The Mogul Mom Features…Mary McManus of New World Greeting Cards

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

My name is Mary McManus and I am the proud mother of 22 year old twins. I became a stay at home when my kids were older but am so grateful I was able to be here to support them through their post high school transition.

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

My company is New World Greeting Cards. For many years, I enjoyed  creating customized poetry for all occasions. Everyone who received a customized poem as a gift told me I should work for Hallmark. In December 2006, I was diagnosed with post polio syndrome and my rehab team at Spaulding Rehab Hospital in Framingham, Mass. suggested that I find a new direction in life. The stress and rigors of working full time as a social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs were countering the gains I was  making in my rehab program. I began praying and meditating and figuring out what I was going to do to heal my life and find a new path in life. In February 2007, I wrote the poem called “Running the Race” (little did I know I would go on to run the Boston Marathon this year for Spaulding Rehab Hospital raising $10,535 for them!). Poetry began to pour out of me and I realized I was writing a book of inspirational poetry. My husband could see the joy that creating poetry gave me and how it was a healing force in my life. He suggested I create my own greeting card company and hence, New World Greeting Cards was born. Because I entered a whole new world after being diagnosed with post polio syndrome, and since I offer a unique product, customized poetry, my customers enter a whole new world of greeting cards when they hire me to create poetry for special occasions.

What was your start-up cost and when did your company become profitable?

I don’t have the dollars and cents start-up cost because I run the business out of my home. My husband is a web designer and he created my web site. The costs were minimal because I had a computer and a printer. The costs were investing in the inventory for my book of inspirational poetry to have on hand for sale (and I donate 20% of the proceeds to Spaulding Rehab’s Polio Fund) and materials to create customized cards. If I had to give a ballpark figure, I’d say roughly $3,000. This year, about a year and a half after launching, I began to see month by month profits on a consistent basis.

What is your current business struggle?

My current business struggle is expanding my client base and convincing clients that the cost is well worth the finished product. Many people wonder  why they should spend $20-$25 for a card when they could buy one at the Hallmark store for $4-5 but once customers use New World Greeting Cards, they understand the priceless treasure that we create.

What is your current business goal?

My current business goal is to have customers use my subscription service. By paying in advance, I enter the dates for their special occasions in my data base. I then remind them two weeks in advance of the important date and  work with them to create the perfect poem/card for the occasion. Customers never have to worry about remembering those special dates.

What is your favorite business book or website? Why?

I use Tony Robbins CD’s and website to turbocharge my business plan. He exudes passion, confidence, faith and determination about success. I love using his massive action plan philosophy to bring my business to the next level and to always expand my vision for my business and what I am meant to be doing to fulfill my life’s purpose.

What is your favorite quote?

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

Who is your business idol? Why?

I have two business idols. One is Janet Powers of The Diva Toolbox, and the other is Tony Robbins. Janet took a leap of faith leaving the security of the corporate world to follow her dream and has created this amazing website and resource for women. She also has Diva Toolbox radio and believes in giving back. She is always coming up with innovative ideas to promote her dream. My business philosophy encompasses the need to give back and promote others as well as myself. Tony Robbins is the embodiment of success while helping others to improve their lives.

What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?

Go for it! Follow your dream. Believe in yourself. Have faith and determination. Don’t be deceived by what you don’t see happening;  always remember that there is always a way to achieve success. Release fear and focus on positivity and gratitude. Network, network, network and give and support other mom entrepreneurs -what goes around, comes around tenfold. My philosophy is ‘when one shines, we all shine’.

How can we connect with you?

email: mary@newworldgreetings.com

Twitter @gracefullady

website www.newworldgreetings.com

blog www.newworldgreetings.blogspot.com

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