ERICA EHM Q&AWITH - The MOMpreneur

As parents, we spend a good part of each day trying
to sell key messages to our target market –trying to get
information into the ears and brains of our children.
do want our attention, we know it because they are “hip to
our lingo!” (That means they speak our language – in case
you are under 30).
If there is more than one child in your family, you will
know that what motivates one youngster may fall flat with
another. Parents often get tongue-tied trying to be fair
and using the same limits, expectations, language and
consequences for every child in the family. The fairest way
to parent our children is by meeting each of their needs
equally. Take each child’s abilities, developmental level,
strengths and challenges into account when making
decisions for them. See them as individuals. This will
help to minimize sibling rivalry, and maximize successful
interactions.
Tone
Do you strive to be seen as elite? Perhaps you wish to
come off as approachable? Maybe you like the humourous
angle? In business or parenting, tone invites a response
from the market. You get what you give.
When you have requested task completion and return
to find very little done, your tone will directly impact the
resulting communication for the next hour if not the next
day.
Visit our website at www.themompreneur.com
Tone 1: I asked you to do this and you have barely done
anything! What is wrong with you? Can’t you just do this one
task? How will you ever amount to anything if you can’t
complete one project? No big surprise though – I’m surprised
you even did any of it.
Response: It’s not my fault! You never told me! I didn’t
hear you! I hate you! I can’t do it!
Tone 2: Hi. I see you’ve completed two of the six things
I asked. I knew you could do this stuff. What’s the next step?
How long do you think each step will take?
Response: Well, I was thinking of doing this next and
then finishing off the last three things. I’ll be done in 10
more minutes.
Choose a tone that invites cooperation and action from
your target market. Let them know that you value them
and trust that they will make the right decision: heeding
your key messages. Happy Marketing! MP
For more information about this and other parenting
questions, contact Parenting Power via email
at info@parentingpower.ca
The Mompreneur • September 2007
33