Creative Nesting

With six weeks left to go until bebe arrives, I think it's fair to say that almost every inch of our house has been ransacked, purged, cleaned and reorganized in efforts to, as I'm told, Nest. I tend to believe that it's 50% nesting and 50% spring-cleaning, since I like to do this every year, but let's not split hairs. No room, cabinet or closet is safe; even the "soap warehouse" was turned upside down and cleaned out.

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.

Good luck with your spring cleaning!

Our blogiversary

I can't believe it's been a year since I launched this blog. I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I've enjoyed having the outlet!

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!

I swallowed a basketball

Or at least that's what it looks like. Which, at 26 weeks, is where I should be - it's just bizarre to me that this is my body. I haven't gotten used to the fact that strangers now know that I'm pregnant. For the first 6 months, I could have been mistaken for someone who had their way with a six-pack of beer one too many nights. And being bundled in sweaters and jackets didn't help to "out" me.

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?

Cute Customers

A couple of days ago I received an e-mail with this picture attached. Michelle Fescoe bought one of our tees a while back, and now her adorable daughter finally fits into it!

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

And the winner is ...

Ever thought about what you would say in your Oscar speech? Go ahead, admit it, you've accepted an award in front of your bathroom mirror. Well, NPR is now accepting entries for an Oscar Speech contest. Unfortunately, it's not for accepting your own Oscar; it is to be written as one of the nominated characters from this year. Since that doesn't really thrill me, I'd like to propose an exercise of writing an acceptance speech for any award you covet... Pulitzer Prize, Newbery Medal, Grammy (my fantasy choice) .... you name it. It requires you to think of what you are most proud of doing and why you excelled at it (or why you will in the future - no rules in this contest!) I think any time is a good time for an ego boost!

A Little Perspective

As far as I'm concerned, the E-Myth by Michael Gerber is a must-read for any entrepreneur. Even though the title alludes to something entirely different (I thought it was about e-commerce), it's really about the entrepreneurial dream, why 80% of businesses fail within the first 5 years, and what to do about it I was just flipping through it when I saw a section on Entrepreneurial Perspective that caught my eye.

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?

Starting fresh

So, as you might have deduced, I have a bun in the oven (insert other corny euphamisms here), which has been partly to blame for my utter lack of motivation to speak of anything business-related. My head has just not been into it (and neither was my body!) and rather than really forcing the issue, I have given myself a break. But now it's time to dust off those business books, break out my creativity journal and get back into things.

So, how've you been? What have you been reading? Anything new since I've been under a rock?

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.

Ok, only the last two are true. But I swear, I would have rather been blogging!

Hip Tranquil Chick

I'm thrilled to share a book that I have a personal link to. I've mentioned Kimberly Wilson before - one of my most motivating, inspiring and hippest friends! I have been lucky to be able to witness the creation of this book, from the time when it was just an idea in her head to the launch party tomorrow night.

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.

Blog to Watch

I have another creativity-related blog to add to your list... Snap to it written by my favorite photographer, Emily Sopha at Sophatography. Emily is responsible for most of the photos of the cute (and quick-moving) kids on the Itsy Bitsy site. Besides getting a sneak peak at what's she's currently working on, she's going to give us "Snap Tips - quick ideas for ways to improve your photography and eye for design."

Now who can't use that?!

Books as Coasters

Sorry for my not-so-brief hiatus, I've been under the weather and have found it difficult to concentrate on anything other than my bed. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to take advantage of this involuntary down-time and catch up on all the books I've wanted to read. The stack of books on my nightstand are serving as really great coasters at the moment.

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.

R with a Circle

It only took seven years, but we finally have claim to the name, "What Fun!". I have just received a Certificate of Registration from my brilliant trademark attorney. It's a loooooong story about why it took so damn long. I won't bore you with it, but let's just say, they made us work for it.

"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.

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.

A Better Day

Building on a response from my "Things I've learned this week" post...

Cindy added one of the things she learned:

"Even when everything seems to be going wrong, a small thing going right can make the day seem much brighter. "

I couldn't agree more. I'm always amazed by how a good order, great inquiry, or note of praise from a customer can turn my day around. Just when I'm thinking that business is slowing down (based on very little but my own fears), the tiniest thing can get me back on track.

I can't say that I like being so easily swayed, I'd like to be more of a Rock - steady in my confidence and Sure of What I'm Doing. But I'm not. And it goes in the other direction too. I have to admit that when I get an unnecessarily rude e-mail or feedback that isn't stellar, however rare that is, it hurts.

My question is - how can I turn my day around on my own? Without having to wait for that little thing to go right - how can I make my day better, more creative, or more productive without that little kick-start? I'm going to think about it and get back to you. If you have any suggestions, I'm open!

Blank Page

Taking another excerpt from the book I'm currently reading, "Your Marketing Sucks."... being innovative requires you to throw out everything you've ever seen before and start from scratch.

"Starting any aspect of your marketing process by looking at what your competition is doing is a bad idea. It force-fits your creative process into a locked box, and discourages the development of truly innovative and powerful strategies..."

Stevens goes on to say that whether it's intentional or not, you're more likely to imitate when you make them the benchmark. He quotes Einstein as saying, "I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

Easier said than done, but here are a few tips:
> Understand your primary focus. Is it to get an order, create buzz, spark interest, etc? Focus on the end goal and work backwards.
> Forge your own path. When you create something (whether it's a brochure, mailing, or the product itself) based on your competitor, you're following their rules. Throw out the rule book and do your own thing.
> Aim high. Steve Jobs' vision for Apple? "We are going to change the world." Bill Gates's vision for Microsoft? "We are going to put a computer on every desk and in every home."

What's your primary focus? Are you forging your own path? Are you aiming high enough?

Things I've learned this week...

• That daunting projects aren't so daunting once you start them.
• That watching the food channel when I'm hungry is a bad idea.
• That asking the basic question, "Is this helping me achieve my goal?" helps me assess certain situations for what they really are.
• That if I haven't touched a book in 2 weeks, I'm probably not interested in it.
• That as soon as I sell out of something, it's going to be a hot commodity.
• That sometimes all we need is just a little patience.

Have you stopped to think about what you've learned this week?

Runs, Hits and Errors

I was at a baseball game the other night when I started thinking about the errors I've made in my business. I know - I should have been watching the game, but something on the scoreboard caught my eye. The column right next to "Runs" and "Hits" is labeled "Errors". This isn't particularly new to me, but in the context of my business it shed a whole new light on the subject of mistakes.

When I voiced my concern for the feelings of the poor player who got branded with the error, Kevin explained that it's only when they make an error on an easy play - something they are "supposed" to do without a problem. That's when my thoughts trailed to my business, as it often does, and how I'm lucky I don't have a giant scoreboard pinpointing my failures overhead. It would probably count the time I didn't follow up on a good lead fast enough, or sent something Ground instead of Overnight, so I missed the deadline, or when I negotiated a contract on the spot, without giving myself time to really think about it. These are the errors that stick out in my mind, and even though there isn't a scoreboard for everyone to see, I have one of my very own to remind me of these mistakes and hopefully learn from them.

I guess that's the only way I can keep playing the game - knowing that I'm going to make errors, and - fingers crossed - the runs and hits will outnumber them.

Do you have your own personal scorecard? How do you keep playing the game?

Q&A with my Creative Guru

I thought I'd introduce you to my creative guru who happens to be my favorite (oh yeah, and only) sister. She is a virtual powerhouse of great ideas. She started a business with her husband, Nathan, 12 years ago, designing and printing hand-made couture stationery (arakkanofskystudios.com) and is about to launch her new blog: Paper Life Style. I'll let you know when it's live!

Susan: Are there certain times of the day when you feel you're at your most creative?
Heather: Absolutely! I feel most creative driving around with the windows down, preferably with a decaf iced coffee in my hand! I take notes on whatever paper is available. At night, when the house is quiet and Nathan and the boys are sleeping I can bank on those notes and start putting them into action. Usually this is after 10 p.m.

S: Just when I'm winding down! What do you do when you are having a creative block?
H: I talk about it. I sometimes have to hit rock bottom- and some real resistance before I get to the good stuff. For instance, once in a while I have to tackle a new painting and I just can't get motivated to do it. I feel like a kid who doesn't want to start their science fair project- its just too big- too daunting. So I just start. Even if I feel like I'm not doing it exactly right.

S: Do you ever worry that the "good stuff" won't come?
H: Not really. I have my tools in place. I also have an awesome creative support system and I definitely rely on their feedback and encouragement.

S: What's the most important thing for you, in being creative? Is it the outcome, the process, both or something in between?
H: I think it's both. I love the process, but I really love the outcome. It is very, very rare that I am not thrilled with the end product of our work. Maybe this is because I am a perfectionist? In any case, it is so exciting to see the first print roll off the press. Or the first invitation fully assembled.

S: Besides your work, what other creative outlets do you have?
H: Cooking! I love anything having to do with food - picking out edibles for the garden, grocery shopping, cooking and baking and eating new foods. And certainly entertaining. I love to make casual get togethers and Passover dinners for 40. There is nothing better than creating a celebratory environment and then to see people you love enjoying being together. Our home and garden are also creative outlets. I really enjoy working with color and surrounding my family with interesting things.

S: Do you prefer to brainstorm on your own - or with others?
H: Both! But I love brainstorming with Nathan and you. It is such a rush to brainstorm with people you love! It's a creative connection - then to see our ideas come to fruition- that is the best. Of course, I also get to brainstorm with our clients- which is a fun challenge. I get to immerse myself in other people's ideas and aesthetic and see their dreams come to life too!

Mish Mash

No real theme for today's post - other than I'm going to be all over the place. Here are some random things...

Thanks to your input, we added the size 2T to our "I will color outside the lines" baby tee! We also added bright new colors to the "Brainy Beanies"! It's always fun to add things to a product line, waiting to see if people like your ideas.

If you are anywhere between the DC metro area and NYC (this includes Philly) and you know of a Trunk Show or Holiday Showcase - I'd love to know about it. We do really well at these events so I'm looking to schedule a few for the fall. I've got a couple lined up - but am looking for more!

Have you ever felt like your technology is disappointed in having you as an owner? I got a new PDA and I swear it would roll it's eyes if it had any every time I turn it on. I know it can do about 3 million more things than what I use it for and I have guilt.

"We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down." -Kurt Vonnegut

See? I told you it was going to be a mish mash. Do you have any random thoughts you'd like to share? Doesn't have to be related!

Forty Thousand Feet

As I mentioned last week, I am in the middle of reading "Your Marketing Sucks." by Mark Stevens. I'm only on Chapter two, but one of his terms struck me - "... a classic example of a marketing program designed at forty thousand feet", meaning that someone who is way too far from the actual situation (at an altitude of forty thousand feet, to be exact) made the decision without thinking of the end-user. He goes on to say that, "... a seemingly terrific idea turns out to be another form of marketing that sucks, because people don't think it all the way through to the implementation level."

I really like the image that conjures up and it prompts me to think about what I create from forty thousand feet, without knowing it. I have made a lot of adjustments to the product line in the past seven years because I would find things out from my customers. Store owners would tell me that people kept asking what to put the soap rolls in, so I started selling our little soap dishes to stand them up in. It hadn't occurred to me before that, that people would ask for something specifically... I was operating at forty thousand feet.

It's always imperative to think about the end-user. Since it's likely that you won't have direct contact with them, and will therefore miss out on crucial feedback, you have to approach your product (or whatever your creation happens to be) with brand new critical eyes.

What altitude are you at? How do you bring yourself back down to earth?

Drive + Desire

My sister read me the following quote yesterday after I expressed my dismay with the magazines.

We are told that talent creates its own opportunities. But it sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents. -Eric Hoffer

Do you think that drive can sometimes make you better at something? Or is it - either you have talent or you don't? Take Brittney Spears - the girl doesn't have a speck of talent, but she has (or had) drive and the ability to know what would sell. Maybe that, in itself, is talent. What are your thoughts?

Too much

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I recently sent out press kits for both the Soaps and Baby line, hoping to get some write-ups in the "holiday gift guides" of large consumer magazines. I worked really hard to figure out the right amount of info to send (don't want to overwhelm them), the right person to send it to (they rarely pass it along to someone else) at the right publication (sending it to "Cat Fancy" isn't in my best interest - no offense to "Cat Fancy" readers.. all three of you. Ouch! I'm sorry I'm in a feisty mood.)

This week I'm trying to get in touch with my contacts to confirm that they received the package and see if they had any questions - and to get a gage on whether they might include the products. So, I received an e-mail back from one particular magazine that I've always wanted to get into. Her response was - the soap rolls looked like they had a lot of press already. Too much success? I have many issues with this - and here are a few, in no particular order.

1. It may appear that we have had a lot of press, but that's over 7 years - it's not like it's: Soap Rolls Everywhere You Look. Have any of you seen the soaps in a magazine?
2. If we have had a lot of press, it's because people like the product. I know, CRA-ZY! Who wants to feature a product that people would actually like?
3. She'd be amazed by how many people have never seen nor heard of Soap Rolls, despite my best back-breaking efforts.
4. The fact that we have been in all these magazines should bolster my credibility. It's proof that the company isn't "here today, gone tomorrow"
5. What about all the products I see over and over again in every magazine I look in. Funny, they just happen to have paid advertisements on the page next to the editorial. Coincidence? I think not.

The thing is - I busted my butt - and kissed other's people's - to get all of this press to compensate for my lack of advertiisng funds. And now to be penalized for it... well that is just too much.

I know this is in stark contrast with my usual upbeat self (stop laughing!) - I promise to be back to normal (as normal as I can get) tomorrow. Just needed to rant!

Have you ever been in a situation where you were labelled with having too much success? I realized as I wrote that that it sounds like I'm bathing in Dom Perignon and having someone feed me grapes, which I most certainly am not. I bathe in Cristal.

My Bedside Table

I'm in the middle of reading four books. I never do that because even if they are on two completely different topics, I will inevitably weave both books together in my head. You should have heard the story I came up with when I read "Bridget Jones' Diary" and "Guerilla Trade Show Selling" at the same time. Anyway, here are the four that are on my bedside table. Let me know if you're interested in swapping notes if you've read it or hearing a review if you haven't... or starting our own mini book club!

The Long Tail by Chris Anderson. Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More. Thanks to Cindy for this recommendation!

Your marketing sucks by Mark Stevens. "The hard-nosed guide to implementing ROI marketing." This title did what he wanted it to do - it got my attention.

Too Close to the Falls by Catherine Gildiner. "... a poignant memoir about an intrepid, unforgettable girl and her extraordinary childhood in 1950's small-town America." I read about this book in a magazine - and when I went to buy it, the woman behind the counter said it was hilarious.

BANG! Getting your message heard in a noisy world by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval.

Are you reading anything good?

Crazy about Crazy

Ok, so I'm obsessed with this song, "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. This wasn't one of those songs that grew on me over time... I was hooked the first time I heard it - and I came in halfway. So much so, that I went and bought the CD that day. Now that's consumerism at it's very best.

I was just wondering what makes certain things strike a chord, while others flop. What is it about some products that reel me in and make me an evangelist in their name? I'm pretty picky about the products that I use (and by products, I mean books, music, beauty aids, restaurants, etc.), but when I really like it, I'll tell everyone I know about it. What does it take to make you spread the word about something? Is it something little, or do you have to be bowled over? I know I get a lot of customers through word-of-mouth - so I'm just curious what pushes your buttons!

Sidebar - I've heard "Crazy" is a great video too, and if MTV or VH1 ever played videos, maybe I could judge for myself.

Some Inspiration between Weather and Traffic

Years ago, I swore that I would never step foot into an Ethan Allen furniture showroom again. I had the displeasure of talking to a salesman who was so rude and condescending (He actually said, "It's not that expensive!") that it ruined the entire brand for me. That is, until this morning. I was watching the news when an Ethan Allen commercial came on, which is normally no big deal, but this one opened with the question, "Do we choose our inspiration, or does inspiration choose us?" It followed with a series of interesting visuals that really caught my eye. Damn you, Ethan Allen, for reeling me back in!

Anyway, I thought I'd broach the subject with you and see what the consensus is. Do you choose your inspiration, or does inspiration choose you? For me, it's about 50/50. I purposely go looking for Inspiration in certain places, and then when I least expect it, Inspiration comes knocking on my door - which usually means that Opportunity is right around the corner.

I still won't ever go back into an Ethan Allen showroom, but I might cross them off my list of "Stores to Curse".