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".

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.