Monday Mumpreneur with Martha Giffen
Every Monday we feature a mumpreneur who’s ready and willing to open up their lives to us. They share with us their motivation, challenges and proudest moments in business and they also tell us how they take time to nurture themselves. It’s lovely to have them here at Mums Got A Business and we hope you enjoy connecting with them too.
Do you dream of owning your own online business? Do you think there is money to be made on the internet and you want to be part of it? Then this week's business mum can help you make that dream a reality. She's written a best selling book and is listed as one of the top 100 women bloggers to watch. On top of all that she's one of the nicest and happiest people I've met online and I'm honoured to have her in my online circle of friends.
Your name: Martha Giffen
Your website: MarthaGiffen.com
Brief description: I help new entrepreneurs through the maze of online marketing. I show them how to build a web presence and a profitable online biz.
How many children do you have? I have three sons, Jimmy 29, Will 25, and Ben 21.
Where do you live? In the quaint, little town of Helena, Alabama
PC or Mac? PC for my main business but I own several Mac products and LOVE them!
Tell us about your business:
I help new entrepreneurs learn how to have a profitable online business. My expertise is in social media marketing and I teach my clients how to leverage social media to grow their business without spending money or wasting time. I work with people on an individual basis and also through group coaching and online courses.
What motivated you to become a mumpreneur?
From the birth of my first son, I was looking for ways to stay at home. When he was four, I accomplished that by working part-time jobs. I was also watching my entrepreneur husband build a business from our garage and I knew that I could do that too.
I sold everything from cemetery plots to encyclopedias in the beginning just so I could help contribute to the household finances AND be able to raise our sons myself.
With the internet, the doors opened wider and even though the boys were grown and leaving home, I still wanted the luxury of working from home. I accomplished that with the birth of my first website, which was in the motivational niche.
What’s been your biggest challenge in business?
My biggest challenge has been seeing myself as a “professional.” Working from home is fantastic but I think there’s the tendency to see ourselves as maybe not quite as professional as our work-in-an-office counterparts.
How have you overcome it?
I finally had to look in the mirror and say, “you are REALLY successful” no matter where your office is!
What’s been your proudest business moment?
The first time I spoke at a seminar with my best-selling book in my hand was my proudest moment. Not only because of the success of my book but I knew I was going to help an entire roomful of people understand that they too could do what I did!
What’s your catchphrase or favourite quote?
“She thought she could, and she did!”
What do you do to relax or nurture yourself?
I play the piano and read. Those are my two favorite ways to relax. And, if I’m near the ocean, that makes it all better!
What was the last treat you bought for yourself?
My favorite store is Chico’s and all my treats for myself come from there! I think the last thing I bought was a bracelet. I love bracelets and always have at least one on!
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite flowers: Iris – my mother grew them and I have all sorts of varieties in my own yard. I really love them!
What one piece of advice would you like to give to a new mumpreneur?
You can do it! Start slow and be patient. There is no such thing as “get rich quick.” Persistence and consistency is the key.
Fancy featuring as one of our amazing mumpreneurs? Drop me an email over on the contact page - and I’ll be in touch. Or let me know in a comment below. And remember to drop by every Monday to welcome our latest profiled mum.
How lovely to learn more about you this way, Martha. Thank you, Heather for sharing this x
Glad you liked it Nicky! It’s so fun when we get to share a little bit more . . . .
Such a pleasure Nicky ~ Martha is fab ~ I’m delighted that she agreed to feature xx
Love this post- thanks for the awesome insights!
Awww, thanks for that Olivia ~ lovely to connect with you. Please visit again soon xx
What an honor! Thanks so much Heather for giving me space on your blog! You are totally awesome! xoxo
Martha ~ you’re a STAR!! I’m so delighted that you agreed to feature ~ I just know all my biz mums will enjoy getting to know you and what you are doing to help us all build our businesses out there in cyber land. Keep up the great work – you are awesome! xx
You sold cemetery plots and encyclopedias, Martha?!
No wonder your interpersonal skills are so great! With all that sales experience under your belt, it doesn’t surprise me you’ve got such a good grip on communications and what makes people “tick”.
So elated to see you here on Mum’s Got A Business! Heather picks the neatest mumpreneurs on the planet to interview. 🙂
As we dive into the New Year, I’m wishing you massive joy, books sales galore, and continued small biz success!
Yes, and I also sold shop towels and homemade fudge! I guess I’m an entrepreneur at heart!
I could sure go for some of that homemade fudge right about now, Martha …
Got any left in stock? 🙂
You are — MOST ASSUREDLY — an entrepreneur at heart.
Love You!
I love that both of you are part of my wonderful community of Monday Mumpreneurs and it tickles me that there’s more to learn about each other. You guys ROCK!!! xxx
Here’s to a wonderful 2012 for us all xx