CWAHM Spotlight: Dawn Berryman of MarketMommy.com

Name: Dawn Berryman
Company: Market Mommy
Website: www.MarketMommy.com

Tell us a little about your business:

Market Mommy is an online marketing resource for moms who own their own businesses. Our goal is to help moms market their companies both effectively and affordably. We offer free marketing tips and advice via our blog and e-newsletter. We offer links to great advertising options as well as advertising options on our own site. And, we offer low cost marketing services including full service design and printing of marketing pieces. Market Mommy was established in June, 2009.

How did you decide on your business:

My professional background is in marketing and communications. When I started my online business, Announcements Galore, in 2007 I quickly realized that there was a lot of help out there for moms starting their own business, but not a lot of specific marketing help. I thought I could put my experience to good use, and help other moms tackle the world of marketing.

Name the one thing you love best about your business:

There are a lot of things I love about my business, but most of all I love the freedom it gives me to be creative. While I’m working and helping other moms I’m constantly learning new things and new ways to do things.

How do you market your business?

I mostly market online. I do some paid advertising but I do A LOT of networking. I have an online e-newsletter that is published monthly. I market via my blog. I submit blog posts to other small business blogs and website. I list my business in directories and participate in some tradeshows and expos. I actively pursue media relations opportunities and send out routine press releases. I have a Facebook fan page and am active on Twitter.

What is your biggest lesson you’ve learned.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is how much hard work it takes to establish, market and run your own business. It’s a huge undertaking! I admire so much all the women who do this and work so hard to provide for their families.

How do you balance work/family?

Balance is something I struggle with. I just take one day at a time. I set aside specific time for work and when I’m not working my children and my family has my full attention. Then, usually when they’re in bed, my attention shifts to my work. I set my goals high, but realistic. I can only accomplish so much in one day. I don’t lose sight of my ultimate goal, raising healthy and happy children. And, of course, I pray often!

What tip would you give to those wishing to start a business?

I always tell women to go for their dreams. Don’t be afraid to fail. The sky is the limit and you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it.