Crib Sheet #48: Author and Speaker Brenda Nixon.

Award-winning author and speaker Brenda Nixon is a powerhouse of parental wisdom.  She “builds stronger families through parent empowerment” and offers parents a not only a fantastic resource for childrearing, but she also offers every late-blooming momtrepreneur much inspiration.  Check out her co-authored holiday professional speaker title on YouTube available at Cracker Barrels everywhere.

What business did you start up?

I launched a vertical learning curve into the professional speaker circuit. After speaking in venues from childcare conferences in ritzy hotels to parent programs at historical theatres, I realized the marriage between speaking and writing. At that point, I began a duel learning curve as a writer and author.

What motivated you to do it?

Building stronger families through parent empowerment is my calling; my passion. I express this through speaking and writing to parent audiences.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

My daughters are 21 and 27 years old, and our adopted son is 20 years.

How long have you been running your business?

Since 1996. That’s when I hung out my shingle as a speaker for hire.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful professional speaker, however you choose to measure success?

Since providing a service has lower overhead than a retailer with inventory, I began to realize a profit within a year. Success is another story.  Do we ever feel successful?

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

They’ve been – and still are – extremely supportive. My family is my most enthusiastic cheerleader.

Easiest part of your job?

Book signings and speaking on stage. When I’m onstage, audiences may consider my job as glamorous, and because I love speaking to audiences it is an easy part of my career. I’m dedicated to my work; however, my at-home, day-to-day work is anything but glamorous.  It’s more pajamas and popcorn. Instead of a corporate wardrobe, I offer parenting insights and encouragement on telephone interviews while I’m barefoot and doing a load of laundry. No daily drives on the freeway; my commute is down the hall. Rather than power lunches, I munch when hungry often stealing away time to meet my husband.

Hardest part of your job?

Editor rejections and program planner rejections – when other parenting experts get the speaking gig instead of me.

What skill would you most like to improve?

I continually try improving my platform skills so I’m an entertaining and engaging professional speaker.

What tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

Everything has been a learning curve as a professional speaker; tax records, marketing, writing, platform skills, record keeping.  It demands tenacity to start and maintain a home-based business. Success doesn’t respect intelligence, rather persistence.

Can you recommend 3 essential websites for moms in, or going into, business?

Sure, I like The Publicity Hound for great tips on promoting your business.  I often tweet about this site and share her tips.

HARO (Help a Report Out) is a tremendous list of journalists and others needing expert quotes.

John Kremer is a publicity guru.   On the left side of his home page are several helpful articles for those going into or wanting to build their business.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

On the homefront, my proudest accomplishments are my kids and a 31-year marriage. On the professional side, it’s my parenting title, The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start, which won the 2009 Good Parenting Seal from Parental Wisdom.com.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Flexibility to take breaks or work as I please. This job works around my schedule.
With a flexible schedule, I write articles, promote my books and prepare new presentations when the mood hits and obsess at each as long as desired. This slacker-friendly “lifestyle” makes some people – and relatives – wonder if I work at all.

Final thoughts?

While I’m neither the Zig Ziglar of the platform nor the J.K. Rowling of the literary world, I am proud of what I do as a momtrepreneur and a professional speaker.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition…. be a missionary to France.
Fondest memory…. wedding day, my kids’ birth, and vacationing on Ocracoke Island.
Indulgence…. extra dark chocolate.
Last purchase….. dark chocolate candy bar with pomegranate.
Favorite magazine….. don’t have one.
Inspiration….. my life is inspired and motivated each Sunday at church.
My Life… is blessed, exciting, rarely dull, and challenging.