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.

Comments

[Stacie Dale]

Hi Jamie-
Those are good goals for the year! Regarding the lead testing, I've read and re-read the guidelines for the CPSIA law and have concluded that although my products are not sold for use by children, I am still going to have the lead testing done. Chemical Solutions Ltd. in Mechanicsburg, PA is a CPSC accredidated lab and said they can test my keepsake chest for $90. Not the $500-$4000 I have been hearing. I plan on submitting a sample this week for testing. I am also disclosing my manufacturer's names/addresses as required by the law and enclosing all of the proper information with every order beginning 2/1/09 as required and posting test results on my website for retailers to view. Like I said, I technically don't fall in to the children's toy, clothing, furniture or baby care product categories, but I want to have the testing done anyway to put at ease any customer, retailer, or insurance company who may want to know our products are lead-free.

[London E]

love the new banner!!

[kelly rightsell]

Hi Jamie, I am teaching an art class also. An artist's gotta do what an artist's gotta do! Sounds like you are busy, which is a good thing. This testing thing is a giant pain, isn't it?? Take care, Kelly