Alyssa Truman got a job as a step to her ultimate career–motherhood. She knew she still needed to bring in some money so 12 years ago started with Usborne Books & More. Her kids have grown up helping her and being involved in the business and have learned so many amazing skills (and are incredible readers too)! The lessons they learned and the willingness of both Alyssa and her husband Trent, also self-employed, to allow them to dream and create their own “businesses” has helped the kids learn to make money and even understand profit margins! Her 3 daughters are 13, 11 and 9 and want you to know that helping your kids be a part of a business will change their lives too!
The Notes
- Direct Sales sometimes is accompanied by a bad reputation, but there are companies and strategies that make direct sales a viable option for many parents. One reason she loves Usborne Books and More is their lack of quotas, which means she does not have to prey on her family and friends to maintain her status with the company. Alyssa also stresses the importance of developing relationships over pushing sales, and constantly building upon business knowledge.
- Alyssa has been able to incorporate her kids into her business, which has sparked an entrepreneurial interest in them and already taught them many valuable lessons. In the beginning the children were given simple duties like, putting labels on books, putting books in bags, or just running simple errands around the house. Then, Alyssa began to bring them to events with her and before long they were helping customers find the right books, and even cashing them out. They're learning that there are possibilities beyond the traditional 9-5 job, as well as valuable people skills and listening skills.
“I didn't just want to be Moraya's mom or Reily's mom. I wanted to be Alyssa!” ~ Alyssa Truman
- Recently, Alyssa's daughters have started a dog walking business. It's not their favorite thing, but they have been able to take the money they make from dog walking, and invest it into more desirable business ideas: such as making slime and making crayons. This concept of “seed money” is often used by adults to grow businesses – taking money earned at the current job and applying it towards a new idea. The girls had to spend a lot of time working on math to determine things like price-points so that they could be profitable. They were able to use the money earned from their current “job” to funnel and create a new income stream, and they were able to quadruple their profits!
- Alyssa's husband came from a professional family. He was traditionally employed until earlier this year, at which time Alyssa encouraged him to monetize his skills and passions through self-employment. Then, they combined forces and now offer specialized services to similar audiences.
- Alyssa provides her number 1 recommendation for inexpensive, quick, and healthy meals: the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot allows her to make foods like beans in a fraction of the time it would typically take – and dishes like pasta, steel cut oats, and macaroni and cheese.
“A big challenge that parents have is letting themselves off the hook. Sometimes, it's okay to be “good enough.” Good enough is better than nothing.” ~ Alyssa Truman
- Alyssa has benefitted from Mind Mapping and provides a step-by-step process for using mind mapping to set and reach your goals:
- Step 1, 4-6 broad categories of their business (personal growth, team development, etc.).
- Step 2, come up with ideas for what those things would look like. Then, keep drilling it down until it comes down to actionable steps. Bubbl.us – website that makes beautiful mind maps.
- Step 3, take all of the actionable steps and put them in a spreadsheet by month, then prioritize them from there.
- Alyssa also recommended that anytime you listen to a business Podcast (or watch a video or read a blog post) you should come up with an actionable step immediately afterwards – if you listen but don't act, you've wasted your time.
- Productivity: Sometimes you need to step away from your home and find other places to work…
- Local coffee shop
- Swapping childcare with another mom
- YMCA – then you can work out for 30 mins and work the rest of the time
- Grocery store with childcare (Wegmans, IKEA)
- (This podcast was recorded in video) We explore the messes in our lives compared to what you show people. Moms need to let themselves off the hook – it's okay to be “good enough.” Moms tend to be extra tough on ourselves and feel like we're never doing enough, but it's important to learn contentment and be grateful for where you are at.
Meet Alyssa Truman
Alyssa got a job as a step to her ultimate career–motherhood. She knew she still needed to bring in some money so 12 years ago started with Usborne Books & More. Her kids have grown up helping her and being involved in the business and have learned so many amazing skills (and are incredible readers too)! The lessons they learned and the willingness of both Alyssa and her husband Trent, also self-employed, to allow them to dream and create their own “businesses” has helped the kids learn to make money and even understand profit margins! Her 3 daughters are 13, 11 and 9 and want you to know that helping your kids be a part of a business will change their lives too!
Find Alyssa
Alyssa's Recommendations & Links
Alyssa's favorite Instant Pot recipes using Pinto Beans:
Last Show
Last week, we meet Angela Ferrari. Angela is an artist, children's book author and illustrator, and the creator and host of the Story Spectacular podcast. Angela discussed her talent for finding creative ways to play, and how she leveraged her creativity to build a business. It's a fun interview, that you're sure to enjoy!
Next Show
Next week, join me for an interview with Louise Brogan. Louise works with entrepreneurs to help them figure out how to market their business online in a strategic organised way. Louise is the founder of Social Bee Academy, a membership with focus, accountability and community backing up really great training on marketing your business online. We'll discuss her favorite social media platform (Facebook!) and automation programs that make building a business manageable!