JPD Mom

And the Fun Never Ends....

June 24, 2009. I mean June 30, 2009.

I hope I got the date right, to be honest I have no idea what day or even month it is.  The last few months have been a blur and I have been more caught up in school than work.  After a much needed vacation last two weeks ago I am sort of back in the swing of things.  Except for the fact that I lost my camera in Tahoe, and I need to start exercising like pretty fast.....no really I do.

And worst case scenario - email is gone, dead.

So, I noticed last week that I was getting no emails, I mean not even SPAM emails offering to sell me pharmaceutical drugs or some enlargement thing I did not want.  My friend said - that is good, it is quiet....it was too quiet if you asked me.  Then my husband forwarded me some emails, I never got them.  He sent them again - nothing.  Yesterday we figured it out..........

When It Rains....It Pours

There is a problem with the name-to-address mapping with the new ISP.  They did not set up the address mapping.  In plain english, the mail servers of today will not respond to mail from a server they can't find the name of.  So you sending me an email to jamie@jamiespnd.com - ya good luck with that.  It is not working.....did you hear me?  I am um, well bummed?  Frustrated? I am in shock....cause after my last post you saw all that I had been through.....right?

Ah well, at the very least things are slow and I am hoping no one is looking for me.  My husband keeps saying I probably missed that email from Oprah asking me to be on her show, that guy cracks himself up.  I just feel bad and hope people don't think I have been rude.  Or worse, thinking I went out of business....now the word frustrated does not seem to be good enough, eh?

800 Number Not So Much

As I am fighting with my email company I get like three, yes three phone calls....from people asking IF I am still in business.  Um, yes I am, why do you ask.  OH the 800 number was disconnected.  Uh......that was like 9 months ago - but okay I get it.  I try to explain it was a cost cutting expense and no one really used it....all three companies swear they did (of course).  My response was sort of like - well not on a regular basis, so we got rid of it.  But I swear we are still here.  And while I am on the phone I am in the process of sending an email to all my accounts stating the whole email problem......not the best image, but I was trying.

That Was Then, This is Now

So, now it is all fixed and I am getting the spams, the emails - all in uh let's say 4 times.  Yes - I get every email 4 times that is - oh well, at least I am getting them.  Our orders email is all fixed.  I am  now able to focus on the new products I have been working on for months, and I mean months.*

*Sorry no photos with this post, as I mentioned earlier - I have no camera and I can not put pictures up.  Don't get me started, I hope to have a new camera soon - no really, I can not live without it.

Yes it Really Was That Bad

June 9, 2009

So have you ever been in the middle of something and you keep thinking, it can not get worse, it can not get worse?  You know mumbling to yourself as you rock back and forth and contemplate throwing things at the wall?  Then you carefully pick yourselff off the ground, wipe off the tears and decide it is going to be okay.  Ya, well what if that keeps happening?  What if it keeps getting worse, and worse, and that guy Murphy with the whole laws and everything, what if you can actually start to think that maybe he was on to something?  

Well that has been the last oh I don't know the last 10, 11 or 12 days for me.  Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong - and I mean everything.....and I am totally aware of the fact that this post may read like an episode of Three's Company.  This my friends is what running a company is really like:

I made some quick notes about what then proceeded to go wrong.

Thursday May 28  - It Will All Be Alright

Printer that we use to make tile broke, so broke that after 4 hours of trouble shooting we had to call the company that sells them and order a new one.  I had them over night priority a new printer.  I smugly smiled and thought to myself that I had just solved our big problem.....brilliant.

We still had 50 tiles to make for the Wall Art Tile Fundraiser and we had the work for the week - but it would all be okay, I was a Rock Star.....so I thought.

Friday May 29 - It is Bad, But I can Handle It

Printer arrived.....it was the wrong printer.  I call up the company, we go back and forth over the fact that they sent the wrong printer and they ASSUMED some things.  My husband has to call them and discuss so we can get the right printer.  Calls, emails - then I have to make a decision about whether or not to have the new one overnighted.....I go with overnighting the printer - pay the money we need that printer.

I rushed to my kid's school to do an Art Game show for my son's class - that would be 60 4th graders to keep entertained with questions and factoids about art, thank you very much. Then I rushed across campus to see my daughter's play, making it with only seconds to spare. 

Saturday May 30 - Oh and it Gets Worse

I contacted Fed Ex, they said that the printer should arrive by 10:30 a.m.  My husband and father went to get the supplies for the Tile Fundraiser. We had to make frames and paint them for 445 tiles.....and as they showed up at the office the Fed Ex truck was leaving.  He left a note though that said he would be back Monday....MONDAY!  So, I got on the phone called them and proceeded to fight with them about our overnight payment....ya he came back,  and they brought back the printer.

Darin then proceeded to spend 4 hours trying to get it to work, it did not work.  So he gave up on the printer and he built the frames.  My committee of volunteers to help us paint - turned into just one friend.  We basically crawled around on the floor caulking the frames (and making all kinds of Cock jokes) and then painted the frames.  This took all frickin' day.....

My parents were kind enough to let my kids spend the night at their house, so we could just get up and start working again the next day.  Ya, well my daughter proceeded to wake up in the middle of the night and projectile vomit all over the wall, the closet doors, the carpet, the sheets and the bedspread that can only be dry cleaned.....good times.

Sunday May 31 - More problems, Really?  It Can't Get Worse

My mom took Abby to a birthday party for me and they were an hour early (of course)  I gave her the wrong time.  My Dad and Darin started to put the tiles down, with Mastic, they ran out (of course) and had to rush to the store before it closed to get more.

My beloved blackberry broke - dead, gone.  I had no phone, no email - nothing.

Monday June 1 - Nothing Surprises Me It Got Worse

We got on the phone with the company that sold us the printer and told them it was not working and we basically had to order a new part........overnighted please priority.  UPS this time, why?  I don't know but all will be solved tomorrow.

I got an email from a parent at school about a recent firing of the most popular 5th grade teacher at our school.  I, along with a long list of parents was asked to write a letter on his behalf to the Superintendant....okay I did it.  OH ya she then proceeded to forward my email to our principal.....the one who fired him.  Wonderful!

We went to get a new blackberry and it took an hour and a 1/2 to get one.  Yep - done wrong, the guy who sold it to us was um an idiot.  The service was wrong.  SO I had a new blackberry that did not do me any good.....wonderful!

After a long day we took Abby to dinner since Grant was at a friends house.  She proceeded to start crying hysterically after we sat down - she was the only one in her class who did not get to go to the Art & Wine Festival this past weekend.  Did I mention hysterical?  It was lovely.  We went to pick up my son - he was not there, we drove back home....then got a call they were on there way so we went I went BACK to get him.

Tuesday June 2 - OMG You Have Got to Be Kidding Me!

The part did not get here on time, let me repeat that - the special cartridge that was to be overnighted....it did not arrive.  It seems the wonderful people at UPS never got it on the truck in time.  No cartridge, no printer working - no tiles.  Did I forget to mention that the tiles are getting grouted tomorrow morning?  No?  Oh well they were - they are getting hung Thursday at my kid's school and the assembly is on Friday - yes Friday! 

I make a last ditch plea/cry to our supplier here in Northern California and beg them to print the last 50 images for them.  They agree to it, I saved all the files on to CD's, and my wonderful Mother agreed to go and deliver the CD, AND wait for them to be printed.  That took oh about 3 hours.  Then my husband and father went to the office and made the tiles and used the mastic - got them ready to go....problem solved!  I was so happy....

Darin called - one tile was missing.  One tile.  One image did not get made.........

Wednesday June 3 - Are We Done with the Bad News?   Nope.....

I did not get the right grout....my friend's husband who was kind enough to come over and grout the tile....for FREE, but he had to go get more first.  I then had to drive to the supplier's business and get the one missing piece of art.  When I got back the printer cartridge had arrived and after hours of screwing with it troubleshooting my Dad got it to work.  He proceeded to start making the tile, my husband went BACK to the office to help him.  The printed and pressed the work for the week, my tiles that the parents ordered for home (oh about 150) and all looked good.  The last board was going to be grouted tomorrow and then hung.  Problem solved right?

We got an email that our shipping clerk had the flu and could not ship tomorrow.  Luckily we got a replacement and all was gonna be a-okay.

Thursday June 4 - Oh Jesus Mary and Joseph I Pray this is a good Day

We are in the middle of our morning-rush-get the kids to school-why did you not brush your teeth- you are going to be late day when I got a call.  The principal from my kids school wants to know where the tile are?  Uh, my reply was that I was to call Facilities to hang the tile when I got there and it is like 8:00 a.m in the morning and I am getting my kids ready for school.  Oh, well he said Facilities wants to hang the tiles NOW.  Okay, um I have to go to the office, get dressed, call the people who were delivering..........I did not have much time.

We delivered 16 of the 17 boards.....and then stalled as my friend's husband (my most favorite person on the planet at this point) grouted the last board.  The tiles were hung, we quickly covered them so that they could be a surprise for the assembly on Friday.....and then I had to to run, I mean hobble on my crutches (yes I am going on week 3) to play #2, my son's Gold Rush Play.

I checked the tiles, all looked good.  I got the kids from school, left them with my husband and went into the office, project a success and I was done.

HOLY MOTHER OF..........someone get me a paper bag I am hyperventilating....anyone?

All of the new tiles done with the NEW printer, ya the colors are off, I mean way off.  The light blue is green, the turquoise is black...........OH NO!!!  Most the tiles are ruined.  Almost 80% of the wall art tiles for home are ruined (the parents could order a copy of the tile on the wall to have at home).  I um, sort of freaked out at that point.

I did get the company on the phone and they helped me to fix the problem.  But we had in the meantime run out of tile.  Yep, out of tile.  I really lost it.  I had to get more tile and fast.

Friday June 5 - The Big Day.....and the Bad Good News Keeps Coming

I got to school in time for the unveiling, and the students were thrilled, the teachers were thrilled.  Everyone was super happy.  Then came recess.......and I started getting some questions and concerns.  What started with one missing tile quickly turned into 15 missing tiles of students that were convinced their parents purchased tiles and they were not on the wall.

I took down names, and tried to stay calm.  Inside my head I was screaming but I smiled calmly and told them we would take care of it.  And, as we looked at the paperwork and the accounting we realized that um 13 of the 15 missing tiles were students who did NOT purchase them.  Okay, emergency averted.  Wait - what?  We still could not find 2 tiles?  I was pretty upset, but heck we could fix it, and uh what you say 2 out 445 tiles - not bad statistics.

I took the kids to the office and was ready to call it a day.  I figured I did not have much work to do.....uh wrong.  Ahhhhh well our "replacement shipping clerk" came and went and missed a few a lot of orders.  So I had to do them.  I also had to go and look at the 150 tiles and determine which were good and which were bad.  After many hours of work the tiles were all re-done and it looked good........we were at the office till well past 9:00 p.m.

Saturday June 6 & Sunday June 7th Everyting Gonna Be Alright!

We had soccer games and pretty much slept in.  We were beat.  My wonderful husband fixed my blackberry and we were able to think that maybe it would all be okay.

Monday June 7 - Today is a New Day, it is all good.........right?

I went in today to print the labels for our fundraiser tiles that were going home with the students.  Ya.......the Xerox printer broke.  Yep.  The tray was out of whack or something and after an hour on the phone it was determined that I needed a new tray.  Luckily the office complex we are in has like 34 printer places - so I was able to fix the problem.

And, after looking at the tiles at my kids' school I found the two "missing" tiles.  Phew.....

Later this afternoon I got a call from the office.  A student that ordered a tile could not find their tile on the wall and they were pissed.........okay, tomorrow is a new day.  Right?  I hate to say it but, it can't be this bad every day......right?

What I Do Does Matter to My Children....That is All That Matters

May 31, 2009

Sheesh, this has been a long year, wait that is not what I mean, it is not even half way over.  What I mean is this school yearhas been looooong.  I am not the only one at my little school that thinks this way - it has been an interesting year to say the least.  When we get out of school and the dust has settled, and I am no longer living in it, I will go into it....in great detail possibly.  Many will not believe the storm I have weathered.....living in my own little Harper Valley PTA if you will. 

Wake me When the Economy Picks Up

The whole year has not been bad, it has just not been a great year with JPD, but like I said not even half way over.  Even, with the Economy pretty much sucking for those of us in retail - it is going okay.  People ask me all the time, "How is business?"  My answer is - slow.  It has been the same answer for, oh let's see the past eight months. 

I know that not everyone is slow - but I am.  And I am fine with it.  Let's face it, in this blog I am also willing to be honest....and not everyone is.  I just don't have the time to put a spin on it.  Things are slower for everyone I am pretty sure, I just can't prove it.  I am not dumb enough to think that this will last forever, may be a slower than usual summer, but I do believe that this too shall pass........right? 

However, there is a bright spot for me this year.  I am waiting to go over our numbers for May because we sort of hit it out of the park in May.  We had our huge sale of Princess Plates to a certain someone in Tinsel Town, and of course our Tile Fundraiser we did for my children's school. 

My children's school also benefited from the slow economy, as I was able to take on more at school.  I spent time volunteering in my children's classes, helping with school functions and pretty much doing anything and everything that was asked of me.  And as my husband will tell you, they took complete advantage of the situation. 

Took on Way Too Many Projects

I am thinking this is not an unusual problem for many Mom's to have, especially working Mom's.  I took on too much this past year......and if you tell my husband that I admitted this I may have to come kill you.  Keep it on the down low k?  I feel I spent more time on campus than I did at work, probably too much time on campus.  Just so you can see what I am talking about, here are a few things what I have taken on this past school year:

• Room Mom for daughter's 1st grade class
• Art in Action Teacher  for 60 (yes 60) 4th graders
• Chair for Reflections (a PTA art contest thing for entire school)
• Joined a fund raising committee and designed t-shirts, plus wrote skit for assembly
• Regularly organizing a weekly, monthly cocktail party for the Mom's from our school
• Took the 60 4th graders art and  put it on tiles for the holidays
• Got 60 4th grader's art ready for Art Show and did special End of Year Game Show
• Made special tile for students to give baby gorilla at SF Zoo
• Took my daughter's 20 1st graders art and put it on tile for Mother's Day
• Agreed to help make decorations for 8th grade graduation, that consisted of designing a San Francisco skyline for the entire ball room, painting a 5 ft round moon and um I DON"T EVEN HAVE AN EIGHTH GRADER! 
• Chaired a Wall Art Tile Project for our school AND owned company that did the project  that consisted of; forming a committee, making flyers, brochures, planning an assembly, making posters, an art day for 620 students to design their tile, getting 444 tiles onto boards and grouted for display in the lunch court and another assembly on top of that to unveil the tiles..........anyone else exhausted?

Yep, the last one just about sent me over the edge....oh wait did I forget to mention that I sort of kind of tripped 2 weeks ago?  Ya, I was just going out the back  door and the stair jumped out and tripped me, I rolled my ankle, cut up my shin and killed my prized 20 pound palm tree plant that was in a super cute black pot?  Ya, so if you can imagine the last two weeks have been spent on crutches.....yes crutches....I hate crutches - you know why I am a tad bit overwhelmed.  I am even starting to resent those of you out there with two perfectly good working legs.  I so wish I could walk, talk and carry things at the same time! 

Not Another Pity Party Jamie?

After many tears this past year and realizing that I could not do it all, I started to feel real sorry for myself last week.  I had a mountain of work to do for my real  job business and I had another pile of responsibilities for things I had volunteered for.  Don't get me wrong - all me, all my fault and all totally avoidable.  No one signed me up for the company I started, the kids I had or the many numerous committees I decided to join chair this past year.  I have come to the conclusion once again that I can not do it all, I mean I can not do it all well.  Next year, I have to leave something for others to do.

Going Somewhere I Have Never Gone

Which brings me to last Thursday night and what happened to me.  At our school we have something called Founder's Day.  This is a big event in our school's gymnasium with anyone and everyone that wants to attend.  The PTA swears in and votes for the next year's officers, the 5th graders have a bake sale to raise money for......something, I refuse to find out till I have a 5th grader.  A couple of classes are asked to perform 2 songs.  Then, the PTA  gives out awards to teachers, staff and parents that have gone above and beyond the call of duty.  I have never (up until last week) attended Founder's Day.  To be honest it sounded dreadfully boring and I had no reason to attend.

After sitting through 8 songs by a 1st and a 3rd grade class (it was supposed to be 2 but I am guessing Math is not a subject either teacher excels in) they started handing out awards.  And I must mention that after my crutches fell over and the ENTIRE audience turned around to look at me.........I won an award.  I did!  I did not volunteer for this accolade, I could care less about some certificate in a frame.  I did not really want to gimp my way up to the podium to accept it.  I was humbled, I was honored, but again NOT why I volunteered.  Now, my children had a different take on the night.......

Appreciation in My Children's Eyes

When my friend started describing me and listing the crazy things I volunteered for the things I had done and describing me without using my name, my daughter's face lit up.  Her eyes got big, she turned to me with the biggest smile on her face and she said, "That's you, it's you Mommy!"  To my right my son sat.  He started laughing, looked up to me and said, "I knew it!  I knew you would get an award!"

As I slowly made it up to the stage my two biggest fans sat and clapped, and clapped and clapped.  They were so proud, they were so happy for me.  And they are the reason I do, or did all that I did this year.  I have no regrets.  I am happy that it meant so much to them...........I got more pleasure out of those two comments from them than anything I have done this year. 

My business will be here when they grow up and don't need me at school.   All of the headaches I got and crazy political garbage I had to deal with will be long forgotten.  These years that they need me at school, want me at school will be also be long gone.  But the memories will not.  I will remember that I was there for them when they needed me, but more importantly they will remember I was there.

Are we on a Break?

May 12, 2009

I need to make a call.  I have been avoiding this for some time now.  Hold on.

Ring, ring.....oh wait is it not more like...."the theme song from American Idol" - yes the cell phone is ringing.....

"Hi JPD Mom Blog, it's me Jamie.  We need to talk."

"You probably have noticed I have not been around as much....and my posts are getting fewer and fewer....wait, wait don't cry, let me explain...."

Blame it on the Al-Al Alcohol, Uh the Economy

  "I wish it had not come to this, I mean I really wish we were on better terms, I feel though that a quick call to you is the best way to get my feelings across.  First, let me say how sorry I am for being so out of touch, I mean it is not like it is the first time I have neglected you.  I feel bad for ignoring you and not giving you the attention you deserve.  I know, I know you should be a priority, but sadly other parts of my life have had to take front stage."

"Now don't go and take it personally, it's not you - it's me.  Now wait, don't cry, it's not that my blog is not important, really I mean it.  It is just that when my husband is gone week after week on  business trips my um, my time and my mind is in another place.  I am not putting  you down, and I do not think any less of you.  I mean you are important to me.....I sometimes  just do not have the time to give you what you deserve.  Does that make sense?"

The Other Woman, Er, the Other Blog

"What?  What did you say?  How dare you throw the other blog in my face!  Silicon Valley Mom Blog is not, do not use that word with me!  You are just jealous!  That is different......YES it is .  I have a commitment, I signed a contract.  Oh, gosh the water works, here we go again.  The content is very different, that is more Mommy blog stuff - this blog is about my company, the up's and the downs."

"I swear sometimes it is like talking to my i-pod you are not LISTENING!  What?  I am sorry, I will stop yelling....okay now calm down, calm down.  I never said the other blog meant more to me....no I did NOT...okay, not yelling, not yelling anymore."

A Light At the End of the Tunnel, Um the Summer?

Seriously in my defense I have been juggling a lot lately.  No, no you are right I have started to see the Economy start to turn around.  Not a huge turn but it has started to pick up again at JPD, and it started the middle of April.  I am not sure what everyone else said about consumer spending, our weeks are slowly picking up.  We are noticing that each week the sales are up....not up to what we are used to, but beggars can not be choosers.  As much as I love blogging, I sort of have needed to be pro-active on the business front and make sure that the work is done and that we survive this slump.  I am not giving up on you, just you do not make me any money right now, so I need to focus on places that do.  OH, come on don't cry again.....please.

Good Sales, Even if They were a Rush Order

Which brings me to an exciting order we had last week.  I am not sure if you heard, but we had anorder for 52, actually 62 plates for a party.  A special princess plate that was given out as a party favor - it was a huge undertaking to get the plates made and packaged by Thursday to ensure a Monday delivery.  But do you know what?  We (me) did it!  We got a huge order out and that is what I have to do these days - I even did the shipping, since it was not our regular shipping day.  Not so say I do not miss blogging, but I have to make money first.  Not sure who will be attending this birthday party, but I am putting my money on that Suri Cruise and maybe Brad Pitt's little girl....I can wish right?

Wall Art Tile Fundraiser Project

Truth is a lot of my time this Spring has been spent working on a Fundraiser project and it really has taken a lot of my time.   Not only have I been the chair for it, but I have been the company doing all the work for the project.  It has been a good thing - we are taking the children's original drawings and putting them on tile.  The tiles were sold as a fundraiser, then we are going to make the tiles, grout them onto plywood and hang them in the lunch court.  All in all it was a huge success....what is wrong? I thought you would be happy for me.  Sheesh....I did this for us, for you - so that we could spend more time together!  I had to do something when business was slow.....I hear you sniffling, are you crying again?  Allergies?  Right....

New Products.....Soon

Also, I have been working on a double secret project....okay not that secret.  I do have two new products that I was hoping to release in March - but could not get it together.  I have also been working on some exclusive designs that I still need to finish....which brings me back to not having time for you.  It won't be like this forever, I promise - I am just busy now....I need kinda my space.

Okay well I hate to leave it like this, with you all crying and everything.  I will um, I will call you okay?  It's not over, I swear.  I just can't give you the commitment you want right now, I can't really be with you every day or anything, maybe every week I will check in - I need to um, focus on me now.  K?

Hey I am going to Blogher did I tell you that?  I am.....so we can uh hang out then?  We can uh, you know - it will be like old times okay?  Okay?  Oh, gosh please stop crying already.....

I will call you in a few days. I gotta go my husband will be home soon from his trip and I really crave some conversation with a um, human....oh gosh the crying again?  Gotta go....By-eee.

Right Start It's Over

Dear Right Start,

I am breaking up with you.  This time I mean it - it is really over between us.

I want you to stop sending me these cute newsletters and emails telling me about the sales you are having.  Trust me I know about the sales, I also know that, being one of your re-sellers, none of your re-sellers are getting paid for these so-called sales. 

I wonder if your customers realize that every sale you make, you do NOT pay us, I am always wondering that.  And also, stop following me on Twitter - I mean you have got to be kidding me.  I think that is sort of mean and cruel - after all you have done to me, you follow me?  And the letters, the letters I get in the mail from your attorneys, as if I did something wrong.  Enough Already!  I know I am not getting paid, I know you are bankrupt.....believe me I KNOW!  Stop tricking me, I am forever hopeful when I see another official letter from the Bankruptcy court....I know I should not be hopeful, but I am.

What Might Have Been

I am not one to be cruel, or to be mean spirited but I must mention this - you came and  courted me!  You came after me, your buyer called one day and begged asked me to be in your catalog.  And if memory serves me correct YOU came after me once before, a long, long time ago.  Your buyers approached me at the ABC Kids Expo, once again wanting to carry my products.  At the time you  had no personalization, not much of a website and your nursery decor' was limited.  Don't get me wrong you had me at;  "The Right Start is in your booth", but I had to wait till the time was right.

Which brings me back to last Spring when my accountant took the fatal call from your buyer.  The one that sent me rushing into the office without any make-up on.  You had me all a flutter and excited.  I mean you swept me off my feet this last time, with talk of multiple stores, catalogs and your hundreds of thousands of customers.  I was giddy with the possibility of this partnership.  Who cares if you only took two of our Name Plaques and Two Birth Certificates. The numbers you threw out there - had me seeing green.

Never did I think that you would betray me like you did, even though I had known you went bankrupt before.  Not even when you had me spend hundreds of dollars on bar codes for my products ( but the joke is on you, since I drop-shipped the products you will never know if I actually used them).

It's Really Over

I just want to come right out and say this harder for me to do than I thought.  I mean I figured after you refused to pay my invoices I would have been able to end this.  It was not like you were ordering anything after Christmas, but still I hung on.  However, I stayed with you and kept hoping things would get better.  Of course as you continued to abuse our relationship - it only got worse.  Things did not get better, they only got worse. 

Not only did you refuse to pay any of my bills due to your "Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Court" thing you kept throwing in my face, you also forced me to pay my own shipping.  

Shipping that you charged your customers for and then took their money.  And then you gave me a UPS account to charge your shipping to.  But, but what happens is if you do not pay ( I am sure you know this)?   I PAY YOUR SHIPPING BILL (sorry am I yelling?)!  So, guess what happened?  Well.... THEN, THEN you did not pay your bill - cause of your ol' bankruptcy thing you are covered by the courts.  I am not covered by the courts, I am just a small business that took a chance and decided to work with you!   Well UPS came after me and forced me to pay for shipping - shipping you already got paid for.

I do want to thank you for taking my tiles off your site recently though - it was the least you could do.  Thanks for that, I am guessing you did not want me to yell at you when you tried to take an order.  Or maybe you can only sell items in inventory?  I don't know which it is is....

You Can Go Your Own Way

So Right Start, I hope we are clear, I mean how could I not be clear.  It is really over this time.  I would really love to have you listen to some great break up songs, like Fleetwood Mac if you will - I mean Lindsey Buckingham got it - go your own way!

Sincerely,

Jamie R. Lentzner (bitter ex-girlfriend, partner)

A Real Working Mother or Publicity Stunt?

April 13, 2009.

I have been reading Working Mother for almost seven years. I was almost giddy when I got my first subscription the same month I started Jamie's Painting & Design.  I found the magazine intriquing, I felt I was part of a sisterhood of sorts, a club that I could call my own.   After all this time of reading the magazine - I am not feeling the love so much anymore.  These days, I have an almost love /hate relationship with the magazine.  I love the tips, the recipes and advice on juggling motherhood and working, yet I hate the cover Mom's, more tips on breast feeding and how to tell your boss you are pregnant (the two last ones I can skim over - the first one is a tough pill to swallow).  However, today I am in full 'hate' mode - just can't get past it.

Pretty Executive Mommy

In a nutshell, the May issue has a Vice President from Cisco on the cover (yawn).  She is a mother of two, she reports directly to John Chambers, manages 200 people and is the youngest female vice president (okay that part I like - busting the whole glass ceiling and all).  She did have one  tough pregnancy  and her parents divorced when she was a child - so there was some interesting information about her background I guess.  Her struggles if you can call them that are basically going to a neighbor's home to chit chat after work, try NOT to leave too many notes for her caregiver and....no wait that is it, she has no other struggles, oh I know she wants working parents to not feel guilty - okay Dali Lama

What I don't like is the coincident of this magazine hitting newstands right now, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.  Not a coincidence that  this issue comes on the heels of Cisco laying off more people as we ride the wave of 2009.  This time it was over 2000 people a few weeks ago - coincident I say no.  I think it spin at it's best - but then again I am a publicity whore and jaded in my old age.

Maybe it is also because the Economy still sucks, I am considering quitting my subscription.   With the country in a Recession or a Depression, she is who is on the cover?   I have probably put down the magazine more times that not in the past few years,  I am not interested in yet another Executive cover.

I am just tired of reading about Fortune 500 Company Executive Mom's and "How they Do it". Really?  Do I need an article to tell me how great she has it? How easy she has it with a caregiver, oh and do not forget her Executive Salary too - that helps, that is how she does it!  The last issue that had me fuming was the woman who was (yes an Executive, the CEO actually) and she had a cook, it was like barf, gee life must be hard when you get home.

Publicist Did the Dirty Work

What really irks me though is that are we so stupid as to believe that this woman got the email looking for cover Mom's?  Speaking of which, is not hard to get on - you can sign up at Working Mother, you will get emails when they are looking for a teacher, a social worker, a minority or an entrepreneur.  And yes it is exciting to get - even if I do not qualify,  it is irritating they always say you have to be attractive....no I am not kidding.  I am guessing that is not  a prerequisite for being on the cover of Entrepreneur or Fast Company - let me rephrase that, they would not say that for a Man.  Who cares if  you look like Steve Wozniack - if you are rich and successful - bravo!  How soon can we send a team of photographers and reporters to your home? 

The other funny thing is they NEVER are looking for an executive in these emails that go out to their readers...hmm, I wonder why they are on the cover so often then?  Anyone?  This is obviously the work of a very savvy publicist at either Cisco, IBM, Chrysler or Apple.  They  pitched this Mommy Executive to Working Mother.  I mean come on - this is not a struggling Mother, or a mother that is working in some 9 to 5 job - she is an Executive.   I get it she works hard too - but how many Executives with full time help can I read about?  What about the October issue with the Executive from Lehman Brothers....I could not make this up!

Do Real Mom's Equal Advertising Dollars?

Can't they put real Mom's on the cover?  Maybe some famous Mommy Blogger could grace the cover?  I don't need to read about some very high paid employee, I want someone that is either making a difference, or is just a regular Joe....er, Joann.  Maybe I am in a cranky mood because sales are down, or more friends and family are being laid off than I can count. 

The fact is I am sure an average every day Mom working as an engineer, or the lunch lady is not as glamorous as these Executives.  But I for one do not read Working Mother for that fluff - that is why I have my fluff magazines, I read this for knowledge, advice and help.  I am not dumb - just frustrated.  I am hoping the next cover Mom is at least inspiring..... I mean she is probably quite lovely and all - this is nothing personal against Ms. May.  But come on Working Mother step up to the plate, especially when the entire country is suffering.

This is What I Do

March 25, 2009.

I was really worried that my last post would piss off, or just upset some bloggers - truth is, it did nothing of the sort - I must be getting old and soft in my old age.  Many commented and emailed me to say "You Go Girl" and uh - good for you!  I still wanted to get this post out there though - just in case you had questions about what I did do all day....like all day (inside joke, my husband came home and asked me that one day when our son was a few months old, I stayed at home and it was the ONLY day that I left the house a mess....no he has never heard the end of it, at least we laugh about it now).

I Do Worry About My Business

This is my baby, I spend countless hours obsessing over the success and the failure of my business.  I try to always improve and I hope that everything we do is amazing.  However, this is not always the case - such is life.  I probably spend as much time worrying about my company as I do about my kids....okay not true (kids trump everything) but it seems that way some days.  No matter what it is I do, I always worry. 

I Do Try and Reply &  Help

I try to reply to all emails I get regarding running a business, this blog and comments on my blog.  Note I said I try, I do - but sometimes life has to take the front seat in my life.  My kids come first, my husband second, dogs third, business fourth, then let's see volunteering fourth, house is fifth - I mean I have a life.  If I do not respond lickity split it only means I am living my life.  I love, love the friends I have made from this blog and just meeting from email exchanges.  However, I can not always help - sometimes the questions are out of my expertise and sometimes I am just busy.  Please do not attack me or assume I don't care, I do care. 

I Do Have Feelings

Not so much from this blog, but more from the Silicon Valley Mom Blog I write for - I have been flamed.  I brought it on, no biggie.  I think people forget sometimes that a blog is about me - and my (totally skewed 'cause they are about me) opinions and experiences.  I only write about what I know or what I have been through.  I do not know everyone and I do not mean to offend - I just tell it how I see it (sorry is what it is).  I do not like to be yelled at, swearer at or even accused of being a bitch....and yes I may be one.  I think when someone can comment under Anonymous it opens up the flood gates - I am out there, if you want to comment - good.  However - I have a face and feelings and you may want to think before you push send.

I Do Screw Up

I have been around long enough to know that not every design (or product) is going to succeed.  I have even done some serious homework and research and then still had the product fail.  Sometimes it is the time, the market - or just dumb bad luck.  I do not know why some products or even themes fail - but they just do.  I have learned not to fall in love with my idea (or myself) too much so that when it fails I can let it go.  It helps to remove myself emotionally from the idea once it is 'out there in the market place'. 

I Do Struggle

I have grown, I have lost, I have survived.  Running a business is very hard, and yet rewarding at the same time.  I am finding it hard to stay positive in this Economy.  Retail is struggling - therefore I am struggling.  I keep running up against payment problems, bankruptcy and just bad accounting practices.  I get it - I understand what everyone is experiencing.  I have responsibilities to my employees and my channel partners and I will survive this downturn, I just do not know how long it will take.  I do think that doing whatever it takes (legally of course people) to stay alive is necessary.  I am not one to brag - but I am willing to take on any and every job at my office to ensure we do not go under...........oh and we are not going under.

I Do Get Lucky

Yep, I do sometimes - just happens.  I have had some amazing breaks and made some wonderful connections.  I work it though - all the time.  I make a connection with all accounts and I keep in touch with the press I do know.  I sometimes have a bluebird (sales expression) land in my lap - but most times it comes from lots of hard work.  I have been at the wrong place more times than the right place.  I make the time to make the calls, the emails and the connections - I have to.  I never know where that one introduction will get me. 

My mother used to say, "Every date is a possible mate."  I have my own expression with work and it goes like this, though not as poetic "Every person that knows about my company, is a possible sale, partnership or opportunity for me"

I Do Get It

For whatever reason this business has helped me and it has been a very steep learning curve.  Sometimes something (or someone) clicks with you - for me it was this business.  I am not an expert, nor do I pretend to know it all.  I do get what it takes to succeed and I think I have found my niche in the market place.  I feel that if I can weather this storm, any other one can not be this bad.  I love runningJamie's Painting & Design and I love creating new products - I really do.

I Do Need to Sleep

Ya, that is me speaking - the real me.  I am in desperate need of some sleep - like the sleep for three days sleep.  I am tired and I tend to burn the candle at both ends when it comes to my business (and my life).  I am always wishing I blogged more, read more blogs, created more products and contacted more accounts.  I have to learn to accept that I am one person and I am only human.  At the end of the day I am pretty sure my children (and husband) will not say, "Gee we wish Mommy worked harder at her job and spent less time with us."  So I am okay.....I think.*

*An apology to the blog Gods who say that every post needs a picture...truth is I have none.  I have about 40 new product ideas/designs yet not photographed.  I wanted to get this post up and I apologize for no eye-candy.  How about if next post is all photos???  Sound good?

I Don't Do That

March 16, 2008.

After not one but two different companies approaching me about pimping....er, I mean recommending their products on my blog I decided this post was a must.  I also had a very funny conversation today with another blogger about the things we had been asked to do from some readers...I figured it was time to say what I don't do.   I had to get it off my chest.  You know a "I don't do that...." speech, like the one in Sixteen Candles?  Anyone...anyone?  It went something like this:

Girl with pearls at Jake Ryan's party, "What? I'm sorry, I don't do that."

Friend with Jake Ryan's Mom's fur coat on, "Yes, you do."

Girl with pearls, "I know." [Giggling]
   
Caroline, Jake Ryan's girlfriend, sitting in hall with her hair shut in the door, "Come on.  Trace. You guys.                   

Caroline whining, "Would you help me,please?  Come on, you guys.  I'm your prom queen."

Am I the only one who remembers that speech?  Oh well, I am a Sixteen Candles Professional Movie buff.  I am not sure that it has done me any good in life - but that is what I am envisioning as I write this.  So, back to me and my list of things I don't do.  I am going to list them here in case anyone has any questions for me.  I will probably write my next post with things I do DO.  You know just so you don't think I am totally negative Nelly and all.*

*For the record, these are things I don't do now, today.  This does not mean I did not do them at one time or another.  Truth is I probably did most if not some of these things.  Okay?  Just not anymore........well not today, maybe I will do it again another day, doubtful, but maybe.

I Don't Hand Paint My Tiles

I used to do this, years and years ago in a galaxy far far away - well actually it was my garage/studio and it was forever ago - five years, oh wait six and almost a half.  No matter what it says all over the Internet, on multiple sites that sell my stuff, including a few interviews - I don't do that.  No, I use my hand painted designs, and they are mine, mine, mine!  I do all the designs, I do all the writing, the fonts - all me.  I created them.  We use another process to get the art on the tile - a better process than hand painting if you asked me. 

I Don't Do Everything

I know it seems sometimes like I do, and I can look like the muli-tasker maven at times - but I am not.  I have help and the most supportive, wonderful husband on the planet - sorry ladies he is taken.  I have my parents that help with the kids and in the business.  I have employees, I have cleaning people and a gardener.  I do try and do it all, I do try and make it look easy - but I could not and would not have ever succeeded (or been sane) without the help I get.  What I do do - I don't always do well either.  I screw up, I fall down, I make mistakes, I cry, I yell - I am human.  I am happy when someone tells me I am an inspiration, but I put my pants on one leg at a time also - and I clean the toilets too.

I Don't Work out of My Home

I am not a WAHM, I have an office, manufacturing, shipping department.  These days with the Economy so bad not to say I don't wish some days it was still run out of my home.  But, I am able to leave work at work.  I do have a studio in my home, I do paint from home and do some work from home sometimes.  I am still lumped into that WAHM in some newsletters and on some threads - I don't do that any longer (not that there is anything wrong with that).

I Don't Have a Million Dollars

No matter how many times I say this, or how many upset/angry sales channels claim I a "big time" now or the "you are soooo successful speech" I have to disagree.  Just because I put on a good show, got some press and have an office space does not mean I am rich.  I live in one of the most expensive states in the country - not because I am rich either.  I live here because I love it here, my family is here and well it is what it is.  I am not making a huge salary either.  I shop at Target, my kids get jeans at Old Navy, I love a bargain and the word caviar is not in my vocabulary.  I like to tell people just because you work at home or are a small business, does not mean you have to act small.  Being professional, consistent and easy to work with have nothing to do with making tons of money - it has everything to do with being a smart business woman.

I Don't Do Mommy Blogger Product Reviews

I do not review other products, I never have and I never will.  I am pretty sure about this one because I think my readers would scream fowl if I ever tried to sell them a fabulous scrap booking eggshell cutter.  Pssst....I don't even scrapbook for that matter - did it too much in college - I will scrapbook when I die, or retire - whichever comes first.  I do get emails and phone calls about companies saying they love my blog and hey shouldn't I, couldn't I and wouldn't I write a post about ____________ (you fill in the blank).  The answer is no.  And now I can send them to this post instead of the snarky/sarcastic answer I usually give them. 

I Don't Send My Products to be Reviewed by Mommy Bloggers

This one is a tough one and before you yell at me.....please read on.  I am not going to send my products to a blog to be reviewed any longer.  I will send products to a magazine a newspaper or a TV Show, because they send it back.  I have done review blogs in the past.  I did a few, got no hits and no sales - no biggie, it was a little bit of press.

 I have had my business for many, many years and I work with the best in the industry, not to mention a few celebrities that have my products.  I do feel it is good to see the product and know the quality, however real press outlets do not order tiles with specific names and themes on them.  I used to send out products willy-nilly.  And then this happened:

I followed up on a query from a sort of well known blog for cowboy products.  Got a request for photos and to send a Cowboy Name Plaque for her son.  I made it, I personalized it, I shipped and I followed up with an email....I paid for it, oh I paid for it. 

This was before Christmas, you know about the time the Economy and my sales took a flying leap off the cliff?  You remember when my sales were so low I wanted to cry??  Remember?  Well, I know from Fed Ex ('cause I am smart like that and can track things) that the plaque was received.  I sent emails to confirm she received it - no response.  I asked if my product would still be reviewed - no comment.  I even commented on her blog - no response....oh wait that is not right she deleted my comment right after I left it.   

I don't care if she hated my product, I don't care if maybe Fed Ex screwed up and she did not get it (I mean possible, doubtful but possible).  What I care about is the non-response.  She got a free product from me.  I don't send out free products to just anyone.........Oprah yes - a blogger NO.  She should say thanks but no thanks, or I hated it so I won't review it, I never got it, or better yet na-na-na-na I got a free product.  Something, anything........

Ya, well get a free product from me once, and then the whole Ponzi Scheme is ruined for everyone. I do not agree with bloggers getting tons of free product.  I do not think it is right.  They are not professional journalist no matter how many readers or comments they have.  I mean I want to yell out - really?  I am guessing she thinks I won't call foul, or that I won't tell others.  Worse yet um, I may not set the world on fire with my blog but come on - I have been in business for 6 years!  I must be doing something right?*

*Please don't ask who it was, read between the lines, figure it out if you can.  I won't tell.....well maybe I will, I have trouble keeping my mouth shut.  Dang I am full of contradictions today.  I just say to be very, very careful when sending out products to be reviewed. 

I Don't Care......Okay, Maybe a Little

I don't care if you don't like my blog, I do not care if you hate my honesty, or the negative energy I sometimes bring to the table.  I am going to do it and I am going to tell it as it is.  This does not mean I do not have wonderful, fabulous and amazing days, but after all these years doin' what I do - some days are just crummy.  I do write about both by the way.  Running a business is hard and if can't stand the fire.....yep, get out of the kitchen. 

I don't.......well okay wait I really DO care about what you think, and I do care if you like the blog.  I do want comments, I do enjoy the banter, even when readers disagree.  I do like the emails and I do hope I make ya laugh.  However I don't and won't be changing my tune anytime soon. 

I Don't Mind if You Ask Questions

I don't mind at all if you ask me anything about my business.  Really, really I enjoy the conversation and if I can help - you know I will.  I  may not be able to answer all questions and I am not going to give away all secrets, but I will do what I can to help.  Some things in life you do need to figure out on your own.  As my mother told me, as I am sure others did too - sometimes you need to fail before you can succeed.  There is no easy way, there is no magic secret and there is nothing wrong with asking.  So, do go ahead - and ask....I don't mind.

You are Blogging About What?

March 9, 2008.

I have a confession to make, and I am not proud of it -  sometimes I get stuck, I mean really stuck.  I sort of think Twitter is to blame, but le'ts face it - it's me.  I get stuck on what to blog about.  In fact,  I just want to pull my hair out over it.....I sit and think what should I write about.  Or worse I have a great post in my head in the shower and get all excited, get out of the shower and totally forget it.  These days when we (me) are having to get creative in every aspect of my life with finances my brain is fried when it comes to writing a creative blog post.*

I posted last year on Silicon Valley Mom Blogs and on JPD Mom about what I learned at Blogher '08.  I whined, I bitched, I agreed, I disagreed - and I told some amusing tales about what it was like.   Not really a huge deal, but I was thrilled just to attend and truth is it did not change my "blog world" or my blog readers at all.  After the dust settled I decided I would never ever go to another Blogging Conference.  I figured been there done that and got the t-shirt, why should I attend again?

If You Can Not Attend - Ask a Friend

Fast-forward to Blissdom earlier this year (last month I think) and a good friend attended.  She was a featured Mompreneur type here over a year ago and she posted about the event at Bilingual in the Boonies.  I loved her honesty, her advice and her candor.  I actually started thinking maybe I would go to Blogher, just maybe.  Go over there and read her post  and my favorite new quote I would like to have tattooed on my forehead (or at least if someone could write it on my mirror each morning I would be happy.  The quote is:

"Don't fall in love with yourself too much.  Someone is always better, someone is always less fabulous"

I am almost worried that the quote alone could crush Twitter - you know the whole, "what are you doing?".  I am so guilty I almost never write anything other than an announcement about some good news, some press - I mean who is not already sick of hearing about me on Twitter?  I am!  Everyday I read the tweets of those that I follow, I check who is still following me and um, those that dumped me while I slept...........really, while I sleep I can lose followers, I gain them - I don't know why. 

To You I say No Thank You Sir!

I am not attending Surtex, I did not exhibit at this year as I had thought I was going to at least attend.  And oh, let's see the bottom fell out of the Economy and well - My company, Jamie's Painting & Design's extra money went bye bye.  Not going to Surtex this year. 

As for the CHA show in Southern California, earlier this year  - that would be another nope, did not exhibit.  I had really hoped to exhibit, or at least attend it and focus on my licensing of my art.  Did not even pay attention to deadlines or prices - really, the Economy came a knockin' again.

Atlanta- I say no,  New  York Gift Show - um, no.  If you have decided to exhibit, I say good for you and good luck. As for me, I am not so keen on spending about  $8,000 on a trip to Georgia, Las Vegas or New York.  I can not just hope I sell a bunch of inventory to a bunch of stores that might (or might not) be in business by the end of 2009.  I live in California = so big expense for me.  If it works for you - cool, me not so much.  And, if it works for you....it would be great if you could post a blog about it....um kay?  I am needing some good retail news therapy!

And lastly we no longer have our Texas reps any longer - bye bye!  We only picked up about....um one store with them, and they dropped us after only one year.  I was like, okay - not that this past year was awful for retail and the last quarter was worst in what, 27  years?  So here comes January and they wanted to get rid of us - okay, I mean really - my fault?  I don't think so, but you want to drop us - fine, one less headache for me.

Never Say Never

So....as I sit here with a little bit of some blogstipation (pssstttt totally stole the word from Ms. Carrie Weir at Los Politos/Bilingual in the Boonies post) I have a confession to make.  I purchased a ticket on Saturday for Blogher  in Chicago.  I am sort of, alright I am actually excited.  I can not believe I am actually attending again....but me being a glutton for punishment and total crazy competitive self (yes for a short time I was the wii step champion in my home - damn my husband for beating me) I want my blog to improve.   I am going to Blogher '09!  I am hoping to do a little more schmoozin' and boozin - no, I am kidding about the boozin (but it is a weekend without children or husband).  I would really like to meet some more "like-minded bloggers". 

Moving on Up, or Down

Fact of the matter is no one knows what to do now.  Some tell me to spend, others tell me to save, market, advertise, blog, give aways - you name it, I have either been told it or read it.  I have some telling me to expand.......in fact my favorite piece of advice was that I was (and I quote) "You are just marketing to the wrong group of people." Yep, yep - that is why my sales are down.  In the end of 2008 I started marketing to uh, men behind bars that had no children, or family - dang!  

The fact is no one knows is spending much money and consumer confidence is down - you (me, we).  I just read this morning Mr. Warren Buffet says the Economy fell of a cliff....um ya it did!  If you want my advice, I say we  just need to sit back, wait and watch - but be careful out there.  I am making no quick moves, I am not making any risky investments or partnerships.   Times are tough - I am going to make it through this year.....only time will tell who else makes it.

*Ya, ya I took a picture of some peekaboo shoes....again borrowed from Carrie - shoes are it I hear.  They are from a dinner out, where I wore two different shoes.....real smooth - not the first time I did that either...sigh, maybe the Blogging Conference is not for me.

Just a Small Amount of Local Press

February 26, 2009

So if you recall I posted a few weeks ago about how I had not one, but two separate interviews and two film crews (photographers really) come to my home.  It was nerve wracking for sure, but super exciting. 

Through the whole ordeal I had my poor family had to live with me being super-duper anal about their rooms and "bed-making skills".  Glad it was all worth it - check the magazine out below, it came out yesterday!

Bay Area Parent, March 2009

All press is good press right?  For a small business like mine - yes it is.  When the Economy is what it is - again, the press is good.  Just another plug - I got this Bay Area Parent piece from HARO, if you have not signed up for HARO (Help A Reporter Out) yet, I suggest you do.

It Takes Time

You never know when you are going to find a reporter that falls in love with you and your story.  You also do not know if they are going to hang on to your "information" for another day.  I like to go with the mantra, "To be at the right place at the right time - you have to be in lots of wrong places first."  To be honest I do not spend a ton of time (or money) on press, I just send in a few pitches or answer querries.  If you are able to make it part of your morning routine it is not that bad.

I got this small article from a querry back in Janurary and even though was not about my business, it did show my decorating skills and how passioante I am about creating special spaces for my children.  Now, I know if you read the article it does not do everything for me:

• The article does not list Jamie's Painting & Design with an address, phone number, prices, email, fax, website or directions

• Link to Jamie's Painting & Design website or the JPD Mom Blog

• Gush with compliments about Jamie's Painting & Design and our products

• Show pictures of my products or Me (no really I am okay with not being photographed this time)

It is just a cute piece about my children and their bedrooms and it may create some business, some buzz or something down the line.  It is funny about press, when you start to really track it and ask how someone found you - you will find whether the press actually created anything tangible.  Only time will tell, but I know it can work.  I was in Bay Area Parent three years ago and I still get peole today who come up to me and say they say me in the magazine.  I have gotten direct orders, I have had stores contact me - and the magazine came out three years ago!  Every little bit counts right?

Take a look - The kids sure look proud!  You do know after the photo shoot(s) they both decided that I should re-do their rooms again. 

We interupt this program.....for change!

February 23, 2009.

So....a few weeks ago we mentioned we.......er uh me was making some changes at Jamie's Painting & Design.  Some of our policies were not really working out the way they were supposed to (in case you need a refresher course this is how it is supposed to go):

1. My company sells a products wholesale through a sales channel
2. The sales channel places an order with my company
3. My company makes the order
4. My company ships the order
5. My company bills the sales channel
6. Then we wait 30 days to get paid
7. and wait
8. and wait
9. really, still waiting.....I kid you not, we are still WAITING!

Ch...ch...changes

Which brought me to that post I was discussing, where we decided to change our policies.  In simple terms, "We don't ship it till you pay for it."  Times are tough.  Times are very tough for retail and I can not afford to keep all these business's afloat.

Are there exceptions? Yes - always.  Are we penalizing the entire industry for a few bad apples?  Um....yes we are, we can not afford to stay in business if we do not get paid.  Are we willing to work with a store, a website or catalog that is honest about their finances and open about when we will get paid?  Absolutely - yes we will be open to that.

Fortunately for me most of my sales channels are great to work with, though that is not the case with all of our channels.    I must state that 99.9% of the channels are fabulous and pay their bills.  I have hundreds of channels and I am grateful for all of them and happy they pay for their services.  What I did not state in my earlier post was how I felt about my change in policy.  I was  horrified about it.  I did not want to rock the boat.  I was afraid I would lose sales, lose friends and get hate mail.  Really, I am okay with change - I am not so okay with making demands or refusing to keep up my part of the bargain (and yes I totally get they did not keep up their part of the bargain).

What Happened Next

After my accountant pushed send on the "change email" I held my breath, no really I did.  I was a nervous wreck about it.   We got one email back from a physical store....and it went something like this:

Dear Jamie,

I am disappointed that a few bad accounts has forced you to change your accounting policies.  It is unfortunate that only a few of your other accounts have not paid on time will affect those of us that do pay on time.  Unfortunately at this time we will no longer be able to work with Jamie's Painting & Design, due to our terms do not let us continue with this partnership.  As far as I know we have never gone delinquent with any of our bills.

Um........ya our return email was this:

Dear "Store that only sold $300 of product this year",

We are sorry that this partnership must come to an end, however your store has been delinquent more than once this year.  Also, our records show you owe us ____ amount of money for products Jamie's Painting & Design shipped out over 9o days ago.  Thank you again for your partnership.

The Moral of the Story

And um if I must....before you send out an email propping yourself up, putting us down and assuming (never assume anything it will make an ass out of you and....ya, ya Bad News Bears) that you are innocent.  For the love of God - check your accounting records too!  I have to say I hate losing any account, and I am sad that I lost this one - but come on!  Pay your bills um kay?  Ironic? I say,yep!

Happy Late Valentines to My House!

February 15, 2009.

Ah shucks - my home is on parade.....sort of.  I woke up to this wonderful post yesterday morning on Lookiloos.  I can hardly read the glowing embarrassing article Sheila wrote, I sound like Martha Stewart on crack.   Well maybe not that crazy, but I do wonder what I was thinking when I started my business, right after remodeling our entire home ourselves.

After reading the post I started thinking about all the good things about owning your own business and why I really did love to be my own boss: 

Top Ten Reasons I love being an Entrepreneur

1. Always Something to Talk About- not that we don't all always have something to gibber jabber about, I know we do.  I always can join in on most nonsense talk at a party, my husband's work  event, sitting with the Mom's at school.  As an entrepreneur I can pretty much walk the walk and talk the talk with anyone.  I get what is like to stay at home, I get the business talk, I get the sales stress, the Economy...oy vey!  And sometimes I even blurt out things to shut some idiot up;

Idiot,"So as I was saying I have my own business, I am very successful and I live in Atherton*...do you know where Atherton is?  I own a home there...."

Me, "Ya, I know where it is.  So my tiles were on the Ellen DeGeneres show last year....do you know who E-L-L-E-N is?"

Was I childish? Yes.  Was it funny? Yes.  Did I shut him up? YES! 

*Just in case you do not know where Atherton is, it is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.  It is just about 15 minutes down the freeway from me,  EVERYONE knows where it is.

2. Never A Dull Moment - If you have been reading this blog, or own your own business, this is a big fat - duh!  I swear the word bored or expression,' I have nothing to do', has probably not passed over my lips since I started Jamie's Painting & Design (or had kids for that matter).  I have a to-do list that never gets thrown out, I just keep adding things, ideas, inspirations....more blog posts!  It is a never ending list of continuing to improve, take down, re-do or change.  I guess the day I sit back and say I am done, I have nothing more to do - will be the day I quit.

3. I Am in Charge, Because I said So - This is a double-edges sword for sure.  The line from History of the World Part II, when Mel Brookssays, "It's good to be king." always pops in my head.  I enjoy most of the perks and the total control that comes from being in charge.  Yes, not everything is funky-dory, but most of the time it is great.  If you don't like being in charge - don't start a company.  I like it, I do.

4. Business School 101 Forever- I will never, never ever know all there is to know about running my own business.  It will always be a learning experience.  If I have figured out one aspect I have to teach myself something else to succeed.  The learning curve is steep and I am lucky to have smart people around me to help me out.  Sometimes though I just have to figure it out.  I have no IT department, no HR department, no I do not.  If there is a problem, I need to fix it....and usually fast.

5. Watch Mommy Work - Whether my children follow in my footsteps,  join the company or not, I know they have learned quite a bit.  They have watched my business grown, seen it stumble and probably learned a few bad words.  The best part is that they saw how I (with the help of my husband and family) started something from nothing and created a thriving business.  Sometimes I need to take a step back and acknowledge what we do is sort of cool....well at least my kids still think it is.  They can see that I can follow my dreams and still be a Mom to them.

6. Freedom Baby! - Even with the long hours, the weekends, the stress and the back breaking work I can take off when I want.  For six long years no one has told me how to dress (yes I wear slippers some days) or when to get to work, or whether or not I can take the day off.  I love the freedom!  Not to say the blackberry does not totally help (it does) but I am able to make my own hours, go out of town, leave work early, volunteer in my children's classroom.....and it is fabulous!

 7. Friends, Partners & Mompreneurs Oh My!- If I had not started my own business I would not be so blessed to call so many different women my friends.  Women I have never met in person, some I have spoken to on the phone, others I email on a regular basis and some we only speak through twitter.  I find some of these women are so supportive and so fabulous that I don't know how I would ever have succeeded without them.  Really a great testament to what  a great community of people you can meet on line.  My virtual support system is by far the biggest shock to me - I never imagined I could meet so many of you that say, "Yep, I get that."

8. Never say, "What Might Have Been."- I never have to utter those words, I took the plunge I tried, I am trying I am doing what I want. Selfish?  No - totally stubborn and an unnerving ability to do what I set out to do.  I refuse to take no for an answer.  I do not like to not try.  No one is putting this 'baby' in the corner - I will do what I set out to do.  I had two small children, no seed money, no partner, no experience - these things did not stop me.  I do not know how I did it (or others either) but I did it.  No matter what happens to JPD in the future, I will know I tried and I did what I set out to do.

9. What if you did....? - This is one of the most exciting things about running a business - the possibility of the unknown.  The question I ask myself, or others might ask with a new idea, a new way of looking at things - just new.  I can not imagine I would have this freedom if I was working for the man, or in an established huge company right now.  I love that I can take my business in a , I can try out a new product line, I can experiment with new things.  It is never boring I tell you.

10. It Makes Me Happy - I feel that running a business is very fulfilling and rewarding.  I get to make beautiful things for people.  I get wonderful thank you's, kudos, praise from customers and friends alike.  It makes me feel good.  I like that people like my work....and ya I am thinking the Sally Field speech in my head right about now, "You like me, you really, really like me!"  At the end of the day, whether I made a dollar or not - I know that someone is thrilled with a product I made.  I love that feeling.

Behind the Scenes of A Photo Shoot

February 7, 2009.

So um pssssttt........I have a little secret to share with you.  Not this Saturday, but the one before....ya, ya 24 robbers came knocking at the door.  I swear, is it just my age or my total juvenile way of looking at the world but that jump rope game pops into my head every time someone starts a story off with that?

 Anyhoo....sorry to get off track - I had an exciting if not stressful Saturday.  First a local children's magazine, Bay Area Parent asked to come by and photograph my children's rooms for an article on creative use of a small space.  I thought they were coming in April -  nope they would be here in like 8 days.

And if that was not enough, I also had the fabulous website Lookiloos come and photograph my home on the same day.  I thought they were just coming to look at one room....nope they got the entire house (except for my bedroom which I forbid them from entering, see photographs above & below).  And hold on to your knickers because it gets even better - my home is going to be featured in the San Jose Mercury News Home Section via the Lookiloos site.  EEEK!

Ya it was a cool day.

Things Are Not What They Seem

So you see some home photographed and you think (like me) my gosh their house is perfect, is there not a junk drawer, an unmatching blanket, kids art on the fridge or a basket for crap....er um stuff I can not throw away?  Well guess what I happen to know these people do have these things, they just hide them, as I did, when the photographers show up.  Shall we look at my poor bedroom that I refused to let anyone in:

First I had to make sure the kid's rooms were in tip-top shape, I had to do a few things (Abby's bedspread was in tatters - so thankful for Pottery Barn) and I had some scuff marks that needed painting  over, some artwork that needed hanging.  Remove some obnoxious dress-up (see exhibit A with the Yankee Doodle Hat Thing) and make sure my daughter did not 45 stuffed animals stacked around the room.

Shudder, even looking at this picture I am sort of embarrassed that this stuff was all in my bedroom when they came.  These items are all in my home, in one room or another and I had to find a place for them when the film crew came.  Hence.....you can see where they were stacked.

The problem with our home is that usually people would be putting these things into the garage, but our garage is the kids play room (that was being photographed also).  So I had to put them in some room, and I chose mine.  And as  I stated ealier - my room was TOTALLY off limits. 

I sent my dogs to my parents home for most of the day.  My husband took my kids to another friend's home for a much needed play date and my husband....gosh who knows what he did - I think he went to my office.

They Finally Arrive

I got to have a great talk with two of the three founders of Lookiloos - they were so much fun and totally personable at that.  We walked around the house I explained what I did and why and pretty much blushed and 'aw shucks' when they complimented my home.  Our home was a probate sale disaster ugly thingie covered in trees, ivy, rodents in the roof, brown shag carpet from 1970's....and we fixed it up.  You would never recognize our house from the way it was seven years ago.  The photo below is how it looked when we bought it....not today!  I still can not believe I saw the diamond n the rough from that.

So, while they are still talking to me and photographing every room in the house, Bay Area Parent arrives with a photographer to interview me and see my kids rooms + the playroom.  I am walking them through the house, showing them my tiles I made, discussing why I chose what was their rooms and how I started my business.  Then they ask where my kids are my kids......ah deer in headlights - "I uh, let me call my husband I don't know where they are".

I had to track them down (curse myself for not dressing them cuter) - they were getting hair cuts.  My Dad left his house, went to the hair salon, got my kids, brought them back for three picture....whew!  I was exhausted - but boy did my house look clean.  That does not even begin to tell you what I did in the week before with the cleaning, the scrubbing, re-arranging, primping and even a little bit of planting in the backyard - in the rain.  I know, I know I have issues, but in my deffense the backyard was going to possibly show up in some photos - and dead plants are not my thing.

I will keep you posted on the press and when (and if) it makes it to print.  I don't ever believe it till I see it and touch it.

I Will Survive

January 27, 2008.

How does the song go, "First I was afraid, I was petrified, just thinking how I could live without you by my side.......just thinking oh so many night of how you did me wrong" you get my drift right?  I will survive without the big and the small accounts that do not pay me, or um steal, or refuse to pay me.  I am not going any where.

Hang In There Baby !

Woah....that last post was good to get off my chest.  I am very thankful for all the support, well-wishes, karma, tweets, Facebook support and even that one person who was willing to beat up the people that aren't paying me.  No need, really - a black eye won't put money in my pocket.  It is good (and bad at the same time) to also hear that there are so many others that know what I am going through. I really wanted to keep up the positive attitude and to keep my chin up - but this is reality folks.  I am humbled and sad that so many entrepreneurs "get" what I am going through - at least I am not alone.

When the money stops at the top, it stops all the way down to those of us that own a  small business.  Anyone in the wholesale business understands that you never get paid by everyone on time, but when a lot of our top channels don't pay and sales are bad, I can not and will not be the bank.  I am in business to make money - not lend it.

As I have stated earlier, I am not going down without a fight - as long as people still want to purchase my products - I will still sell them.  Maybe off the back of my pick-up truck at the Flea Market....no gosh I hope not, I am kidding.  I have other options.  Here are some possible ideas for those of you (and for me) that are in my boat:

Show Me The Money

As of February 1, 2009 Jamie's Painting & Design will only ship products that are paid for.  We drop ship which works when people pay their bills, those days seem to be in the past.    We have carried companies for months until we were paid.  Not anymore - no wiggle room.  Best quote ever about selling wholesale came from Pamela Barsky, "If I dropped every company that did not pay on time I would not be in business" - it is just the nature of the beast.  In this Economy I am not willing to carry over $5000 for companies that may never pay me.  I can not wait 90, 120 or forever for Company X to send me a check....

Back to reality - if you use a credit card great I ship your product.  If you pay net 30 - tell your customer how long it will take and why.  That is it- I am done playing Mr. (Mrs.) Nice Guy - I am done.  The sales channels get the money up front, me I wait 30, or 60 days....or I never get paid.  My taxes this year....not pretty.*

I am usually not so hard on any one part of my business - I usually make exception, bend the rules.  Those days are over...when dealing with money that is.   

*Just so we are clear I would like to make it very clear that not ALL my channels do not pay.  Some I have been with since the beginning of time, some for a few months - and never had one problem.  I would say the majority have been fabulous....just like in life though a few bad apples can spoil the bunch.

Diversify Your Funds

Ya, ya I know this is not about funds but you could spread yourself (and business out).  Now is not the time for an ego or a  "um I am sorry I do not do that" - uh , yes you do.  My creative cap is on and I am entertaining lots of different products, ideas - even partnerships.  To stay alive now I need to Do It and do it well. 

• Do favors, take special orders, those companies that stayed alive in bad times tend to not only survive but succeed in the future. 
• Do not let your ego get in the way of making a buck.  I am not saying you should do things you do not believe in, or jeopardize what you and your company stands for - but do not get all uppity now.  Everyone is struggling.
• Do make the hard decisions now, before someone else forces your hand
• Do keep your head up and your eye on the ball or the money...whatever - stay focused
• Do stay positive

Call me crazy, call me optimistic but seriously if you can stick with it for what, 11 more months??  The latest report say that we should be out of this Recession in 3 months - that is not too long.

Where Can you Squeeze?

If you rent space (like me) you have the problem of paying rent (and probably employees).  Though it is not ideal we have considered renting out my front office - no, not my dream - but better than going out of business.  We are not ready for this - but it may become a way to keep money coming in when my channels are not paying.

• Do you have extra space? 
• Can you rent our warehouse space? 
• Can you share with another growing company?
• Can you re-negotiate your lease?  Can you get out of it?
• Can you move the business back in your house? 
• Can you cut back on office perks?  

Those of us that are small business owners get it - there is a reason we are small.  We are mostly lean mean machines - yet we survive, we are able to make it work.  However, when you are so lean you are already at your wits end - and then to have the trouble we have now.  It can be hard, but you have to prevail, you have to get by with less - no one ever said running a business was glamorous.  I do try to pretend it is though.

We have a huge warehouse in the back, where we do our shipping, make tiles, etc.  We moved things around - created some extra space - and rented it out.  Not ideal, sort of an eye soar.......but every time I see it all I think of is "cha-ching".     

Hate to Say it....Everyone can be Replaced

I found this out the hard way - as most of us do, I was replaced (more than once).   I have been on both sides of this fence, the one being let go and the one letting someone go.  I empathize with both - I understand how tough decisions need to be made.  And, well the big guy making the big bucks....no that is not describing me - but he makes the tough decisions.

I hate to write this down, but it must be said.  Companies large and small are laying off people - it happens.   We have all experienced it, either by watching a parent or ourselves, a friend or a spouse lose their job.  It is a blow to your ego that takes a while to get over. It is horrible, it sucks and I know from first hand experience and as a child watching my father get laid off.  It can suck all of the energy out of you and make you believe you are not worth of the career you chose.  However it means staying in business or closing up shop:

• Can you scale back your employees hours? 
• Is a pay cut out of the question?
• Can you combine two positions into one? 
• Can you find work for another employee? 
• Can you cut your pay back?
• Close business on Fridays?  Mandatory days off?

No fun jobs, tons of work - but do you want to be able to sleep at night.  Having empathy for your employee that is being laid off is key, and trying to help them through it is human.  If you can find a way to not do it - good, if you have to do it -be nice.  Remember we are all human and sometimes we all need to break up.

Know When to Fold Up

I hate to say this but uh....running a business is not for the weak of heart or anyone with a thin skin.  If you are not a 100% committed, now is the time to cut and ship bait - oh wait ship and cut bait?  Whatever the saying is, if you are not ready for this tough year ahead, or if your heart it is not in - worse if your family can not afford the sacrifice - don't do it.  Now is not the time to make everyone around you suffer.  I am not being negative - I am being realistic.  I would like to think I am a sarcastic realist, instead of a negative pessimist.  You have to be willing to make the tough choices, sacrifices and go without.  If your heart is half in it.........really, why bother?

Me Me Me & My Company

My heart is still in it - I still choose to fight.  I have other options.  I am going to do whatever it takes (legal people - give me some credit) to make sure Jamie's Painting & Design survives.  I will cut back, I will make more adjustments and I will have no problem with it.  I do not think now is the time for me to get all um, big headed or "Jamie don't do that" on ya'all - I can scrub a toilet, ship a package, call a sales rep, do a produt sketch, call a sales channel and empty the garbages in one hour.    At this time I will do anything to stay alive. 

Good luck to everyone - I hope my suggestions (and solutions for my business) help you out....anyone have any other ones....send 'em over please.   Pretty please... 

The Elephant in the Room

January 22, 2008.

We Need to Talk

Okay, so I have not really wanted to talk about it, I admit it.  I have been acting like a man, a boy, a dude - if I ignore it long enough maybe it will just go away.  I am guilty as charged, I have not addressed the problem head on.  I tried to....really I did.  The times I wanted to "talk" about it though you were always like talking about something else, or I could not put my emotions into words.  So, I have pulled or more like ripped the band aid off and I am here all naked............no wait I DID not mean that - I mean raw, or vulnerable....yes I am ready! 

My Background

On a side note I must say that this reminds me of the time I got dumped, and I mean dumped with a capital "D".  When I was in college I dated a boy ( he was so not a man) who had his heart stomped on and spit out by his ex-girlfriend.  He thought he was finally ready to date again, and he picked me......oh how I wish he picked someone else.  We dated for like 4 or 5 months, I was quite taken with him - he treated me super nice, was not hard on the eyes and well I thought I was in love. 

Fast forward to the end of the relationship when he seemed to have quite the wandering eye, enjoyed spending time with anyone else but me and I found him flirting with my friends on vacation.  So, while I was in some um, sorority meeting thing I get a voice mail message; "we need to talk...but not tonight, later maybe another day."  Me being me, Ms. Won't take no for an answer and insist we talk now - I needed to know what was going on.  I drove to his apartment and he sits me down on his couch and utters these now infamous words, "Remember when I said I loved you?  I lied."

Yep - try to swallow that one down.  What a painful pill that was to take.  Years later I have told that story multiple times to many women and I am actually able to laugh about it.  I mean it makes a great story, right?  Some friends from college will back me up and confirm that actually happened - I love me a good story, but I could not make that one up.

Accepting the Inevitable

Anyhoo.....not sure if that little incident brought me to where I am to day or not - but it does conjure up a few smiles - which I could use right now.  So, as I stated I am ready to talk.....we need to talk.  I will have to now address the Big Elephant that has been in the room for awhile.  I have hinted at it, I have pointed at it, I have even explained how it hurts me - but I have not been completely honest.  Times are tough, it is bad - and there does not seem to be an end in sight.

• Sales for 2008 were sluggish, it started in the beginning of the year.  We watched our sales month after month decline - but we thought that they would pick up over the Holiday Season. 
• We were smart, we did pay attention to sales - we did everything in our power to save money.   We got shipping breaks, we purchased in bulk, we cut back, we improvised - we did make those few dollars we got stretch.
• The end of September when the Stock Market-Financial Crisis-Credit-Mortgage-Crash Thing happened our sales stopped.  For the first time in the  history of my company we had no sales for days.  We have over 200 sales channels - and we had not one sale.  People were not shopping, and they were not using their credit cards on line.
• Christmas looked good - nothing like the past years, but we rallied, we did well.  We shipped, we did favors, we took orders right up until Christmas.  We worked hard and created a lot .(not a ton, just a lot) of product that we happily shipped to the customer.  The future  may not have looked bright, but it was looking up. *

*As a drop-shipper and as a little guy (or gal) that works with all sizes of business - we ship our product and then we bill be the sales channel.  No, no the ideal way to run a company, but it had worked in the past - and some of these stores had policies in place before I came along.

The Aftermath

Not long after Christmas we had some bad news.......um some really, really bad news. 

• First we found out one of our largest channels filed for bankruptcy.  We still do not know if we will ever get paid by them - the Bankruptcy courts protect them - ouch! 
• Next another new large account could would not pay their bills until they spoke with their investors (they had already re-structured years before)....this one hurt more.  We never thought one of the Big Guys would not pay us - never occurred to us - never say never, believe me, I KNOW! 
• Other accounts were behind, some not paying on time, some lost invoices, check is in the mail.....starting to sweat a little now.  
• Many sales channels seemed to have had their credit cards maxed out.......day, after day, after day we tried to run charges.  Now I am blowing into a paper bag so I do not pass out.
• One sales channel had a health emergency and we have yet to be paid by them.

 Those that actually answered or calls or emails had an excuse, some just ignored our calls all together.  Or my personal favorite......lied about it, and when the check was sent.  The fact is that each one alone did not amount to a lot of money (well no not true a few did amount to a lot of money).  Mesh them together, add the almost extinct sales for the Holiday Season + Slow January Sales = putting my company in a very, very bad place.

When I started Jamie's Painting & Design I was green, I was new - I was literally so happy to get an account I did not pay close attention to the terms.  It was not too important when I was running the business out of home.  Margins?  We are fine?  Terms?  Whatever?  Sales, sales - if I sell it they will pay.  What I did not know would not hurt me, or so I thought.  As soon as I left the safe haven of a "no rent studio" I soon came to understand how important it was for our channels to pay and pay on time. 

Which brings me to where we are today.  We are not good.  Things are looking bad.  Bankruptcy court protects companies that declare bankruptcy - what if they take me down with them?  Do I get a bail out too?  So Congress, Mr. President where is MY bail out?  Companies that have no money.....no wait companies that spent the money I was owed, they got paid - me....not so much.  A maxed out credit card may never free up any funds. 

Fun  A Fact: A  small business that drop-ships and works with large/small/medium companies........can get screwed.

The Future Looks Grim

I do not want to really burst anyone's bubble, and sadly I heard that a few business in our industry have already closed up and declared bankruptcy - this makes me sad.  I do not want to become one of those businesses.  I can and will fight to survive - problem is we were already a lean-mean-well run machine.  People say I am resourceful, creative - they say I will figure it out.  Maybe I will.  I do know one thing though - if our channels do not pay us we can not survive.

Running in Circles

January 14, 2008.

So....ya um I am a bit behind on blogging, posting, eating, bathing  basically even cleaning my house.  I have had a crazy week and it is only getting crazier....and you know a cold is a comin'.  I am seriously having a real hard time concentrating because I seem to have so much on my list.

Scrabble Dabble Do

I think I have mentioned over and over how hard it is running a business, let alone one in a down economy.  Sales are down for us, and we still chug along.  I am faced to really go hard after sales right now and find some great partnerships for Jamie's Painting & Design.  

Last week I had a great meeting with a catalog about designing some exclusive products for them.  We started looking at 6 name plaques, 6 birth certificates and 2 of our brand spanking new products.   It was so fun to start the year off with a great new partnership.....then I got the deadline.   Today.  Excited - yes, almost impossible - yep!  Good news is I work great under pressure - I work fast and I will finish.....

What Else Can We Do?

I am starting this Fund-raising project that I think will generate some new business for us.  I also think it gets our name out there, and it is good to be involved in the community.  I have talked with a few friends at different schools and am feeling really good about some projects we will be able to do.  Also I am doing my very first "In Studio" class if you will for a Girl Scout Troop.  I have taught art before, I teach it at my son's school - I should be okay right?  

With the Economy down I find that if I am not busy - well I will go crazy from stress.  So this little project is going to not only help with the bottom line but more importantly it keeps me busy.  The plan is for them to go through all the same processes that I go to to design a product, however I will use an artist as an "Inspiration" and teach them about a certain way of using paint, pens or crayons.  Then let them make the product, tie the ribbon - do all the fun things we do at Jamie's Painting & Design.

Twits, Tweets All on Twitter

I don't know what it is about 2009 but I can not seem to get enough Twitter.  I find I am checking it all the time - a bit obsessed, maybe?  It is interesting information, interesting people - I try to follow people that interest me, ones that follow me - reporters, etc.  Not sure what I did right (or wrong) but I am picking up followers like every ten minutes - really, no idea what I did to get them following me.  But like I said - totally enjoying it.  If you want to follow me and think I have something interesting say (don't laugh some days I do) you can follow me here.

A Little Press is Good for the Soul

I have mentioned before that I subscribe to HARO (Help A Reporter Out) for queries that reporters, magazine editors, TV Producers and Bloggers subscribe to.  You get three emails a day with a list of subjects and what the reporters are looking for.  Most times they do not pertain to me, but some days they do.  I have pitched a story, or two - maybe three.  I finally got a bite.  

Next Saturday a local magazine is coming over to photograph my two children's room, and my garage/play room (that was once my studio).  They originally said they were coming in April....I thought great, I can tidy them up by April.  The date was wrong  - it is NEXT SATURDAY!!!!

I am trying not to have a nervous breakdown, not to mention I have picked up a cold.....I know the room(s) will look great.  I am also thinking I can direct them in the right area for a photograph....("uh ya no not that section, that is where the dog ate a portion of our carpet, hey look at those great tiles on the wall!")

  

When Going Tough The Tough gets A Cold

Yep, I have a cold, and it is a doozy.   On top of everything else I get sick - and I know, I know, I got it because of the stress.....oh well.  I am going to keep chugging (Orange Juice that is) and try to work through this one.  No time for a sick Mom.  

Keep You Posted

I will take before and after pictures of my children's rooms (these are from two years ago when we were on View From the Bay, a local TV show exactly two years ago)....I don't have much work to do but I do have to do some spiffin' up, cleaning up and touching up of scuff marks.  The garage is another story all together - too many toys to count and I am always shoving stuff in corners, or moving items around they no longer play with.  Not to mention the laundry that is out there....

I will keep you posted.  I am hoping 2009 continues to look up..or out, or uh better?  Whatever it is, it has got to be better than the end of 2008.....right?

2009 New Year's Resolutions.....er Goals

January 5, 2008

One very wise woman on the Mom Entrepreneur Group I belong to suggested we call them goals instead of resolutions.  Since goals we strive for, resolutions are hard for most people to um you know keep -I am voting for goals.  Who knows, resolutions, goals, pipe-dreams - call them what you want....I got myself some goals.

I am actually tempted to do the whole Steve Martin routine from the old SNL days and he lays out his wishes peace for the world....which I do wish for all those things, but I am trying to be a little more realistic.  And, I am putting a note in on line calendar for 2010 to see if I actually was able to complete any (if not all) of my goals. 

These are my resolutions, goals for 209:

Update Jamie's Painting & Design's Website

This is already half way done by the time I am wrting this, however sometimes I don't always finish things.  My husband has been telling me for months, I mean over a year that I need to get my site search engine optimized-meta tags-crawled.....or something like that, I was not really listening.  I mean, I was listening but he is an expert in that area, me not so much.  I am doing my part by writing content and he is doing the rest and getting it ready for our webmaster. 

Find A Partner

I already touched on this in an earlier post and I am actually starting to tell people I am looking for a partner.   I am looking into joining some great organizations that can help me with this on-going challenge I am having.  I am honestly concerned about this a tad, due to the weak Economy, but I am still forging ahead.

Lean Mean Fighting Machine

We are working on a ways to cut back, get more organized, better use our time and of course save money.  The last storyI read about thousands of retail stores closing had me hyper-ventilating a bit....so I am just saying, you may want to be prepared.  We are prepared to survive.  I would rather have all the information and be prepared for a possible bad year.  The rose colored glasses have been put in the drawer by me.  Not sure when they will come out again, but I know they will.

If you are not already looking at ways to save money, cut back or just survive - you are crazy.  Okay maybe the word crazy is a little cruel but the word Recession is on everyone's tongue and I am thinking we are in for a long bumpy ride in 2009.  I could be wrong, I hope I am wrong - but if I am not wrong, I will be prepared.

Help for My Blog

My poor, poor little blog....it's like the little engine that keeps going no matter what.  I work at it, I write, I link, I twitter....it just putters on.  I would really, really like it be a better read and better linked blog.  I need to give it some more attention and I need to get better reading other blogs and staying connected.  I am of the mantra I can only do so much and if I help (entertain) 10 or 10,000 people - it is better than none. 

Keep the Balance and Keep the Faith

For those with small children they know the guilt and the pull from the business and the family is never-ending.  I am happy to say that this past year has been easier for me to stay balanced, but I could still improve.  I am also happy to say I don't have the guilt....well I still have a tad bit about not scrap-booking, buying store bought cupcakes and letting them play the wii more than I should - but I am getting better.  I still would like to do more - I still want more balance and structure in my life, my business - basically for me and especially my family.

Relax And Just Be

As an Entrepreneur and sort of creative person I find my mind wanders and I have this problem with not focusing.  Wait - not that, just that I have so many ideas and so many great plans I am sort like that child running in circles.  Most other entrepreneurial friends are very similar - too many ideas not enough time or resources to do all of them.  That is okay, I just need to take a breath and focus on what I can do, and what I can afford to do.  Maybe the 35 other things I want to do I can do next year.....

Compliancy Lead Testing...WTF?

Even though this is on the bottom of the list, it is on my front of mind.  I am trying not freak out about this, but I am still sort of freaking out.  Today someone told me (good reputable person, not a crazy tweet) that Insurance Company's are not renewing insurance without a certificate thingie.  Part of me thinks it will blow over, the other part is freaking OUT!  I will wait and see and again......be prepared for what needs to be done.

Most Stressful Time of the Year

December 18, 2008 ---ah, oops I mean December 27, 2008...........Nope December 28, 2008. 

That's it, I am done, I am finished.  It's Over Johnny!  Pack it up, move it out.....we are out of here!  I have officially been replaced as Matriarch of the house by the Wii.....yes it is true.  My family live, breath and drink the Wii.  Even my two dogs, who got dog beds have given up on me.....they are sleeping contently in the room with the Wii as the rest of my family entertains themselves for hours on end with that damn toy.  Curse you Wii!

Yet, on a side note I was able to clean out the house, donate toys and clothes and finish a blog post.  May not be everyone's best day - but for me, heaven!  I also slept in to some unforsaken hour today that I will not ever repeat, so shoot me if I seem overly optimistic!

Okay, no I am not quitting, or closing up shop but I am done (we are done for the year) with shipping out our products for Christmas - got everything done yesterday, last Wednesday.  We rallied at the end, who knew one could work 12 hours a day for 6 straight days and not go crazy? 

The Efficiency Queen Fails

I think I have made it very clear how we strive to be efficient here at JPD.  It is what helps us stay lean and mean - and make all of our promises to our customers and sales channels.  Running a small business that is not efficient is like running in circles, with scissors.  I as the business owner need to wear many hats, some years I wear more than others.  I know it is just a must, but I was not so great at a few things:

Made 5 errors on 5 different Birth Certificates 

I was (in my defense) multi-tasking and my kids were acting very um....kid-like.  I was for sure not focusing and I screwed up.  The good news is they were caught before going out the door so we fixed them quickly.  It became a joke in the work room as the ribbons were put on the tiles, I would hear, "Um Jam, I found another mistake!"  Oh how I would cringe as they piled up!

Shipping Labels are not my thing 

I never get them right, well no most times or sometimes I do get them correct, but I make many mistakes.  I mean okay I get them right, but I forgot how labor intensive it was to make them, and even though we shipped everything out I did not get the correct tracking number to a few channels.  I am an anal super organized person, with a great memory for products............however I do make mistakes.  

My office is a mess  

It is messy, it needs to be cleaned....and I do not have the energy to do it.  Oh well - such happens when you ship out 2 weeks of work in 2 days.  I figure I will clean when I am dead (just like Martha Stewart, I will sleep when I am dead).  I am talking the whole office is covered in crumbs, and I have not been there since um.....oh gosh I don't know when.  Tuesday?  I need to do a deep cleaning, organize and possibly get some decorating advice from the divine Ms. Kennedy - if you have not seen her work area do drop by.  Just try not get to green with envy before you take a peek - gosh knows I did!

The Good Side of the Coin

We kept open longer this year - what I mean is we took orders from our customers and channels up until December 15th.   Now, to get across the country (we are based in California) we had to ship everything out by the latest on December 17th............drum roll please....we did it!  My employees, my husband, we got it all out. 

The crazy part is after working all Monday night to get products done by Tuesday, we kept taking orders yesterday - that would be Wednesday.  We got orders yesterday morning, made the tiles, ribboned them, got a label and shipped them out to arrive by Christmas.  It was a crazy day with laughing and sighing  (I mean singing, we had the Christmas carols blasting through out the office, much to the chagrin of my Dad and our Shipping Clerk - who uttered last Thursday morning, "Oh Thank GOD only one week left of Christmas Carols!") but we did it.  So thrilled to have gone above and beyond what I had promised my sales partners.  I am already thinking about shortening my turn around times once again.....after seeing what we did at Christmas time.  Take that hand-painting!

Money in the Bank

It is no secret that the Economy is struggling.  Our sales are off to say the least - I wish I could spin it more positively and say something about re-adjusting our expectations....but somehow the word sucks sounds better.  When we look at our numbers - Christmas ended up good - we did good.  When I compare them to last years numbers, a horse of a different color if you need a description.

Yet, I want to stay positive, realize that we could be worse.  We could have gotten no orders this season.  I am very thankful we continued to get orders.  As I stated much earlier this year, I feel that as long as you continue to sell items to your customers, they won't forget you.  Whatever we are doing we need to stay in front of our customers and make sure they remember us.  Because, even I know this will turn around, the Economy will improve....not sure when, but it will fix it self some day!

Ask & You Shall Receive

I have learned to ask questions of my sales channels, this has been hard but I do it.  I ask if they want exclusive designs, promotional sales partnerships, if they like my products, how they are selling, what I can do to improve.  

The one question I asked that has been pivotal in one new product is - what am I missing in my line.  Don't be afraid of asking this, you may be able to improve your products, add something new to the mix OR not.  Also, you may not like the answer - so be prepared for what they tell you - do you know, if you don't ask you won't ever know.

Looking to the Future

As crazy as it sounds I am actually excited about two new products for 2009 (and no they are not coffee cups for tots, though some mornings my six year old could use a cup of java).  I can not believe I am expanding - but I am.  I feel the need to bring one more product into the mix, and I also feel the need to do it fast.  

I am super excited by it also - really, I could not be more excited.  It is a bit scary to think of a new product, or a new concept - but it is what keeps me sane.  I can not sit here any longer and scream the sky is falling....cause it is, I get that.  Nothing keeps me more positive than developing something new, painting new designs - working to develop a great product.   

Who knows what the future will have in store for me, or Jamie's Painting & Design - I can not guess.  I can only forge ahead, keep my head up, wait and see.  I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday Season with your businesses and especially your families.  I wish I had posted this a few weeks ago, however life got in the way of my blog.  Just like it always does!

Maybe in 2009 I can get this blog back to the front burner of life and post daily.......um well if sales stay slow might be possible.  Well - I can wish anyways - to POST daily, NOT the Economy thing!  

Looking For a New Partner

December 10, 2008.

Change takes time, change is usually in the air before the actual "event" occurs.  I am always shocked when people say you can 'change on a dime' - I don't get what that means.  I am more of the 'change is coming - get ready and deal with it!'  

I have always been open and honest about what running my business is like.  I don't sugar coat it, I don't wrap it up in fluffy happy affirmations and spew it out all over the Internet.  I would like to think I pull back the band aid and expose the under belly of what running a wholesale and manufacturing business is like.  Which brings me to the quandary I am in at this moment:

Need Sales

For the most part in the last six years I have succeeded by hard work, determination, and the ability to get new products/themes to market quickly.  Though, no one does it alone - I have done the best I can with what I know and have been willing to learn.  Only a handful of sales reps have helped in my quest to get Jamie's Painting & Design in every child's bedroom and nursery in the United States (did I forget to mention I want to rule the world too?).    News flash - I don't know it all, and I never will.  I'm at a crossroads with growing my business - Do I stay status quo?, or do I look to blow this out and look towards significant growth?

When I started Jamie's Painting & Design I was had an opportunity to get into Nordstrom and I jumped at the chance.  As fate would have it, my products did not end up in their stores.  A good friend was baffled at my wish to actually get into a big store, kept asking, "Why do you want to grow?  Why not stay small and keep it in your home?"  My response was, and it still is, "If I am going to do this, I want to grow it and I want to be big."

What Is Missing for JPD?

I have decided that I want to go big and I need help in doing so - I am actually saying it out loud, here on my blog : I am looking for a business partner to help take Jamie's Painting & Design to that next level.  This is something I never thought I would do - I used to want to be in charge of everything, run it all, read used to.  My reason is because my area of expertise does not include Sales & Marketing.  I always think I should do what I do well and let others do what they do well.  I am okay at sales, I am not great - I need someone who is great.  I am not good at on line marketing - I need someone who is great (hmmmm, I see a trend here).

My husband claims this is very similar to what Six Apart did when Barak came in as acting CEO to help grow the business.  The company Founders still remain the Founders and a large part of the strategy moving forward, but Barak was the key they needed to expand and make TypePad a global brand.  Though I have no plans to go overseas at this time (never say never, that would be cool though!), I do need to look ahead and grow my business and brand.  

Sales Experience

This is a mixed bag for me because any Entrepreneur that starts their own business has this talent.  You have to be able to "sell yourself", otherwise how would you survive?  I have watched other businesses succeed and fail and I always go back and look at their qualifications and history.  Most successful ones seem to have a sales background, or at least the discipline to call daily on sales.  For me to do this, it takes me away from the designing, the developing - it is hard to do both well.  Sales is not my strength or my passion, and that can make a significant impact on my success.

Internet Marketing & SEO    

Where do I begin?  If I understood these things I guess  I would not be looking for a partner.  There are millions of searches each day for terms related to my products, yet, unless people know my brand, they will not know who I am.  I want to be a brand that everyone talks about, and when they are shopping somewhere, they are looking for my products.  From the exploration phase to the consideration phase to the purchase phase - I want to be top of mind. 

I believe the Internet is the only form of marketing that is both "lean-forward" (something my husband keeps telling me) and measurable (off line, and display are suspect to nothing).  My potential customers are opening browsers all over the country and telling the world that they are looking for a gift of some sort (they are trying to talk to me), I want to have conversations with those people through my content, messaging, and brand.........wow, that was a mouthful.  Kind of lost myself there for a minute.....see I told you it was not what I am good at.

Change Here We Come!

I am actually pretty excited about the future of Jamie's Painting  & Design.  I am optimistic that this will be a good move for us.  This has been in the works for quite sometime, not something I woke up and decided to do yesterday....see how I wrapped that whole 'change' thing up?  I think asking for help, or admitting I have a problem is the first step.....wait that sounds like a 12 step program - I think I made some sense though.  Anyhoo, change is a comin' and I am ready - I leave you with a favorite quote of mine:

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result"

Have Some Press Won't You?

December 4, 2008

In one of my last posts, the one about the Economy took quite a bit of time to write.  I did not want to come off negative, yet I wanted people to be realistic.  I know it's not vogue to sometimes tell it like it is is - but I think that is a trait an Entrepreneur needs to have.  I was honestly surprised not have seen more negative, if not combative responses or comments to my post.  I did get a nice comment from someone that asked about PR though, and that I can help with;

"One of my weaknesses is PR; I've never done it and have no clue how to go about getting press coverage for our products. Can you share some advice on this subject as well..."

                                                                                                                CarolMatisak of The Monogramed Divas

 Good at Getting Some Press

Getting press is a trial and error for the most part. The process is just as much about the end result as how you got there.  Sometimes it is who you know, sometimes it is just being the right place at the right time - and other times it can change your business (that would be when Oprah has you on her show and you sell 10,000 widgets in 10 minutes - ya that can change things).  Though I am not an expert I have had some amazing press and some incredible luck (not Oprah luck, but luck).  You can go to my website if you want to see the press we got - or if you are as tired of it as I am, please read on:

Who Am and What Do I do?

You need a good elevator pitch abut your product or what it is you do.  A quick one, that is one or two sentences.  Sarah Jane, of Sarah Jane Studios has a great one on her site.  Own that pitch, be able to announce it to a group of strangers, type it into an email when asked what you do - memorize that baby!  You can always elaborate and or condense but you have to own it.  Nothing is more frustrating then getting a 3 paragraph description from an Entrepreneur explaining what she does, why she does it and how she does it.  No one cares that your daughter ruined your prototype and that your fubbly wubbly husband wuvs you to death, no one - sorry.  The people that really don't care - journalists.

Journalists are very busy people and expect you to get to the point quickly.  Face it, if you are pitching them you are one of maybe a dozen or 3 dozen people.  Get to the point quickly, and if you have memorized the pitch then you can do it quickly.  Even if you do not get the piece, or get interviewed do know they will be more than likely to talk to you again than to old Ms. Crafty McCraftperson who's email was 4 pages long description of how she dries her flowers using the sun and her mother's special recipe.

But What is Your Story?

Second you will need a story about how you started your business or why you started or how you came up with this great idea.  Put this story on your website!  If your story is lame (I saw it on line and decided I could do that too) you may want to re-think your business model.  Also, throw some "human interest" into it.  For years anything written about a Mompreneur, Mommypreneur,WAHM (work at home mom) got instant attention.  You almost did not even have to try very hard to get a reporter to listen to you.  Now, I would say that story is kind of.....dead.  Don't shoot the messenger  - but the story has been played out.  Find an angle and own it - do your research, see what other stories resonate with you.  I am not saying lie, but make your story worth reading , write (or speak) well.

Second, you need to be able to adjust and massage your story depending on who you are speaking with.  An editor from Woman's Day and a journalist from Entrepreneur Magazine - different spin.  One wants the feel good warm and fuzzy 'I am a Mommy and I work" story, the other - facts, numbers, statistics.  Carrie Weir, a friend and another entrepreneur who was once a journalist claims your story is just as important as your product. 

Love the Limelight

One more important piece to this press puzzle - you need to love the attention.  And that is not like, I mean LOVE the attention - really, really.  You have to be a good spokesperson, have a good photo you can email in a heartbeat and like to smile while you talk about your baby...er business.  If you do not like talking about yourself or your company - press is not for you.  It has to be something you enjoy doing.  Also do not be too hard on yourself - know that you will fail, not everyone will write about you.  However, you just never know what may happen - if you talk to everyone you know something may happen to you and your business.  If you never talk about it, you won't make any good connections.

Be Realistic about the Outcome

Press and publicity is not the end all to the success of your business.  It can help, it gets your name ou there but it does not equal sales.  Trust me I know this from experience and from other women that have had a lot more press than me.   People magazine featuring your product does not guarantee sales, Ellen holding up your ornaments on National TV does not guarantee sales either.  Sometimes all press does is over-inflate the head and ego of the person, so be careful.  Once you are out there - you are out there, and your life is public.  Just make sure you are okay with that.  There are no alias's for running your own business.

More Artistic Than a 5th Grader

November 30, 2008

I am going to go out on a limb here, because I know that NO Copy Cat Artists read my blog - really I doubt they are, because they would know how I feel about copying.   My sweet, sweet gullible Copy Cat Artists would realize I have no tolerance for it. 

On the other hand, I realize some of these artists are familiar, wait VERY familiar with my products, my friends products and some sort of very well known Entrepreneurs in my industry.  I am guessing  they may just be looking at websites and not reading my blog.  If I am so lucky to have one of them accidentally find this blog - I would hope they would take my advice to heart and share this information, because I assume "bird of a feather flock together".   Also, when copying  these little nuggets might make your life easier.*  

*The rest of my regular readers, family (hi Mom!), looky loos, and friends may want to ignore this post.  Psssst....it's all in tongue and cheek, snarky and a bit sarcastic.   I am going to give the Copy Cats some much needed advice on copying.  So the rest can just go about your business, nothing to see her folks,  check back often I will be back to my regular "perky" blogs....

Dearest Copy Cat Artist,

Welcome to "Coping Artwork the Way it Was Intended to Be Copied"!

How are you all?  How have you been?  I see some of you have come out with some new work this Fall and wow - what work it is!  Some of you have taken inspiration a bit too far this time so I thought I would try and give you some tips on how to do it the right way.  Please take this to heart, I am oh so tired of having to repeat myself, but I feel it is my duty to help you and make you a better artist(if that is what you call yourself),  anyways here we go.

When Copying Do it Right!

If you are going to copy an artist, or a product design try be smart about it.  Really go with someone that is not all over the web or someone in the industry for over ten years and is sort of famous, has had tons of press and really well-known.  These artists use the web too, and  know you are looking at their work - heck how else could you copy the art so closely? 

Go for someone a little more on the outskirts, the fringe of our industry if you will.  Or an artist you saw at an Art & Craft show - copy her.  Better yet copy a 5th grader - that would be great, and if I am correct I am guessing you are smarter than the 5th Grader.  I am sure the 5th grader does not have copyrights or even much time on the web - so I would go with the  5th grader - no older though.  You get into junior high artists and they will kick your butt all over cyberspace, or destroy your reputation on My Space.

Own Your "Inspired" Piece of Work

If you must copy someone's work, do change a few things.  Artists are a very smart (and vocal bunch) they do talk, email, oh I don't blog maybe. Most are quite famous and even have their work on products for licensing - now those big companies do not mess around.  To quote Pulp Fiction, "I don't want to have to go all medieval on your ass."

So dearest please change the look of your princess, make her hair curly if the others is straight, give her a cow face, change it some how - use some of that "moxie" you have and own it.  Put the princess castle um in a meadow, instead of on a hill, change a boy turtle to a girl turtle so it has more of a different look - really you can get creative with this one.  Don't just flip flop the bird and the twig and think you own it - anyone can do that in Photoshop.  They will still know where you got the "inspiration" from, most will not be fooled.  You may even fool a few customers into believing it was your art first!  How great is that?

Change it Baby

When copying or imitating another's piece of art - use a different palette. I know this is a big word for you to handle - but let me help you out with simple terms.

Palette: The colors, or color combination used on a piece of work.  The palette may also have a theme (like all shades of blue) or be all over the map with the entire rainbow - doubtful as most are trained artists.  Usually a couple of colors will stand out as the dominating colors of the piece.  Make sure and do NOT use those colors....trust me!

If, for example the other piece of art uses yellows, blues and greens - change it around a bit.  Make your's pink ,monkey puke green and blood red.  Or go with turquoise, purple and silver.  I know this is difficult to do but do try - this way you really can "own" the art.  For example if the birthday plate you want to "imitate" has red,orange, yellow and blue - go with purple, turquoise, pink and maybe green - don't use the same colors silly! 

Better yet be original and go with the whole pink and brown thing - I hear that is huge!  By the way just so you know borrowing a "palette" or color combination from another is NOT copying, so you are okay there.

Someone Asked You to Do It

Oh, how I feel your pain, really I do!  I know this can be hard, since you so want to please the customer, the sales channel - I do too.  And, I can almost guess that sometimes you were asked to do this.  The reason I know this is I have been asked also - to copy you, and your friends, and my friends, and other artists.  However, I say no.  Copying  when a sales channel sends you a JPEG of another artists is wrong.   They don't know any better (or maybe they do) but you could just suggest something else and tell them that is illegal to copy the art.  How hard would that be?

Before I forget I do want to mention one thing, I don't want to alarm you but you may need to know about copyrights.  All artists have them, well the smart ones do.  I have even heard a few  have some fancy/schmancy attorneys too.  They can rally up together if they want to - even in this gosh awful crummy economy.  So be careful, some are not as nice as me  - practically showing you how to copy!

Timing Is Everything

If you are still not convinced my "helpful hints on copying" will help you, do take one thing to heart - release your products a long time after mine.  Don't come out with your piece right after mine - like two weeks later, come on now!  Wait a few months,  so that it is not so obvious to the customer.  This may throw some people off the scent....you can then claim you were soooo busy over the Holiday Rush (uh....maybe don't use that one this year though - stinks of a really bold faced lie)  that you could not release it.  And, if anyone asks you where you got the idea - come up with some detailed story about how it came to you months ago, years ago, in high school maybe - ooh, I know use a child!  Psst....go with that 5th grader again....say they suggestedyou paint or design a product for them!  Yes a 5th Grader!  

Most importantly claim you NEVER, EVER look at your competition - you are way too busy!  And if anyone throws some thing about SEO or Google Analytics at you and claim they know you were on their site  - deny, deny, deny!  If you deny it long enough maybe you will even start to believe yourself.

Play Nice and Be Careful Out There

Lastly, don't trash talk  your competitors.  Do not "claim" on your site that you do this, or that or how you use special art items that we don't.  You do not know the size of my brush, the paint I use, the people I purchase raw materials  from, or who produces my products, or who I have hired.  It really is not necessary to bring down the competition - okay?  Play nice  - I just gave you tons of tips on how to copy me!  Once again - even fifth graders know the whole, "If you do not have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"

I hope this helps you in your surfing the web for ideas - really I do!  Have a wonderful holiday season and we will be waiting for your next new design to come out.  Oh - cause Artists use the Internet too (did I mention that already?), they are probably on your site right now.

Sincerely Good luck with your creations and your copying....err "inspirations", trust me you are going to need it.