HOW MOM MADE IT! empowering entrepreneurs

THE ROSIE NETWORK IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION FOUNDED BY LOCAL MILITARY SPOUSE, STEPHANIE BROWN, AFTER SPENDING HOURS SEARCHING ONLINE FOR A CONTRACTOR TO DO REPAIR WORK ON HER HOME. PREFERRING TO HIRE A VETERAN, A VISION WAS BORN TO PROMOTE MILITARY FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, ROSIE’S LIST WAS LAUNCHED — THE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND SEARCH TOOL — FEATURING VERIFIED VETERAN AND MILITARY SPOUSE-OWNED BUSINESSES. UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEX NEEDS OF SMALL BUSINESSES, THE SERVICE2CEO PROGRAM WAS DEVELOPED TO EDUCATE AND EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION OF MILITARY-CONNECTED ENTREPRENEURS!

IN THIS MONTH’S HOW MOM MADE IT! COVER STORY, WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH UP WITH STEPHANIE AND ASK HER WHY SHE STARTED THE ROSIE NETWORK AND WHAT IT MEANS TO OUR COMMUNITY.

MOMSTOWN: How did you come up with the idea to start The Rosie Network and what is the mission of the network?

STEPHANIE: Any military spouse will tell you, the washing machine (insert any appliance) only breaks down when our service members are deployed. Standing in a flooded laundry room desperately trying to locate a plumber in a new neighborhood on Angie’s List and Craigslist, it hit me. Why isn’t there a way for American consumers to find verified veteran and/or military family-owned plumbers (insert any service/product)?

Two years later after Rosie the Riveter Rosie's List was born. Today, Rosie’s List is the largest database of verified veteran and military spouse-owned businesses in the country. Sounds great, right? But that’s only part of the story. After talking to hundreds of military entrepreneurs, I realized they needed more than just a List, they needed a Network. It was from these conversations that The Rosie Network was born.

Fast forward a decade later and we have helped launch and grow tens of thousands of veteran and military spouse-owned small businesses around the globe through our free, national award-winning Service2CEO program, mentorship, and national alumni network.

MOMSTOWN: What brings you the greatest joy about starting The Rosie Network?

STEPHANIE: Few things are more rewarding than watching your efforts make a difference in the lives of a community you love. When a young military spouse, who heard you speak at an event, sends an email about how you inspired her to launch that business she’s been thinking about for years or, you read the testimonials of veterans and military spouses who have graduated from your program and how it has impacted them, those are the moments when you know it was all worth it.

Mind you, none of what The Rosie Network has accomplished would have happened without our incredible team and those who value and support the work we do every day.

MOMSTOWN: What has been the greatest challenge in growing the network?

STEPHANIE: In the early days of The Rosie Network I had more time to meet and mentor young military spouse entrepreneurs. I miss that. You struggle and work hard to build something meaningful, but we all need to fill our cups every now and then. Mentoring young entrepreneurs does that for me.

MOMSTOWN: How does The Rosie Network serve military families, veterans, spouses, and kids?

STEPHANIE: Small businesses are critical to our nation’s economy and we believe those who have served our nation have earned the right to the American Dream of small business ownership. The Rosie Network’s national awardwinning programs train, mentor and empower thousands of military-connected entrepreneurs to launch and grow every year. Our newest program, the Military Kidpreneur Camp, is helping military teenagers around the globe enter the world of entrepreneurship and network with each other!

MOMSTOWN: What advice do you have to help others follow their passions and dreams?

STEPHANIE: Don’t go it alone. Life is hard enough and starting a business can be frustrating and lonely. Build a team around you of mentors, advocates and professionals. So many successful business owners welcome the chance to help others.

Define what success means to you and don’t compare your definition to others. Your journey is unique.

MOMSTOWN: Do you have specific tips for aspiring entrepreneurs?

STEPHANIE: I’m often approached by entrepreneurs who become frustrated. There’s so much to do, it can become overwhelming and too often we just give up. Don’t. Building a business is like eating an elephant, you can only do it one bite at a time. So make a plan and set small goals. Accomplish something every day! If things aren’t working out, then be willing to pivot.

MOMSTOWN: How can MomsTown readers get involved and/or support the work you do?

STEPHANIE: Military families live in communities all over our country. Some of them are teachers, volunteers and, yes, small business owners. My ask would be to find those small businesses and support them. If you think The Rosie Network is making a difference, please consider donating to our mission.

To learn more visit: TheRosieNetwork.org

Social media has become a primary marketing tool for entrepreneurs and small business owners (SBOs). With millions of daily active users and limitless opportunities for engagement, social media platforms provide effective, low-cost marketing opportunities to promote products and services, connect with customers, and build brand loyalty.

Melinda Staab MS Marketing Melinda.Staab@gmail.com

ROUGHLY ONE-THIRD OF AMERICANS REPORT HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FROM HOME FULL-TIME. WHILE THIS CAN BE A HUGE BENEFIT FOR MOMS WHO ARE ALSO JUGGLING SCHOOL, ACTIVITIES, MEALS, DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENTS, ETC. — WORKING FROM HOME ALSO COMES WITH ITS OWN SET OF CHALLENGES, THE MAJOR ONE BEING DISTRACTIONS

Here are a few tips to help working moms manage their time effectively, decrease distractions and increase productivity and focus.

1) TIME BLOCKING The ADD is strong with me. A few years ago I discovered the “Be Focused” app, based on the Pomodoro Technique. Using this technique, you can set 25-minute (I do 45) stretches of focused work, followed by 5-minute (I do 15) breaks. During that time, I ignore all distractions and focus 100% on the task at hand. When the timer goes off, I step away and take care of anything else outside of that task. Whether it’s an app, or just a time you set on your phone, time-blocking can be extremely helpful for our mom brains that are used to doing 25 things at once!

2) ESTABLISH A ROUTINE Like most things, a daily routine takes practice and patience before it becomes second nature. Having a consistent routine with specific times for personal and professional responsibilities can create a sense of structure, reduce stress and help you check things off of your list in all aspects of your life. There will always be things that come up and fires to put out, but having a consistent schedule will help to keep those instances from derailing your entire day.

3) CREATE A DEDICATED WORKSPACE Separating your workspace from your personal space is not always feasible. If you don’t have a dedicated office, find a spot in your home that’s quiet, bright, calming and clutter-free. As tempting as it might seem, DO NOT work from

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