Roll On

I was running on the treadmill yesterday in an attempt to alleviate the stress and negative thoughts I was feeling in regards to the fact that there is NEVER enough time to get it all done.

My husband very succinctly gave me his view on this before leaving the house for a 22 minute “stress” run outside (with our dog I might add) before we rushed off to the first of the 3 games we were attending this particular rainy Saturday (2 soccer, 1 football). “There will never be enough time. Get over it and get used to it!” he said not very sympathetically. I “harrumphed” a little to myself and started to watch (and really listen) to the music video playing on MTV in front of me while I kicked up the treadmill an angry notch. That was when I found a kindred spirit or soul mate of sorts – in the unlikeliest of people… Kid Rock.

Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Kid Rock – puhlease! But seriously, the lyrics to his new song ‘Roll On’ really resonated with me. He sings of the roller coaster that life is – enjoying the ride and being wise enough to look back and see how although we may have made mistakes, we corrected them and learned from them along the way. We all long for our kids to grow and have kids of their own and hopefully we are wise enough and aware enough to share with them our experiences and what we believe is the secret of life.

The central message of the song – for me anyway – is excerpted below:

“We're one day older and one step closer
Roll on there's mountains to climb
Roll on we're on borrowed time
Roll on Roller coaster
Roll on tonight”

I may be reading into the lyrics a bit too much. Maybe it was just my mood. Maybe I was just blindsided by the fact that we all mature and grow up – even someone like Kid Rock. That said, I encourage watching the video and judging for yourself: Kid Rock "Roll On" Video

Wild Ride

I haven’t watched much CNBC since my broker days. Of late however, I’ve been an avid watcher, glancing at the screen with increased frequency over the past few weeks. My viewing of this “wild ride” has been somewhat detached as my husband’s career has always been in marketing - in one capacity or another – not trading. But, many (I might even venture to say most) of our friends have jobs in fields directly related and impacted by the moves of the Dow, the S&P and the Nasdaq. These are not easy times.

Fortunately we have not really felt a direct impact in regards to our business. We’ve tripled our rep force since last year at this time, boutique stores are still buying (and reordering) and house parties and multi-vendor events are still being organized and attended – both by our reps and their customers. In fact, direct sales companies are said to be “recession-proof” because as tough financial times set in (be it on a personal level or a nationwide effect like we’re seeing now), women enter the work force in an effort to help support their families. The direct selling industry is a perfect fit for this type of work as women can usually just add this kind of job to their existing daily schedules.

But I won’t go so far as to say we have not been affected at all. Nor do I have any tarot card reading skills or foresight powers to predict what’s coming for any of us in the future. What I do know is that it’s hard enough to start a company (with your husband no less) out of your house in an entirely new field with no existing companies after which to model yourselves. Now try to do it in the middle of what some say is the start of a major recession, in an election year with financial markets jittery as you are trying to seek investment capital for your said start-up. But actually, I joke that with the volatility of the market these days, investing in a start up like ours may actually be a safer bet than some of the blue chips!

So despite the uncertainty of the financial climate, we’ll still continue to meet with potential investors and hope to find others that share our vision for the company’s future. And while we wait, we’ll put our heads down, strap in and do what we’ve been doing - the work at hand, the best that we can.

A Foreign World

At 6:50am yesterday morning, Lily – my 5 yr. old – lightly padded into our room and woke Ken and I up. She then proceeded (as is her usual style) to chatter incessantly about what’s on her mind. She went on for several minutes about her favorite new book and how cute our dog, Maisy, looked snuggled in her chair – all while Ken and I were still dozing, barely acknowledging her every once in a while with half open, unfocused, sleepy eyes.

Suddenly, her eyes wide with wonder, she changed topics. “Did you know my friend Casey’s Nanny lives on an island?” she said. “Isn’t that cool?” I was now awake as I had a feeling I knew where she was going with this conversation, as my favorite show is Lost and my kids have become obsessed with Flight 29 Down – a series on the Discovery Channel with a similar premise of an airplane crashing in the middle of the Pacific, but focused on more age appropriate subject matter.

“Lily, Casey’s Nanny doesn’t live on a tropical island”, I explained. “She lives on Long Island.” “Wow”, Lily replied, “a long island. It must be hard to survive there”. Before correcting her I chuckled inwardly as I thought that many of us New Jersey natives have often wondered the same thing – how do people actually live on Long Island?!?!

The Start Of Something New

I did it – and it was quick and painless. I hired 2 additional people to help with operations and inventory. They were both recommended by a friend. The interviews went well and both women seem up to the challenge of our increasingly busy manufacturing demands. It was important to add to our staff prior to the start of the holiday shopping season. What a relief to have found not one, but two people so quickly!

Now, let the training begin. We’ve perfected a system that works – for now anyway. Hopefully it is one that can be easily taught and communicated to someone starting fresh. And one that is adaptable to our growing needs. I want to have everyone up and running – FAST!!

Also, I’m curious to see the change in dynamics of our work environment with the addition of two new personalities. Hopefully we’ll all work harmoniously. Otherwise, I’ll have to utilize some of my newly acquired conflict resolution skills – they seem to be coming in handy a lot these days. Although I like things done a certain way I think I'm easy to work for (and with). Time will tell. So will I…

Around To It

I attended services this past Rosh Hashanah holiday. In between passing Tootsie Rolls and gum to my kids, gossiping with my sister, fiddling with my short skirt and pleading with my husband to take one more walk to the bathroom with our 5 year old, I actually paid attention and took to heart the lessons of the cantor’s sermon.

She referred to everyone’s busy schedules nowadays and the sentiment of knowing that you need to do something (i.e., calling out of touch friends and relatives, etc.) but will attend to the task when you get around to it. Don’t put things off. Easier said than done – believe me, I know. Procrastination is a temporary fix – my words not hers. Think how much better you’ll feel if you get it done today!

Okay, maybe saying “do it today” is too much pressure. I’m all about being kinder to oneself, enjoying down time, doing the right things first, blah, blah, blah. But it’s a noble exercise to take a moment to evaluate what we’d like to accomplish and then set a path to make it happen. Forget the pressure of an immediate time frame but keep reminding yourself that (just like your exercise workout) you may not want to endure the process, but you’ll feel fabulous once the job is done.

The cantor at our synagogue had buttons made up for each of us to take home donning the phrase “around to it”. The buttons also displayed the Jewish New Year date as a reminder that this is the year to GET IT DONE. While I won’t be sporting my new button on any upcoming outfits, it does sit on my dresser – a reminder to not put off tomorrow what will positively effect not only my life, but possibly someone else’s as well. In this way, we can all have an impact and make the world a little bit better – simply that simple. Happy New Year.

Good Quotes: Life's Worth

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

The Big 10

We just hit the big 10. LikeWear now has independent sales representatives in 10 states. We’re on a roll. Can total world domination be far behind? I jest – but in all seriousness, our business concept is one that easily translates to an international platform. It’s not something we would even consider until we had our domestic business secured, but its part of our long, long term plan.

For now, we are proud, thrilled and encouraged to keep focused on the work at hand. There’s plenty of it. But it’s starting to really pay off.

The women who have signed with us have had wide ranging skill sets in regard to past experience. Some have sold other merchandise out of their house before or via multi-vendor shows. A few dabbled in some entrepreneurial selling during college or soon after graduation. And many have had no specific sales experience – just a love for shopping for their kids and a desire for the opportunity for career fulfillment and to earn some extra money.

What’s interesting to me, is that there does not seem to be any correlation between past sales experience (of any kind) and current performance. Certainly it has been easier for the women who are already aware of the local selling events in their area as it is less leg work in respect to research and sign ups. But when it comes time for the actual selling (to boutique retail stores or direct to customers), the most important factor seems to be a love for the merchandise – an adoration fashioned (pun intended) by seeing their own kids’ reaction.

As the “mother hen” of this group, I get a thrill each time one of our new reps – with little or no past selling experience – holds their first home show and far exceeds not only their own, but our expectations as well. What do I attribute this to you ask?

LikeWear merchandise is easy to sell. There are no product demonstrations to give, no explanation of benefits needed and no presentations to make. Of course, as a rep you need to be familiar with sizing – but that’s about it. And I know it sounds cliché to say, but the clothes sell themselves.

Why do they sell themselves? Because our clothes feature popular and recognizable products that people know and like. Behold the power of marketing and branding! Of course, we source high quality blank apparel and like to think we’re unique and creative in our use of our licensing partner’s brands, but the fact is - licensed products sell. The recognition of these brands is also what attracts “the moms” to us – for our selling opportunity.

10 states and counting. The popularity of the brands we feature knows no state boundaries… and neither do LikeWear’s clothing and accessories. Look out world!

The Old Switcheroo

My shopping style has changed dramatically in the past 18 months. I used to fill an entire afternoon wandering from store to store – perusing this, trying on that, rationalizing prices and feeling triumphant every time I used a coupon or got a great sale deal. I’d buy piecemeal – a little here, a little there. I obviously don’t have the free time I once did to do that kind of shopping.

Nowadays I vacillate between buying more expensive items because they are “just what I was looking for” and filling an entire shopping cart to the brim at stores like Old Navy (even Target sometimes) where once or twice a season I can shop for everyone in the family (including the dog) in one fell swoop and then later return whatever doesn’t fit or isn’t liked.

I recently had such a back-to-school spree at Old Navy. Fortunately, my kids and husband all liked what I bought. Even the dog gave an approving sniff to the bumble bee costume I had purchased for her (I know, I know, Halloween already you say? But, it’s never too early to snatch up the good canine ones!). The only “misfits” from my binge were 2 pairs of pajama pants for my 9 yr. old son. They simply weren’t as comfy as his LikeWear lounge pants – and I quote. Shameless plug, but totally true. But, I digress… as I was putting away in various closets all the new and approved purchases, I discarded all the plastic hangers that came with the clothes in an empty shopping bag to be thrown away as garbage, and left the 2 pants to be returned in another bag.

It was tough enough finding the time to go shopping in the first place. Now for the really hard part – carving out more time to go back and return the 2 PJ pants. The bag sat in my car for almost 2 weeks – at the ready in case my travels took me back past the store. Finally my Mom mentioned that she was going to Old Navy yesterday afternoon. Of course, she didn’t mind bringing something back for me.

She waited on a very long and slow moving line, walked up to the register and handed the saleswoman my bag and asked her to please apply the credit to her purchase. The saleswoman looked inside the bag and said, “What exactly are you returning?” “2 pajama pants”, my mother explained. “My daughter gave them to me to bring back. They are in the bag you are holding.” “Really?” the sales clerk questioned, “because this bag is just filled with old plastic hangers.”

How can I be so focused and “on” most of the time and so scatterbrained and “off” sometimes too? Must be the stress. I really should try shopping online. Think there is a site that sells brain upgrades?

Busy Body

How can I be so incredibly, nerve-rackingly busy all day long and still feel like there is so much to do?!?! I’ve mentioned a few ways (in prior posts) to be in the moment and appreciate all that gets done as opposed to what has yet to be completed, but that is such a difficult concept to put into practice! I’m really trying – seriously. Every day I try to be kinder to myself and recognize my daily accomplishments. I try to focus on the “cross-outs” of my lists instead of the “new additions”. I’m so forgiving of others but I can be so demanding of myself.

This thinking likely stems from the pressure of running and growing a new and fast-moving business. I’m looking for some additional support people and their hire will help me. But for now it’s primarily up to me to not let things slip through the cracks. I don’t want emails to go unanswered and phone calls to go unreturned. I want inventory to be ordered and replenished in a timely fashion. I want orders to ship out as quickly as possible… back-orders bug me. They’re inevitable, I know. But I like it when things are orderly and clean (despite what my house looks like come the end of the weekend!).

Do I sound like I’m complaining? I don’t mean to. Busyness at this stage of LikeWear’s life cycle equates to business – as in we’re doing well. Given the state of the current economy, that says a lot. Also, I have several friends that are bored out of their minds during the day. They look upon me and all my daytime productivity (and frenzy) with envy. I know my soul thrives on this type of chaos in many ways - but the grass is always greener. I think I might enjoy a little boredom once in a while. You know, for about 5 minutes or so.

Help Wanted

Wow! Has it really been a full week since I’ve added to this blog? The past 7 days have been chaotic and stressful – in fact, I feel as though I’ve been out of breath since I got out of bed last Sunday! LikeWear had several big orders come in, we signed 3 new independent sales reps and my all-around “right hand” assistant was on vacation (how dare she!).

I’m an “if you want it done right you should do it yourself” kind of person. I don’t delegate well. However, that mindset, I know, is a recipe for disaster in an entrepreneurial venture. There is simply too much to do. I can’t do it all. But, I haven’t wanted to take the time to cut back on productivity (even if only for a few days) to train additional people to take on some of the added responsibility. Last week we had several big orders come in - a direct result of our newly acquired independent sales reps - and it quickly became apparent that we need to hire more people. Last week I did everything (actually, truth be told, it got so busy mid-week I had my mother working for us too!). Staying lean and mean is one thing but as I posted in a quote not long ago, “Just because you can do it yourself, doesn’t mean you should do it yourself”. And sometimes, if you are fortunate enough to reach a certain level of growth, it becomes impossible to do it all.

So, one stiff neck and 2 dark-circled eyes later, I am interviewing and resigned to not be short-sighted. I may have to extend (albeit temporarily) my delivery times while I train some new people, but it will only increase our productivity dramatically in the long run. There’s no more denying the inevitable. We need to hire additional people. I will have to learn to delegate more and trust fully in the capability of others. This trust is crucial and necessary for continued growth. And it will be a challenge that I know I will have to overcome.

Home Team Advantage

My kids play town sports. They are, of course, taught the rules and how to play each of the games in which they participate (soccer, lacrosse, basketball, football, etc.) but, regardless of the sport, they learn the art of how to be a part of a team. To me, that is the important part: to know how to be an effective team player. Mastery of that skill is essential on and off the field or court.

With that said, I felt it was long overdue for me to mention the other half of my team - my partner, co-founder and husband, Ken. Most company decisions are run through both of our brains. Even the idea of LikeWear was a joint conceptual effort. I was responsible for the overall business concept while Ken had the vision, business connections and quite frankly the energetic spirit (caffeine responsible for much of it!) to lay the groundwork – or should I say put in the grunt work – for establishing LikeWear as the first and only company to sell licensed apparel via the direct sales channel.

Remarkably, Ken and I have been able to work together and remain happily married (most of the time anyway!) since LikeWear’s creation in 2006. We have a shared view of what this company will look like in the future and we are equally committed to making that dream become a reality.

To that end, each of our daily lives has changed significantly over the past year. We have both had to step outside of our comfort zones. Ken left his job in the video game industry to work on what we at first were calling my “successful hobby”. Working from home has been an adjustment in and of itself – as he has always been involved in some kind of corporate environment. He has traded in an expense account and a company gym for a Costco account and workouts in our basement. I have gradually moved from a non-working stay-at-home Mom to a Mom that works part-part-time to part-time to most-of-the-time to what now feels like all-of-the-time! I have missed out on some of my kids activities due to work conflicts and have been forced to cope with the unfamiliar feeling of not being able to get it all done.

Running a business is more complicated than I expected. But so is being a parent. I think often of my elementary school days when the gym teacher would select captains who would then one-by-one select people to be on their team. As CEO of LikeWear I am essentially the captain of this team. I want to work with the best. A good team player can sense when his/her teammates need assistance and they rise to the challenge. They encourage and remain confident even when defeat seems near. And they never give up. That’s how I describe Ken. And that’s why he will always be my first pick.

Multi-Tasking Secrets: Menus Eliminate Mayhem

Okay, I admit it. I can be a little anal. I’ve had to relax my standards quite a bit though upon embarking on creating a new business and running it out of my house. Last year some of my most stressful moments involved figuring out and and preparing what each of my 3 kids wanted to eat for breakfast. In the morning, every second counts. All it takes is one “bump” on my daughter’s scalp while she’s trying to tie up a smooth, tight ponytail to send the mood of the entire household into a fast, downward spiral (meaning: everyone grab a bag of cookies on our way out the door as there’s no time for breakfast because I’ve spent all my time styling hair). And don’t even get me started on dinnertime in and around hebrew school and everyone’s conflicting sports team practices. There’s nothing worse than first arriving home at 7:30pm with 3 sweaty kids and nothing prepared for dinner. Can you say frozen pizza – again?!?!?!

Like anything else, moderation is the key. I believe being anal in regards to certain aspects of your life can be extremely beneficial. To that end, I have instituted a new policy in my house which coincided with the start of the new school year: Food Menus.

I have a set schedule as to what my kids will be having for breakfast and dinner during the week. We work together to make the choices and once the schedule is complete it is posted in the kitchen for all to see. Now, not only do I know exactly what I need to shop for at the supermarket each week, but I also don’t have to wait until I am graced with my kids’ presence in the kitchen before doing the cross check of what they each want for breakfast vs. what we actually have in the pantry and refrigerator. I can actually get started in the kitchen preparing breakfast while my “3 musketeers” are upstairs getting dressed, brushing their teeth, putting their pajamas in the hamper and making their beds. Okay, so the last 2 items on the list are still a fantasy of mine - but a mom can dream can’t she? Now that the chaos of mealtimes seems to have been quieted, can clean and organized bedrooms be far behind?

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

On this, the eve of back-to-school for my kids, I offer up few words. I’d like to simply share one of my favorite commercials which sums up my feelings tonight. Please click on the link below, laugh and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPIIMbG9R4w

Wake Up Call

My first born has reached a modern milestone in her adolescence. She has been waiting for this event to happen for over a year now ever since the first of her friends got it. She hasn’t wiped the smile off of her face (despite the solid attempts by her brother!). Her day has finally come… she got a cell phone!

Who’s going to break the news to the “lovie lamb” she’s been inseparable from since birth that she’s been replaced by a new ringing, beeping, bleeping metal security object? My baby is all grown up. She was furiously texting friends and family alerting them of the breaking news in her new tongue: “BTW, I got a phone. LOL. G2G. TTYL.” I always hoped she would be bilingual – this isn’t what I had in mind.

Morally, I’ve been reluctant to the idea of kids (particularly mine) with cell phones. Then again, our kids today are exposed and vulnerable to many scary and potentially dangerous situations and events that simply didn’t exist years ago. The world is a different place. It makes my daughter feel mature and important to have a cell phone. And it makes my husband and I feel a bit more comfortable and secure knowing that when she is not with us, if she needs us, we are only a speed dial away.

Increased Challenges

LikeWear is a direct sales company. Our goal is to provide moms with a fun, flexible and financially rewarding career opportunity. But just because we are offering it, doesn’t mean we’ll have any takers.

We have just begun to advertise and allow additional reps to join us. We have held our team of independent sales representatives at a steady number for the past year. We did this so that we could get a handle on our order processing, manufacturing/fulfillment and management techniques (amongst about 100 other things!). In a very short time period, we’ve had a fantastic response! We’ve worked hard and sacrificed a lot to get the business to this point. It is so rewarding, gratifying and inspiring to find other women (most total strangers) who are kindred spirits in that they seek satisfaction in their lives not only as moms but also on a career level.

As our rep base increases, so do the challenges that LikeWear faces. But knowing that people are behind you and believe in what you are trying to accomplish, helps make it all worth striving for.

Life in Quicksand

This blog has been quiet for a while. I think I may have dropped into the Bermuda Triangle. No wait, maybe it feels more like the Twilight Zone. On third thought, it’s just the bizarre 2 ½ week time period between when camp ends and school begins! Oh yeah, and add to it that it is LikeWear’s busiest time of year and the fact that we’ve started to add to our rep force and I’m hanging by a thread here!

I feel out of breath as I rush between ringing phones, bickering kids, filling LikeWear orders, filling out school and activity forms, purchasing cleats and making playdates – and then there’s those 3 meals a day plus snacks. I’ve never been busier yet I feel as though nothing is getting done! My older daughter is content to stay in her pajamas all day long. My younger daughter is dressed, brushed and raring to go by 8am. And my son has no interest in doing what either of his sisters want to do… HELP!!

I’ve been calling in favors from friends, family and neighbors in an effort to keep my kids busy and my nerves calm. Never has it been more challenging for me to balance work and motherhood than in the past week and half. I know it’s getting bad when I start to look forward to spending a gorgeous summer day at Chuck E. Cheese’s simply to fill the daytime hours with an activity that will keep all my kids occupied for more than 5 minutes.

But, I’ve rounded the corner. I’m just past the half-way mark. Labor Day, and more importantly - the first day of school, is in sight.

Good Quotes: Just Say No!

Maybe if I post it out loud I’ll actually listen…

Just because you CAN do it yourself, doesn’t mean you SHOULD do it yourself.

Crazed Happiness

My two older kids returned from sleep-away camp on Friday and it was my 5-year olds last day of day camp. Since then my house has been filled with family, friends, neighbors and several other children besides the 3 that belong to me. Every toy we own has been pulled out and its pieces scattered across the basement floor. Beds are rumpled, dirty clothes are on the floor adjacent to the hampers - not quite making it in, and toilet seats (thanks to my son) have all been left in their full upright and locked position. The house is never quiet as someone seems to always be talking, singing or screaming and my mudroom is once again filled with well, um – mud! My household is officially… back to normal!!

I am a little sorry to say good-bye to the lazy days of my summer; however, with its end I am feeling the return of the energy that is my lifeblood. I suppose I am happiest teetering on the edge of organized chaos when it’s too noisy to really hear myself think.

Out of the Mouths of our Babes: Sneezing

Last night, I snuggled in bed with my 5 year old and read ‘Purplicious’ to her for the bazillionth time. As we neared the end of the book I let out a huge sneeze and my daughter looked me straight in the eye and said, “Mom, sneezes are like farts out of your nose, right?” Her question obviously did not require any response as neither one of us could catch our breath to give or even hear an answer. Is there any better way to end a day than with an all out giggle-fest with your kids?

Flexibility

I have been a regular for the past 5 years at a local exercise class called InnerStrength. It is based on the the teachings of the Lotte Berk Method which combines dance, yoga and physical therapy. The class emphasizes and improves upon muscle building and flexibility. I am a firm believer. There is no doubt that flexibility is beneficial – particularly as we age.

As we grow LikeWear, it is very apparent that an open mind must be kept and rules and boundaries must be adapted and stretched. I find it interesting to note however, that just like with the physical body, you must be in tune and listen to the signals, so that you do not stretch to the point that you sacrifice good form. For if you do, you will surely feel sore the next day.

Not So Sweet Sugar Lips

My business is in children’s fashion. LikeWear concentrates on “evergreen” body styles - ones that are casual, comfortable and always popular. I have 3 kids, and as such, I am usually in tune with the trendy styles, even the ones that come and go quickly. In fact, some styles I wish would go quicker than others.

At the expense of sounding like Jerry Seinfeld, what is the deal with those Sugar Lips? These tank tops are so skin tight that I have yet to see a body type flattered in them. They also pull and pill after one single washing – and that’s in a cold, gentle wash inside of a lingerie bag! And, don’t even get me started on what they look like if you should accidentally wear them underneath a new soft, yummy fleece sweatshirt that has not been washed yet or if you have a hangnail as you are pulling one over your head…

But, as a mother, I simply want my kids to be happy and feel confident that they are able to express their individuality by way of their fashion choices. So, if my daughters want to continue to wear this style tank top, I will bite my tongue and be supportive – as I remove their Sugar Lips one by one from the lingerie bag and delicately transfer them to a rack to be line dried and ready to be put on again tomorrow.

Do The Right Thing

I’m a pleaser by nature (ya know, first child and all). I try to avoid conflict until a confrontation is absolutely necessary. And, I don’t like saying no to people. But I have aged to the realization that in the real world (business world included) you can’t expect to make everyone happy, say yes all the time or always avoid confrontation. My skin has definitely thickened over the past year… but sometimes it can still be hard to stand up and stand out. But if you do what is honest and right, I believe you’ll always end up a winner.

Selective Neglect

Mondays are hard. Especially if you’ve worked all weekend. Sometimes I feel as though I am doing so much all the time yet nothing is getting done. It can be difficult to focus each day on all that has been accomplished when there is so much that did not get completed. I look around my house and there are beds to make, laundry to be done, doctor’s appointments to be scheduled and junk drawers in need of de-junking. My computer is jammed with emails that need action and my warehouse is piled with orders that need to be filled. I have dog-eared catalogs for things that I’d like to order just as soon as I get around to it. And each night I struggle to pull myself away from all my ‘tasks’ to find the time to sit, snuggle and read to my 5-year old or make her lunch and pack her backpack to save some time in the morning when things start all over again.

My husband forwarded me an article this morning written by Lisa Druxman for Entrepreneur.com that gave me what Oprah would call an “a-ha” moment. I felt like the author had written it just for me.

The article began with, “I'll tell you right now that you'll never get it all done. Your inbox will always have e-mails, you'll always have dirty clothes to wash and your nightstand will always contain unread books. I'm not trying to depress you: I say this only to make you realize an inevitable truth--a truth that's in direct conflict with my belief that having finished tasks in your life gives you peace and happiness”. Well, that’s my belief too…hence the “a-ha” part!

The author goes on to outline a game plan and new mindset to help cope with these insights. She advises that, “It's not enough to get things done. You need to get the right things done”. I’ve tried to do this. In fact, I even have a name for it. I like to call it ‘selective neglect’ – choosing what must get done at the expense of the other things that should be done.

She recommends booking “time for each category of your life. Set time for yourself (a workout, a walk on the beach, etc.). Set time for work (e-mails, phone calls, meetings and projects) and set time for your family (play dates, scrapbooks, etc.). Honor those times. When someone wants to set a meeting during your workout time, let them know that you're already booked. You don't have to tell them it's your workout time. The truth is that every part of your life deserves attention and planning. We need to spend the most time on the things that will make a difference and the least time on trivial tasks that won't matter a year from now.”

I intend to do my best from here forward to ‘honor’ ALL of my commitments and to keep in mind the author’s final tip…”to smile and laugh when the whole plan falls through--as it often will.” Ahh, the best laid plans…

(I strongly recommend you read the full article. You can get it here.)

Unchartered Waters

There are not many children’s clothing companies in the direct sales channel. LikeWear is a fusion of a casual, hip boutique kids clothing line and a direct sales company like Mary Kay or The Pampered Chef. But we’re very different than the majority of direct sales companies. We allow our reps to sell to boutique clothing stores. Our merchandise is in the moderate to better price range. And the majority of our initial independent representatives have not worked for direct sales companies before. So there are few (if any) companies after which to model ourselves.

Although it’s really cool to be breaking new ground, it can be very challenging to write the rules as you go. Over the years, in various situations, I have returned repeatedly to one of my favorite quotes for strength and determination:

“You’ll never discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Well, the shore is no longer in sight for us. We have jumped into the creation of this business with both feet – cannonball style – pulling our family into the water with us!

I have often wondered what my life would be like if we didn’t start LikeWear. Would it be easier? Well, I’d certainly have more free time. But more time for what…errands, cleaning out closets, working out, watching TV, shopping? Sounds pretty good on the surface, but I know I’d get bored after a while. Creating a new business in a new channel in a new category is exhilarating and rewarding and frustrating and difficult. But it’s never boring - which is a good thing because I was never one for treading water.

Multi-Tasking Secrets: Ready, Headset, Go!

As a work-at-home mom I am a constant multi-tasker. In fact, even if I didn’t work from home I’d be doing more than one thing at a time. Nowadays most people do – except for my sister who has trouble chewing gum and driving at the same time, but that’s another topic for another post!!

I have found some things (ideas, products, organizational tools) that have helped me multitask more effectively and save time (at least I think they do!). My first thought on this topic is a headset for house phones. When I was a cold-calling stockbroker we used headsets all the time. It frees up your hands to do other things while you’re talking – not to mention it prevents your neck from being in that awkward cocked position necessary to keep the phone wedged between your chin and your shoulder. It helps me while at home to take the monotony out of some of my daily chores. I don’t mind as much emptying my dishwasher, folding laundry, cooking or even walking on the treadmill if I can do it while catching up with friends. And how about all those times I get stuck on hold? I almost don’t mind if I get left ‘hanging’ because if I have my hands free, I don’t feel as though my time is being wasted.

A few caveats:

1) The cordless phone attached to the headset needs to be hooked onto your mobile body somehow (some come with belt clips or you can just tuck the phone into your pocket). Be wary of protruding objects in your house. I can't tell you how many times the cord has snagged on a drawer pull or doorknob and yanked both headset and phone and sent them flying - small children and pets beware!

2) Its not always obvious you are actually talking to someone (you could be in between calls and just 'wearing’ the headset). Make sure family members know you are on the phone so there are no embarrassing comments, burps or other bodily function noises in the background that could be picked up by the headset’s external microphone. I have 3 kids and a husband…been there.

3) I’m always embarrassed when I’m on a call using my headset and the doorbell rings. I constantly feel compelled to remove it prior to answering the door for fear that I will be seen as a Madonna wannabe. When I have the headset on, I look like I’ve stepped off of a concert stage in the middle of a set!

Despite the above, and at the risk of sounding dramatic, a headset has had a huge impact on my day-to-day life. Wow, I do sound dramatic. Maybe I should just try talking on the phone less.

What Would You Like To Wear?

For those of you that don’t know, we are a company that decorates its children’s clothing and accessories with modern package art, beloved characters, clever quips and original designs. We try to create fun stuff featuring brands and properties people like, hence the name LikeWear. So far our creative has come from the iconic brands of Tootsie Roll Industries and General Mills. I’d love to know what your kids – or you! - would like to see in one of our upcoming collections. What are some of the games, collectibles, snack foods, movies, catch phrases, etc. that your kids and their friends are into?

My Muse

I do my best thinking while I’m out walking my dog, Maisy. Is it the fresh air, the sound of birds chirping, the act of getting my blood moving or the pure joy I see reflected in Maisy’s eyes as she scampers to find the next enticing, irresistible scent? Or, is it simply because my thoughts can flow freely without the noise of the TV, the phone ringing or my kids interrupting to settle another earth-altering dispute over who was first to sit in the favorite “corner spot” of the couch? Whatever the reason, most of my best ideas have come while I’m holding a plastic bag filled with dog poop!

Out Of The Mouths Of Our Babes

Laughing is one of the best (and most natural!) stress relievers out there so I offer you this story...my niece comes home from day camp and announces to my sister and brother-in-law that she is so excited because she has been chosen for the summer production of The Wizard of Oz. My sister excitedly asked her what role she was given. My niece looked at her with a grinning wide-eyed enthusiasm and said, "Mommy, I'm going to be a donut!" My sister, confused at the idea that the drama department had added "food part extras" to fluff the cast list, asked again, "What part are you going to be?" Once again, my niece replied proudly, "A donut!" Suddenly it all made sense. My sister looked at her and said, "Emma, do you mean you are going to be a munchkin?" "OOH, yes," she said..."a munchkin!!!!!!!!!!"

Uplifting Motivation

Busy, busy, busy! My brain was racing today trying to remember all the things I had forgotten to do while I was preparing 3 outgoing orders, testing the accuracy of the skus for our new line that we had just entered into Quickbooks and following up with active sales reps during this very hectic beginning to the back-to-school buying season - all while listening for a call from my parents who were visiting with my son at sleep-away camp.

I was just starting to mentally beat myself up for only crossing off the first 2 items on my "While My Kids Are Away At Camp Summer To Do List" (given that they come home in 2 weeks!) when the office phone rang and it was an unsolicited call from a store in South Jersey that had seen some LikeWear stuff and loved it! They had already checked out our website and seemed ready to place an order. Talk about uplifting motivation!

Today's experience reminded me of a quote that I read a year and a half ago that has stuck with me and I think of VERY often. It is from the book entitled 'Mommy Millionaire' by Kim Lavine:

Here's an unspoken rule of business that only seasoned entrepreneurs know: Just when you think you're licked, something comes along to pick you up and inspire you with a whole new sense of purpose.

www.mommymillionaire.com

A "Detailed" Journey

As I sit here trying to think of something memorable to write for my first post on Blog What You Like, I must admit that I'm naive to this and still not sure what this whole blogging thing is about (but it sure makes me feel like Carrie Bradshaw writing her column for Sex and the City!). My brain keeps circling back to the struggle for balance that I am always trying to maintain in my life. I am the kind of person that likes to give 110% to all that I do. However, as a wife, Mom to 3 busy kids and a dog, and CEO of the first and only company to sell licensed apparel via the direct sales channel, it's hard to keep all the balls high in the air - or sometimes in the air at all!

So I marvel that the activities in my average day range from...prospecting for new customers and reps, pulling orders and restocking inventory and helping to negotiate prospective licensing deals to squeezing in a trip to the supermarket, making sure all my kids have what they need for various sports teams, birthday parties and playdates, taking 5 minutes to walk my dog and finding some time to do all that laundry! This type of balancing act is one that most moms perform - so I hope many of you can relate.

My blog will be a way for me to share the small details which have a big impact on my journey for balance...both personally and professionally.