I’ve been interviewed by Profitable Mommy Blogging

Over the last several months, I have been honored to be interviewed quite a few times.  As a way to get to know me a little better, I thought that I would share some of these interviews with you.  I’d love your comments!

Here’s the interview…

This week for ‘Buzz a Mom’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Kelli Claypool.  In addition to being a busy wife and mom, Kelli is the co-owner of Briefcase Diva and Diva Talk Radio; just two of the places she works to empower, motivate and encourage women.

Here’s what Kelli shared with me:

I LOVE the name Briefcase Diva!  Is there a story behind the name?

Thank you! I love the name too.

My passion, for many years, has been to promote women in business. We are moms and wives and daughters and business owners and taxi drivers and classroom helpers and bathroom doctors (for the boo-boos) and lovers to our significant others and, and, and… the list goes on.  As women we are pulled in so many different directions that sometimes we need to be encouraged and motivated by other women who have been there, done that and are still doing it.

I want women to look in the mirror and see someone who is priceless. Someone who is valuable.  Someone who makes a difference in so many ways. Often times we put ourselves on hold so that we can tend to our family’s needs…and that’s okay, there’s nothing wrong with that.  But, we allow ourselves to get into a rut and before long we lose sight of who we really are.

So, BriefcaseDiva came to fruition as a means to encourage and motivate women to follow their dreams. And to arm women with tools, support, and education that will empower them to be the best that they can be.  I am inspired, on a daily basis, by the wonderful women that come through the “virtual” doors of BriefcaseDiva.  These women rock!

You define “Diva” in your blog header as “a woman who is strong in her faith, blessed by her family, and who encourages others to rise up to their greatest potential!”

Don’t you just love that definition? It just puts a whole new spin on the implications of a Diva.

Yes, I do love love it!! Can you tell us about a Diva in your life who encouraged you?

I would have to say, my grandmother (Big Mama) was an encouragement in my life. She was a strong woman who did not allow struggles to get her down.  When my grandfather passed away, she was in her 50’s and didn’t know how to drive.  Instead of allowing that to be a disability to her, she was determined that she would learn, she did, and obtained her driver’s license.  Little things like learning to write a check or balancing a checkbook was all new to her, but she put on her big-girl panties and done it.

As a Diva yourself, please share with us some ways your family blesses (supports) your online activities?

Wow, this is a loaded question because I could write a book on this topic alone.  I believe I’m the luckiest girl in the world because I have a husband that supports me and my ideas (even the silly ones).  His unconditional love & support allows me to put in long hours when I need to and he knows that I’m not “playing” at the computer.  He allows me to bounce ideas off of him and never tells me that I’m crazy…even though I think I am sometimes. He’s simply the best!

My favorite part of your definition is that a Diva encourages others.  How do you use your blog and talk show to encourage women to rise up to their greatest potential?

By being transparent. With me, what you see is what you get. I don’t claim to know it all and there are times that I may do something or say something that are not agreeable with others.  But, I’m real. With my blog and talk show, I want a fun atmosphere for women to be themselves, vent when they need to, brag when they’re excited, and give them a shoulder to lean on. I like to have guests (speakers, bloggers) who will bring something of value, whether it be in education, raising awareness, or encouragement. That’s what makes us rise to the top.

You share Briefcase Diva and Diva Talk Radio with a partner, Regina Smola.  What tips do you have for making a partnership (joint venture) with another Diva successful?

I can sum it up in two words…Like-Minds. A partner should share your vision and have an agreement that it’s okay to disagree at times. Having an open communication is also key. Always discuss things, good or bad, and work through things to build and strengthen your relationship.

Wow!  You are definitely right about having a shared vision with those we work with!  Thank you, Kelli, for taking the time to talk with me about how you are living as a Diva business woman.  I, for one, feel inspired to look for ways to encourage other women through blogging.

If you would like to know more about Briefcase Diva, Diva Talk Radio or connect with Kelli, you can follow her on Twitter at @krclaypool, @BriefcaseDiva and @DivaTalkRadio.

Monique Kilgore, The Cooking Diva, will be our Guest on 07-22-09

This show is going to be a hoot! Our guest will be Monique Kilgore, a/k/a The Cooking Diva, will discuss recipes, cooking tips, her charity, and more.

You see, I cannot cook!  In fact, I’ve set our kitchen on fire three times…yes, three times.  The Fire Department is now on speed dial.

Enough about me and more about Monique!

On her website Yes, Divas Can Cook, Monique states

She’s sexy, independent and can make a homemade peach cobbler that put grandmas to shame! Who am I talking about? I’m talking about YOU chica! And I’m going to show you how! People are often blown away when they taste my QUICK,EASY,DELICIOUS & HOMEMADE 5-star-dishes! They see my french tips and 4-inch heels and assume I know nothing about cooking. I LOVE showing other divas just how easy it is to cook from scratch, so join me in my quest to prove that Yes, Divas really CAN cook!

Woohoo! Doesn’t she sound sassy?  I love it!!

Monique has so much going on and I can’t wait to hear all about it.  So, join us Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. EST on http://DivaTalkRadio.com/live.  And invite all your friends and family!

I’ll see YOU at the show!

Would You Like to be a Featured Guest on an Upcoming Show?

The Divas are looking for guests to interview on future shows.  While our target market are women business owners, we do have a male following (they just love us!)  Our primary goal is to educate, empower, and motivate women of all ages.

Our show airs LIVE ever Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. EST.  It is a 60 minute, commercial-free show.  We do have open phone lines for listeners to call in and interact with our guest speaker as well as a live chat room during the show.  Plus, downloads of the replays are available after the show.  This is a great feature for our guest to use on their own website.

We do not hard sell on our show, however I do encourage all guests to share information about their businesses, upcoming events, and product launches. Additionally, links to the businesses will be placed on our website for further exposure.

If this sounds exciting to you, please complete the form on the “contact” page and we’ll be in touch with you right away.

I look forward to hearing from you.

That’s it for now.  Until next time…wear your heels well & I’ll see YOU at the show!

Lexi Rodrigo is our Featured Guest 7/8/09

Lexi Rodrigo is an internet marketer, freelance copywriter, and mother of three. She is an avid blogger and writer, as well as an advocate of natural parenting and eco-friendly living.

Lexi has been copywriting for 19 years. She has extensive experience and education as a writer and marketer. Speaking as a mom/marketer myself, it’s both interesting and inspirational to find someone who has had an experience so close to my own.

Lexi’s writings hit close to home; the trials and travails of a work-at-home internet marketing mom are all too familiar to me, and perhaps to some of you Divas out there as well. I think that we can all learn a lot from Lexi, so I ask that you consider reading her blogs:
http://mylifeshift.org – about transitioning from working Mom to work at home Mom

http://naturalmomsblog.com – about natural parenting and eco-friendly living

http://alexisrodrigo.com – about marketing, copywriting and all things business

http://www.thesavvyfreelancer.com – about achieving financial and creative freedom as a freelancer

Also, please Tweet Lexi at @lexirodrigo

As always, the show is at 2 P.M. EST and you can interact with us at DivaTalkRadio.com/live

That’s it for now! Until next time, wear your heels well and I’ll see YOU at the show!