Money is only part of an issue for startup business owners. Thomas said they also need mentoring and momentum. The organization paired her with Ron Kopfer, founder of Fathom Interactive, a search optimization company. Davis says her biweekly meetings with her mentor are invaluable.
But she's interviewed hundreds of mothers and business people making sure she's on the right track, and she's trying to learn from others' mistakes. In February, she created a networking group for mom entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio through a Web site called Meetup.com and already has 70 members.
"I gained a support network and I've learned new approaches to market the business," Davis said. "We share ideas once a month in person, for what we consider a moms' night out. It's nice to be able to shoot an e-mail to one of them and get a response with words of wisdom. They're like virtual co-workers, people I can share wins and losses with."
In January, she e-mailed Monster.com founder Jeff Taylor, seeking 15 minutes of his time. Taylor, who runs baby boomer social networking site Eons.com and a new spinoff Web site, Tributes.com, made himself available.
"I told him I had already started the job board but I needed help to grow it," Davis said. "I asked him about challenges he faced early on, and I wanted suggestions for people he felt I should talk to make my business a success."
She has contacted managers and executives of other online businesses as well as people she's read about in small business magazines. They include Kim Kleeman, co-founder of Shakespeare Squared, a content development firm for textbook and trade-book publishers with a network of about 500 freelance educators and publishing professionals.
"BeyondMotherhood.com answers a call for talented, educated people who have time and a need to keep their résumés current. Shannon has created an easy-to-use, manageable site," said Kleeman, who also started her business from home as a young mother.
"I especially love the sassy women on the front page. Companies should take advantage of this great niche and great company."
Davis said she's made plenty of mistakes already, like not having a soft launch before formally opening her business in September 2007. But she's optimistic about business growth. According to Salary.com, more than 95 percent of employers hire former stay-at-home moms, and more than 80 percent actively recruit moms re-entering the workforce.
"I'm hoping to create an awareness for women entrepreneurs," she said. "You can pretty much do anything if you take action and don't let fear run your life. Other women have told me that they had the same idea but never moved on it."
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