JPD Mom

Ask The Magic Eight Ball.....and some Winners!

January 31, 2008.

Um, I would like to know where January went?  Really, I know I was a ranting and a raving how I hated this month, blah blah - it was bad.....but where did it go?  I just turned around and saw my holiday cards were finally put away and BAM it is February.  I have to say I have no idea what I wasted the last 30 days doing either - no really, not a clue....and now I need to have 22 hand-made valentines made by February 4th.  Oh, and my lovely off-spring are home sick with fevers....nice.

Carrie Sommers of Sommer Designs asked a question on an earlier post, "One thing I'd like addressed is - how and where to do you find the wholesale customers, other than exhibiting at a trade show?" 

Research, Research, Research

I would not suggest a trade show at this point - if you check this post out you can see how much money you would need to spend to make it profitable.  Not to say it may not be worth it down the road, but when just starting out - sales calls don't cost much.  If you know a store that you like you can call them and get the buyer to at least listen to your pitch.  I was lucky, the first store I approached said yes - but others I had to ask over and over, and over.

My advice to you is to do your research, and you can start in your backyard.....well, um not  literally, maybe down the street.  Start with shops in your neighborhood that look like they might sell your "type" of product.  Find stores that have similar (not the same) product and call them, or send an email, or put a mailer together.  Once you have some confidence, then you can move out of state - again, Google is the best tool for this.  Local stores will probably breathe a sigh of relief, since they will have you near by, and shipping will not be so costly.

Most stores these days have great websites, or at least store front images and you will know if the store 'looks' like a store you would like to sell your wares.  This takes a lot of time, and you will need to follow up.  Do not get frustrated when you have ten doors slammed in your face.....just move on and think 'that was not a good fit'.  If you stick with the mantra "I can not be everything to everybody" you will not feel so bad when  store says no. 

Lastly, tell people, put it on your blog, put it on your site (note to self, I should have these up on my sites).  One of our largest orders we got from samples was due to a friend of my husband's who lives 1/2 way across the country - she saw a cute store and sent me an email to approach them about sales.  Oh, try and develop a thick skin (hard for us creative types, I know) and do not take it personally, when a store declines.  I always think of a conversation my then 4 year old son had with his Dad while walking to nursery school;

Grant, "Daddy see that girl up there""

Daddy, "Yes, what is her name?"

Grant, "Ginger"

Daddy, "Is Ginger your friend?"

Grant, "Not yet... but she will be."

Ladies & Gentlemen (okay there were no gentlemen) We Do Have Some Winner's

 Step right up and claim your price....hurry these prizes are going fast!  I know a tad bit confusing that I have a Circus Plaque photo - but I did not have a ring leader's painting to show you, these are the Martini Coaster Winners.

The sooner you email me your address the better - here are the winners for the Martini Coaster Give Away:

Carrie S, Aurelia, Cecilia, Jody, Jen, London E (who commented twice, now do you really need me to send two sets?), Maggie, Debbie P and Lisa - congratulations and thanks for taking them from me.  I actually have 3 sets left - anyone else want them?  Comment? Email? You can do anything, I may just go start flinging them at my Fed Ex and UPS drivers when they arrive to pick up our shipments.  Don't make me do it, I swear I will.

Married to an Entrepreneur - Darin Lentzner

January 30, 2008.

So.....I have officially run out of entrepreneurs (I am a tad short, but when I get the interviews from them I will post, I have two left), and um my husband said he would be interviewed.    Okay I did not run out, but I am a tad short of twelve.  At first I thought he was kidding when he suggested I interview him, and then I thought it would be educational to see how he views my life.  And for the record these are not the exressed views of JPD Mom, or me, just my husband - so be kind, just in case he is not....

He gives an interesting perspective on what it is like to be married to one of "us".  I was afraid to read his and answers when he first did this for me, I am relieved that though he is honest, I do not come out looking too crazy, or anal or uh, too stressed.

I do have ten, maybe more - winners for the Martini "we are totally mocking you Jamie" coasters - I think I have twelve sets....so I will anounce the winners tomorrow.  I apologize for not doing it sooner, but I was on a vacation (sort of) and did not have the best coverage.

I give you the husband and "biggest supporter" behind Jamie's Painting & Design, please meet Darin Lentzner:

My husband, My backbone

My initial thought when you started Jamie's Painting & Design was that you were crazy - our  daughter was only about 5 months old and our son was barely out of diapers.  Knowing how you do not like to feel out of control, and that you believe that you need to be personally see every task to completion, I was not sure that you would be able to handle it mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Ch-Ch-Changes

The challenge early was trying to get your business of the ground, while bringing our kids through those early development stages.  For any business to succeed you need to give all your available time and energy to ensure the success.  As our children have gotten older, and are now firmly established in Elementary School, your available mind share towards the business has grown.  In addition, you made a  commitment to establish the infrastructure for a successful business (structure, processes, and a commitment to the customer).

You are in a better position today for expansion of your business lines.  An example of this is your current drive to build a licensing portfolio*.  While you are actively working on this, the rest of your production continues with out skipping a beat.  Your brand is running on it's own by picking up more stores.  Your existing channels are coming back to you for more products, themes, and exclusives.  And your direct customers are coming back to you for repeat business.

Your Role in the Business

When you started the business, I was the accountant, shipping clerk, production, sales and cheerleader.  Or course I had full-time job, so these tasks were my late evenings, and weekends.  This was tough because as your channels grew, so did your orders, making my "work days" (and yours) longer.

As your business started to grow, your father started to become more involved, learning the production side, and reducing my workload.  In addition, you were able to hire people to do the shipping while you developed your sales skills ( you have done a great job learning a process that is not just related to art).  finally, I was about a year late in asking your mother (she is an accountant by trade) to take over accounting.  After 3 years of managing your business financials, I was fast becoming a fish out of water.

Today I am still your biggest fan and cheerleader.  However, my contribution to JPD is in the background as your editor (sometimes), and your non-emotional voice of reason.  I do back fill on production, and shipping when needed.  Now, I am completely removed, as it should be, from the accounting side.

The Worst Part of My Job

My least favorite part of your job is seeing you deal with channel partners who have no idea what they are doing as a business.  When I see them think that their orders are the priority, rush to judge who is at fault for an error and then don't say thank you when they realize you had nothing to do with the problem.

The Affects on Our Home Life

Early on the business was our home life.  All business functions were conducted from our home.  Fed Ex came every day for pickups and deliveries.  We had employees coming through the front door of our home, the side garage door into the studio.  Let's face when you work out of the home, you never leave the office.  Now, with your business in an industrial park for over two years, our home life is home life and family time means spending time together and with with our children.  We have that needed separation, so that kids do not grow to resent your business - because it is overwhelming to the family as a whole.

The Importance of a Supportive Husband

Supporting your decision to start your own business came naturally (not sure why a husband would  not be supportive at the beginning.  You had always said that you did not want to be a full-time stay at home mom, who could possibly lose her identity in her children.  What made it easier for me as time went on was your commitment to building your business for the long-term, and to try and make a "quick buck".  You had a vision, and you wanted to apply your talent to bring joy to children.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Phew, he did not make me sound too crazy.  This is him, um ya to the right - we are STILL in the snow.  I would not be where I am today with out his unconditional support.  It looks like someone is enjoying himself.....

*Well, guess the cat is sort of out of the bag, I had not mentioned licensing yet.  I will let keep you posted on this - we have (as in ME have) begun working on expanding this part of the business.  Our first products will be available....next week!  And you know I can not keep a secret, so I will keep you posted.

Eighth Entrepreneur - Debbie Killion

January 28, 2008.

Hello moder, hello fader, here I am at Camp Grenada, camp is very entertaining we should have some fun once it stops.....SNOWING! Yep, snow, snow, snow - we are up in Truckee and it coming down in buckets, and we are stuck in the cabin with let's see one, two.....SEVEN kids.  Hoping we can make it home tomorrow....did I mention it has not stopped snowing in the last 48 hours?

I thought I would post another Entrepreneur, one that is new to  the Children's Industry.  Debbie started Designs By DJ early in 2007 and her products were chosen for the exclusive Boom Boom Room earlier this month.  She is also one of my dearest friends, so this does not stink of Nepotism, but I have known her for oh, um about 15 years.  I was in college with her and were as close as could be. 

Our Past Together

We both loved the whole skits, posters, t-shirt designs all the stuff that really helps with a corporate job.  If Debbie and I could have majored in "Sorority Charity Events" we would have.  She is seriously one of the most talented artists I know....and the most fun to stay up with late at night and make costumes for "Joy To The World" Greek Week skit....uh, another story.  I am happy to introduce you to Debbie Killion:

Designs by DJ Murals & Children's Wall Art

I started Designs by DJ Murals and Decorative Painting in 1995,   painting murals, faux painting and hand painted furniture in the Southern California area.  I started my own business because I wanted the freedom to work on my own schedule.  I also wanted to reap the benefits of my own hard work.

I decided to start Designs by DJ Children's Wall Art once I had my first child.  My goal was to one day stop painting murals and focus on being a mom, while working from my home studio on the Children's Wall Art business.  I just had my second child in November and I am now focusing most of my energy on the Wall Art Business.

The Difference in the Businesses

I have found that manufacturing art is different from creating murals because I get to design exactly  what I want.  With the murals the designs were dictated by the client for the most part.  With my Wall Art I have complete control and freedom with my creations.  My favorite part of my job is being able to be home with my children while running my Wall Art businesses.  I don't have a least favorite part of my job yet....I love what I am doing.

Future Plans

My plan for the future of my business is to get my paintings into more shops and boutiques, as well as on line stores and to expand my line of designs.  I have pages and pages of new designs and products in my sketch book that are ready to be created.  The only thing holding me back at the moment is having a 12 week old baby at home.  But, I am excited to get back into my studio and bring my new ideas to life. 

Raising children and running a business is very tough, but I work on my business during my moments of freedom.  Nap times are key and having a wonderful supportive husband helps a lot too.  I look forward to see what the future brings for Designs by DJ.

Ask And You Shall Receive

January 24, 2008.

Deciding what to charge for your product is a very tough thing for any entrepreneur to do.  I mean, this is your "baby" you are putting out there for all to see, all your blood, sweat and tears wrapped up in that thing.  I have touched on this before, and I am sure I will talk about it again.....with the economy down and gas prices rising - prices are going to have to increase.

Jennifer Sauselein, owner and artist of Titania & Puck asked in the comment section, "How did  you finally decide what to charge for your products in terms of retail/wholesale pricing?"

Wholesale vs. Retail*

*Just for the record if you sell a product wholesale to a sales channel, the sales channel has the power to double or even triple the price.  I know this can be hard for artisans to understand, but it is the way it works.  We worked with a number of gift catalogs a few years ago and not only did they triple our price (we sold for $10.00 and they priced it at $30.00) but they also waited 90 days to pay us.

Those that sell direct and those that sell wholesale have their own opinions on the subject.  Some are very adamant about NOT going the wholesale route for fear of losing the rest of their profits to a sales channel, others refuse to sell direct.  Truth is I do both, I have always done both.  I make no apologies for it and I am happy with my decision.  That being said a few things that would not have happened, had I not decided to sell wholesale:

1. I would not have my products featured on the Ellen DeGenneres Show, The CBS Early Show,   ABC's Extreme Make Over Home Edition, The Wall Street Journal, Country Living Magazine, The View from the Bay, The San Francisco Chronicle.....need I go on?
2. I would not have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing entrepreneurs that agreed to re-sell my products.  My products are sold all over the country.
3. I would still be hand painting my products, alone in my garage/studio and invoicing and delivering or shipping products all alone.
4. I saw my sales double year after year, due to wholesale, not direct.
5. I never would have had the advertising dollar, the customer base, or the knowledge to grow my business year after year doing it direct.
6. You would never know who I was, or care to read this blog.

This is just me - but this is the truth and I can say it is the secret to my success (or over saturating the web, you pick!).  Wholesale has put me on the map - direct sales are great, and I tended to be a hit at certain parks ("oooh were you the one that knows Vicki Bodwell?")  I come from the Software/Gaming Industry and I used to work with some amazingly talented artists and designers.  Now I might not have always got along with them (shut up, I know shocking  you thought I was soooo easy going), I still had respect for them and it was a very, very creative environment to work in. 

The last company I worked for had over 200 employees (if my memory serves me right) at our Fremont campus.  I would interact with 15 to 30 people on a daily basis.  I like interaction with people, I like to talk and I like to work with lots of different people from all over.  I like feedback, I like developing products with input from others - working in a vacuum does not work for me.

The Price is Right

Oh, figuring out what to charge can be a tough thing - but not really when you look at the facts.  My  husband forced me to do this with one of our latest products - it was not a fun process, let me tell you.  It is painful to look at these numbers, let me take you on a journey and show you what I mean.*

*And know I made these numbers up for argument sake, this is not what I do, or what I pay - but really, raw goods cost money!

• The raw material you put your art on (wood, canvas, ceramic tile, toilet paper): $3.00
• Any added "details" like ribbon, rhinestones, glitter, etc. : $1.00
• The paint you use (acrylics, oil, spray, water colors, finger paints): $2.00
• The time it takes you or your artist to make it (let's say 1 hour): $10.00 an hour (this would be a $20.00 an hour job if you live in California or New York)
• Packaging you have around your product (it has to be shipped or delivered): $1.00

For arguments sake you are already out $17.00 for making the product and that is minus profit.  So do you double that and sell it at $34.00 wholesale, meaning it will probably retail for $65.00 or $70.00?  Those would be pretty good margins right?  But wait, what if you find competitors selling the same "type" of thing for $50.00?  Ore even $40.00?  Is that company taking less profit? Are they buying in bulk, saving 1/2 of the raw materials you bought at the local craft store?  If you think your product is really worth $70.00 but no one is willing to pay for it....I get it, I know how hard you work on it, but um, you have to see what the market is willing to pay.  I believe that the store owners, catalogs and website owners deserve the other 50% they get for advertising, stocking, and marketing your product (but again, that is just me).

The best advice I can give is you need to do your research and charge what others are charging.  Now if you say no one does what you do, or has anything like what you have - my initial response is really, um that is doubtful - no idea is original, even I know that.  I am sure you can find something similar out on the old Internet (pssst...use Google).  If your  margins are anywhere  from 30% to 50% or higher-you are lucky.  If you are in the camp of "not charging enough" then you need to charge more.  Go find ways to save money, on inventory, raw supplies, shipping, salaries - do something.  Go on line - buy in bulk, buy your raw goods wholesale too - that craft store is ripping you off!

The Past

I started off charging way too little for my products, I was so not paying attention to margins.  I was also doing everything and not paying anyone so I was like - woo hoo $80.00 dollars!  Now that was waaaaay back in the day, and I have learned, oh I have learned my lesson.  Selling on line and selling all over the country and seeing what others (just  a few at the time and no ceramic letters even existed back in 2002) were selling personalized products helped me price my products.  Then as I got more savvy I started to look at all my costs and realize I had to raise prices and I could not get by on $4.95 for shipping and handling......another blog post (I strongly believe in - handling fees!)

If you would like more information on this topic, you can get a great book at Amazon - it should help.  Or, well you know - shoot me a comment and give me some feedback....you know how I love that!

My Loss is Your Gain

January 21, 2008

So I mentioned in an earlier post how I would tell you some of my failures, some bad decisions, and some blunders.  I was going to go back to where it all began....on a galaxy far, far away.  Yes, my children have been home for four days straight and YES we have been watching Star Wars....sheesh.  Sorry, I digress - I decided I might just start with a recent (air quotes) a bad business decision I made.

What Works & Does Not Work

When I first started the business I really did not know where to sell my items, nor did I know what to charge.  I knew what I would pay, but I did not know what the customer would pay.  I also knew my best customer was a woman - be it grandmother, mother, mother-to-be, aunt, cousin, sister, friend (need I go on?) - I just sold my products mostly to women.  I found a decent amount of women - in the correct demographics - at Craft Fairs and Mothers Club Boutiques and even Home Shows.  But, I did not enjoy it, I am sorry to say - it was not my finest hour.  Also, more importantly ('cause sometimes you do what you gotta do) my products did awful at these shows, most times they did awful at the shows.

The one time I did a huge amount of business when at the last minute (while I was setting up) I figured - screw it, I am not going to fail - I will sell it all at wholesale.  It was my second Christmas, I was getting ready to stop hand-painting so I did it.  Yes, I sold a ton of products - but I also realized for ME and my company - these shows were for discounts, my products were too expensive.  That was the last show I did.

Trust Your Gut Instinct

Fast forward to 2007 and a really good friend suggests I do her school's boutique.  At first, I start with my, "Oh, thank you so much for thinking of me.....blah blah blah....but we don't do those."  Then we discussed it some more, and like I said - she is a very good friend, and I hummed and hawed (spelling is off I am sure), and then I said, "What do I have to lose?"  So against my gut instinct, against all our sales statistics, I said I would do the show.  I just had to supply the inventory - and whatever did not sell, I would have left over for the Holiday Rush.

So, anyone want to guess what happened on that fateful day (my birthday none the less) in early December?   Hmmm, anyone? anyone?  Low and behold (shocking I know) my products did not do well, we hardly sold a thing.  And, I was stuck with some inventory.  I do not blame my friend, she just asked - I actually wanted to just hit myself in the face and go, "Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"....but that would have not been so cool, especially in front of everyone that worked for me.

What I Should Have Done

1. I should have discounted the products, I knew it worked in the past
2. I should not have given them SO much inventory
3. I should have exhibited at the show, I did not know "others" would be at their booths
4. I should not have made products that are not part of my product line*

*Yes I did bring back coasters - and no they did not set the world on fire, and I knew they wouldn't (again listen to voice in head).  They did alright, they were cute - but nothing huge.  The wine coasters and the martini coasters - they were just for the show.   I made a lot of them.  I sold um, one of them.  Yep - one!

Moving Forward

In the future I will probably not do this show - I am not willing to take the risk.  The demographics were dead on, the home was beautiful, the people I worked with fabulous - but that is not enough.  That "sales channel" is all dried up for me, it just is.  Craft Shows do not work well for me, so I need to accept it and stay where I am.  If they do well for you and you enjoy it - stick with it.  I found though, even small shows can be expensive, can be duds and can cost you a bunch of money.

I feel like this post should be "Do As I Say, Not As I Do" - but really it is more of a "See I Make Mistakes Too".  I have made some big ones - and NO this is not the biggest.  But it goes back to trusting your gut, and knowing your product.  Unfortunately I did not listen to myself....hmmm, maybe I should be reading some past posts? 

A Free Gift for YOU!

I have ten sets of these babies taking up space in my office.  No, no they are not hurting anybody - but they do seem to mock me everytime I walk into the work room.  And, I can honestly say that they do not really fit well into the whole "Children's Industry" line of products - "Here little Frankie have your milk in a Martini glass k?  And use this cute coaster with drinkie-poo's on them"

They are wrapped up nice in a thin black ribbon and a little JPD tag on them.  They make great hostess gifts (so I have been told) and should do well at a Holiday Boutique (ya right - scratch that one!)

Who wants them? The next ten people to comment on the blog get a set - please take them!  I won't be able to ship them till next week (unless you need them sooner (for an emergency Shwanky Martini Party - in that case I can come and thanks for the invite!) as I am going on vacation Friday, and hubby is out of town till Thursday night....and that explains the Star Wars on TV.  And just for the record I don't care if you are a competitor, my mother, my sister, my friend, or think you are a competitor or you hate me - YOU comment - you get a set!  Please...I beg of you, put me out of my misery.

Okay, be careful out there - no drinking and blogging okay?

Advice, Some Required Reading & A Winner!

January 21, 2008.

I am always on the look out for new blogs to read and lose myself in.  I wish I had more free time I would honestly spend all day reading and commenting on blogs.  I was told when I started JPD Mom that it would become addictive - I said to self, "ya right!".  Well, I honestly can say it is very addictive and it also hard to keep up with all the other stuff I do. 

It is hard to come up with good posts, great ideas, advice, stories - I try to avoid the whole "Puppies & Rainbows" posts too.  Not that there is anything wrong with that - it is just not what this blog is about and um, even I get tired of getting sunshine blown up my you know what all the time.  Come on - you never have a bad day? A headache?  Your kids only say the cutest, sweetest , most adorable things?  You make crafts everyday?  You always work out?  You never lose your cool?  And um - I do appreciate the positive thoughts and inspirational posts - just sometimes you gotsta put on ya cranky pants.  Am I right?   And, just to be clear, I am saying it again "Not that there is anything wrong with Puppies & Rainbows"...okay?  Don't yell today, because I DO have a headache.

Just a Taste of Advice

Speaking of advice - Sarah Jane left a great question on the comments last week - and I apologize for not answering it sooner....but I already told you about last week.  Anyhoo - Sarah Jane wanted to know about accepting credit cards from large channels and what she needed to do for that. 

First of all the companies may or may not give you a credit card, I do first orders by credit card (like a boutique that picked up a large amount of samples) and I insist the first order is by credit card - trust me on this - and I WILL blog about it.  I have been burned one too many times and it won't happen again.

You do not need a credit card machine, you will just need to process the cards through something like Quick books.  The company's may just cut you a check after the products have shipped - and the bigger the channel, the longer you will expect to wait for the check.  Catalogs are known to be 30, 60, even 90 days net (that is 90 days after the product ships you get paid) - and you have to wait for the money.  If you do not mind waiting for your money - just take checks, personally I like getting paid as soon as the product has shipped (but who doesn't?).

These Are a Few of My Favorite Blogs....Today

On My Desk

Artists, Illustrators and creative folk share the stuff on their desks.  Artisans and designers, or just plain creative types are asked to send photos of their work space, with little blurbs about why they like the space, or what they are working on, or just amusing commentary.  I love getting glimpses into other people's worlds - it helps when I think my work area is a mess...

Ellen Crimi-Trent

This is a very talented artist and illustrator that gives a humorous and honest look inside her  life.   She has been licensing her art for the past seven years.  Her designs are on every thing you can imagine - to see how a painting can be changed into a bowl, very inspiring! 

A great read and a good luck at what it takes to be a professional artist (some friend once said to me "gee I wish I could sit around and paint all day and not have to work"....ya sure) 

Sommer Designs

Carrie Sommer is the owner and of Sommer Designs.  She is the designer and manufacturer of   designer handbags and accessories.  She makes these all in her studio in Southern California.  Her blog has great tips (okay good recipes too!) and some fabulous insight into...you guessed it - running her own business.  Check out her press  - very impressive!

The Adventures of Elizabeth

This woman is amazing, she does it all - photographs, interior design, product development, store owner - she puts me to shame with her impressive resume.  I do get a bit exhausted just by reading her posts.  Check out her information and her inspiring drive.  Check out her photo to the right - gorgeous right?

We Have a Winner

Thanks to everyone for all your great comments, I know from the stats (just like other bloggers) how many readers just lurk and read the blog.  I wish there were more comments (I mean who does not want more?) but that is okay - glad to know so many of you are enjoying it!  The more the merrier - 2 years sounds so short - but oh it's been long!

Congratulations to Randi-Sue Deckard of Designing Diva - my kids just pulled her name out of the bowl - it kept them busy for a few more minutes.  Congratulations - I can ship them tomorrow!  And, don't worry I have some other items for tomorrow - so stay tuned, I am feeling super generous!

My Whole Life is To Do List

January 18, 2008.

I think that it is official, I am almost positive I hate January.  I mean I don't hate it for being the month after Christmas and we wake up with a Holiday Hangover and house full of rowdy children that must go back to school soon.  I don't hate it because it is very cold out, and my plants are dead, and my bank account is depleted, sales slow down after Christmas rush,and um did I mention the cranky children?  Oh don't forget that we have to figure out taxes, look at losses, look at the business, see what did well and what did not.  No, nothing depressing about this month. 

Looking Back at 2007

Last year at this time I had my little distraction problem, and really had to cheer up and get over myself.  I came out with an enormous (read way too many new designs) amount of new products in January, more in the Spring and then, whew new Christmas products.  Some parts of 2007 were exciting, some stressful, others things were sort of depressing and some just sad.  I made some new friends and I definitely had a good time, maybe some would say too much fun.  Business is still going good, and with the stress of the economy, even some talking of a recession - we are fine.  No, we are not fabulously wealthy and go buy a Mercedes in your Gucci sunglasses, toting your LV purse - but good none the less.

Time for Resolutions

I am trying very hard to get my To Do List in order, and finish the items that were left from December, or gulp, even November.  My To Do List is really not a list, it is actually more of a pad of paper, that has oh somewhere from about 50 to maybe 100 action items.  Then, I have ideas jotted down, new product ideas, possible blog posts, um some family things to attend to.... I have the best intentions, I really do - but sometimes other factors kick you in the butt and you have to sit back and wait.

So I followed another's lead and I started sending out emails, I was getting leads, pitches, sales calls out - either phone call, email or fax.  I had my list and I was checking it twice, I have a new project, I moved forward, PR leads, catalog that wanted items, went on to next thing on the list.  The last two weeks I was on a mission - moving forward, making headway.  I did not go down the list in order of important to crazy....nooooo I picked and chose, played favorites of things I wanted to do.  What do I get from all my hard work?

• Silence
• Nothing
• Nada
• No call backs
• No returned emails
• I get bupkiss (I do love this expression, I had a friend who had a dog name Bupkiss)

What About Me?

Do you ever have days when the phone never rings, and you think the party left you behind?  When you are sitting around humming that Talking Heads song, and mumbling to self "how did I get here?"   Okay well, this past week has been sort of slow.  Do you get out the party hats and throw yourself a little pity party?  No, just me huh? 

For the most part I am trying not to take any of it personal, because people are busy and it is business - not personal.  And for every door that is shut, another is open.  OH wait, every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.....ya, ya I have given myself  a pep talk.  Yes I have read an Oprah Magazine, and yes I have a short ski vacation coming up.  I am also trying to come up with a few easy solutions, and get my priorities straight.....

Work for Today

1. Make shorter lists - a manageable one with like maybe 10 items....NO let's start with only 5
2. Make a personal list for family things
3. Make a To Do list for JPD things.....I know sounds so simple
4. Say No and mean it.  I used to be good at this - I need to NOT take all things on
5. Make a schedule - I said this earlier, yes and now I need to stick with it
6. Focus on the good - easy to do in December with orders flying in, more important NOW
7. Let others help me out - this is a tough one for me but I need to do it

I guess less is more...well for today it is.  I only have 6, okay I just added another, 7 things on my....wait I need to do one more, okay 8 - that is it 8 things.....doh, oops  I have nine.  Darn it - I swear I will stop at 10!  Did I say 10?  Wait, wait - I meant 12....no just 12, no more - I promise!  I promise! 

The JPD Mom Blog Turns Two!

January 15, 2008.

Two years ago from today this little blog came onto the blogosphere with both barrels blaring.  This JPD Mom Blog took the industry by storm..........uh , ya no it didn't.  I am embarrassed to point you towards those early blogs - but um, well we all come from somewhere.  Who is not embarrassed by their high school photographs? There bi-level hair cuts, there first car (yes I did have a bright canary yellow 1979 Pontiac Sunbird) or there (gulp) first boy friend?

Where it All Began

• This first blog was actually started on January 12, but I posted on the 15th
• No photographs
• No fancy links,
• No track backs accepted
• No key words
• No spell check, apparently I was not that savvy of a blogger
• Sadly.....no readers

I did not even figure out the whole check your stats thing until maybe 4 months into it.  And it took me a few months to find my whole voice and what the heck this blog would be about.  It also took me a while to really open up, I was so vague in the beginning of the blog.  I had a great friend, who was my publicist at the time, give a little nudge - and really push this blog to what it is today.  With out her help I would still be rambling about family vacations, running in circles and uh crying.

A Give Away for Everyone

So I talked before about these coasters I used to make for wineries around the Bay Area.  Well I made a quite a few of them and gave them mostly as gifts for friends and family this Christmas.  They were quite a hit....almost as popular as my new Meatball Appetizer I made this year for a New Year's Party.

I just happen to have a few of these sets sitting around the office, I know of at least two.  Hmmmm and I am wondering what to do with them?

I know - YOU can have them - a thank you to you from me!  I don't even know if I am doing this right, but I have seen it done on other blogs so here goes - do one of two things:

1. You can leave a comment on this blog, this post

2. You can write (or link) about the give away on your blog

I will keep the comments open for a week.  I have never done this before so I am sort of uh, worried I won't get any comments.........ah, oh well.  I am thinking for the next month I will periodically give some stuff away, some things might be worth more than these coasters.  Like I said before, I see the stats I know you read this....I will just have to try and find something you WANT.

I will pick a name next Monday night..... 

Competition is Good for Business

January 16, 2008.

"What kills a company is not competition, but arrogance.  We control our fate." 

                                                       ~ Eric Schmidt, founder and CEO of Google

My husband read this article the other day, it is originally from a New Yorker article  about Google.  I think this is the bestest (to quote my 5 year old) quote of all times!  It says it all, and I wish I had it to use in many a debate I had with a certain woman entrepreneur.  I have said it before, I will say it again, "Bring it On!".  Competitive products are good for the consumer, and they keep your business on it's toes.   

All this recent talk about; copyrights, talent, clip-art, owned designs, The Etsy Store, Ebay and attorneys has made me start to think about what can ruin your company.  I originally thought I was going to rant about how bad Etsy was for our industry and how we aren't gonna take it anymore...blah blah blah.  But I changed my mind (I can do that you know) and honestly I have NO idea if Etsy is good or bad - so how can I blog about it?

Competition is NOT Copying

What is the difference between copying and competition you ask?   Well if someone were to say  come out with a birth tile - a birth certificate if you will.  Imagine the ceramic tile was hung from a ribbon, with all of the child's birth information on it, and with some art work dabbled around the edges - even the 3 specific places I put art on my tiles.  Let's say they used even used a theme I used, but a different "style" and colored letters.  Would I have a case to get all mad, uppity and summon the attorney god's on this company?  Would I make her stop making birth tiles because I made them first?*  Could I send her a nasty letter saying this?

The answer is I could not do a damn thing about it. 

Again, competition just brings out the best in a company and makes you stay on your toes.  Complacency is a small business owners worst nightmare - oh and that arrogance thing too.  Now, I might be a tad bit bummed about these new "birth tiles" and if the price point was close to mine, well I might not be thrilled, and if the art was really good...ya, I might cry and whine.  But as I mentioned earlier - this just makes me take a good hard look at my product, my product line, my prices, my turn around times -what can I do to make my product stand out?  How can I make my product look better?

And um really if this product was JUST copying the exact same themes as mine - this would sort of suck, I would think of the Cheeze It line, "Get your own box!"  Get your own themes......but still, such is life.  I would just think that in my head.  There are only so many themes in the children's industry, and there are only so many ideas out there.

Arrogance

I have seen this happen in many an industry, and I have seen it happen in ours.  I have known a designer and she thought, even bragged she knew "it all".  She did not watch the competition, she did not have to, she need not stay on top of trends - she  just kept working merrily away.  Well, along came one competitor, than two and before you knew it her space was crowded.  Still, she kept her nose down and worked - no need to worry.  Then one day, this person looked up and started to wonder where the party went?  Where did all the customers go?  Year after year, show after show I have had to hear how bad things are and she does not know why.  I know they are bad - and this designer LET them get bad.  Don't pull the covers over your head - no really, it IS tempting.  Maybe you can sulk for a day or two, but do NOT roll over and play possum, do not play dead and do not do nothin'.

Kill the Competition with Kindness**

If that little scenario happened to me, I could add new themes, I could have ALL themes on the market that the consumer wanted.  I could shorten my turn around times, I could improve on my existing product - give more to the customer.  I could make everything about the purchase more attractive.  I could start bragging and put a tag line on everything, "Jamie's Painting & Design, making personal keepsakes for five years!"

I would let my experience and history with the customers speak for me.  I would keep a close eye on the competition, but not obsess on it.  The truth is that you can not be everything to everybody, and I am sure there are some consumers out there that liked my birth tiles - but did not love them.  These were not my best customers,they were not loyal and they bought out of convenience, or lack of choice, but not out of passion for the product.  Or some that never bought it because it was not there style, so they never were my customer base. 

Would there be a blip in my birth certificate sales?  Would  my sales decline across the board, through all channels?  Maybe a glitch, maybe a small decline, maybe not - I would have to wait and see and not stay complacent, not get comfortable and NOT, I say I would not sit back and do nothing.  Only time would tell, I would have to win on service, and I would make sure I won.

I Dare You, I Double Dare You

Now I give you another scenario where the competition has made the EXACT birth tile, with the  exact looking art, with a stylized hand writing, my colors - my color ribbons are hanging the tiles, they are the same size and the same price (it really is not so much the price thing or size).  Let's assume the is the art is the problem - let's say the art is really, really close to mine - an almost exact duplication (by the way major kudos if someone can do that....no I digress, and no, no, NO KUDOS!  BAD, bad artist person!).  This my friends, would piss me off.  This would make me mad. This would not be cool - this would be um, pulling out the old copyrights and sending a letter to a company, AND contacting attorneys.  And, uh well you know me and I tend to be a bit chatty - you KNOW I would talk about it.  You know I could not keep my poor little mouth shut.

React and React Quick

Once upon a time and a long, long time ago (I think the early 80's) there was an artist who made jewelry.  He had a distinct style and it was very popular.  Another jewelry maker came out with a similar design, a very similar design.  He jumped on them, and I mean jumped.  He got his attorneys involved and he stopped the other person right away.  The next one that showed up - same thing.  He reacted, he got the company's to stop, he did it right away.  He did not take it lying down - and artisans know not to "you know what" with this man.

The moral of this tale - do something right away. Do not let copy-cat's take your thunder and do not let your competition win.  You need to do something to keep your customers.  As a small business owner I have learned this.  I know what is going on, I know who is doing what, and I know what my competition is doing.  I am not being arrogant, I am not bragging - I am just honest, and I have always said, "Information is good, even if it bad"

*I am not the first artist to make ceramic birth tiles, when I first started I was one of only a handful, but not the first.  And for the record, my products looked  (or look) NOTHING like the other products that were (or are) on the market.

**These are a few of my favorite things....no, I mean my NEW designs for 2008.  Thought you could get a sneak peak at what I have been working on this past week.  And note to self I must get the Christmas Carols off my i-pod.

Advice for Small Business Owner

January 11, 2007.

"We are ready on camera one, standing by, we are live and on one - two - three - you are on the air!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, this investigative reporter has had the good fortune of visiting Jamie's Painting & Design this afternoon.  We are here to tell you the secrets, the tricks of the trade, the tools she uses to crush her competition.  I welcome you to take a tour of this company and learn how you too can be a mulit-gazillionaire like this little lady" (ha ha ya right, just seeing if you were paying attention!

I am envisioning a Ron Burgundy type from Anchor Man.....hence the little painting I whipped out this afternoon, his quotes were so in my head as I was um, painting.  Not the best use of my time I know, but it only took 15 minutes...anyhoo, I have some advice for those starting a business, or growing  it, or just curious, I hope it helps.  I am hoping to keep listing things that worked, and even touch on what did not work (yessss, I have a long list of things I did wrong too!).

Do You Google?

Do you exist in the blogophere? The internet?  Anywhere?  The yellow pages?  Trade Magazines? Newspapers?  TV Shows?  Is your company out there?  How do you know?  Seth Godin reccomends you try this out, and I agree - google your name and see what comes up.  I would take it a step further and  google your company name and see if you show up. 

If someone is looking for your company on line they should be able to find you very easily, but this is not the case for all companys.  Some companys I can not find, I just type in the company name into google and the website does not even come up - how can that be possible?  This is one of the easiest ways to market your company, get exposure and be found....you DO want customers, fans and reporters to find you, right?

I don't know much about hard coding, buying key words, organic search, or anyalytics - I hear these words and my eyes glaze over.  But, I have been using google regularly for years - and I have found some interesting (I am so lucky it has always been good) blogs, websites, even articles I was quoted in by doing a search.  I have also found websites with errors, I have found discontinued products and even some great reviews on my products, and kind words about my blog.  You can easily get your name out there by doing a number of things:

You can get your name, company name and blog by commenting on other blogs.  If you  commented on my blog, then search your name you will come up, with all of your information.  Search engines are tracking blogs at an amazing rate these days - don't be afraid to comment. 

Do you ask other company's to list your company name? Your name?  Do you ask your customers to write a positve review on your company?  Do you submit your products to popular e-zines, blogs, trade magazines?  Newspapers? Yes, this can take time, and yes it is worth it - I bet that is how you found this blog.  I never took marketing or business classes - but I do know to succeed you have to be able to be found!

Go on people - get your company and your name out there.

Isn't Your Baby on a Schedule Yet?

If you are a small business owner and especially a mother - get on a schedule.  It is just like when your baby was 2 months old and everyone was telling you to get that child on a schedule, children like routines - so does your business.  It makes you productive, it makes you run like McDonald's - and it gives your customers an idea of what to expect.

We are big on schedules - we make our tiles on Thursday, every Thursday that is what we do.  We  ship on Tuesday and we ship on Friday.  We ribbon tiles on Monday, we do shipping labels on Friday, we kit all of our orders on Wednesday, we invoice after we ship - that would be Wednesday morning.  I have told my channels these things, I have told my customers, my friends, my children's teachers my "schedule".  Everyone that works here works on certain days, certain hours - very boring, possibly - but predictable.  Now, yes during the "Holiday-Crazy-Pull Your Hair Out-Oh my Gosh ANOTHER Order" time of the year we adjust the schedule and we all work over time.  This has also given me the freedom to take time off, volunteer regularly in my children's class and NOT miss important events.

If you are doing everything yourself, you need a schedule worse than a company with employees.  Trust me on this - try getting on a schedule for a week, a month - it makes life that much easier.  How will you know when it is time to hire employees?  Order supplies?  If you just run a fire drill around every order (been there, done that - for one whole, okay almost two years) that comes in you will never grow, you will never expand and you will probably cry alot (you know I been there!)

Do You Want the Whole Enchilada

If you are going to sell wholesale - you need some documentation to go with your products.  I am very anal, over-organized and detail oriented - so this has never been a problem for me.  I do not know what other companies do - I just know what has worked for me.  I find that the more information you give, the less dumb.....I mean interesting questions you will get.  When writting up wholesale documents, at the very least do include the following:

• Your contact information
• Your requirements; do you take cash? Checks? Credit Cards? Is 30 days net okay?
• What are your turn around times - be HONEST!  You need to know what you can do
• What do they need to do to carry your line?  Pay for samples? Carry inventory?
• What is shipping costs?  Make sure and check this out - we lost our shirt our first year.
• Do you take RUSH orders?
• Do you take custom orders?
• How shall they describe your product  - if you dont' tell them they will make it up!

Our wholesale documents are very detailed, with tons of information about what we will and won't do, what we require and we list all of our product descriptions.  I have been told by some it is over kill, but do know I don't get many questions, it is all laid out  for the buyer to see.

Can We Play Telephone?

Get a seperate land line - I can NOT stress this enough.  Get a good phone system, and especially a proffesional voicemail system.  You do not want to have dropped calls, voicemail that comes in three days after the fact, or a dead cell phone.  If you run your business off your cell phone um, you wont' be listed in the Yellow Pages, you will NOT be listed in information - come on now!  You do not want to get a call from a big sales channel while you are at Johnny's baseball practice - you just don't.  A separate line for the business is key - it is the difference between a real business and a hobby.

If anyone else has any little nugget of information, tips or tricks....drop me a line, give a comment, I would love to know more.....information is GOOD!