Connect2Mums
AusMumpreneur of the Year
Catherine Oehlman
How do you define success? It’s different for each one of us. Some use financial figures as a measure of success. Some gauge satisfaction levels. For others it’s simply a matter of reaching the goals you set out to achieve. However it’s defined, we all need to celebrate success in our lives. The last twelve months have been successful for me. I’m not sitting atop mountains of cash, but I have exceeded the goals I set for myself and I have a deep sense of satisfaction. It was just over a year ago that I decided to start a blog. I knew nothing about blogging, but I knew a bit about writing and I wanted to share my words with other mums. I started with a very simple template and put up my first post. No one commented. I’m not even sure that anyone read it. I reminded myself that big things grow from little things. When I dreamed about my writing being an encouragement to other mothers with little ones, a quote from Dr Phil came to mind. The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan. And so I started planning. I planned small goals and big. Some I reached much sooner than expected, like making it onto the Top 100 Australian Women Bloggers list. Many I’m still working on! Along the way I surrounded myself with people further along the blogging journey than me. Some fellow bloggers were just a step ahead of me while others were light years away. I participated in the online community, continuing to learn from others and stretch myself. Before I knew it I could no longer call myself a newbie. It was my turn to start sharing knowledge with bloggers a step behind me on the path. One of the highlights of the past year was receiving the Top AusMumpreneur Award for 2009. To be recognised as a successful blogger, acknowledged as a fledgling mumpreneur and encouraged to continue pursuing my writing was more than I ever expected. Catherine Oehlman with C2M Founder Paula Kuhneman I now write for several sites online (including Connect2Mums as the images by www.studiopromise.com Connect2blogging columnist) and for print publications. I am approached by PR companies to review products and am interviewed for articles on a range of topics. I have loyal followers and a growing readership of Aussie mums. I might not be quite at my destination, but I am certainly on the path to success – at least by my definition. • • • • • • • • • •
Here are my tips for embarking on your own successful journey:
Be true to yourself. Don’t copy anyone else, or try to be someone you’re not. Set small, achievable goals... but every now and then think BIG. Find a community to support you. Remember to give as much as you take. Don’t beat yourself up about mistakes. Everyone makes them! Just learn from them. Stick with it when it’s hard. Don’t give up too soon. Re-evaluate your direction as often as is necessary. Be realistic. No matter how hard you try you can’t add more hours to the day. Let people see you at your best. Celebrate achievements. Never be fooled into thinking your customers/clients love you or need you more than your family do. Put them first.
Squigglemum Ideas & inspiration from an Aussie mum
The Squigglemum blog is a collection of thoughts, offering inspiration and ideas to other parents with little ones. Catherine writes about everyday mothering experiences and through this blog she hopes to encourage other parents to make the most of the time they have at home with their kids.
visit her at: squigglemum.com
www.connect2mums.com.au