Friday, January 23, 2009
New Favorite Blog
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Outliers
One of my favorite authors, Malcolm Gladwell, has a new book out that sounds promising. I've mentioned the "The Tipping Point" before, and "Blink", and can't wait to get my hands on his new book, "Outliers". I still bring up things I learned in "The Tipping Point" and it looks like I'll have new tidbits from his latest work.
"Outliers can be enjoyed for its bits of trivia, like why most pro hockey players were born in January, how many hours of practice it takes to master a skill, why the descendents of Jewish immigrant garment workers became the most powerful lawyers in New York, how a pilots' culture impacts their crash record, how a centuries-old culture of rice farming helps Asian kids master math. But there's more to it than that. Throughout all of these examples--and in more that delve into the social benefits of lighter skin color, and the reasons for school achievement gaps--Gladwell invites conversations about the complex ways privilege manifests in our culture. He leaves us pondering the gifts of our own history, and how the world could benefit if more of our kids were granted the opportunities to fulfill their remarkable potential." --Mari Malcolm
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
My Netflix Queue
The most interesting thing on my Netflix cue is a movie titled, "The Future We Will Create". Netflix will explain it better than I can (below), but I'll say this: It's a really interesting view of a think-tank of sorts. It made me feel better knowing that something like this actually exists and that there are are truly creative people out there looking for the worlds solutions.
"Hailed "the hottest gathering in the world" by Wired magazine, TED (Technology Entertainment Design) is an annual event where an eclectic group of brilliant minds exchange bold ideas for the future. Actress Daphne Zuniga is your host on this all-access tour of the conference. Guests include former Vice President Al Gore, musician Peter Gabriel, environmentalist Majora Carter, as well as comedians, authors and innovators from around the world."
Monday, August 11, 2008
The little things
Thursday, June 26, 2008
It's not you, it's me.
It's not that I don't think about you and revel in our memories ("Oh. that post from May 3rd... good times") - it's just that I've been pre-occupied with the new business and new blog (giftsforthegoodlife.blogspot.com, by the way) I don't want to make promises I can't keep - but I'm going to try my hardest to post with more regularity.
Give me another chance. I think we had something special. ;-)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Another new venture
The new business I started with my sister (she's even crazier than I am) is called Gifts for the Good Life and specializes in upscale custom gifts.. a gift concierge, if you will. The down-side: another business to tend to, and it can be a lot of work. The up-side: it's really fun, very creative and pretty rewarding.
So here's to taking on more than you can handle, just because you get to be creative!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
0 to 60
Quite a switch, and as my sister pointed out - I went from 0 to 60. I'm somewhat relieved to know that I can still do it - be creative and get into work, that is. I'm really enjoying what we're working on and it does feel good to get back to brainstorming, but I'm thinking of it more as a luxury right now, than a necessity. Meaning: I don't "need" it like I used to - craving the creativity and sucess. Maybe because I feel fulfilled elsewhere. Has that ever happened to you? Definitely interesting.
I'll keep you updated and share more when I can.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
My best product yet
I have a couple of interesting business opportunities that have arisen since bebe was born - which at any other point would be very exciting, but right now, I can't get into it. I'm faking it pretty well, answering less-than-intelligent questions about soap and acting interested in the synthetic make-up of shirts, when really all I want to do is watch a tiny man sleep.
I'll write more soon and hey - it may even have something to do with creativity and business. (gasp!)
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Motivation Vacation
I have to admit, it's really strange for me to not have my focus be on work. For the past eight years, my business has been at the forefront of who I am and what I think about (for the most part) And now, to not be proactive in staking out press opportunities, possible retail outlets or new items to add to the line - is just plain weird. Unfortunately, it's a role I'm taking on with gusto.
It worries me somewhat that that intense motivation will never come back, as my priorities will have shifted permanently... and rightfully so. It does keep me up at night (as well as back pain, frequent trips to the bathroom, and of course, the sound of Chester licking his paw) - that nagging question: "What will I do if that passion for all things business-related has fizzled for good?"
I guess I have to have faith that Drive doesn't go away, it just might take a hiatus every now and then. So while my Motivation is sipping Pina Coladas in the Caribbean, I think I'll have to settle with the fact that I am still pretty interested in talking about other peoples' businesses and brainstorming for them. Is that a good sign or am I grasping at straws?
Can you relate? Do you have any advice?
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Habit-forming
He has some harmless habits, like the intense need to steal a shoe whenever someone comes in the front door. I say "harmless" because he doesn't hurt the shoe, he just runs into my office with it and waits there to be called. Don't ask me why, I have no idea. We have tried removing all shoes from the area, but he just runs around looking for something, and kinda short-circuits. It's sad to watch, really. We've tried everything and cannot break this habit.
And he has some not-so-harmless habits. Like yesterday when he bolted out the door when we had a visitor, and made a beeline for the water. He had a grand ol' time - swimming, chasing geese, and generally ignoring his mom no matter how much I yelled for him. I use the word "habit" because unfortunately, this was not even close to being the first time he performed this shenanigan.
The reason I bring this up (besides just wanting to vent about the antics of the little creep) is that it got me thinking about the habits (harmless and otherwise) we create when it comes to our creativity. Do you need to have certain things in place to be able to brainstorm? Are you a late-night thinker... do you have to have absolute quiet... can you think in a busy environment?What kind of atmosphere do you need to extract a great idea?
Obviously, great ideas can come at any time - whether you have certain habits or not. But generally speaking, do you think it's a good "habit" to have certain rules that cultivate creativity, or is it better to be able to "wing it" at any time?
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Randomness
Did anyone catch Stephen Colberts interview of Malcolm Gladwell, author of one of my favorite books, "The Tipping Point"? Due to my bizarre sleeping pattern these days, I fall asleep around 10 pm and wake up anytime between 2 and 4 am - and am up for hours. Thus, I didn't see The Colbert Report at the normal time, but caught the last minute of the interview in the wee hours. A very long-winded way of saying that I'm bummed I missed it and curious to know what he said.
~~~
I heard about this book, The Cluetrain Manifesto, and was wondering if anyone has read it, or has any interest in reading it. From a review on Amazon, "... filled with dozens of stories and observations about how business gets done in America and how the Internet will change it all. While Cluetrain will strike many as loud and over the top, the message itself remains quite relevant and unique. This book is for anyone interested in the Internet and e-commerce, and is especially important for those businesses struggling to navigate the topography of the wired marketplace." Might be worth looking into.
~~~
As a "thanks for reading", here's a coupon code good for anything on either of our web sites (http://www.soaproll.com/, http://www.iambold.com/) Feel free to pass along - don't be stingy! Just enter voucher code 30607060 at check-out to receive 15% off!
Anything random you want to share? I'm all ears.
Monday, April 30, 2007
The NFL and your small business
Much of this past weekend was spent monitoring the NFL draft. No, the testosterone from the baby boy I'm carrying has not totally taken over my body; Kevin is a big football fan and Draft Day is a national holiday in this house. Usually I busy myself with other stuff when this occurs, but this year I made the mistake of asking a few questions and getting caught up in the plight of these poor, poor football players who just because a team picked them at the #7 spot, instead of #3, will have to forego millions of dollars. My heart goes out to them, really it does.
Anyway, I actually thought it was pretty interesting, once Kevin explained the strategy behind it. Which, after I thought about it, is no different than the marketing and creative strategy of a small business...
Working with what you've got - You can't scrap the whole "team", so assess the areas that are working and look to improve the areas where you are weak.
Getting the most for your dollars - Why pay top dollar for something that you can get for a bargain later?
Short-term planning - Put things in place to go for the "big win" now, and...
Long-term planning - Thinking ahead by making a plan that's not just for this year or next, but also years down the line.
Plus, there's lying and spying and back-stabbing. Throw in a long-lost brother and you've got yourself a Danielle Steel novel.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Creative Nesting
Even though my utter lack of creativity for anything business-related has taken a turn for the worse, I can't help but feel reinvigorated by our recent cleaning binge. So, without trying to be a total hypocrit, I'd like to share my ideas on "creative" nesting; a term I just made up to explain opening the floodgates of creativity. I see it as a physical place to work, but it can be less literal - making a place in your mind for creative thought.
- Focus on space. What do you have to work with? How can you make it work more efficiently for you?
- Make sense of everything. Getting rid of all the excess stuff you have lying around will give you a chance to focus on the things you really need and use.
- Create good habits. Now that the space is clear and reorganized, don't go back to the habits that got you there in the first place. Try setting up "rules" that will help with upkeep of your newfound workspace.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Our blogiversary
I thought this would be a great time to introduce our new subscription service that will e-mail you when there's a new post. Just enter your e-mail address where it says "subscribe" on the left side of the page. I know I'm a little late to the game, but I'm not skilled when it comes to some of this stuff!
Anyway, thanks for reading, posting, and sharing!
Friday, February 23, 2007
I swallowed a basketball
But the other day, as I was paying for my goodies at Michaels, the woman behind the counter asked me, "What are you having?" My only thought was, "for dinner?" She must have seen the blank look on my face because she pointed to my belly. Thank god I didn't answer what was in my head because it would have been, "lamp chops", and that might have really shocked her.
The reason I bring this up is because it reminds me that things might not be as they appear. It's always interesting to find out what's really going on behind the curtain, and it's rarely what you think. Sometimes I'd rather leave it as it is in my mind - like when I found out that that so-together, has-it-all entrepreneur that I admired isn't really that "together" and doesn't quite have it all. And sometimes it's reassuring to know that they're not that different than you - and that they have the same issues you struggle with.
Have you thought about your perceptions lately - and that they might not be as accurate as you think? What image do you think you portray? How close is it to the truth?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Cute Customers
Sometimes I get caught up in just communicating with store owners or buyers - so it's great when I have contact with the end consumer and get to hear real feedback. Especially when that feedback is accompanied by a great photo!
Speaking of which, check out Michelle's blog and keep an eye out for the gorgeous shots of her daughter in a tutu. When my sister saw them, she wanted to know if either of her two sons would put on a tutu for a photoshoot. They might do it now, but it will probably cost her in therapy sessions later. I think it's worth it.
Photo by: Michelle Fescoe mfescoephoto@gmail.com
Thursday, January 25, 2007
And the winner is ...
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
A Little Perspective
The entrepreneurial perspective starts with a picture of a well-defined future, and then comes back to the present with the intention of changing it to match the vision.I think this can apply to anything - not just entrepreneurs. The reason why this excerpt seemed to stand out for me was that I came across a list of goals (not just business-related) I made a long time ago. Even though they seemed very specific at the time, almost every single one of them came true. Although I thought I might be pigeon-holing myself at the time, I realize now that I created the vision, and then (sometimes subconsciously) took the steps to make it happen. Obviously, we have to allow some room for Life to happen, as not everything is under our control, but I think this applies to everything that we can steer our way.
Have you written down a well-defined future? Are you changing what you are doing now to match that vision?
Friday, January 05, 2007
Starting fresh
So, how've you been? What have you been reading? Anything new since I've been under a rock?
Friday, December 15, 2006
Things I have been doing instead of blogging:
- Saving the whales.
- Scaling the Alps.
- Working on my own theory of relativity.
- Hopping from one trunk show to the next, selling our wares and getting valuable face-time and feedback with our end consumers. (More on that later)
- Trying to stay upright amid morning-noon-and-night-sickness.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Hip Tranquil Chick
Here's the description from Amazon...
Hip Tranquil Chick addresses that huge but unacknowledged demographic of fashionistas equally at home at Bergdorf's and the yoga studio. The book is divided into two major sections that cover all bases for the style-minded seeker. "On the Mat" shares seven must-have modern-girl yoga sequences, such as "Healing Hip Openers" and "Negativity Releasing Heart Openers", and explains yoga philosophy in hip chick language. "Off the Matshowcasees nine ways to become more fabulous and balanced by incorporating yogic qualities like introspection, strength, and flexibility into daily life. The nine lifestyle chapters reveal how to turn on-the-mat wear into on-the-town style, how to create soulful surroundings at home and work, mindful money management, finding a passion-filled career, how strategic soiree-throwing creates community, tips for practicing social consciousness, and more. Each chapter is accompanied by helpful "OMwork" to translate these concepts into reality. Abundant illustrations accentuate the text, and a "savvy sources" section encourages further exploration.
I know I'm biased, but it really is a fun read, chock full of tips, resources, ideas and stories. And this is from someone whose yoga pants have barely seen a yoga class, so don't think you have to be a yogi to get some insightful lifestyle lessons.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Blog to Watch
Now who can't use that?!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Books as Coasters
I did want to share a great review posted on Urban Baby Runway. If you haven't seen this site - it's a must! Innovative kid gear, interesting articles and it's run by a great group of women. Check out the review!
I promise to return soon with life-changing posts! ... Okay, maybe I'll aim for an interesting post to start.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
R with a Circle
"Intellectual Property" is the term used to refer to the confusing game of "owning" a word or phrase. What a strange world we live in, that if you think you were the first one to coin a term, you can pay a certain amount and seven years later, have legal rights to it.
A couple of years ago, the aforementioned brilliant attorney thought to register the actual shape of the soap, which to me, was even more important than the name. Thanks to him, I'm the only one who can make soap in this shape. (Me = 1, Idea-stealers = 0)
I know imitation is the highest form of flattery, but in business, it's the highest form of sleaziness. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have a company copy you - and then show it at the same trade show, a couple of booths down. Or - to not only copy your idea and packaging, but also your text word-for-word.
Not to worry - now I can put that teensy-weensy little R with a circle around it next to What Fun! and know that it's mine.... all mine. Until the year 2016.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Fresh Arrival
I love being associated with things (sites, stores, people) that I really admire. Today the soaps are being featured on Fresh Arrival, a site that strives to bring readers "one amazingly cool thing, every day". Click here to see the review.
Thanks, Chris, and again - so sorry about the pink polka-dot ribbon.