JPD Mom

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.

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.

You want some more BlogHer?

August 2, 2008.

It is a new month and a new post, I am on a roll.  Thanks for the comments and emails - I promise to share all that I learned (or just assumed) from BlogHer'08.  I got to fill out a nifty questionnaire today on line about my experience....I sure hope they let me come back!* 

*Please note these "rules" are really just suggestions, or what has worked for some.  I am not an expert, so please don't call me one.  I am sure there are 240 successful blogs that do not pay attention to ANY of this....but if you care, here goes:

Give A Little Bit

I think I have mentioned this in the past, and I try really I do to adhere by it.  Give your readers something, some bit of information, some nugget of inspiration, a dash of something forbidden (not to get dirty, but something you may not say to your mother).  One of the break out sessions had a speaker say, "If you are ready to push the publish button and you are not a little bit nervous, then don't push it".  In other words, give them a little - something for the reader to go, "wow, I never thought of that" or "gee, she sure bared her soul".  The most successful blogs give a lot, I mean a lot with a capital A and their blogs are fabulous, wonderful, engaging reads. 

Look Over Here

Without using all of the fancy-schmancy jargon I hope you know that blogs are ranked and the more  blogs that link to your blog the better you are ranked.  One thing I did not know is that when you write: If you are looking for a great place to get great advice on starting a business you should go here, is not as good as saying, Go to Jamie's Blog JPD Mom to learn about starting a business.  Take the time to write the blog out, the linky love God's like it better, since the blog titled, here does um, not exist so much.

And, while we are on the subject, if you like (or love) a blog, go rate it.  You can give the blog a thumbs up, you can kirtsy it, you can stumble it - you can tell people that this blog is great or this post is great.

Commenting on Other Blogs

1. You do not need to list your URL, your name, your website, your nick name and your phone number when you comment on someone's blog.  It is in the comment already, you are sort of spamming people if you repeat your name over and over.
2. Don't comment Anonymously, your post will most likely be deleted
3. Be nice, or if you can't be nice, then try and be witty.
4. Well thought out comments will make people start to notice you AND think you are an expert.
5. If you write a comment on a blog and all you write is "Great Post!" you will probably not get an email back.
6. If you visit a blog and ask in the comment to please list you in their blog roll, read your blog or comment on your blog - they won't .  Bloggers (the successful ones) know when they are being stalked, or when someone is begging for readers.  Again, most likely your comment will be deleted.
7. Comment on blogs that are "like" your blog.  You want to create a community, you want to become an expert in your "group".
8. Recognize your "commenters", at least before you are famous.  They are your biggest fans and treat them well....or they will leave.

If You Build it, They Will Come

A great break-out session was about writing better blog posts and it gave some fabulous tips on how to make your blog great.  The basis was from Field of Dreams, "If you write good posts, then they will come." - write good posts and you will get readers.  You have to spend some time on other blogs though, you need to leave comments and you need to develop a "community".  If your blog is about collecting antique ceramic pigs, well by golly go out there and find some other "pig peeps"!

Blogging Etiquette

The big rules that we should all follow (and I know, I know I should go delete a few posts) are listed below.  We were told that your blog has to have at LEAST one of these, if not more, to make it a successful blog:

1. Write posts that are useful, not just an advertisement.  Readers know when you are yanking their chains so to speak, they are not dumb and they are fickle.  If you write dumb stuff, your readers will not appreciate it.
2. Write GOOD amusing posts.  Your posts have to be well-written, have to be something people are interested in.
3. Your posts should be timely.  This is especially important if you write about news, sports or politics...for me not so much.  Though I should (so they say) blog more often.
4. Get a good camera (top of my to-do list for the week).  You need to have pictures with your posts and they do need to be good.
5. Don't ask or beg for comments and never call out readers.  This a big no-no and a turn off,  no one wants to think Big Brother is watching them as they lurk around reading blogs. 
6. Don't tell your readers you know they are reading and DEMAND they comment....come on, no one wants to be told that we know you are watching them.  It took me almost two years before I felt comfortable to comment on other blogs, give your readers a break.
7. Do not steal content (Splogging), art or photos from other blogs.  This is a no-brainer, but people still seemed confused by it.  I don't need to get all copyright on ya do I?
8. If you want people to comment on your blog, then comment on others.  Even if you think your blog is not for bloggers (psst....it is) that does not matter.  Make sure and comment, it gets your name out there and it brings people to your blog.  Almost three years in blogs are popping up from my industry, people that never blogged are NOW blogging.  Never say never - okay?

Cutting Off In Traffic

Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes gave a great analogy about reading blogs, commenting on blogs and making us all realize where that comfort zone was.  It is easy to forget that this "person" writing a blog is real, and that there are rules of engagement for us to follow.

When you are driving on the freeway and some uh, jerk cuts you off you may yell obscenities, (you, not me, I would never do that), scream and shake your fist at the driver.  Now, when someone cuts you off at the grocery store with their cart, you may think "some swear words" in your head, but you will most likely say nothing.  Think of blogs like the person in the grocery store - they have feelings, they do not know you, you do not know them - be polite.  Remember there is a bubble around each of you though.

If this was not enough information about BlogHer, you can go to SV Moms and read another post about the event, or you can read more at Miss 604, she gives a great summaryabout some other sessions, and DrBethSnow has a funny post.  For the BESTEST information and tips go to Blogging Basics 101.  Please, talk amongst yourselves, as I am on vac-a-tion for a week....ta-ta!

Lessoned Learned at BlogHer

July 29, 2008.

Unlike the other 3,000 attendees at BlogHer last weekend, I had to sort through my notes and chew on what I learned.  The other bloggers have already posted on the whole shin-dig, and this may be a total repeat of what is out there, but here goes:

Estrogen Everywhere

I have not been around that many women at one time since college probably, and even then I know it was only about 500 maximum.  If anyone is considering going to this event be prepared to talk, and talk about yourself a lot.  Bring business cards, everyone asks for one.  The new thing was Moo Cards (which I knew about but could not get in time) and they were very cool, very hip and um, well no I was not sporting one.  You can imagine what it is like with that many women together, especially if we are at, oh I don't know a cocktail party, with cocktails - we girls get all chatty and all.  I wish I had stayed through Saturday night, I then might of seen the drama unfold, but I missed that part of the party too.

After the first night my throat hurt and I was seriously intimidated. There is a right of passage at these events it seems, and most of the bloggers were veteran bloggers, popular bloggers, famous bloggers and super-famous bloggers - all doing a huge amount of business (it seemed to us newbies) on their blogs.  I did not even know till later that there were some parties that I did not even know about - you know the "private ones".  I was extremely impressed and intimidated at the same time.  Ah, and here I thought I was going places!

The Politics of Blogging

I had no idea there were so many rules about blogging, oh wait I did know that there were rules, I just thought I was following them.  I try really I do, but every once in awhile I kind of do the whole, "doh!" I did that once. 

Now, when reading blogs I see other bloggers doing what I did and I think, oh ouch did you not get the memo?  But, apparently we all start our blogs pretty much in the dark, and (like with our businesses and our children) we got no instruction guide.  I am going to try and list some tips and unknown rules that the seasoned bloggers know, and were kind enough to share with the rest of us.

It Takes a Village

Writing a blog is not like writing an article in a paper, nor is it like a book.  It is an interactive experience between the readers and the writer.  The best part of writing a blog is meeting and hooking up (no not that kind of hooking up) with other like-minded individuals.  Another perk about being  involved in the blogosphere is you can create a community, a group of people just like you!  Hence why these rules (or suggestions if you don't like that word) are so important.  Not following by these spoken (or un-spoken words) will ensure that your blog stays in obscurity.   Getting an open dialog going with readers is a huge bonus, trust me I don't have any ceramic artist mompreneur types in my neck of the woods.

Be A Part of the Community

One of the break out sessions we learned about a community, and how to create one.  I know other bloggers that refuse to look outside their comfort zone and this is sad.  Why not post things that others would find interesting?  Why not try and have a personal relationship with people that read your blog.  Hell, I found one of my best friends from this very blog.  Don't be afraid to reach out to others - they can be there for you when things are not so great.

Stop Reading Blogs and Start Working*

June 15, 2008.

Do you ever start reading a blog and get really depressed?  So then you go read another one, and you are even more down.  By the fourteenth blog you are almost in tears and ready to shut down the whole business thing?  You are positive that everyone else is succeeding and you are the only one who is not moving your business along?  Or everyone is using Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, Dig this, Stumble that?  You had thought you were going to get inspired instead you want to hide you head under the covers.....no?  Nobody?  Is it just me huh?  Well, I doubt that....

It Never Rains in Southern California

I have a handful of blogs I check weekly if not every few weeks, some shamefully I check daily.  I love to look at the pictures, learn about their businesses or just see what crafty contraption some woman has made.  Artists blogs are the best and have the most colorful photographs.  I have learned so much about sewing, painting, sketching, Etsy, trade shows, press and even some ceramics.  However, I find that if things are not going hunky dory over here I get really down on myself.  Almost all the blogs I read are just so darn happy and positive and running a business looks so darn easy.  I am still hoping that just one day they will talk about how the puppy did eat their new design, their child did throw a tantrum at a blogging event, their husband is out of town for a week and the big press opportunity did get away.

Part of me (that would be the brain part) realizes that if they are running their own business, no matter how small or large, that it can not always be good.  I know for a fact that there are challenges, frustrations and lots and lots of very hard work.  If you take a step back to get some clarity you will realize that these bloggers are working just as hard as you are, they just don't want to talk about it.  That is fine, they own the blog right? 

The artist or business blogs I do read are wonderful reads and most times very inspiring.  I feel like a bit of voyeur even when I get a glimpse of their home, their studio or their new products.  Most days, I continue to read them, most days I get inspired, get a chuckle, or just enjoy the information.    

Remember the Little Gals

Reading everyone else's accomplishments can make you feel very small and unsuccessful.  It is not always motivating to hear that your competitor has just done a photo spread in People Magazine, been chosen Entrepreneur of the year, spoke at Harvard and Oprah just called.  If I was just starting a business and was looking for something to read I may be depressed by the blogs I find on female business owners.    It is very easy to think you are failing when everyone else has SO much going on.  And another thing,  if I were a newbie in my industry, I for one would not know how they do it all. 

Stop the Insanity

When feeling down or uninspired, my solution is I tune out the other blogs, I stop reading them for a few weeks even.  It helps me focus on my own work for awhile, I stop feeling like the only one who was not invited to the party.  I suggest you try it too,  I mean not forever, but do take a blogging sabbatical.  Do what you need to do, work on your projects, get some good news under your belt.  Throw on some good ol' happy music and get a workin!  Then go back and read the blogs.  Trust me you will probably be a better and happier entrepreneur when you come back......I know I will be.   

*Here is a disclaimer I mean Stop reading everyone else's blog, not mine, you can always read my blog, or if I bum ya out you can bail on me too.  Okay, just other blogs...and only for a short time, sheesh I did not mean forever.  Just till you get your mojo back you know?

You Can Blame it on Me

May 4, 2008.

So, it has come to my attention that I need to stop apologizing and just do what I do and shut-up, or just blog.  I spend waaaay too much time apologizing for not posting, not writing well and not doing what I planned on doing.  I wish I could be more like my dog, Pixel - she looks me right in the eye all the time., and a seems to be saying , "You talking to me?"  The need to please (as my husband says) is an issue I have...he is probably right.  And, I sort of assume some peeps are a bit peeved and throwing their paint covered hands in the air and saying, "enough already'" about my posts.  Sorry, yes again - I am um, sorry for being sorry, uh sort of a strange thing to write - but I am going to try and not apologize for what I am doing, or not doing.  Damn I did it again - sorry, I mean no, I am not sorry for being sorry....shoot!  Here are a few reasons (or excuses if you must) for why I have been doing what I do, or not doing what I said I was going to do, sheesh:

The Perfect Cheer.....er uh Post

When I started this blog I thought I knew what it would become.  I had a vision, I had a plan...I guess it was like having that ol' birth plan we all had with our first pregnancy - you know how that turns out.  I had no idea that this blog would not always be what I wanted it to be.  I had no idea what would strike a cord, and what post would put readers to sleep.  I also more importantly felt that I had to put a large number of hours into each post - make it the best post ever!  Two years later I am a tad bit wiser and realize that I don't have to pour my heart and soul (and 476 words) into each post.   Well, I still try and write good posts, but I realize I can't write the Great Gatsby every week, nor do I want to....and really, I am not that great a writer.

Too Many Projects to Focus

As of right now I am seriously on overload, over drive and I have started way too many projects.  I don't know why I chose right now to open an Etsy store, go to a show, place an ad, pursue 5 licensing projects, put up new products, re-do website, go after sales channels....and get a new puppy.  All of these things I have um, well tried to pursue since January of 2008....ya read a bit side-tracked and going in 32 different directions.  The word over-achiever and crazy have passed my friends lips one too many times this year, but uh this is where I am.

Puppy Fever

Yes it is true, I have Puppy Fever and to be honest I have had puppies on the brain since um a year ago.  We started checking out websites, breeders and Rescue Dog sites since January.  I knew we would get a puppy this Spring or Summer and have spent many a night (or maybe a few hours at work) surfing the net searching for my little pup.  It was a fun search, sometimes frustrating but a family affair for sure.  We are officially finished searching....

Puppy Parties

We picked up our little Beagle puppy on Friday morning and we named her Stella.  And, yes I am having a hard time calling her Stella and not yell, "STELLLLLA!!".  She is a cutie-patotie and we love her to death already.  She has settled in just fine at the crazy Lentzner home, we have had a trail of people visiting to prove it.  My sister, the self-proclaimed Dog Whisperer of San Mateo County claims puppies need to meet a 100 people in the first hundred days of their life to be I guess good dogs.  If that is correct Stella has met about 54 in the last 48 hours so we are moving right along.

We had a little casual dinner party last night (hence the blow-up cactus in the for Cindo de Mayo in the corner), and  more people over tonight (just family).  I am squeezing this blog in between visitors. 

At least she takes a nap every hour or so and we (that would be me) get a break.  Oh, and the fact that her little face melts my heart and she has had like no accidents in the house....yet.  I am sure I will be forced to create some beagle inspired products for the fall, I mean really how can I help myself?

I hope everyone had as fun a weekend as I did.  Oh wait, I hope you all got more sleep then I did - this little pumpkin whimpers and I jump out of bed like a crazy lady (yes four times last night).  The term punch - drunk tired is not just for new mom's of babies....

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!

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..... 

Just a Few Fabulous Blogs

July 29, 2007

As I was avoiding work the other day, or a week  ago or a month ago.....but who is counting (yes, I do goof off at work but please don't tell my boss, you may have heard she is a real b*tch) I stumbled across a few great blogs you may want to read.  Truth be told I love reading blogs, but find so many of them lose my interest or say....well it nothing new to read, and yawn just a "Day in the life of....".  I love when they do one of the following:

A. Talk about tile (well no, I am kidding, but that would be cool)

B. Tell the truth

C. Have a sense of humor or are self-deprecating

D. Discuss things I actually care about

D. Relative to my life, my business or my industry

Starting a Baby Btoutique & Starting A Children's Clothing Line

This blog is a great read, a company that documents what it takes to run a business.....all of what it takes to start a business.  The woman who writes is a mother and, well a female (obviously) entrepreneur.  She gives point by point details on what she is going through and holds nothing back.  She did it a bit different from me, it is not as obvious what the actual company it is - and maybe that is better, she can be REALLY honest.  If I had started blogging five years ago, this might be what I were writing, now I tend to tell it NOW and then back-track a bit.  Going back through the archives is highly entertaining and very well written.

                                                                     The Zen of Motherhood

I am sure I have read this blog before, it's been around awhile and it is hysterical.  This mother is so funny, so sarcastic and so true and honest (again I like that).  I recommend this blog to anyone and everyone that has had children.  Some of her posts are like looking into the mirror and thinking - why I thought that same thing...I just did not say it out loud.  Other posts are pure humor and self-deprecating at what us mothers go through day after day.  She has some amazing feed back, some press, some sponsors and probably a book deal....darn her, no kidding = bravo!

Hello My Name is Heather

This is a blog I have read for awhile and I follow it weekly, waiting and watching to see, what is going to happen with her company.  This is a woman is a mother, a fabric designer, an artist and boy can she sew.  She gives away patterns, advice and teases us readers with snippets of what is happening with her new products....she is doing some amazing hair thingie trash ties thing that I CAN NOT figure out what they are.  Her photographs are amazing (um ya I asked same quesition, what IS she bad at?) and I am just waiting to find about this latest product launch.  So, even if I am (um okay very much) impatient about what is going on - I enjoy it immensely.

Julie Lenzer Kirk (Hmmm, that name sounds SO familiar....)

Anyhoo, she is an expert entrepreneur, and someone who built, ran and then sold a company.  She is a coach, a writer, an author, and a mother - did I miss anything?  I had the good fortune of meeting her - via my blog (of course, doesn't that sound so hip and like we are 20-something?  Oh, well no not on myspace, guess I am NOT so hip).  She has a blog and she another one on Working Mothers site.

I was honored to get an early copy of her latest book, had the good fortune of  actually reviewing her book, "The Parentpreneur Edge".  This is a great read, and an inspirational read for those that are running a business or those thinking of starting a business, or wishing they could run a business...and yes it does become relative if you are a parent.  The book is about mistakes, choices and basically situations that are both relative to raising children and uh, raising your other baby....no not your husband....your BUSINESS.

The choices that she, and other "Parentpreneurs" made are very relative to us entrepreneurs.  If you have not had to make the tough choices about whether to do this, or be there for that event...you are not an entrepreneur.  I applaud the honesty (when they use there own names) of the people interviewed and Julie's own recollection of her experience when running a company AND raising children.  A good summer or vacation (a vacation, what is that?) read for any independent thinkers in the group! 

So - just so you know I am still working on my account of the Atlanta Gift Show (for you AND my accountant) but......er, however I did not want to jump the gun, or give a premature account of my experience.  So many times (which is hard for me, you KNOW how impatient I am) these shows are more about connections, contacts, and even sales made after the show is over.  I am continuing to make sales, make contacts and get inquiries even two weeks after the show is over.  Next post is about the first day....I promise! 

 

You Like Me, You really, really Like Me!

Me and my Mom (circa: 1970)
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

Thank you for the comments from my earlier blog. I appreciate all the advice and am really trying to capitalize on all these super-cool programs. It is very unlike me to jump into something (blogs) without truly understanding the way they work, so thanks for helping me.

I would like a certain someone who gave me fabulous advice to contact me via email because...hold on I have to take a deep breath and yell this "YOUR EMAIL DOES NOT WORK EMILY!!!" There I feel better now. Call me....please.

Also, truth be told I found out a very sad fact last week: My mother does not read my blog. She is afraid I am going to write something awful about her (joke's on me because I am afraid of writing any bad stuff since I thought she read it)

Okay - hope I am able to blog in the coming weeks.  The stress monster is starting to creep up on me and I can feel the tension on my neck.  Speaking with a woman today (she owns a retail website) she said she was driving in her car today and started going through a mental list in her head of all of the the things she had to do this time of the year and had to really fight the urge to go home and put her head under the covers - Amen sister! 30 days till S-day (ship day)

Romancing the Blog

November 12, 2006.

So.....thanks for the two responses (um one of you got rid of your email account and I can not contact you....), and the advice too.  And, thanks Mom for not even responding...(sniff - more time in therapy).

Apparently I am quite the novice (read idiot) when it comes to tracking people and viewers of my blog and I even went as far to sign up for some of these services, but, um did not sign up just registered....idiot....no it's okay I use that word as a term of endearment.  It is similar to when my sister and I used to call each other ugly in college, but say that to the wrong person and well...you know. This time, I went back and actually used the service, and it is pretty amazing.

So, my new friend and fellow blogger (she started her own blog) has informed me of some wonderful tools I (and you) can use:

• If you want to subscribe to other peoples blogs use www.bloglines.com.  I had signed up for it when I started my blog but uh..forgot to uh duh...add my own blog - please don't ask. It tells you when your favorite writer has updated their blog and it lets you know how many subscribers they have on each feed.
• Using a site called www.sitemeter.com let's you know how much traffic you are getting and where it is coming from
• Use www.flckr.com let's you store photos and start groups, I have yet to use this but I am typing a quick as possible.
• Technorati (www.technorati.com) Technorati will tell you how many other sites link to you and which ones they are.  This is the one I signed up for but never fully understood the potential.
• Feedburner (www.feedburner.com)  keeps tabs on how many subscribers you have, including Bloglines and the other aggregators.  From my new friend, a quick definition of an aggregator is, "An aggregator is like the newspaper.  You tell the aggregator which columns you're interested in and it will assemble any recent posts from your 'columnists' into one easy place to read." Okay this one trips me out, and as soon as I finish this blog I am SOOO signing up for it. 

So, um I guess I don't need feedback I need some *free time* to figure this whole blog thing out.  Right now I need to go write a pitch for TV shows Holiday Gift Lists that has to be sent out tomorrow morning.  And I need to figure out how to bathe two kids in the morning, get dressed, clean the house, get 30 invites printed and the two kids to school at the same time....hmmm.

 

A bit of News and a Request

November 8, 2006.

So I have been trying to 'network' or link up with other people.  I swear it could be a full time job for sure.  It's like when people say looking for a job is a full time job...networking is too!  I am always happy to link people together, or try and help someone from my industry with someone else.  I feel like it will always come back (I was able to link two different peeps today and I hope it works out).

I have recently joined Minty (jpdmom.minti.com ) which is a great community of parents giving advice....and y'all know how I love giving that!  I am still trying to get a handle on the whole blogging and linking thing - but in my spare time I try to figure it out.

Also, I started to really wonder who if anyone was reading my blog (I know you are Mom, thanks...).  I was going to beg for some comments or people to link to it.  It's almost been a year since I launched this, and though I really enjoy it and sometimes find it lethargic I was thinking is anyone out there reading this crap?

Then out of the blue another female entrepreneur from my actual industry emailed me yesterday to tell me she read my blog and loved it (well maybe she said like, but it's my story and I'm sticking to it).....and low and behold I knew of her, was and is a fan of her products and gosh darn it she is entertaining!  I was blown away.  I guess I just assumed that no one was reading this...it's an easy assumption when you get no feed back.  Well I know some people are reading but with no feed back I felt that it did not affect them.  It made my day, I was just tickled polka dot pink (inside joke) about it.

The moral or conclusion of this blog is I would LOVE LOVE LOVE some feedback....please!  What do you like about it?  What do you hate about it?  Is there anything I am not writing about you would like to know about?  I promise not to get upset and I promise to try and answer any and all of your requests.

I still go buy the golden rule "Information is Good" and I would hate to think I am going in a bad direction, or dare I say completely un-helpful direction.  If I have learned anything from my now seven year old son it is ask for help and/or advice...you never know what you might get.