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.   

Comments

[K]

Jamie-

I SO enjoy your blogs! They are SO inspirational, helpful & right to the point. I hope all good things for you, JPD & especially your family. They are lovely!

Thanks for sharing your "Bucket List"!

[Jamie Lentzner]

K-
Thanks for the comment, I ussually try to respond to all comments, but I did not get an email or blog. I am glad you enjoy the blog!

[Sarah Jane]

Oh what a great post. It is so great to take the time and really ask yourself, what DO i want? And it is so amazing...your list is so close to mine. Time with family, success, etc. THanks so much for sharing! I am going to go and revamp my list;)

[AlyiceEdrich.com]

I think a lot of people are talking "bucket lists" these days. That show had a really profound effect on a lot of people. I know that over the past few months I've been working on a bucket list of my own--which really relates to your number 6.

Personally, I don't care about millions. I'm one of "those" business women who want to make enough to be content and that's it. But I really applaud you on your road to millions and can't wait to read about the day you make it. If you continue posting as you do, I am sure your blog will become a "roadmap" to success and something that will "give back" to a community of small business men and women in ways you can never fathom.

But I digress, I truly loved the way you worded this part: "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."

It sums up everything I've been working towards the past few months.

[Kham]

Here is a great site to create and share your bucket list.

http://www.sharebuckets.com

check it out.