An Interview with Holly Hurd from “Venture Mom”
Can you tell me about your background and experience in business and how Venture Mom came to be? Why specifically moms?
I spent many years in the world of finance but always working for myself. I created managed futures products and managed significant assets throughout the 1990s. When I had kids, I took a step back from finance and got my real estate license and started several other ventures including creating a line of glass coffee tables. I love reading motivational books and decided to write one for myself for my own ventures. I started interviewing women in my area whose stories motivated me through their successful business ventures. Most of these women were moms. I wanted to share their paths to success with everyone, so I started my website and weekly newsletter, VentureMom.com, to highlight these wonderful entrepreneurs who had found a way to combine a business of their own with motherhood.
What are some of the key obstacles that moms often face when looking to start a new business?
Many moms are afraid to take the first step or think they need a business plan. Most of the women entrepreneurs I interview don’t have a business plan or even something written down on a napkin. Most of the moms start their ventures with little or no start-up capital and many don’t have baby sitters. So many of the obstacles are only perceived and can be worked around.
What would you say to a mom who has an idea or hobby, but just isn’t sure it’s something that could really become a profitable business? What are some things to consider?
Just get started. Sell one item or one service to a friend or family member and go from there. I know a mom who wanted to be a tutor. With one email to friends, she booked every afternoon with three to four students, charging $100 an hour. Now she’s expanding her service to include private school counseling and interview techniques for kids.
What are your top three tips for moms out there looking to start a business?
Don’t wait till it’s perfect, just get started. Build your business around something you really enjoy. Tell everyone you know about your new venture.
What is your favorite part about running Venture Mom?
My favorite part of running VentureMom.com is meeting women entrepreneurs, hearing their amazing ideas, and sharing their stories with others. I love to motivate women to find what they love and start a business around that passion.
Do you have a motto that you live by and would recommend to our readers who are interested in starting their own business?
Just get started!!!
About Holly Hurd:
Since founding VentureMom.com, Holly Hurd has become a sought-after expert in the field of entrepreneurism. She recently spoke at the “Women and the Entrepreneurial Spirit” Conference in New York City, numerous CT venues, and has been featured in the New Canaan/Darien Magazine. Hurd has always been at the forefront of entrepreneurism. When she was only twenty-five, Hurd (aka Holliston Hill ) was featured in Futures Magazine, USA Today and in Fortune’s “People to Watch” column for her exceptional work managing her own fund on Wall Street. She has put her exciting life experiences to excellent use by creating VentureMom.com – a virtual community that helps mothers turn their passions into true money-making ventures.
Website:www.venturemom.com
Email: info@venturemom.com
Facebook: Venture Mom
Twitter: @venturemom
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