Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Mark Matheson, London, UK — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:09:38 GMT

Eve,

Couldn't agree more!

I have a daughter aged 10 (going on 25) that I have taught to compete with boys on any level that she chooses, including running her own business. (She has 3 brothers btw.)

However, how is she meant to do this over the next 10, 20, 30 years and more when some bright sparks (not) are creating words that serve to separate from her male peers? (Is that by design? Uhmmm, I wonder ...)

Managing business, finances and money is a skill that we should ALL have and be taught from infancy. Boys and girls alike.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Peter — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 19:17:50 GMT

As a man, whenever I hear or read a silly term like "mompreneur", I automatically picture someone involved in a tawdry little home-based business or multi-level marketing scam. The term oozes unprofessionalism, low expectations, and low standards, and a quick death for the enterprise.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Deb M. — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:50:47 GMT

As a woman I find the term offensive and belittling. As a business person my being a mom has nothing to do with my job. I agree with Peter completely. I deplore cute, silly terms and as a professional would hate to have someone tag me as a "mompreneur". Sometimes I think that women are their own worst enemy when it comes to their business and professional lives. Any business has to stand on it's own not on whether you are a parent or not. I can't think that any man would tolerate for a split second being called a "dadpreneur".

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Elizabeth Potts Weinstein, San Jose, California — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:10:30 GMT

I embrace the term mompreneur and use it as part of the marketing of my business. My business area has little to do with being a mom (financial and legal consulting for small business owners), but the fact that I am a woman, and a mom, is part of both my business and my relationship with my clients.

I find it very interesting that there is a feminist backlash anytime a woman actually wants to be a woman (or in this case, a mom) in conjunction with her business.

Am I not allowed to wear a cute business casual outfit at a networking event, because you can see curves under my sweater? Next do I have to start wearing a tie and bind my breasts, because if I actually identify myself as a woman it means my business is not "real" or it is worth less?

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Tim, Atlanta, GA — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 06:25:58 GMT

I believe this whole issue goes to "equality" and the very definition of the word in this context. Is it wise to use any tool in your arsenal as a small business person? Absolutely. To claim any special or preferential treatment simply because you are a "Mom" (as millions of others are) makes no sense to me. Can someone explain why this should make a difference in hiring a qualified individual or company for a specific task, project or function please? I don't get it. Thank you.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

JWM — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:18:43 GMT

Wow! Creating words designed to seperate people in a desperate and shallow attempt to look better than thou? To look cute and witty? I'm going to puke.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Jessica — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:21:38 GMT

Liz - How about just being a woman? Why the need to throw it in peoples faces? It's needless and demeaning to women. And many of us find it very offense and it undermines our hardwork by lowering it's value to that a cute word alone.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Anne Wanchic, Jacksonville, Florida — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:58:34 GMT

Since when did professionalism become so incredibly intolerent and boring?
I am a stay at home mom with a business I started. (www.timeforyouassistance.com) -A Momprenuer, if you will... and very much an educated professional. You wrote, "and somehow stumble upon the idea because of a need they discover while taking care of the little buggers." My business plan was not thought up on a whim, but well thought out and certainly fit the lifestyle I decided to strive for since I learned of my daughter's impending arrival into the world. Far from a "little bugger", she is my reason for making my home based business a success, or I would be back out in the corporate world working that 40 hour no brainer work week.
Say it with me now.... mom pren eur. Mompreneur... If the term really does annoy you, then its time to stop ranting and take inventory of what is more important in the world. Perhaps something like treating others with the warmth, kindness and understanding, which I am sure you would want for yourself as well.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Julie Casey, Wetumpka, AL — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:11:29 GMT

I agree with this story.
The term mompreneur seems demeaning. Is it meant to be less of a business or her less of a business woman because a mom has her own business or does it mean that whatever product they are selling, only MOMS will want to buy it?? Aren't her products just as importaint to business as someone who ISN'T a mom? I think the term does a disservice to women who happen to be moms and come up with with a brilliant business. I too am an entrepreneur who just happens to be a mother of 5, plus a militay wife. You won't see me placing a gimmick like that into what I do.
To place a gimmick name into entrepreneur, whether it be moms or whatever is just ridiculous. Next thing you know someone will be calling themselves a momventer (mom inventor) Give me a break!

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Julie Casey, Wetumpka, AL — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:28:07 GMT

My personal thoughts is that calling oneself a mompreneur is possibly a bit demeaning simply because as a business woman, your goal is to make your business successful, purposeful and respected. YES?
I think that calling yourslf a mompreneur puts others who view your business into a mindset that because you're a mom businesswoman that your business isn't serious and maybe all your clients are moms only.
Don't get me wrong, I think it's awesome for us moms to find something meaningful as to have our businesses, but just because we're moms, we're no less the entrepreneur than anyone else, so why separate ourselves from that group?

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Bunmi Zalob — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:27:41 GMT

I'm an entrepreneur mom and try not to get caught up in cutesy words, but I do understand why the term was created.

I created a social networking site for entrepreneur moms and have received significant press without the use of "special phrasing". I could do without the term, but I don't hate it.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Stephanie Adams Oceanside California — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 05:38:08 GMT

Really...what does it matter? Momprenuer, Dadprenuer, sisterprenuer, brotherprenuer.....the only thing you should be worried about is calling yourself sucessful.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Tina, Birmingham Alabama www.CotinaMayes.com — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 22:39:35 GMT

Ok..so stop the name calling (MomPrenuer)! Well I guess i am a successful MomPrenuer...just check out my website: www.cotinamayes.com
I enjoy my career and i am at home 90% of the time ,chilling out plus drinking my coffee..just making money being a (MomPrenuer) ..My career pays my bills , I am flexible and get to spend alot of time at my kids school and family functions. I am enjoying working when I want to ...being a so called (MomPrenuer) so stop insulting women!

'' I sell plenty of real estate that is helping this economy turn around in circles for the good. I bet a (MomPrenuer) sold you your house!

I had a great time with this blog it's interesting how different people have different views, but I did enjoy this (MomPrenuer) Talk! Thanks and there is no hard feelings just different views about it..

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Jamie Lentzner — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:05:28 GMT

Wow - who knew people would get sooo upset by such a silly word. I have a busienss, I have children and I do not run it out of my home. I did come up with the idea due to a lack of personalized products on the market at the time for "my little bugger"(I started Jamie's Painting & Design 5 years ago). The reason I used the "term" was for a pitch I made to a little Newspaper called the SF Chronicle, that got picked up then the Wall St. Journal, other Magazines, TV Spots - etc. A gimmick yes if you will - but it worked. The picked it up, and I have women emailing me all the time asking HOW to get the press I got - silly word, but laughing all the way to the bank - and youc can call me it all you want. The term is here to stay - and unfortunatley those of us raising children and running a business DO have different needs, though we do not need a different term.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Jeannie, Monmouth Jct., NJ — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 13:40:45 GMT

I'm a woman, a mom, an inventor and an entrepreneur, and personally, I think the term is fine. I don't feel it's demeaning at all. I agree with Stephanie Adams -"the only thing you should be worried about is calling yourself sucessful." =)

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Kate, Long Island, NY — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 06:22:05 GMT

I came across this article because I'm interested in the topic. Lighten up! I've done a corporate gig, a stay-at-home stint, and am now working at a part-time professional position. I'm looking to start my own business and expect excellent cash flow, even in a downturn.

I don't care what you call me, as long as my business is profitable.

Have a little fun!

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Wendy, Orange County, CA — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 18:19:49 GMT

Wow! It's interesting that this word would cause such a negative response from some individuals. I am a Momprenuer and use the term with pride. I am an educated business woman, have three chidlren,a great husband and now my own business www.SaigeNicoles.com, where I happily support other Momprenuers and women in business. I worked hard for others for many years to get to a point where I could work on my own terms and create the flexibility I wanted and personally needed for my family. So, I'll tell everyone Yes, I'm a proud Momprenuer - join me sister and shout it out loud!

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Nadene — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:11:53 GMT

I am sure no matter who you are male or female that it is hard to get any business off the ground or come up with ideas of how to be a parent or business person. I wish everyone good luck in there endevours and being a mother of three and sick too I know how hard it is for anyone to get going or too find thier niche in any field of work and I don't know how I feel about the name but for me it is a resource for other mom's like me to use to get some help and support. I for one am glad they are there and other's out there so I can learn from there experience. From Someone who is just starting out.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Kathleen — Fri, 02 May 2008 22:39:31 GMT

What I think is really funny is that the supporters of the term seem to be the very people who consult, write, and own subscription membership networks catering to mompreneurs. In other words, each has a vested interest in propagating the meme. They aren't so much mompreneurs themselves as they are people who generate a profit from them. Mompreneurs are their target consumer and profit center.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Carolyn, Macomb, Michigan — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:59:07 GMT

Eve must not understand how incredibly challenging it is for a mother to raise children AND have a career or business. Mothers need more support, not criticism. Mompreneurs is fine in mine book. It shows how incredibly resiliant she is for being able to pull off both challenges.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Agnes Ikotun, Wethersfield, CT — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:54:17 GMT

I find this debate quite intriguing, I pretty much decided very early in my business not to market myself as a mompreneur, because I was concerned about possibly giving room to a not too positive perception. Under the same token, I do understand why some moms go that route, as it ties in well with their brand.

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Sojourner Auguste, Freeport NY — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 04:58:11 GMT

Clearly this article was written to "spark" debate... which it has. Congrats Eve... feedback on an article almost 1 year later.

I enjoy being a Momprenuer (however its spelled). Let it be; if you aren't one or dont want to be called one, then sobeit.
On to bigger things...like... who will be our next president of the USA?

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Lea Charlton, Pittsburgh, PA — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:44:26 GMT

It is acceptable to me. I know first hand what a process it was for some of us that came from combining 1998-99 "pay per programs" to becoming CEOs of women owned businesses, and it was as long of a process for many as it has been for the Internet to get to this web 2.0 / social networking stage.

The mompreneurs that market themselves as such were either the original online work at home moms or gained their inspirations from these mompreneurs.

Any business person should be accepting of any of these mom, dad, mommy or daddy type classifications & any good business man or woman should recognize that it is now the mompreneurs that influence a great portion of their market's success. None are of an inferior status to the other. We all work hard to balance family, networking and business.

Do you think because you have chosen NOT to market or credit yourself as such that you are any better than those who have? For some the word is actually a way of life. For some it is a marketing strategy to connect and work with other mothers. (It is a way of filtering stiff collar clients that are not accepting of the occasional interruption of a mompreneur's child.) For some it is a testimony to how they were able to become successful in their business goals so that they can share and help others ...

MEANWHILE, YOU HAVE A BLOG WHERE YOU CALL YOURSELF A "CAREER DIVA" (CareerDiva.net)???

Can we talk about how you deemed yourself worthy of that title?

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

Ramona, California — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:21:15 GMT

Hello Eve,

I know this is a bit old now, but I have a new twist for you. I was really stirred after reading your post about how this term was being received outside of mom-centric circles, and it just goes to show that we can easily isolate those that we would normally want to integrate.

So I have a new term that I was given while agonizing in prayer over my book project launch for the New Year. What do you think of the term "Genpreneur"? I wrote about how it came about in my Blog post today http://thesavvyparentcoach.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/trademark-trouble-n-treat. I'd sure value your gut reaction. In the meantime...

Believe well!

Adelaide Zindler, B.S.,FP
The Savvy Parent Coach
and now a "Genpreneur" too
http://www.CoachMyParents.com

where life long learners launch!

Mom entrepreneurs need to get over themselves

pinkles — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 07:06:53 GMT

nyc