JPD Mom

And the Fun Never Ends....

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

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

And worst case scenario - email is gone, dead.

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

When It Rains....It Pours

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

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

800 Number Not So Much

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

That Was Then, This is Now

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

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

Yes it Really Was That Bad

June 9, 2009

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

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

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

Thursday May 28  - It Will All Be Alright

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday May 30 - Oh and it Gets Worse

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday June 1 - Nothing Surprises Me It Got Worse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

What Could Have Happened in Business

September 21, 2008.

As I was going through my website and updating my biography for a project and looking at our timeline I started thinking about my failures, or more like things that did not happen.  I know it is good to highlight my accomplishments and if you don't brag about your company, no one will....blah, blah, blah.  Believe me I have read that book, I have torn out that magazine article and I have attended that seminar.  However, being the humble person that I am, I am thinking that maybe I might not need to do that all the time, maybe it would be good to list the opposite.  Like a time line that might list the bad things, or the things that could have been....quick now could everyone synch up that song What Might Have Been.

Jamie's Painting & Design "NOT" Time line*

*These are in no particular order, and most are from quite a few years ago, things that I have tried to block from my memory....some things were when I was hand painting the tiles, at home.

• Made tiles for Extreme Make Over Home Edition, only to have the cameras scan by the products so quick that if you blinked you missed it.  Also, was promised to have company name in credits and on website for donating products - nope, nothing.
• For all the press I have gotten I have sent out tons of product samples to every baby magazine on the planet (most now out of business) and never had them featured.
• Hired sales representative for Pet Line of products, invest time and money in the hire....only to have her quit after weeks of negotiation.
• Interviewed on phone for Morning TV Show segment on Perfectionists, the producer hinted that I may not be pretty enough or anal enough.
• Flew out to New York, my daughter Abby was photographed to be on cover of bedding catalog - the film was ruined, no pictures ever survived.
• A Buyer from Nordstrom's discovered my tiles and wanted them sold in every store in the country.  A day before she was to do a presentation with my tiles to all the buyers at a Sales Meeting, to convince them to pick up my tiles - she got fired day before meeting.
• Had record growth, huge Christmas sales with large company, they did not pay all invoices till July of following year.
• Did Trunk Shows for holiday season for large department store - travel up and down Bay Area to do shows - did not get paid till following year.
• Spent a month sending out press releases, story pitches and emails with reporters, editors and TV producers regarding my blog helping other Mompreneurs and Entrepreneurs - nothing ever came of it.
• Advertisement in Trade Magazine - not one sale, or call.
• Got products in very high end children's boutique (future blog post) only to have store owner refuse items, have to get attorney to force her to pay for samples.
• Got products in another very high end children's boutique - store owner hated products, sent them back and never paid for samples.
• Product placement got cut 3 times from Better Home & Garden Find It Guide
• Had relationship with Editor and planned interview at Pregnancy Magazine - editor left to stay home with children. 
• Make numerous exclusive designs not once but twice for large bedding catalog - they never used them.
• Design 5 exclusive designs for another bedding catalog, buyer left company - never got into catalog.
• Sent out over 50 product samples to Pet Magazines and Celebrities - got only one thank you letter and no press.

Lessons Learned

This is not a list to make me feel bad about my places I am lacking with my company.  This is a list to  show others how many times I have fallen down, but got right back up.  To get one shot in a major magazine, you have to have been trying for years.   You have to be at the right place at the right time to win.  I have had some luck, I have gotten most success from hard work and continued to keep going after door slammed in face (well not literally, but some pretty obnoxious NO's).  After almost six years in business I did not give up after these set-backs.  I kept going.

Another reason for this list is to show others that I am not perfect, my company is not just succeeding at everything and we have failed.  I feel that information is good, and to look at your accomplishments and your failures puts life in perspective.  I am sure I am also missing some set-backs, and I am purposely not listing all of them (I don't want to sound like a total downer), but these are some big ones I still think of from time to time.

Moving Forward

Looking back, these snafu's or "woulda coulda shoulda" all helped with where we are today.   I don't think it is bad to tell people - it can help you feel better about your losses or missed opportunities.  My son  learned a valuable lesson in first grade and he always tells me, "Mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn" - this is something I try to use in business.  I learned something from every failure - some of them I am not quite sure what I learned....but I will um, figure it out some day.  And if you must know, yes the Nordstrom one still stings....even writing that one down still hurts.

So, anyone else willing to share big mistakes or could have been's?  I know some them (you have told me off the record) but would love to hear them.....it will make you feel better, I swear.

My Bucket List

August 10, 2008.

I have been out of touch and away, I mean way, way far from society.  Well, having only traveled two hours from my home it seemed like my family and  I were far, far away.  I had some coverage but could not use my laptop, and was hardly able to respond to email (blasphemy I know).  So, with a sunburned body (please don't even go there, I did put on sunscreen) a pile of dirty laundry and two fighting kids....here ya go:

Kicking the Bucket

I know I am like a day late and buck short on this, but I finally watched the movie, The Bucket List.  You know,  the whole, "What I want to do before I kick the bucket" theory.  I would like to think in my delusional mind that my company will always be here, we will be wildly successful and I will leave it to my grand children.  However, reality has set in over here and I realize some day, my business' days will come to an end.

I read in business magazines all the time about what to do when you sell your business, or you decide to leave your business.  Again, they say you need a plan, an exit plan that is.  So, without further ado' here is my JPD Bucket List, or things I would like to see before the business dies, or I die....or I leave the business or, well you know:

1. Do More, Take Less

I want to give more to those that need, and take less.  I have to get in touch with the organizations we donate products to, and find ways to give more.  With the economy the way that it is, I get calls almost weekly from organizations asking for donations.  I honestly wish I could do more, but I am one small company.  I donate when I can, I give where I can and I always wish I could do more.  If all businesses gave just a little, I am sure that it would be a better world.  My goal is to give more, even if it is just a little - but just do more, when times are tough.

2. Make a Million, Take a Vacation

I know, I know, you are shocked I am not taking home a 6 figure salary and Jamie's Painting &  Design is not making a million dollars a year.  I do not want to burst a readers bubble, but we are not making a million dollars a year.  It may seem all wonderful, and I may always talk about the gazillions of dollars we make ( hold on laughing inside my head while I type this), but we are not millionaires.  I am not one, nor are my employees.  Not to say we are not doing fine....we are not filthy-stinking-rich, not yet that is.

3. Become a Consultant

I know it is shocking, and I seem like a little quiet flower that never speaks her mind, but in my heart I like to tell (or help) people what to do.  Please don't make me go over that story about how I was (am) bossy as a child.  I am thinking if I could help others, with nothing holding me back, no reason to not be truthful I would.  I would also like (ahhh emmm) to be paid for my services if you know what I mean.  I would love to think that every Tom, Dick and Harry....er Henrietta would soon be calling me with credit card in hand for my small business expertise.  A dream?  Maybe.  But, something that I would like to think I might be good at.

4. JPD Art Everywhere

Working with companies that license (yes I meant to say companies, and I just have not updated ya, sorry) has been profitable and rewarding.  I would like to say that all has been smooth sailing and we are making a mint getting my art on everything from paper plates to diapers...but well that is not the case.  Licensing is hard work, and there are many a successful artist that will agree with me.  However, I am enjoying the challenge, and I am finding success.....I just, like I mentioned before would like to see JPD art on EVERYTHING!

5. Oprah, Oprah...... yoo hoo......Call me Okay?

Having had a number of magazines, TV shows and newspapers feature my company or me I am still not satisfied.  I really want one of the biggies to feature my products in a celebs (or one of us normal person's) nursery.  Just once, I would like to get that call from the magnificent "O" herself, featuring me in the must have's for spring, for summer or maybe the coveted "O" List for the Holidays.  I may sound greedy, but I would really (and it is my list and all) like to hear from someone of huge influence.  And here how I help entrepreneurs and all, maybe I have a shot?  Call me Oprah, pleeeeze....I love to help women!!!

6. Have it All

Last on my list, and my most important wish, is to have it all.  Have enough time to succeed at business, and enough time to spend with my children and husband and my company.  Never have one suffer, or feel neglected.  Always have perfect harmony with life and running  a business and feel that I am always giving each enough of my attention.  Not sleeping might help, or not cleaning house, or maybe making children business partners...hmmm.  All seriousness aside - this is my biggest, mostest, wish.

That is it, or those are the biggies for me and JPD.  I have tons of wishes, goals and  ideas for my future (and my families of course) but that could go on for hours.  I wish I could un-do all he wrong's I did in life and all my big mistakes, but I am not magic you know.  I don't need to bore you with my other hopes and dreams before Jamie's Painting & Design "kicks the bucket".....and I am hoping that is no time soon.   

Is the Economy Crashing Down?

April 1, 2008.

I have been keeping an eye on my industry, watching some stores, websites and companies closing since the beginning of the year. I have just been taking note and paying close attention to what was happening in my little neck of the woods.  I have not freaked out yet.....until last week, when I heard some disturbing news and it has made really think about the state of the economy - MY economy.  In case you missed the story, Babystyle filed for chapter 11 early last week, okay this really it shocked me.  Oh and did you hear that Lillian Vernon is restructuring their dept also?  I really don't like to hear anyone going out of business, even if it is not a company I work with directly. 

And, I am trying not to freak out, BUT (yes I am yelling).....this year when we sent out our newsletter to our channels about our shipping changes (read raised our price), our new products.....we lost a couple physical stores, a coveted spot in a bedding catalog and a number of websites.  Again, I tried to keep calm but I hate it when that happens!

What I find interesting is that when I got my trade magazines (via email that is) no one mentioned anything bad had happened.  Oh and don't forget the January shows, and in case you wondered the shows were all AMAZING.  I mean really?  I wonder how fab-u-lous the shows were, I am doubting that everyone is flush with cash, but that is just me. 

Anyhoo,   I had to actually search for the story about Babystyle after a friend told me about it.  Personally this hits me hard, a company in our industry that on the outside seemed to be growing in leaps and bounds.  It is hard when a big guys goes down, I personally start to wonder if they can't figure it out then how can little ol' me succeed in this economy? 

The possibility of a pitty party is highly likely.....having been a teenager in the last Recession I remember what it was like.  No, we were not dirt-poor but it is that fear hanging over your head and having to pay for everything and being a whopping 17 years old - not fun.  But I digress, and I have decided to stick my chin out, wait chin up stomach out?  What-eva I am gonna forge ahead... 

Focus on the Business

So, trying to keep the 'cranky pants' in the hamper I decided to look at where we were being smart with our finances.  Looking at the big picture works for us most the time - right now I am looking at the little stuff of my biz, and trying very hard not to totally freak out over sales for each month.....hold on I am hyperventilating, must get bag.......okay I am much better now.

These are some strategies we are trying, some are really working, and some are just a shot in the dark:

Grow the Good & Ignore the Bad

Our Birth Certificates continue to be best-sellers, certain themes obviously trump others, but all in  all these products totally kicks ass.  Not to brag, 'cause the product was not even my idea - another "shout out" to my mother, because it was all her, she actually had a dream and wala' they were born.  Anyway, the product itself continues to be a top seller, so we added about 10 new designs, 9 new designs this year and I am sure come July (that would be when I release Christmas products) I will have some more new ones.  If you have a product that is selling well in "these times" listen to your gut and expand the line - I mean now is not the time to love the ugly step-child product and put your head in the sand.  If it sells - sell it!

Ways to Expand

Again, we have found our products may do well on other mediums, and are experimenting with this.  We are going to try out a new outlet for sales and we are expanding to licensing.  If my art can make me more money right now - woo hoo, let's go.  We are exploring new sales channels, we are looking into other mediums, we are finding ways to leverage good relationships - make them grow. 

I am lucky to work with some large companies, companies with deeper pockets than mine.  Our goals and our upcoming projects include hopefully some promotion, some exclusive designs and some advertising with larger companies

Give Away the Farm

Another way to get your word out, to expand and do free advertising - give away products.  I currently am giving gift baskets away to two organizations.  I have two pending gift baskets for two other organizations that I may choose to donate to.  I don't say yes to everyone, I do return favors and I do understand the helping is important.  Even if times are tight for us, I can only imagine how hard it is for non-profit organizations.  It feels good to help too - it really does.

Make Cut Backs

We have had to cut back on some of our regular perks, let me re-phrase that, we "chose" to cut-back before we had to.  I don't mean anything crazy like toilet paper or Diet Coke and water - but the cleaning service we used is taking a break.  Looking at the bottom line, trying to project the future sales and being frugal - not a fun job, but a necessary thing to do.  Of course this means that it is back to me cleaning toilets and dusting, but that is what I signed up for.  Not a bad thing, makes me appreciate the office, and there is something to be said for getting down and dirty.

Discounts & Sales

We started to look at our inventory and see what products were not selling well.  We will probably put one on sale to soften the blow.  It will be a concerted effort to move the product now, just get some money in our pockets.  I follow margins pretty closely and I obsess over how much we make on each product.  It has taken me a long time though to realize even if I love it,  but no one is buying it - it is a dud, my poor little ugly step-child of product line.

What Can Be Done For Free?

One way I try to grow my brand, especially without spending a ton of money.  Can you put stickers on your packages? Can you start a blog?  Should you add a gift card to all packages thanking your customer for choosing you over your competitors?  Why not add a special discount code.....or start selling gift certificates for direct sales that is.  Now, I am not suggesting you try and steal customers from your channels, or get sneaky and snake a sale direct that would go to a channel.  I would never suggest that - I have scruples.  However, you can make the sale as attractive as possible right now.

We look at what areas can be expanded, you know "give a little bit".  If you don't offer gift-wrap,  maybe now you should start.  Do you have a "cheaper" version of your product - release it now.  Have you sent out any press releases lately?  Should you do some sales calls....do them now, make what you sell sound better, give a bit more.  I personally would rather stay afloat, and tighten my belt then put my head in the sand.

This Too Shall Pass

I read an article a few months ago about what to do with the state of the economy today.  I read many schmaltzy ideas.....I mean holistic ideas, using the Universe ( I swear I did) and how tried and trued marketing would work.  The best advice I thought was that you had to keep the customer coming to you, no matter for how small a purchase.  Make sure they kept coming, because the economy will turn around and if you don't try to keep them, they will NEVER come back. 

A Read, A JPD Giveaway, and Please Help Out

March 20, 2008.

Silicon Valley Mom Blog

I did get a chance to post a few blogs on a blog I write for called Silicon Valley Mom Blog.  I wrote a piece titled "Dear SAHM" asking why I always get so judged at my children's school.  I am not assuming anything - these were real things said to me on more than one occasion - it has stirred up quite a few um feelings (not all good).  Any of you working mom's want to chime in?  Please do....

Advertisement(s) for Licensing

So.....I am still trying to get licensing work ready, get new products to market, um work, handle Easter party(s), keep house clean, take care of family....oh and design an ad (yes another ad) in 2 weeks!  Please note, the dimensions are very specific - and I get one image and 50 words or less.  I have taken 3 paintings and plopped them on the "ad" sheet.  Please, please do a girl a favor and give me a comment and tell me which you like best.....I am sure I will do another 3 or 4 tonight.  Pirate? Football? Baby?  Stop me - please!

                                                                      Ad # 1 "The Bugs & Butterflies"

I know, I know super tiny, but I only did a mock-up, my super talented graphic designer will have to help me lay it out.  I just want you to get the feel...and the 50 words of copy, sort of garbage I wrote looking at other advertisements.  Trust me - tiny is good.  Do you like the feel of this? Is the art strong?

Ad # 2 "Safari Guide Dudes"

I like this one, it shows my "style" (whatever that is) but it is also very boyish, and if you want to know the truth, girl stuff always trumps boy stuff.  We sell twice as much girl stuff as boy stuff.  I would like to see more boy stuff out there, considering I have one  - but again, best art to show my talent?  Best use of my skills?

Ad #3 "Sail Away"

This one is okay, sailing and sailboats - not best sellers - but the colors pop.  Sometimes when I design I am in a "girly girly girl" mood, other times - all boy, all masculine things.  I love the Nautical theme, but it is not always an over the top best seller.

Ad #4 "Hey Diddle Diddle"

I guess this would be "baby, baby, baby" if there was an actual description for it.  It is one of my favorite birth certificates I designed - I love the little cow.  I am reaching at this point, I realize this one needs the little dog laughing and a border....agreed? A border?

Ad # 5 "Princess Fairies"

This one is a sort of um, threw it together in 20 minutes piece of art.  I really was looking for the "feel" of princess, and would probably do a close up of a crown, or a princess, or a more cartoony looking princess painting.

Free Give Away

Thank you for your troubles - I have a hard time (usually) asking for advice.  However, graphic design is not my strong point - and I know now (older wiser) that I need to get some feed back.  For your troubles you can go see this give away:

In case anyone wants some free stuff....that would be a $65.00 gift certificate to spend at Jamie's Painting & Design.  Click here to leave a comment and get in the drawing!  I don't k now if anyone who reads this actually needs themselves some ceramic keepsakes, but thought I would give ya a heads up. 

Big or Small Business

March 10, 2008.

A week or so ago I was on the phone with another person like me, a mom and an entrepreneur if you will.  We were going over some project we were working on and I had to interrupt the conversation.  It went something like this;

"I have to leave early today."

"How come?"

"I have to go to UPS to drop off our orders."

"Don't you have a pick-up?"

"Yes, we do have a daily pick-up, but our shipping clerk is on vacation and the UPS driver has still not come to pick up our packages.  And since everyone has left for the day, that means I get to deliver the packages."

"Doesn't that make you feel so small? I hate that."

Just Do the Work

Ouch!  And yes, the answer is a big fat in your face YES!  If you run your own business and you sell choch-keys, art, knick-knacks, whatever you sell - you get what I am talking about.  I know my Fed Ex driver by first name, I know my UPS driver's day off, and my mailman's route - no I really do.

When I have to go "to the UPS store" I walk in with my packages I always want to tell them that I am the owner of the company and we have a shipping clerk, we have an warehouse, no really we do....do you know who Ellen is?  I am kidding , I don't start shouting out facts about me - but it is true, I schlep a load of packages looking like Suzy McCrafty-Craftison and I am usually dragging along a child or two.  I really should get over myself, I know that - it just sucks when you are handing over 45 packages for 20 minutes in the rain to the local UPS store....not my regular job.

A Real Small Business

I could rattle off all the things that I do on a daily basis that make me feel super small, and under utilized.  I think it just comes with the territory of owning your own business.  It also comes with my perfectionist, controlling, mommy guilt issues that I carry around on my shoulders on a daily basis too.  I guess there is no perfect job out there where you love every aspect of it.  I often hear "newbies" say that they so love all parts of their job.  I always think, really?  All parts? - I mean it's okay to put your cranky pants on every once in awhile, we promise not to take away your "Mompreneur" card.   

The conversation struck a cord with me, I mean she nailed it.  It made me feel soooo small.  I agreed completely with her and sort of snorted that she felt the same way I did - and she had been where I am.  Hand delivering our packages makes me feel soooo small. As long as we were commiserating I had to chime in with my thought;

"It just feels like 4 steps forward, and then another 2 steps back."

"Maybe that is just the way it is with small business, maybe we should expect the set-backs"

Be Prepared

I hate to expect the worst out of my business or assume that set-backs are in my future, I really want to walk around with rose colored glasses, quote the Secret, ask the Universe for fabulous things and whistle while I work.  I try to do this, I think I am mostly happy.  However, it is very true that you need a back-up plan, you also need to be willing to do what it takes to get the job done.  This may sound silly and so obvious, but if you are starting a business and raising children - you know that you just have to do it. 

You need to put on your big girl panties, roll your sleeves up and well sometimes you need to do the dirty work.  No matter how big you are (or think you are), you may need to:

• Unload 20 cases of tile
• Empty the garbage
• Vacuum the floor
• Organize the break room
• Gift wrap the packages
• Call AT&T about the phone system
• Fill out all the forms for a new vendor
• Fax and email all your channels about a price increase
• Send out your own press releases one at a time to various publications
• Clean the toilets
• Drive to the UPS Store and the Fed Ex drop-off location (my personal favorite)

Please don't think I am complaining or feeling sorry for myself - well maybe I am a tad pissy today - hence not posting for a week (please forgive).  I just think that it is necessary to view all aspects of owning your own business.  There may come a day when I do not still jump in and do the work, but I think it is a must that you do.  It makes you remember where you came from, where you started and how far you have come.

It Had to be Done

Over Christmas our orders were piling up and there was no way our Shipping Clerk was going to be  able to get them all done before our pick-ups (yes, yes I made sure that the drivers picked up over the holiday season).   Our accountant, our book keeper and the woman who does Ribbon (Ribbon Artist?) all came into the warehouse and we shipped together.  I am happy to say my husband even came into the office to help out with all the "stuff" we had to do. 

Just like the old days, I just rolled up my sleeves, turned up the radio and I started packaging like a mad woman.   I just did what I had to do.  It actually felt good to be back in the trenches and working side by side - I don't want to do it every day, but it felt good to hand over all those packages.  I guess small is okay.....what do you think?

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! 

Sending a Clear Message to Customers

December 5, 2007.

I am still doing my 12 Days of Entrepreneur Interviews.....it looks like it might be a tad shy of 12 though and starting a teensy bit late.  I hope to start posting those this weekend so that I can post a few times a week, and move on with all the Christmas orders.  By moving on I mean um, well let's see; make new inserts, do last minute PR, send some art for new project, Get TV interview set up, help package coasters, ship products, fix tiles, make calls, ship products, help ship more products, put out fires, take orders on phone, answer questions, ship products again?  and sneak out to buy a Christmas gift (shhh....do NOT tell the boss.  Am I babbling yet?)

Holiday Cut-Off Dates

So, if you are a frequent reader of this blog you know that I tend to be super-organized and anal about getting information out to my sales channels.  I like to make sure that all my ducks are in a row and I am really good about Holiday Cut-Off Dates.  I send out an email or fax in September to all channels.  It lists our cut-off dates for personalized products, non-personalized products, company closure dates and any RUSH fees that may be attached to any items rushed in the holiday season.

After my "Were Not Gonna Take It" tantrum if you will, I decided to be productive and competitive.  I not only shortened my turn around times, I also extended my holiday cut-off dates.  I have been doing this a long time, blah, blah blah - you know the drill - I shorten the turn around times at the end of the year so that we can get our products to our customers for Christmas.  Doing a quick poll (cruising websites) on line of other ceramic and company's that make personalized products, 8 have already stopped taking orders and another two stop tomorrow. 

We take personalized orders till December 12th, midnight PST, Non-personalized December 17th.  I am not bragging (well, maybe I am, but trying to get a point across).  We are able to take orders, turn them around quicker due to our very efficient procedures and dedication - the later you order a product, the shorter our turn around times are.  After re-reading what I wrote, I am hearing this quote in my head;

"Face it ladies, I am older and I have more insurance." Towanda, Fried Green Tomatoes

Sending The Right Message

This year I have had not one, but at least five different conversations/emails asking what my cut-off dates are.  I am not sure why the confusion this year (I usually just modify the email I have used year after year) over my information.  I was told only once by a sales channel that not only did I send out too much information, I also had too many designs to choose from.....my response was "oh and that is a bad thing?"

So, the old me would have gotten all huffy and puffy and irritated that sales channels did not pay close attention to the email.  The new and improved me (that would be positive me that blogs and others in the industry read what I write - no I am kidding), I mean the older (read wiser) me thought different.  Obviously some where in the email I was not clear on my dates.  If more than one channel is having a difficult time understanding when I stopped taking orders - you can blame it on me.  I do not exactly know how I was not clear, but it is clear to me(now) I was not clear - okay strange sentence.  Great now I am repeating myself....

I sent out another email yesterday to clarify and reiterate that I was still taking orders and YES they would arrive by Christmas, and YES we will ship in time and YES we really mean it.  We still have a whole week to go, and I did not want to lose out on any business, or not have my message be 100% clear to everyone.

Moving Forward

The race between the tortoise and the hare is really not about who is faster, it is about who is able to withstand the long race.  The slow and steady tortoise does not tire out, he keeps plugging along.  I am still baffled that I was not clear with information on dates, but oh well - life goes on.  I have a hard time focusing this time of the year I get so many "that's a good idea" and "ooh I can do that next year"* I need to take notes and put them away, or make a sketch and get back to work.  At this time of the year there is really no time to think - you just do.  No questions asked, take the order, make the order, ship the order........NEXT!

*Disclaimer so that everyone understands that I mean I think of an idea driving, or I envision a new ornament design, or a new way of positioning my products, or a new theme.  I did NOT mean "OOOH look what so-and-so is doing I am going to copy her and do THAT!"  Okay?  I swear, I pinky-promise swear.  Really, really!

12 Days of Christmas at JPD

December 3, 2007.

On the first day of Christmas my employee gave to me, a un-paid bill for AT&T.

On the second day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 2 missing orders, and I still need to pay AT&T.

On the third day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 3 chipped tiles, 2 (still) missing orders, and where is the bill for AT&T?

On the fourth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 4 customers calling, 3 cracked tiles, 2 late orders, and I can't find the bill for AT&T.

On the fifth day of Christmas my employee gave to me....5 Special Orders...4 customers on hold, 3 flawed tiles, 2 found orders, and I can't remember if I paid AT&T.

On the sixth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 6 invoices needing paying.......5 Special Orders....4 angry customers, 3 broken tiles, 2 shipped orders, and now rent is due from me.

On the seventh day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 7 new orders, 6 invoices need paying....5 Special Orders....4 furious customers, 3 totaled tiles, 2 invoiced orders and now I owe another company.

On the eighth day of Christmas my employee gave to me 8 broken drill bits, 7 orders ready, 6 past due invoices....5 Special Orders....4 customers on hold, 3 messed-up tiles, 2 happy customers, a second notice from AT&T.

On the ninth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 9 ornaments needed wrapping, 8 broken drill bits, 7 orders with ribbon, 6 now paid invoices....5 Special Orders....4 pissed-off customers, 3 scratched tiles, 2 returned orders and past due rent bill from me.

On the tenth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 10 credit cards declined, 9 ornaments needing shipping, 8 new drill bits, 7 packed up orders, 6 new invoices....5 Special Orders....4 lost customers, 3 ruined tiles, 2 re-shipped orders and a third notice from AT&T.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my employee gave to me 11 lost plates, 10 credit cards declined, 9 packed-up ornaments, 8 drills-a-drilling, 7 billed orders, 6 past due invoices....5 Special Orders....4 new customers, 3 smudged tiles, 2 missing shipments and a mean landlord notice given to me.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my employee gave to me, 12 packages for shipping, 11 found plates, 10 stores bankrupt, 9 late ornaments, no more drills-a-drilling, 7 late orders, 6 collection notices....5 Special Orders....4 dead phone lines, 3 piles of tiles, 2 canceled orders and my phone lines are dead thanks to AT&T. 

The Stress of the Holiday Season

November 30, 2007.

I have a new personal best or I mean worst for 2007, one I am not so proud of .  It is not even December and I have already had my emotional break-down or freak-out session. 

I have already had one good cry about the state of things I was even "snappy" (read bitchy) with my graphic designer.......oh wait I cried twice, dang I wish I was better at math!   Now, do not get me wrong, it feels good to cry and I am not proud of it, but I did do it in private.  Let me back up a tad, so you do not think I am having a nervous breakdown:

Short on Inventory

The beauty or the beast of having an office that runs itself is that unless something breaks, I have no idea it is broken.  Our tiles, ornaments and plates have all been ordered on a regular basis this year, by our buyer.  Everyone else sees a supply getting low and they tell her - she orders more.  We have been keeping up on inventory, we have been watching, ordering, all good.

Well, as I mentioned earlier, we do 40% to maybe 60% of our business between November and December.  So that means we need....40% to 60% more supplies - right?  Well, no one accounted for ornaments orders to start coming in the triple digits, no matter how many times I mentioned it.

Back to - I am in charge, I take the fall - yep, that is right, it becomes my fault.  I had to make tough calls on Monday to beg for another 600 more ornaments, order a pallete of tiles.  It is all good, we have enough tiles, plates, shipping supplies - you name it we now got it!  As soon as the ornaments arrive I will give a huge sigh of relief, until then I am on a permanent edge.

Mistakes, Blunders & Corrections

Mistakes happen, it is a fact of life.  We have them, we fix them and about 99% of the time we catch it before it goes out the door - which then puts a bit of a stress on us.  See, we then put that at the top of the "to-do list" (gee I wish it was that simple, you know we have a whole system set up for each product line right?)  Usually these things do not send anyone here over the edge, it will just ship on the next shipping day (we ship twice a week).  But, you um, add the tile-plates-ornaments-shipping supplies-shortage-syndrome to the mix....fire drill every time.  Think Chicken Little yelling, "The sky is falling!  The sky is falling!"

Catching the errors before they go out the door is key.  Our Quality Assurance is usually very good, and we continue to be very good.  The few times an error is made - we almost always catch it.  This time of the year, not only do we need a few extra set of hands but some extra eye-balls are a big help too!  If you stare at an order long enough though - be careful you will go crazy and write something crazy "Merry Hanukkah Stumpy 2001" ----- don't ask, really please don't ask.

Snotty Emails

It is a prooven fact that email is one of the worst ways to communicate.  I just read about how we have become a society of terrible writers due to email.  The fact that people do not know that writing in ALL CAPITALS is yelling is down right embarrassing.  I am guilty of writing bad emails, and having email fights with people - I should know better.   

With stress level so high now, and orders flying in at a record pace....I need to remember to take the time and write kind emails.  It is not going to help anyone if I TELL THEM WHAT THEY DID WRONG like that.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Damn-it!

For any mother with school age children I think the stress starts the day after Thanksgiving.  I literally am calm, cool and collect and then BAM it's Christmas time.  My children have both asked me at least 342 times already when we are getting a tree and when the decorations are going up.  My standard "Tuesday" answer is not good enough any longer.  I am trying very hard to enjoy this holiday season like they are, and not stress about how I have........not one gift purchased, no Christmas photographs, no holiday cards picked designed, no tree up, no decorations put up, no lights on the house and no idea when I will get to any of these things done.

So, with all of these things adding up, and a couple other doozies - that equals me having a cry.  As long as I do not end up with a double bout of the flu this year - I am hoping to not cry again.  Unless it's that good cry when my daughter makes me a special Christmas card in class - now that is worth getting teary-eyed over.

Jamie's Painting & Design Newsletter I

November 26, 2007.

"Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!"  I am seriously dating myself - we watched Ren & Stimpy in college and I always tend to resort to this one song when things are going well.  I loved that show! 

It's Cyber Monday people - let's all get our credit cards out and start shoppin' on line!

Apparently I can not figure out the darn - link to my newsletter thing (sorry Michelle I honestly tried) but hence almost 9 years out of the computer animation field has left me a tad bit rusty.  Okay, well I never really got HTML code, I just sauntered over to the engineer in the cube  next to me.  So, here is the newsletter for all to see, feel free to use the discount code.  Maybe sometime soon I can get that Newsletter button thing-a-giggy on my blog and website (yes, yes, I know it's simple I just want it to look nice and all pretty).

Happy Shopping!

Do You know the Stress Monster?

September 17, 2007.

"Do you know the Stress Monster? The Stress Monster? The Stress Monster? Do you know the Stress Monster that lives very deep in my brain?  Yes, I know the Stress Monster, the Stress Monster, Yes I know the Stress Monster that...."  (sung of course to the tune of the Muffin Man - volunteered in the Kindergarten class, sorry)

Well - guess what?  I do!! I know him! I know him well, my friend....but then again if you are an entrepreneur you would have to know that little bugger.  This November I will have been in business for five years.....five long, wonderful, stressful years.    I did not know him nearly as well as I thought I did - until I started my business that is.  Some years we are very close, other years he does not visit that often, he really keeps his distance.  However, he always loves to come for an extended stay right around the holiday season though- but who doesn't love Christmas?

This year, uh - let's just say Mr. Stress Monster has parked his big ol' Stress ass on my couch, he is watching TV, eating Cheetos, drinking beer, making a royal mess, and does not seem to be leaving anytime soon - I think he showed up around the beginning of June.  The worst part of it is that sometimes he actually wakes me up in the middle of the night to discuss things (okay, truth be told he does it EVERY night around 3:00 a.m.)  No, I swear I think he has moved in permanently....

All kidding aside ,the long term effects stress are known too well, and all of my friends, family members and doctor have informed me of them - they are not good.  So, I had to figure out why I was so stressed:

1. No Office Coordinator It has been a little over five weeks since we (me) let our office coordinator go.  And it has been five very long weeks of me doing, well what I used to do - processing orders, kitting orders, answering order questions, printing orders, checking orders, confirming orders, gift messages, emptying garbages, answering order questions......basically the stuff that I spent the last 10 months slowly removing from my plate.  I have done this managing the office, processing orders thing before - and I am NOT that good at it.  I do NOT want to work this many hours any more - I want to do other things.  Now, before you scoff at me and assume I am a spoiled-entrepreneurial-brat, do know I CAN do it, I am just at a place (did I mention five years?) that I do not want to.  Nor, do I think it is the best use of my time.

2. Atlanta Gift Show...NOT!  The show did not go as planned, it was not a great show.  It was a huge financial suck on the business (I did have some fun though).  On a side note, I have not heard great things about the ABC Kids Expo, which I was hoping to exhibit at next year - so I do think the industry is changing.  Again, this does NOT make me feel all warm and fuzzy - it scares the *8&^%$ out of me.  Thank God I am immersed and heavily integrated in some wonderful websites - because the Trade Shows seem to be dwindling.  If you are snubbing your nose at the Internet - be warned - the Internet is here to stay, so be niiiice.

3. Ho -Ho - Ho It's Frickin' Christmas!  This is the best and worst of time for our business....best because we can do up to 40% of our sales between October and December.  Worst because....well our work load doubles, then triples, then quadruples - week after week.  If I am not on top of my homework/holiday/party shopping game then....well Mommy starts to get a wee bit cranky!  Not complaining - it is a fact, it is part of the business, but it does stress me out.

4. Your Competition Can and Will Kill You!  Okay, a bit drastic - yes, but this is the truth.  While you were sleeping, or changing processes, or inking a licensing deal, some other company can and will take your business.  There are business classes right now studying why some Internet companies failed and others blew the top of the Internet.  I do not think competition is bad - I think copying is bad.  I think that when someone or some company is slowly creeping into your space you can do one of two things; beat them to the punch, or punch them (I am kidding....but tempted).  Sometimes the winner, or the success story of a given industry is NOT the trail-blazer, sometimes it is the very smart, very crude, very shrewed business woman.

From my tone you can probably tell I am tad bit irritated - and trying to SAY something but not SAYING it.  No seriously - I can NOT ignore the problem (ya right, me ignore it?), or I could call them out on it (won't do much good - what will I say - you are copying me and that is NOT nice!)  I will delve into this subject much more (with hopefully some experts and other like-minded people), and will not be so vague....let's just say I know who you are and I know what you are doing.  Again - anyone that is not stressed out by their competition slowly creeping into their space - get your head out of the sand woman - wake up!  Something needs to be done!

So, those are my top reasons - did not even delve into the soccer/start of school/bathroom remodel/dog ear problem/re-new our lease/car accident (someone hit my parked car)/family/no voice something on back of throat/student conferences......uh, oh - dang I just mentioned it!  Oh well, figure we are all in the same boat! 

Would love to know what you do to relieve the stress, because my answer is blogging!

Life is like....

June 15, 2007.

One of my favorite movies is Forrest Gump.  It never gets old to yell at my son, "Run Forrest! RUN!"  Forrest also has a line that I (as do many other people) quote frequently; My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." 

Well, if he was correct then I have my own quote, to describe my life as a small business owner:

"Running a small business is like box of fireworks.  You never know when part of it is going to explode"

If you recall in an earlier blog I showed an advertisement I had designed and published in the Atlanta Gift Marts Buyers' Guide.  It was a big risk, cost a lot of money, blah blah, blah.  Well, the book dropped last week and the company that was sharing the ad with us started getting calls, we got none.  This week, she continued to get calls, we got none.

As you can imagine I have been sweating it a bit and not wanting to share this bit of news with my employees or especially my bookkeeper and accountant.  I was trying to stay positive; I was hoping that the book had just not gotten all the way across the country.  My answer came in the following voicemail message:

"Hi Jamie this is London and I got a call from a woman that is interested in ordering samples from you.  Um, there was a problem though and she can't seem to get through on your toll free number so she called me.  You may want to check that your number is working.  I can give you her information…"

I was driving in my car when I got this message; fireworks were going off ..fast.  I quickly called our toll-free number and thankfully got someone at the office to pick up.  I then sort of frantically asked them to check the number in the ad.  Yep, the number for the ad was listed as an 800 number; our number is an 866 number.

My heart sank, I did almost start to cry.  But then I decided NO, I would not do this.  I immediately called the 800 number I listed and spoke with the operators, gave them my correct number and apologized to them about the mis-print.  My friend, London put a message on her voicemail about the mis-print.  Our email works, our website works, and heck we will BE at the show if buyers are interested in store samples.  We have been telling the stores now that it was a mis-print, and tsk-tsk isn't it a shame?

Please know the old Jamie would have wallowed, swore, cried, pouted, swore some more, cried.  I would have just been sooooo mad at myself and everyone else that came in contact with the ad.

But the very day this happened on was no ordinary day.  You see on this particular day I had to go to my son's school in the morning and attend a memorial and dedication for a little boy that passed away earlier this year.  He was a friend of my sons.  I stood there and watched as the students spoke of memories of him, sang his favorite song, dedicated a bright purple bench (his favorite color) to the school and saw his parents sit up there stoically as all this was done in his memory.  My heart broke for them, not knowing the loss they must endure day after day.

That box of fireworks, with about ten going off, when I found about the error I made, hmmm, yes true.  However, not that big of a problem or concern for me.  This is my life.

Relax Jamie...How Bad Can It Be?

As you can probably tell from my lack of regular consistent posting the stress of preparing for the Atlanta Gift Show, Christmas products, the end of the school year, work, life have all started to kind of creep into my regular weekly routine.   It is interesting because when things are stressful and intense it is like the one who yells loudest gets ALL the attention.   Similar to my children fighting for attention from me when I am trying to work.  I tend to put out fire after fire, instead of having a plan.  So being of total stressed mind and exhausted body, I started thinking about what I could and should do to uh....move things along:

1. Decorate with a little Flouncy Flouncy

I decorate, shop a tad, or more accurately re-decorate my house, my office, my back yard, my car - uh, well not the car per say.  But that might not be a bad idea with some of those things to hang on the mirror that smell nice, some new seat covers....sorry I uh digress.  I have found that though this is NOT the best use of my time it helps me sleep at night and relaxes me.  Exercising, reading, drinking, eating,  meditating, napping - nope, nope, nope - move some furniture around and hang a few pictures - bingo! 

Have you ever just re-arranged the items in your house?  Or painted something?  Paired it with some other item, created a whole new look?  No?....well, I have.  It makes my house seem fresh, new - it makes me very happy.  It also forces me to throw out old items, put things away, clean and basically do some spring cleaning.

I did this all last night as the kids played, and watched a little TV.  I did not work on wholesale documents, I did not paint new designs, I did not write a press release, I did not put a sales package together I did not (gulp) blog.  But, I feel great!  I feel re-freshed.  I got in the office today and got straight to work.

I think you need to find out what relaxes you, make it work for you and do that.  When you have a to do list that is longer than your arm it helps to walk away.  Now don't get me wrong, I am gonna pay for it by working late tonight, tomorrow, this weekend.  But, um my house looks great! 

I really have the urge to paint my bedroom this weekend (please don't tell my husband).   I still got a little Martha in me I guess.  Okay somebody stop me before I hurt myself.

2. Dressing down, waaay down

I will not degrade myself by showing you a photograph of my recent work attire, but trust me it was not pretty.  Anything that includes sweats, pig tails, no shower, no make up...is not an attractive look for me. Jeans and t-shirts have also been pretty popular staple for the last week or so.  Now, this is a step up from what I would have worn had I still worked out of the home (My Mom thought the slippers I wore last winter," were not very professional" as she reminded me of it again this year) a few years ago.

Although it may not be "professional" or give off a great first impression - it is what I need at this time.  Selfishly I need to do what works for me.  And since I have more paper on my desk than in my file cabinets at this very moment, I am pretty sure my casual attire will help me get the work I need to get done.  I know other entrepreneurs that handle stress differently, some don't sleep, some get massages.  Normally I would argue that leaving work is selfish and not productive.....however, being in the thick of it and suffocating from the mountain of work to do - I say go ahead.  Find what relaxes you and do it, do it fast.  Before that nervous tick starts to set in.....

To quote a former employee (who just graduated and is on to bigger and better things)would say, "Go find your happy place Jamie!"  Clara, thank you and I am doing just that. Welcome to the working world!  Good luck!

I'm Your Biggest Fan!

So...I know, I know I have already spent another recent blog blabbing about the greatness of the marketing guru known as Seth Godin; I am an avid reader of his blog, I just devoured one of his books and am on to the next; I find myself quoting him, and when speaking with others I often scoff, "What do you mean you have not heard of Seth Godin?" And then I realized  I was talking to my daughter's nursery school teacher.  By the time I tried to engage my poor husband in a marketing/advertising debate I thought.........I um, may have a bit of a problem.  I may need to venture out and read something else. 

Yet, I feel the universe had a different idea - I just got the latest issue of Entrepreneur Magazine and quickly started reading it cover to cover.  You will never guess who was a featured in an article?  Go on.....guess!  Guess! Guess!  GUESS!  Yep, my hero, Mr. Godin, the Marketer with the Mostest......he was interviewed about knowing when an Entrepreneur should either cut their losses or keep going, you can read about it in his new book The Dip......Okay um, I really do have a problem. 

Anyhoo.....

First what I love about Seth Godin is his honesty and ability to look at the world of marketing, and marketing your product different.  He sites different ways companies have succeeded and failed marketing their products.  He  tells, if not dares you to become that purple cow, become something that stands out from the pack.   If you were driving down the road and saw a purple cow that would make you stop.  How do you become that purple cow though?  One way was to find your Sneezers: 

Sneezers -  Sneezers are people that spread an idea.  They find something new and they tell their colleagues, friends, admirers about a new product or service.  They are the ones who launch and maintain a products success, or ensures it has legs.  If you are going to rise above the pack you need some Sneezers.  These days they can be writers of blogs, E-Newsletters, E-Zines, Celebrities, Moms, Columnists, Oprah, Dog owners, Donut eaters - all depends on the industry. 

A Sneezer has to be someone who not only likes to tell others about a great product or service, but they are considered a credible source.  They need to be someone people listen to and tend to follow, or take advice from.  Someone who is influential in there groups, an expert in the given topic.  If the crazy lady that walks around my neighborhood with no pants on (true story) tells me about a new restaurant I won't uh, be so ready to eat there.  Yet my good friend who is a brilliant cook and eats out all the time.....you get where I am going with this?

If you are lucky enough to have found some Sneezers, congratulations! You should ask yourself these questions though:

What are you doing to keep them happy? 

Do you listen to them? 

Do you cater to their needs? 

These Sneezers are your most important customers.  Love the Sneezers....cater to your sneezers! 

When you try to sell your product to everyone, you water it down, dilute it.  You will not be an amazing product when you try to sell to everyone.  Sneezers will ignore you.  Think of what a mediocre fast food restaurant In-N-Out Burger would be if they kept adding items to the menu.  They would not be a Purple Cow in a sea of other cows.  People will drive for miles just to eat a burger that is "Animal Style", but really will they drive for miles to get another chicken sandwich?

We have been in business for almost five years.  I have been asked on many occasions to put my art on canvas and sometimes wood.  I refuse.  It is not that I am a dumb business woman - but that is not what Jamie's Painting & Design is about.  You could not call it a ' ceramic keepsake' or a 'long lasting ceramic gift' when it was painted on canvas.  Long lasting - means my artwork is on the tile F-O-R-E-V-E-R.  And again, I ask there are SO many other artists(or one in my opinion, really must I go there again?) who do it SO well, why would I want to enter such a crowded area?   

At last count on one of our channels websites there were 12 different artists creating canvas artwork.  I can easily point you to ten more that are on other websites. Ceramic wall art..........there is one.  Numero Uno, an Island, you know the song from Sesame Street, "One of these kids is doing his own thing..."

Go ahead pick some advice...it's free!

I got to give out advice two times last week....one time it was even asked for.  Well maybe a tad bit few more times i gave it out for free; like the bagger at the grocery store that threw cans on top of my tomatoes; and the woman the cut me off in traffic I gave her a little unwarranted advice of where she could put that finger she was flipping at me; oh, the best was the advice to my four year old daughter that she should always wear pants OVER her underwear...

Anyway this is the tale of two kinds of advice, Business Advice and Personal Advice.  One of them was not really um asked for...you can uh...guess which one I bet.

1. Business Advice

A friend who is a fellow business owner and a good friend called me at the end of the day, she was having 'one of those days'.  She just wanted to commiserate about things, she was tired, plain old tired of doing it all.   I empathized for sure, and I agreed with her, having seen the sad and lonely side of being a sole proprietor.  We did not talk for long, and I did not feel I helped her at all.  After a night of sleep and a couple conversations with my husband I decided I should call her back.  I called her the next morning, and said, "Okay I have thought about what you said and I want to know, do you want my advice or did you just want me to listen to you?"  She said, yes she did value my opinion and she did indeed want my advice.

I told her not to worry about best sellers,or margins, or anything but be true to what her company was based on.  She started to say 'yes, but (my favorite saying) that is not even close to our best seller'.  My response was well figure what you want to do - and do that.  Either let someone else do the "other things" or stop doing everything.  And I threw a quote back at her that she told me years ago, "You can't be everything to everybody". 

Whether she decides to take my advice or not is not the point.  She had called for and asked for advice, not just someone to agree with her.  I hope I helped her. The conversation would have gone very differently had I just blurted out advice during our first conversation.

2. Personal Advice

My sister was not happy about something and she started to tell me about it.  She was just relaying the story and asking if I agreed.  Well, I guess I put my "I'm going to give you advice" hat and I agreed and then gave some advice, then some more....then kept talking.  She (to her credit) said I am not ready to hear that, and that is not what I want to talk about right now.  Then she turned away and kept talking and saying, I do not want to talk about it,  and maybe later I will ask  you.  So as I was leaving the room I then decided to put on another hat, "I am your Big Sister that will Push Your Buttons" hat and I said something.....not nice, not true and not what I meant to say. 

Ah...ya well she blew up at me, she got really mad at me.  I yelled back - a big nasty crying fight with very hurt feelings, hers mostly (Sibling fights are the worst and sometimes nastiest - we know each other oh too well). 

Well the damage was done, I tried to explain what I meant and I tried to calm her down.  I apologized and apologized over and over.  She was really mad at me....um did I mention that already?  I know I deserved her wrath, whether it was true or not it was not warranted and I am kicking myself even as I write this.  In fact I am still trying to pry my size 6 shoe out of my mouth, since firmly planting it there Saturday afternoon.

Problem is I broke cardinal rule number one, I never asked if she wanted my advice.  And...after she TOLD me she did not under any circumstances want any of my advice, I then blurted it out anyway. 

When I worked in computer animation, and on the computer for like 10 hours a day, I started to get some crazy thoughts.  It was usually at the end of a project and after pulling 12 or 14 hour days I would get pretty punch-drunk tired.  I would drop things a lot and say things I should not (lack of sleep and stress-induced deadlines will do that to me).  Anyway, after screwing something up I would always in my head think CTRL+ Z, sometimes I would even say it out loud or type it in the air, hoping by some miracle that I could change history......

CTRL+Z, CTRL + Z....

A Band Aid...From The Big Guys

About  a year and a 1/2 ago I made a concious decision to acknowledge any mistakes we made, and make them right.  With every error (ours, or the channel that took the order, or the customers, or a lost shipment) I would send a note, or make a phone call, or give something away.....I would take the fall, eat the crow, NOT pass the buck, and um be the adult in the relationship.  It was hard at first, however it comes so second nature to me now I have to catch myself before I give away too much, or take the blame too easily.

We are a small company, yet we always want to make good on an error, and we ALWAYS want happy customers.  Sometimes all it takes is an, "I'm sorry" other times we replace the product....one time we were so quick to make our customer happy, we decided to replace a lost order when it was lost, even though a trace was being put on the shipment (it would take two weeks).  Miraculously the package showed up the same day our replacement did.

Not everyone feels like I do about making the customer happy.  If they did, then I assume companies would never go out of business, competition would not over take you, and a customer's website would not cause a company to react.

A few Christmas's ago we got a call that a magazine in New York  HAD to have Lil' Conductor Name Tiles for a photo shoot.  They were in love with our products that year, and were very excited to include us in the shoot.  They needed the tiles the next day, but the shoot was 2 days later.  So, I shipped them Priority Over Night (before 10 am delivery), hand delivered them to the Fed Ex drop-off and started counting down the hours till they arrived safe and sound in New York.

Day One I waited the next day, and waited and waited.  By around 2:00 p.m. I was pretty frantic and I started calling Fed Ex to track the package (Fed Ex on line claimed it was still in transit).  The Customer Service Representative (#1) assured me they were on the truck to be delivered.  Two hours later....another Customer Service Representative  (#2) gets very irritated with me and tells me it will be delivered.   One hour later.....third Customer Service Reject (#3) calls me back to say the address is wrong.  I assure it is not, she claims it is wrong, in fact the driver INSISTS there is no magazine there, it is a vacant building.

Day Two I start calling first thing in the morning, now I am speaking with Customer "I have no idea what I am doing" Service Representative (#4), and she swears up and down the driver says the address does not exist.  I get off phone, start searching for addresses on line.  Someone else in the office gets on the phone, gets the magazines receptionist and she guarantees us the address is correct.  I get back on the phone with Fed Ex , now I am speaking with #5.....um ya same story, the driver says the address does not exist...blah blah blah.

This went on for the entire day, then Day Three, Day Four....oh wait by Day Five we got good news:

5 days later the driver finally delivers the package to the address I had given them, the one that was on the package, the address I assured them was correct.  I actually got a call from another Customer Service Idiot (#27 I think...) giving me the "good news".

Our product did not make it into the the photo shoot.  We have NEVER been asked to be in another photo shoot for that magazine.  The magazine never responds to our publicist or our product placements........ever.  They pass on our products....every time.

Soon after that experience my Fed Ex Account Representative calls to see how things are going, and to congratulate me on the HUGE increase in shipping (did I mention it was December?).  I relay the entire story to her.... and our other recent problems...ah challenges - oh what the hell PROBLEMS we had; a number of our packages broken, late shipments and lost orders.  She was sorry and assures me Fed Ex wanted to keep my business.

The very next day I got a large box in the mail from Fed Ex.  It had a card in it that said, "Thanks for being a loyal customer".   As I continued to pull stuff out of the box I found a clear plastic container with the words Fed Ex on it...............and gum, a small bag with chicklettes.

So when sending important packages that absolutely, positively have to get there over night....if it doesn't, don't worry Fed Ex will send you gum.  Ya, gum...that makes it alright I guess.  I would like to think they meant well, but gum?  Where is the correlation or connection?  What would I rather they do - reimbursed me for my $40 shipping charge? Gave me a discount on shipping? Sent me a calculator? 

Yes to the first two...  I would have rather they do nothing instead of sending me...gum.  I never thought I would get gum.  Gum was a bit of an insult....and all I kept thinking about at the time was the line from Friends when Ross and his ex-wife had their baby, Monica finally gets to hold the baby and she keeps telling him, "I'll always have gum"

Marketing 101 for JPD

IMG_0662
Originally uploaded by mama_lentz.

I have been reading, and reading Seth Godin’s blog (http://sethgodin.typepad.com/ ) and I even bought two of his best selling books. He is a marketing guru, agent of change (uh...he has that in his bio) and an entrepreneur to boot. He talks about great products, he recommends we change the way products are marketed and is against the way we USED to be market them, he makes you think….

For the past few weeks I have been struggling with what to do next, and how to do it. I have thought about it for quite awhile, discussed it with key employees, complained to poor hubby and yes I have even blogged about it . Growing a small business can be daunting, and challenging to say the least. When you are not the founder of a multi-million dollar start-up (uh…that would be me I am referring to) you do not always have the connections, the contacts, the marketing budget, the advertising budget…or most importantly the cash you need.

However….I am very, very creative, a bit artistic if I don't say so myself (did I mention humble?), and have been called crafty a few times (don’t call me crafty) and I can paint:

We are very excited to introduce our very first marketing campaign for 2007 (see photo) to drive more direct sales: Sandwich Boards and Arrow signs!

Your children will love listening to their tunes and dancing around on a street corner with these signs. What a fun way to spend your Saturday! We made the signs small and light weight for little hands to hold.  We even designed some special smaller ones for your toddler to hold.

We are taking applications immediately for any children that need a job this Spring Break…*

*Sunglasses, sunscreen, iPod and/or music not included. Check if your desired street corner is still available. 12 and 8 hour shifts available, plus weekends off!

Happy April Everyone!