers Blog can get you thinking about next steps. Their post If You’re Laid Off, or Expecting to Be … is a brief guide on what to expect.
3. And finally if you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands, Dennis Crowley’s Rules for Unemployment will give you a lighthearted boost and ideas on how to spend your day.

Just think. There are so many intelligent people floating around in freelance or unemployment limbo waiting to start something. Now is the time for innovation, you can be a part of it and our economy will be the better for it!

Nina Kaufman is an award-winning business attorney, edutainer, and author.  Under her Ask The Business Lawyersm umbrella, she demystifies the confusion and density of business law for thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and Lex Appeal ezine.  You can find out more about Nina through her websites, AskTheBusinessLawyer and GreatBusinessLawTips. 

  How did you get started doing what you do?

 I had to get off the agony treadmill.  I graduated law school into one of the worst employment markets in recent memory.  Partners were getting pink slips; I was paper-pushing, not getting training in advanced skills (like trial advocacy); I didn’t see women make partner; I was hopeless at the billable hours and office politics games.  I didn’t want to wake up in 10 years time with mo marketable skills or book of business and be told “thanks, but we don’t need you.”  Being a control freak, I wanted control over my destiny.  Thankfully, a mentor and a catalyst entered my life, and the idea of starting my own law practice was born.

What is your biggest joy and what is your biggest headache?

Greatest joy:  having freedom of choice.  I have the flexibility to schedule my day as I choose, work with the clients I like, and have multiple avenues for creative expression.  Greatest headache:  my technology ignorance, and the ramp-up time it takes to get familiar with new programs and platforms.  When technology doesn’t work, neither can I.

Where do you spend most of your time online (business-wise)?

No one place in particular – I troll the Internet looking for stories on small business legal issues for my Entrepreneur magazine columns and blogposts.  I’m glued to my email.

What is the one thing, person, service or resource you can’t do without?

My support team, which includes my husband, and my informal advisory board.  They keep me sane.  They’re my sounding board, cheerleading section, and cattle prod – and don’t hesitate to smack me around when I get down on myself.  Also can’t do without:  the more-than-occasional chocolate chip cookie.

What do you wish someone had told you the day you started your business?

How to build and structure it so that I don’t need to be actively involved ALL the time to ensure it can function.  

Girl Power - A Young Woman’s Perspective I came across this article in the New York Times and thought it was worth sharing; equality in academia giving a young woman a bit of a shock - and changed perspective - in the gender-unequal workplace.  NYT: Girl Power at School, but Not at the Office  
Mompreneurs - Running a Home and a Home Business
This was on NPR this morning, and intrigued me.  Here’s a web site that focuses on this growing trend of stay-at-home moms who are actively growing home businesses. 
Fair Pay on the Way
The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act - designed to help remedy pay disparities between men and women - passed the Senate. 

Erika’s crafting career started with her scrounging gems inside a dumpster for her amazingly creative grandfather.  How creative, you ask?  Well, when she was only 4, he made her a working miniature ferris wheel made solely from trash and a few screws, nuts, and bolts. His creativity - combined with her mother’s amazing skills as a stitcher and stained glass artist - means that Erika has crafting in her genes. You name the craft, Erika’s probably tried it, but her true craft love is embroidery. She’s been stitching since she was 8; two years ago, she discovered the fun of working with wool felt. In 2005 Erika began my imaginary boyfriend, integrating her love of classic crafts, laughter, and whimsy into her home decor and personal accessories.

How did you get started doing what you do?

I’ve always made things, but the business itself started in 2005 when I decided to take a break from the acting career I was pursuing.  Still wanting to do something creative, my roommate, Cindy, suggested I sign up as a vendor at the first Bust Magazine Craftacular.  I didn’t even have a name for my business!  But I applied on a lark and actually got in.  That show went so well that I decided to do more shows and to start my web shop on Etsy.

What is your biggest joy and what is your biggest headache?

Biggest Joy: Having an idea and watching it come to life, and then selling.  I love looking a piles of log pillows  and robot softies when they’re all done!

Biggest Headache: Making the same thing over and over.  It’s the other side of having a successful product.  Sometimes it feels as though I’ll never make anything but log pillows ever again!  I’m not complaining, I love them, but since I’m the manufacturer and designer I often find that the manufacturing takes away from the design time.

Where do you spend most of your time online (business-wise)?

You mean Television Without Pity doesn’t count?  I spend most of my business time at Etsy.   It’s where my shop is located but they also have a great community and great resources.  I also visit The Switchboards, which is a great resource and message board for all sorts of creative women.  The mix of experience there is really helpful.  Other than that, I love checking out other craft and design sites like Design*Sponge, Craftzine and CraftStylish, [Disclosure: I blog for CraftStylish but I do love to see what my other contributors are up to] to see what’s going on in the craft world.

What is the one thing, person, service or resource you can’t do without?

Oh there are so many things I can’t do without!  One thing?  I suppose it would be my super patient and understanding housemate who doesn’t complain about the piles of craft all over the house and who picks up the slack for me when crafting isn’t quite paying all the bills.

What do you wish someone had told you the day you started your business?

That it’s more than just making things.  That the business part is hard and confusing and always challenging.  I don’t think I have ever really mastered the business of my business, it’s an everyday learning process.

You eat well and work out to avoid the doctor; brush and floss to avoid the dentist – so why not attend to your legal health?

One area in which people commonly run into disputes is in dealing with landlords, whether residential or commercial. 

Here’s some positive, helpful yet simple steps you can take when renting a new space, whether for living or for business.

1.     Create a master file  when you move into your new space - whether it’s an envelope, file folder or box – that is dedicated to your apartment or space.  It should contain the following:

a.     A copy of your signed lease.

b.     Any additional contracts or riders (also signed).

c.     Contact information for your managing agent, super and landlord.

d.     Photos – printed out (don’t leave them in your camera) – of the initial conditions in your empty space.  These should include any cracks, damage, loose floor tiles or anything else that can be attributed to you later on.  Print them out (any drugstore can do this for you these days) and date them.

e.     Copies of your first month/security deposit check.

f.      A legal pad and pen.

2.     As you occupy your space, use the envelope for cancelled rent checks, letters to and from your landlord and any other relevant correspondence.  Use the legal pad to record incidents (such as noise from neighbors, attempts to secure repairs, telephone contact with your landlord).  If additional photos are needed to document damage and repairs, take and print them, date them, and keep them here.

There are many cases where having these documents handy would have been a great help in dealing with a landlord tenant issue – whether it is demonstrating proof of paid rent, disputing security deposit charges, verifying terms of the lease or even going to court.  A little preparation can save you many headaches down the road.

Note that although Michelle is an attorney, this is not intended to constitute legal advice; if you have a legal problem, please consult an attorney specifically for your needs.

Hello bacon readers! Anita here, a former confused soul on the subject of money. Actually I am still a bit of a confused soul, but when it comes to money I’m finding my way! How? It took me a few years into my first real job to realize I had no idea what my colleagues meant by contributing to a 403b or an IRA account. I may have been an anomaly compared to my peers, but I actually had a growing savings account and needed to do something with my money. The problem is, I had no idea what to do and was completely intimidated by the subject of finance. Ladies, I know I’m not the only one.

So I did what I do best - I looked to the Internet and I started reading. I believe it was a NYT article on the subject of young finance bloggers that really got me motivated. I figured if my fellow 20 something kids could learn financial basics, so could I. Over time the more I read, the more my intimidation diminished and I believe the same can go for you. This is my advice to you.

Step 1 – Start reading. The more you read the better your financial vocabulary and the more you will realize that finance isn’t really that scary. No, really. The folks working on Wall St. are no smarter than you or I. It is their vocabulary that is intimating. Start by checking out a few of the blogs we have linked on the left hand side and don’t forget this one.

Step 2 – You are probably thinking, “Well duh, I am already here reading this blog. Now what?” Well one of the first and easiest steps you can take is to open a high interest savings account. It wasn’t long ago that I had all my money sitting in my bank account accruing a meager 0.25% interest so I opened a high interest online savings account and got rid of my crappy saving account - so simple really that everyone should do this. You can check sites like Bankrate for the highest rate out there. 3.5-4% interest may not seem like much but just think. It is probably 9x higher that what you are earning now in a basic savings account.

Sometimes it’s taking that first step that can be the most daunting task of all and when you don’t know where to start, looking to your bank account and interest rate can make a difference in the long run. More to come!

This is the first in a series of brief interviews with women who run their own show.  Enjoy!

Shaun Landry is the Artistic Director of the longest-running African American Sketch Comedy and  Improv ensemble, Oui Be Negroes. She is also the producer of The San Francisco Improv Festival and founder of The SanFrancisco Improv Alliance. (an improvisational resource, talent pool and production company for Improvisational Comedy) She is on the board of directors for The Next Stage Theater in San Francisco and on the Artistic Associates Board of The Chicago Improv Festival.

1.     How did you get started doing what you do?
It was really out of being miffed. My last day job once asked me (because they knew I had a comedy company) to perform at their holiday party.  When I asked them, “So what will you pay our actors,” the Human Resources person said, with a straight face,”Well, one would think you would do this gratis because you work here.”   I said no.  They brought in a theater company, who they paid quite a hefty sum, to perform.  I quit before this party and started my company, which books actors and actresses not only for these types of parties, but for educational and theatrical touring as well.  It is amazing how sheer indignation can be an incredible motivator.

2.     What is your biggest joy and what is your biggest headache?
My biggest joy:  Being able to do what I love (acting and producing) for a living.
The biggest headache: There is a joke among the producers – “The hardest part of producing? Producing.” The double changes, the booking of actors and rebooking of actors, the triple emails to people who forgot the first time around.  Those are headaches in any theater world, but headaches I don’t mind.  I have not had the headache yet of an unhappy client.  That is a joy amongst itself.

3.     Where do you spend most of your time online (business-wise)?
I find actor boards, Facebook and other company entertainment sites for resources (IMDB, etc).  I also do a lot of reading of the news (CNN, local Sfgate.com and others) to stay informed about the world, as my company and I have to parody it. 

4.     What is the one thing, person, service or resource you can’t do without?
Outlook, Gmail and Google - I cannot survive without email and research.  Also, my husband.  He makes sure I do not lose my mind and is my grounding point. 

5.     What do you wish someone had told you the day you started your business?
There are a lot of “The Dubious” in entertainment.  More than what you already knew!

Yay! Today the House passed the Lilly Ledbetter and Paycheck Fairness Acts.

I interviewed Deb Malkin, owner of Re/Dress, for Queercents.

Yolanda Shoshana is doing a teleclass, “Unleash Your Lusciousness“. It starts on January 28.