Great Expectations

I've realized lately that my happiness with a product, movie or book is in direct proportion to my expectations. It's a sliding scale; the lower the expectation, the more I will enjoy it, the higher the expectation, the greater the chance that I'll be totally non-plussed.

Case study #1: Hair product that promises to perform a "miracle" on my not-so-shiny mane. Now, I wouldn't normally put a ton of faith into hair products, but it's actually in the name, for pete's sake! I'm not unjustly holding them to a higher standard here. After the said three minutes, my hair didn't look or feel any different than when I use my normal shampoo and conditioner, let alone having the promised halo appearing around my head.

Here's my thought: maybe instead of vamping up the promises that a product/book/movie makes - maybe they should lower our expectations so that when it just cleans my hair/makes me think/makes me cry, I won't be so disappointed. Take the soap rolls, for instance, I've never implied that it does anything more than wash your hands, last longer than a regular bar of soap, or look cute next to your bathroom sink. It's not going to help you pass that exam, improve your familial relations or get the girl in the end. It just won't. But saying your product is a "miracle" just sets us up for disappointment.

This is weird for me to go against a review of a product, because I'm a huge proponent of "word-of-mouth". I rightfully deem it the best form of advertising out there, and I personally like to "spread the word" about products I like and purchase things I've heard about from friends.

So where does belief in the "No expectations, no disappointments" theory and the reliance on "word of mouth" intersect? Can they co-exist? What are your thoughts?

Sidebar: In honor of Mrs. Seigel, my 9th grade English teacher who forced me to read "Great Expectations", I have to quote her here in saying, "Love her, love her, love her." After 17 years, and much therapy, I can not get the audio clip of her repeating that line from the book, over and over and over.

Being Mick

I have to admit, I wasn't a fan of Mick Jagger until I saw him perform with the Rolling Stones. I was in 9th grade and the sheer force of his energy was hypnotizing, even for someone who was more into George Michael and Bon Jovi at the time (much to my father's dismay). I actually prefer Mick Jagger's solo albums over the Stones; each of his two albums are soulful, funky, and addicting.

So when I heard about his documentary, Being Mick, about putting together his latest album, I couldn't wait to see it. I thought it was a interesting glimpse into his life and what goes into making an album. I'm always interested in how things are made; from jelly beans to ice cream (both of which I have had the extreme pleasure of seeing); I guess I really like to see the details of the hard work that goes into a product. Anywho, I thought I would share his insight when asked about his creative process in songwriting.

"You might get an idea late at night, but I think you get much faster earlier in the day... because I think you sleep on it sometimes. Write everything down you can and don't worry too much if it's late, because you're tired. See everything you've got and then the next day, get up in the morning, have breakfast, then immediately just do that. Quite often it comes really quickly."

Sdebar: The fact that Bono and Lenny Kravitz appear in it to each work on a different song with him is just a bonus, and if you were wondering, it strengthened my love for both of them.

Christmas in July

I've just made myself a cup of hot cocoa, I'm decked in red and green plaid flannel and I've got Harry Connick, Jr. crooning holiday tunes in the background. Ok, if this was an audio post, this is where everything would come to a screeching halt and you'd hear the needle scratching across a record. It's the end of July, 90-something degrees out (with humidity to boot), and I have to get into the Christmas spirit!

Part of Marketing and P.R. is staying ahead of the game and running on a schedule that's slightly strange and not just a little ironic. Since my stores are starting to buy for Christmas (if they haven't finished already), and the magazines are working on their holiday issues, I have to be thinking about my marketing materials and holiday products way before the flip-flops and innertubes come out of hiding.

There's something kinda sad about always moving on to the next season before this one even gets started. I'm thinking that maybe we rush through things a bit too much. We plan out our summers so every weekend is filled, and then wonder where our summer went. I'm making a new plan to not schedule our days so much that we miss just enjoying them.

Anyway, I've got to run... I have to get going on Valentine's Day before these leaves change colors.

Tunnel Vision

Tunnel Vision
Chester, my Golden Retriever who is the devil with fur, happens to be Obsessive Compulsive. I honestly think he does it to annoy me, but that's beside the point. He gets in this zone where he will lick his paw, belly, back, hindleg - you name it - in the same motion for HOURS if we didn't stop him. He'll lick Kevin's foot or leg in the same manner, which curiously doesn't bother Kevin, but makes me want to scratch my own eyes out. I am almost Reverse Obsessive Compulsive, where repetitive sounds quite literally make me crazy. Chinese Water Torture? I'd give up any secret I had within minutes.

My reason for telling you this, is that it got me thinking last night. As I was hurling pillows at the furball in the dark, secretly hoping one of them would knock him out cold (he woke me from a sound sleep, for crying outloud), I thought about how we can be so focused on one thing that we are completely oblivious to all else. Admittedly, this happens to me when things get crazy around here, other business Stuff falls to the wayside. It's the balancing of all of it - for me it's constantly thinking about marketing, direct mail, e-correspondance, packaging, literature, sales reps, etc. - that ensures that the business keeps running, that is the hardest part.

Sometimes we need someone to chuck a pillow at us to change our focus. What do you do to make sure you don't get Tunnel Vision?

"The risk of not being risky"

As predicted, I came across something else from Donny Deutsch's book that I wanted to share.

"If you're not moving forward, you risk getting run over from behind. In advertising - as in all industries and organizations- something that is not risky can, in fact, be more risky because it will neither excite an old customer nor attract a new one. You risk everything by risking nothing."

I've said this before, and I'll say it again... don't do what your competition does. Set yourself apart by not even playing in their game. Make up a new one. This goes for anything from your resume, to your marketing plan, to a new product line.

"Zigging when other people zag is the price of entry for being important in anything... Go where tomorrow is. Let everybody else catch up."

What are you doing that's risky? Is it a "good" risky or a "bad" risky?

Weigh in on line expansion

We're getting ready to replenish our inventory (and yes, we're very excited that we are running low!) so we thought we would take this opportunity to expand our line somewhat. We're adding bright colors to the "Brainy Beanies" (instead of the white cotton fabric) which I think will make them really pop! As for our baby tees, we have received some interest in larger sizes, so we were contemplating adding 2T to the line. But as always, I second-guess everything, so I'm wondering if we should go in a different direction. This is where you come in. If you could cast a vote, which would you choose:

• Adding a bigger size - 2T
• Offering long sleeve - for the winter
• Going organic - offering a 100% Organic Cotton option

Thanks in advance - I appreciate your help! I usually poll friends through e-mail, but I thought you all would be a good audience. Even you lurkers, let your voice be heard!

All about the Benjamins

I'm sorry to have abandoned you again, but I have a good excuse! My sister gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy! I was lucky to be a part of the whole experience and witness Benjamin being born and it was by far the most incredible thing I've ever seen. I knew my sister was one of the strongest people I know, but this blew me away.

I'm usually attached to my e-mail (in an unhealthy way, I admit), but it's funny what a little 8 pound sack of sugar can do to your priorities! I didn't even realize that I had not checked my e-mail in 4 days!

This was my list of priorities last week:
1. Hold Benjamin
2. Wait for him to open his big blue eyes.
That about covers it.

Here are 2 pictures of the new man in my life. Consider yourself lucky, I'm sparing you the other 267. Notice that we didn't waste any time getting him into an Itsy Bitsy & Bold hat.

The Failure-Dichotomy Principle

Just between you and me (and anyone who stumbles across this blog), I have a thing for Donny Deutsch. I love his talk show (and not just because he picked a great theme song) and think he is a brilliant marketer/creative genius. So when I was browsing through the bookstore, my heart skipped a beat when I saw him on the cover of Often Wrong, Never in Doubt. Not only is he an advertising guru, the host of his own talk show, and not bad to look at, but he also wrote a book. Lucky me!

I'm only 60-something pages in, but I really like it so far, and thought I would pass on his "Failure-Dichotomy Principle".

Creativity is about freedom. In order for people to be free to create, they need to feel free to fail... You need to be free to unload your mind, to have the opportunity to put every idea on the table, no matter how far-fetched or unusual or downright weird. To free up the unconscious while inoculating oneself against ridicule, we have a ritual we call "Shards of Glass." It's a set of words, a preemptive strike against yourself. "This may be a really bad idea, and if it is, throw shards of glass at me..." It gives people a safety net so they can sail off into the unknown.

At the same time, you need a culture in which failure is not an option... We all, as human beings, have a depth gauge within ourselves and at some point we decide that the game, the championship, the job, our soul, is on the line. At that point you simply can't allow yourself to fail.

I really like the idea of embracing failure for the sake of creativity, yet instilling a mindset that you're capable of anything. Do you allow yourself the freedom to fail?

sidebar: I'm sure I'll come across something else I'll want to share from Donny, so I'm reserving the right to revisit this book!

Make Clients Happy

I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and my soapbox at the same time (don't try this at home, kids!) Have you heard about this guy who taped his conversation with an AOL Customer Service Rep? He was trying to cancel his account and the guy from AOL was less than accommodating. I saw an interview with the aforementioned customer-turned-squealer on CNBC this morning (Let it be stated that I do not choose to watch "Squawk Box", Kevin steals the remote. A better name would be "A Group Of Morons Who Talk Over Each Other And Think That They Are Doing Stand-up") In any case, everyone is up in arms because AOL got caught doing what every other big company does (which is why you should do business with small companies, when possible.) I had the exact same experience last week with a certain company (I'm not mentioning any names, but it rhymes with "Berizon" and starts with a V.) After 1 hour and 45 minutes, 3 "Agents", 1 Supervisor and 1 lodged complaint later, my blood pressure was up but my issue was not resolved.

Here's the thing: It takes so little to make a customer happy; just some gratitude for their business, sympathy when they are upset, and the promise to try to resolve the issue. This is not new, people. Just forgotten.

Don't forget - it's more expensive and difficult to get new clients than it is to keep the ones you have. So, for Pete's sake, make your new mantra, "Make Clients Happy" and all will be good with the world. Or at least your business.

The balance between work and life

I was at a party the other night and was talking to another woman who has owned a couple of businesses. She was shocked to hear that I was able to go on my 10 day vacation and leave business here. I admitted that I checked in a couple of times, but was suddenly very proud of the fact that I have (after seven years of struggling) maintained a good balance between my business and my life. They used to be one and the same - and to some extent, they still are - but it's much healthier now. I guess I eventually figured out that no one was going to die from not getting their soap rolls.

Things I do to nurture a good balance:

• Don't sweat the small stuff. Think about it in the grand scheme of things - is it really that big of a deal? Some things are, but most things aren't.
• Take a day off every now and then. And when I'm on that day off, I might check in once or twice, but otherwise, it's just a day working out of the office.
• Work efficiently. Making good use of my time while working allows me to get more done and enjoy my free time without feeling guilty.
• Remember that it's just business. It doesn't take precedence over my home life, or my happiness.

Do you have a good balance between work and life? What do you do to nurture that balance?

Tell someone you love them.

In honor of my Dad on his birthday and Father's Day...

On this day,
Mend a quarrel.
Search for a forgotten friend.
Dismiss a suspicion
and replace it with trust.
Write a letter to someone who misses you.
Encourage a youth who has lost faith.
Keep a promise.
Forget an old grudge.
Examine your demands upon others
and vow to reduce them.
Fight for a principle.
Express your gratitude.
Overcome an old fear.
Take two minutes to enjoy the
beauty of nature.
Tell someone you love them.
Tell them again.
And again.
And again.

Sorry for the lapse...

I haven't abandoned you - I've just been crazy busy! I promise to get back to my more regular routine this coming week. Unfortunately, when things are busy some of my more favorite things to do take a backseat. I'm not complaining though, when work keeps me busy, I'm happy.

Oh, and I took my own advice last week (see March 24th post: Stuck in a rut) and took a design project that I just couldn't make sense of to a friend. After about 10 seconds of talking about it - the solution seemed clear. Funny that it was sitting on my desk for longer than I care to admit, but just talking it out to someone else was all I needed!

My own support group

Over the past seven years I have met some incredible people through having the business. I have met these inspiring people at trade shows, seminars where I spoke, or through other interesting people. I have learned to surround myself with people in different industries that know much more than I do in these other areas. It goes both ways, I enjoy mentoring other women and helping them through the parts where I stumbled.

I met Kimberly Wilson, Creative Director of Tranquil Space Yoga in DC, at a Women Business Owners workshop. I was speaking on a panel about "Big marketing strategies for small budgets" - I don't know about the big marketing strategies, but I sure had the "small budget" down. I noticed her walk in because she was dressed very chic and I just had a feeling that we would be friends. She came up to me at the end to tell me that she loved my story and we exchanged information. We got together the next week - eager to meet for lunch and share ideas.

At that lunch, I told her that I had been a part of a group for women business owners, but that I felt it was just for local networking (which I didn't really need) and that it seemed like their main goal was to participate in the ice-breaker at the luncheons so they could win a door prize. No real connections. I was looking for something deeper, a fusion of brainstorming and problem-solving, topped off with a little bit of emotional support and camaraderie. We decided to make our own group - pull in 2 or 3 other women in the same position and meet monthly. It was great right from the start - we would come to the group with a specific problem or idea we wanted to get feedback on and there we would find unbiased opinions, outside-the-box solutions and suggested resources. We talked about our personal long-term goals and at each meeting we would pinpoint five smaller goals for the next month that would get us closer to those long-term goals. There is a certain amount of accountability that comes with having to check in with someone. I knew that when I got to that meeting, I had to answer to my board.

Kimberly actually went a step further and created her own "Advisory Board" which I thought was brilliant. Five other business gurus (not sure how I got past the cut) meeting quarterly to help her with her business. I can only speak for myself, but I think I get as much out of her "board meetings" as she does - it's a real learning opportunity.

Kimberly is continually a source of inspiration for me. And with her new book, Hip Tranquil Chick, due out in November, it seems like nothing is out of her reach.

**To make your head spin, check out her bio on tranquilspace.com, and to hear me and Kimberly chat about being a "hip tranquil chick" in business, check out the Dec 19th podcast on hiptranquilchick.com/blog

Do you have your own "advisory board" - a support group, however informal, that you can bounce ideas off of?

Spring cleaning for your mind

We spent part of our 3-day weekend doing some outdoor spring cleaning; cleaning off our deck and screened-in porch in preparation for all the time we're going to spend outside over the next few months.

It got me thinking about "spring cleaning" on the creative front. Clearing out the clutter (literally and figuratively) that's blocking our creative process. Here are 2 tips that have helped me get a fresh start...

Literally:
Clear off your desk. Physically having the space around you clutter-free can do wonders for your creativity. Purge your area of anything that you aren't working on at the moment (keep in mind: it should only be one thing), and move all "pending" papers to another area. A good rule of thumb when going through papers is: file it, route it, or throw it away!

Figuratively:
Clear up your "to do" list. I have had items on my list that have been there through two different presidents. My advice is to either make that your project of the day, or move it off the list temporarily. Seeing that thorn in your side appear on your list every day only makes your feel bad for not accomplishing something and you start to gloss over it.

Do you have any tips for "spring cleaning for the mind"? Would love to know!

Pink Bubbles

I've been doing some simple meditations over the past couple of months and thought I would share one of my favorites that focuses on achieving goals. It was taken from Shakti Gawain's book, Creative Visualization. Creative visualization is the technique of using your imagination to create what you want in your life.

• Sit or lie down comfortably, close your eyes, and breathe deeply, slowly, and naturally. Gradually relax deeper and deeper.
• Imagine something that you would like to manifest. Imagine that it has already happened. Picture it as clearly as possible in your mind.
• Now, in your mind's eye, surround your fantasy with a pink bubble; put your goal inside the bubble. Pink is the color associated with the heart, and if this color vibration surrounds whatever you visualize, it will bring to you only that which is in perfect affinity with your being.
• The third step is to let go of the bubble and imagine it floating off into the universe, still containing your vision. This symbolizes that you are emotionally "letting go" of it. Now it is free to float around the universe, attracting and gathering energy for its manifestation.

May all your pink bubbles return to you!

Making the most of dryspells

I was talking to a friend recently who mentioned that business was excrutiatingly slow. She asked me how I get through the slower times without going insane. Unfortunately, dryspells don't just apply to owning your own business, it's natural to have a creative dryspell or a slump in just about any arena.

I'll admit, sometimes it's rough. I don't think I'll ever get over that nervous feeling I get when things slow down and I question whether things will ever be busy again!

I am always happier being busy, so for me, the key is to be busy until you really are. I create new projects by reassessing everything about the business. I redo sales materials, work on new product slants, send out press kits, and organize inventory. As it turns out, sometimes a dryspell is a blessing in disguise because it gives me time to really run the business, instead of just keeping up with it. So make the most of it, because sometimes there are no slow times, and then you are thankful for any break.

What do you do when you're in a slump? Are you in a dryspell you can't get out of?

Bees, Tents and Tavernas

As promised, I'm excited to share 3 books I really enjoyed reading on the trip...

"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd is a wonderful story about finding mothers in unlikely places. Beautifully written, it was easy to become attached to the characters and hard to put down.

"The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant. The author took one line from the bible and weaved a story around it. An amazing, heart-wrenching tale that keeps you entranced from start to finish. Have tissues ready.

"The Summer of My Greek Taverna" by Tom Stone. A memoir that's interesting to read as an entrepreneur (and somewhat frustrating) and a good summer vacation book.

Yassas! ("Hello" in Greek)

I'm back from Greece, stuffed with delicious food, slightly tanned and completely refreshed.

It was an INCREDIBLE trip - hard to even describe how wonderful Greece is. We went to Athens for 2 days (Acropolis is just as amazing as you would think), then flew to Santorini (a.k.a. Heaven on Earth), then took a ferry to Folegandros (no tourists, just an authentic and beautiful island), then back to Santorini for another incredible part of the island.

Highlights from the trip...

• Beaches with "sand" made entirely of smooth colorful pebbles.
• Sunrise - Yes, Kevin dragged my unhappy butt from the bed for a 30 minute hike straight up a goat path at 5:30 am, but it was well worth it.
• Sunsets - we based our day around what time the sun would set so we could see the show and bid a proper goodbye. Something I think we're missing out on here - what a way to live!
• Hikes - everything was actually a hike since Greeks don't believe in either flat paths or straight roads. One in particular was from one part of Santorini to another which was supposedly 6 miles, but I think it was really 9, especially since it was uphill most of the way, on an 8 inch wide path on a cliff with no guardrails, and the wind whipping around the mountain. I should at least get 3 extra miles for "degree of difficulty".
• Food - it was ridiculously good (I ate my weight in feta), and didn't have one bad meal. Plus you can make a meal out of appetizers - my favorite!
• Aegean Sea - it was clear to the bottom, even in deep water, and was this miraculous shade of turquoise that I swear can not be replicated.
• People - they were extremely generous and hospitable, taking the time to talk to us, giving us desserts made by their grandmothers and going out of their way to make us happy.

It was 11 glorious days being unplugged from everything and getting recharged at the same time.

So, I'm back and ready to blog. Read 3 books that I really enjoyed - so I'll pass along reviews shortly! What have you been up to?

"Bon Voyage" in Greek.

There's no way to say this without sounding obnoxious - so I'm just going to say it - we're off to the Greek Islands! This is a trip that Kevin and I have been talking about for years. We have always wanted to go and decided that this summer was our time! Being the controlling person that I am, I love to plan vacations. I revel in reading all the information, mapping out places to go, finding gems that are off-the-beaten-path, and making the most of our days away.

We're going to Athens (I have to see the Acropolis), then to Santorini (looks heavenly), then to Folegandros (a tiny island that's not touristy). I'm looking forward to reading a ton, seeing the Mediterranean, eating amazing food and spending some QT with the hubby.

I promise to provide a full report when I return. Hope you have a great week!

Getting MasterCard to create a commercial for you: Priceless

I saw a commercial for MasterCard the other day that really got my wheels spinning. They were offering the opportunity to write one of their well-known "Priceless" commercials. Immediately, I thought of using it to get a national commercial for the Soap Rolls. How great would that be to have a major commercial filmed and paid for by MasterCard about our little soap rolls? The story alone could get us great attention, and since I've always thought that we're just steps away from that huge "big break" - I thought this could be it!

I wrote the script in my head very quickly... something to the effect of, "Coming up with an alternative to a bar of soap: $450. Turning your house into a soap factory: $3000. Producing 400,000 soap rolls: X amount. Getting MasterCard to create a commercial for you: Priceless."

I went to their website to see about submitting the idea and was pretty bummed to see that they have two storylines already filmed - you have to just fill in the blanks. Wouldn't it be so much better to let people write the whole thing? The way they are doing it - it's still their idea.

Anyway - I think I might still try to submit it - just for the hell of it. What do I have to lose? A "big break" doesn't just land in your lap - it happens when you go out on a limb.

Keep the channel open.

A friend passed this along to me, and now I'm passing it along to you...

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening
that is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one of you in all time,
this expression is unique.

If you block it,
it will never exist through any other medium
and be lost.
The world will not have it.
It is not your business to determine how good it is;
nor how valuable it is;
nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly,
to keep the channel open.

You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work.
You have to keep open and aware directly
to the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open.

No artist is pleased.
There is no satisfaction whatever at any time.
There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction;
a blessed unrest that keeps us marching
and makes us more alive than the others.

-Martha Graham to Agnes Demille

Positive messages for kids

A prospective customer of our baby gear asked me yesterday about other empowering messages that I think are important to surround kids with. I'm not a parent, but I play one on TV - actually, I don't even do that. What I can offer is what I've learned from my parents and other parents that I admire. Rather than quotes, these are general ideas I like.

Encourage them to daydream. It sets a good precedent for dreaming big later on.

Foster their creativity. Always be encouraging when they are expressing their artistic side (when they draw huge circles on your suede couch with a purple marker, maybe not so much. Not that I know anyone that would do that. Again, so sorry, Mom) And for the love of god, let them color outside the lines.

Revel in their silliness. We all know that the sillies get shaken out of you quickly enough when you grow up, so let 'em be a silly goose now. Joining in wouldn't be such a bad idea for you either.

Don't be stingy with praise. And let them overhear you saying complimentary things about them to others.

Have any to add?

My Book List, "The unexpected" and Garden State

What are you reading? I'm looking for books to take on my trip and since I'm always suggesting books, I thought I'd turn the tables on you. Here is what is on my list so far- but it's not set in stone... Barrel Fever by David Sedaris (one of my favorite writers) The Summer of My Greek Taverna by Tom Stone (my sisters suggestion), The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (have been wanting to read this for ages), and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (another suggestion from the sister). Have you read any of these or is there a must-read that I'm overlooking? Notice I am not bringing any business-related books... I'm giving myself a rest since that's all I've been reading.

"To put something in the world that was not there before, you have to be able to see that which others before you have overlooked. Both creativity and play involve appreciating paradox and the unexpected." - Author unknown

This CD is not new, but if you don't have it, you're missing out. The Garden State soundtrack is one of those CD's that you can listen to from start to finish without skipping any songs and you can hear it over and over and over and not get sick of it. I swear, if CD's could wear out, mine would have been dust long ago. The reason I bring it up is because I think it's good "thinking" music. I usually don't listen to music while I'm working - I've never mastered the art of being able to fully concentrate while singing - but with this CD I can. It's mellow and calming without putting me to sleep.

Fun and work don't have to be mutually exclusive

When I was little, I loved to go to work with my dad. I would get all dressed up and he would take me in for the day. I didn't just sit there and color or read - I worked! I would organize the entire office; clean out his desk, organize samples, and put everything back to working order. I think I liked it a little too much for an eight year old, but that's what gave me this impression that you were supposed to have fun at work. My organization skills were honed at that young age and my love for materials (art or office supplies) started early. But more importantly, it was ingrained in me that it was important to love what you do. My father always said that he loved his work, but the happiest part of his day was when he pulled into the driveway, coming home to see me, my sister and my mom.

What things in your career do you consider to be fun? How can you incorporate more of that into your job?

Re:fresh

In the past seven years that What Fun! has been in business, I've made a lot of changes as I go along. I've changed marketing tools, tried different PR tactics, and even altered my slant on the product. I find it necessary to keep things fresh by changing them up somehow, but it's helpful to revisit things from the past, since sometimes I change things just for the sake of change. When I find these things (usually accidentally), I rediscover something that is now new and fresh.

For example, I had the soap line registered at Greatrep.com years ago - it's a service that lists your products on a web site that store buyers frequent. After a year or two, I felt like I had tapped out their customers, so I cancelled my subscription. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when I received an e-mail from them asking me to come back... I gave it a shot and not only did I get a ton of new inquiries for What Fun!, but also for Itsy Bitsy & Bold!

The second lesson here is to keep old clients on your mailing list - you never know when they will "rediscover" you!

Can you revisit anything from your past that might be helpful to you now?