Another new venture

So, it would appear that my lack of writing is on account of the bambino. In reality, it's because I started another business (yes, another one. yes, I am crazy.) Who would have thought that having 3 businesses that are retail-based and a baby would be a lot during the holidays? Obviously, not me.

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!

0 to 60

I wasn't writing before because my head wasn't into it. Now it's because I've been crazy busy.

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.

My best product yet

As you probably pieced together (a month and a half after my last post), I am now a mom! Our little boy was born on June 7th, weighing 7 lbs 4 oz, and is as sweet as they come.

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!)

Motivation Vacation

I'm still hanging in there - with 10 days to go till my due date. As predicted, my businesses are not at the top of my list of priorities at this point, but I still am trying to prepare things so that it can run smoothly without my full attention. I've stocked up on supplies, created a good amount of inventory - ready to go out with little labor needed, prepared wholesale materials for mailing, etc.

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?

Habit-forming

Chester, the King of our house (that is, until bebe arrives and we have a new dictator), has some bad habits. I've written about his OCD issues before, but that's just one tiny facet of his personality.

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?

Randomness

A couple of tidbits that have been rattling around in my brain cage...

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.

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.

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!