The Mogul Mom Features…Elena Verlee of PR In Your Pajamas

What is your name & how many children do you have?

Elena Verlee –  I have 2 sons, Paolo (6yrs) and Miguel (1yr)   

What’s the name of your company and the inspiration behind it?

www.PRinYourPajamas.com – I co-founded an internet business in 2006 which we sold less than a year after launch, after attracting a buyer through PR. I wanted to empower moms and small businesses to do their own PR, which not many people do because they find it confusing or scary. But PR can bring the credibility small businesses need in order to attract customers, and it’s more cost-effective than advertising because it can be free if you do it yourself.

www.CrossBorderPR.com –  After working in the US, UK and Asia, I couldn’t get  job in Canada so I started my own company. This company focuses on PR for high tech clients, from startups to billion dollar companies and had a unique business model when I first started it 10 years ago, which is almost the norm today for many consulting companies.

www.ConnectTheDotsCoach.com - My passion!  This is a coaching company for moms who want to make both money and meaning in their lives. And to know that whatever they do, it is enough.  Just being a mom, that makes you enough.

What is your current business struggle? 

I am currently living halftime in both the Philippines and Canada so juggling timezones and choosing from the buffet of opportunities can be dizzying. I have to always remember to choose what is right for me, at this point in time. Not what other people think would be great for me.  It is my life after all

What is your current business goal? 

I’m a new blogger and new to Twitter and social media so I’m trying to learn about it as fast as I can, without coming across like a complete idiot!

What one quality do you think is a “must-have” for a mom entrepreneur? 

Getting out of your comfort zone.  When you try new things, knowing full well you might fail or make mistakes, that is when you grow the most.  Most of what we already have is inside our comfort zone – most of what we want, is outside that comfort zone. Stretch yourself!

What 1 thing or person has been very instrumental in your success? 

I’ve worked with 3 life coaches over the last few years, all of whom have brought a different light, joy and challenge to me.  I wouldn’t be who I am, do what I do and have what I have without them.

What are your 3 favorite blogs?

Guy Kawasaki’s “How to Change the World” www.guykawasaki.com

Pam Slim’s www.escapefromcubiclenation.com 

And because I am dealing with food sensitivities in my children, a shout-out to my friend Marg’s blog, who has been instrumental in our healing http://blog.dynamicchoices.ca/

What is your favorite quote?

“When you change the way you look at things… the things you look at, change.”

What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?

1. Business is about building relationships – it might take a while, but the rewards and the strength of those relationships will astound you.

2. Focus on your natural gifts – when you focus on your talents, you are happier and your business thrives with ease. Try and outsource the rest.

3. Have passion – if you’re doing something for money and times get rough – and it will – your passion and belief will get you through.

4. Business is about profit, not revenue – at the end of the day, it needs to be sustainable so make sure you have a customer, and a business model that works.

How can we connect with you?

Email – Elena (at) elenaverlee (dot) com

Twitter – @elenaverlee

Blog – www.PRinYourPajamas.com/blog