Thank You Good Day Sacramento!

We had a blast yesterday morning on Good Day Sacramento! Live television is tricky because you never know what's going to happen. Stephanie Cruz and I spoke several days before and again yesterday morning when we arrived at the studio. Mason was suppose to be part of the piece and then he decided he didn't want to. Stephanie wanted him to so after I already had my space set, a chair was brought in and Mason propped up with just moments before we were on. As it turns out, it went just fine. The only thing I would do again is I would smile more and move more fluidly. All in all, Mason rocked, he stole the show with his addition of the "nose wipe" feature. If you didn't see it, here's the link to the piece. Come back and let me know what you think! http://www.gooddaysacramento.com/momtrepreneurs

My Message To Entrepreneurs

Do you have an idea? An invention? I say, "Go for it!" You don't need a boatload of money to pursue an invention. Dave and I had this idea years ago and actually took action in January 2008. Here we are just 19 months later getting ready for our first trade show and our product will be on store shelves in mere months. Don't have time? Dave is full time, active duty military, and when we started this venture, I had a full time sales career. You can do it!

The really amazing thing about this story is that we have not paid a penny for prototyping, samples, or manufacturing. The only money we've spent has been for our legal fees with writing and filing our patent application. Not every idea needs a patent. In fact, "First to Market" is often more effective and a lot less expensive than applying for a patent. How have we done this you might wonder. I don't know what the technical answer is, but I can tell you what I think it is, I asked.

It really is as simple as that. I called US manufacturers of snow gloves and talked to them about my idea. I originally wanted to license the idea with the provision that I would introduce it to the marketplace as mom invented, and then they could run with it. The couple of companies that I was able to have a dialog with, really saw that our idea was good, sound, and needed. They liked the hole in the children's market we were filling and they liked my initiative to pick up the phone and cold call, as I did each of them. The company that is now our manufacturer and distributor paid for six rounds of prototyping, 35 pair of sample gloves, and the polish on the design for the hang tag. We worked on a general look and their graphics department made it look spiffy and professional. From there, they provided us with an additional 50 hang tags for when we needed to replace a torn one. They also provided 75 pair of retail ready gloves that they deferred billing on until October 14th, 2009. It is possible to get the help you need when your idea is a good one, and you ask

So what's stopping you from pursuing your idea? If it's important to you, you'll make time, and don't tell me it's money because I won't buy it, not even for a single dollar!

I Saved An Inventor $1800!

Once people know about the glove project, they come to me with the questions of how did I do that and who did I know to call. One of the parents from Mason's school asked me about a product idea he has and as I was sharing with him what I know, he informed me that he sent his idea to an invention company. He went on to say that they wanted $1800 from him to secure the patent, in his name, and bring his product to market. I asked him what was in it for them. He didn't know. I suspect a lot.

My thoughts during our conversation were to absolutely not pay $1800, file a provisional patent application on his own, and start shopping this idea to companies that may be interested in licensing it. In the meantime, look into what it would cost to manufacture just in case that's the road he ended up traveling. He felt like he found a resource in me and I felt good that he wasn't handing over too much money when in all likelihood, this deal was not going to shake out the way it was presented initially.

What do you think? Have you ever seen success from an invention company? I haven't.

Zelda Wisdom with Carol Gardner

A few years ago, Carol Gardner was going through a divorce. A friend gave her some advice: "Get a therapist or get a dog." Carol chose the latter and brought home a four month old English bulldog puppy she named Zelda. Not only did Zelda become her loyal companion, but sparked the creation of Zelda Wisdom. Carol used her background as a creative director in advertising to combine the visual of Zelda along with verbal wit and wisdom. The result? Zelda Wisdom Inc. is now an international greeting card, gift, and book line which offers such suggestions as life is tough...wear a helmet, smile...it could be worse, enjoy life...this is not a rehearsal, go braless...it pulls the wrinkles down.

It's amazing that every picture you see of Zelda is the real deal. All of her costumes are made for her, and she wears them exactly as you see them; no photo-shopping! She's a girl who loves her clothes and celebrity.

I get an e-mail from Zelda every day. It's the most wonderful, smile evoking way to start the day. You can get Zelda's Daily Dogmas by going to www.zeldawisdom.com and subscribe. For those who believe you don't get something for nothing, wrong-O! Zelda's Daily Dogmas are completely free.

Those of you who know me personally, know that Mason carries a stuffed Zelda with him every where he goes. Carol has been an inspiration, mentor, and good friend to me. I know you will love Zelda as much as we do. Check her out today! You can read more in Dahlynn's book Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur's Soul. It's a great read, including Carol and Zelda's story. http://www.zeldawisdom.com/

"Do You Have That? You Know You Need It, Right?"

We are in high gear getting ready for out first trade show in September. As we work through the things we obviously know we need, we're finding that we need so many not-so-obvious things, too.

Did you know you need a style sheet or "how to use" for your logo? What that means is, you have to have your retailers agree to only use your logo or brand as you allow. The appearance has to always be consistent and positioned as you want it to appear. That may be in their advertising or signage in their store, but not for their personal use or worse. There's more to this, lots more, but we're not going to go into it here.

How about making sure your manufacturer can produce a large order, a very large order. You may think, of course they can, but do you know? In our case, Dave realized that we need to be sure the skus are issued for not only our five sizes in two new colors, but also three larger sizes, also in the two new colors. That's sixteen new skus created in our manufacturers system before our show in just under six weeks.

There have been so many things that have come up in the last two weeks that I just can't imagine boring you with all of it (not to mention, I can't remember it all off the top of my head!). Suffice it to say, this has been and continues to be an incredible journey. It feels like yesterday that I sat at my kitchen table cutting up a poorly designed children's snow glove. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it a million more times, just start! If you just take those first steps, you'll be amazed at how soon all those steps create your dream journey!

Love a Local Business!

Vote for ZipperBack Gloves to win a $1000 grant!

Here's the info:

Go to www.lovealocalbusiness.com
Scroll down and enter our info to nominate.
When it says it can't find us, you will get a link to select Manually Nominate.
Our business name is ZipperBack Gloves
PO Box 7476
Auburn, CA
Dave and Kathy Partak - Owners
Contact info: Zbgloves@yahoo.com
Thank you!

Kathy Partak
Follow me on twitter: @kdpartak
www.intentionalwinning.blogspot.com/ blog updated 3x weekly

Who Is On Your Counsel?

I'm sure you have people in your life that you look up to or take knowledge from their experience...but have you ever thought seriously about what they might advise you to do in any given situation? I have. I was introduced to this idea by Napoleon Hill in his book Think and Grow Rich. He suggests that you create a panel of experts, dead or alive, that you know enough about to surmise what they might do or advise you to do in a given situation. I love this! The idea not only gives you an opportunity to research and learn about other's who have succeeded, but it changes the way you think about your current situation or dilemma.

Do you have imaginary counsel that you can talk to about what you want, what you could do, or just share your happy thoughts with? If not, maybe you can think about who you would put in your mind to have on your team. I have Napoleon Hill, Oprah, Jack Canfield, and more on my team in my mind. I ask my question and imagine what any one of my team would advise me to do. It really creates a different line of thinking when you are looking for clarity or answers. Let me know what you think of this idea! Have a great week and make something special happen!

If You're Taking Action, You're Winning!

I talk with other entrepreneurs every day. It can be someone who is running a brick and mortar business or another mom inventor like myself, and what I keep finding is that everyone is striving for some lofty goal and missing out on all the little successes and accomplishments along the way.

I posted a thought on twitter last week that read, "There is no destination. Your entire life is a journey of starts, wins, losses, stops, joys, sorrows, laughter, loves, and experience. If you are waiting to get "there," you're missing the ride." I believe this with every fiber of my being.

I understand the importance of setting goals and working diligently until you get there. However, once that goal is met, there will be another, and another, and one after that. At what point do you stop and say to yourself, "I did it!" and take some credit? Big victories are won by a number of smaller wins. A perfect example is that of a parent. Would you dare not celebrate your child's first steps, and then their early words, to the first time they read a full sentence? Of course not! The joy is in the journey, the accomplishment that allows the next bit of skill or information to come. We might find we are happier in our day to day lives if we spent a few minutes a day treating ourselves like we do our children.

In my opinion, if you show up to do the work, you are successful. Many people have great ideas. How many of those same people put their ideas to the test? My guess is less than 10%. If I'm close, than isn't being in the top 10% of billions impressive? I think so! Take a moment today and celebrate something you've accomplished, don't' worry about it not being the be-all-end-all of goals. The reality is, there is no destination, all you have is your journey. Make the most of each delicious bite!

They're Here!

The shipment of gloves came on Thursday. I wanted to share the news on Friday but I've been in "schedule is jam packed" hell! Laughing! It's really not so terrible, but when I don't have time to write, I get a little crabby.

I knew the shipment was coming, but when it arrived, it was a box that was surrounded by white light! I think I even heard angels singing. Okay, no white light or singing angels, but it was a moment that deserved some recognition. After all, it's not everyday that you stand in your hall way with a box that holds your first retail ready product. Think about all the ideas you've had in your life and how many of them you've seen through to creation. Most people will tell you they've never done it. This is my first shot at bringing a product to market, and here they are!

I called Dave before I opened the box and asked him if he wanted me to wait until he got home. Being the nice guy that he is, and knowing me so well, he said, "No, you can't wait. Open the box." He said the words you can't wait in the context of "you" being a general reference, when in fact, he knows me and knows I CAN'T WAIT! Think about the friends episode where Monica is waiting for Chandler to get home so they can open their wedding gifts and in her impatience, he comes home to every one of them opened! Yes, that's me.

I opened the box while Dave was still on the phone and I have to tell you, it was a moment that transformed this project from something cool that we're working on, to a real business venture. Holding gloves on hang tags in my hand for the first time was something special. Even Dave has been bumped up to the next level in planning after holding the product.

If you can dream it, you can have the box of it on your hall way floor, too! Laughing! Start! Start figuring out how to make it. If I did this, you can do it, whatever your "it" is. Tania's making hers happen, Sally is well on her way, and Ginelle is as well! One of many things we all have in common is that we took that first step! You ladies inspire me and I hope my news today inspires you as well! Happy Monday and welcome to a new week!

Still No Answers On Some Of My Problems

I'm working on getting ready for the ABC Kids Expo and it seems I'm really behind. I have to figure out what we can offer as a show special, figure out sizing, and all the things I talked about last week. To date, I've done very little on that list! Are these really problems or just things to do that I don't want to focus on? Likely the latter! Laughing!

I do know that our first order of 75, retail ready pairs of gloves will be here this week and if that's not a milestone worthy of celebration, I don't know what is! I'll post a picture on Friday so you can all share in my elation! In the meantime, I have lots of work I still need to do!

Take a moment to share with me where you are in your journey and how I might be able to help you. Happy Wednesday!

Are You Going To The ABC Kids Expo?

We are attending this trade show in September and I want to see how many of my friends will be there. I think it would be a hoot to arrange an evening of drinks and appetizers to meet in person. Are you going? Do you know anyone who is? Pass this along and let's see if we can't make some face-to-face meetings happen! Here is some of the information on the show. If you think you might like to meet up in Las Vegas, let me know! I would love to meet some of my blogger-inventor friends!

ZipperBack Gloves will be in booth 1612!

Las Vegas, NV September 13-16, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Exhibit Halls.

The ABC Kids Expo is the primary trade show for the juvenile products industry. It was founded as a partnership between independent specialty store retailers and the manufacturers who support them, as a method in which to promote the long-term sustained growth of the industry as well as to provide valuable opportunities for networking and education. The main focus of the show is on products from newborn through teen, predominantly in the areas of furniture, bedding, room décor, baby gear, gift and layette, toys and related accessories.

There's Always Something To Do!

You might think that with a seasonal product, once the weather heats up, there's not much to do. NOT SO!

We have a trade show in September that we have no display for. We have magazines to promote to, and it may already be too late. I'm still gonna send the samples though, because you just never know. We have companies that have expressed an interest and asked us to send a sample even though it's too late for this fall. I have to pull together the data for a press kit and we still need good pictures of the final product, on the hang tag for web sales (ours and retailers). We need to figure out how people can "size" our gloves for their little ones hands and inmplement that into the web site. We are revamping the look of our web site so there attention needed there and I haven't even touched on the administrative stuff (bookkeeping, updating the database, inventory, etc.).

Just when you think you can settle in and take a break, think again! There's always something to do! What are the things you found to do that you didn't expect would take so much time?

Gloves May Be Here This Week!

I've been in communication with our manufacturer over the last few weeks and our initial shipment of gloves is in! This is the real deal, all five sizes on hang tags! This is what our consumers will see and decide if they want to buy. We are very excited.

It's just one more milestone in this process. I think all the little victories are important, but some stand out a little more than others. This is the one that when you open the box, you feel anxious, excited, and quite possibly, even emotional. Maybe it's just me, but to see your idea in "shelf-ready" form is quite an accomplishment.

I realize there is so much more to the business side of things, but if you don't take time to recognize the small successes in the journey, you aren't really taking it all in. You may find yourself at the destination you were striving for, but will it really be as sweet if you didn't celebrate all the little stops along the way? I think not! I'll take a picture of the gloves when they come, but until then, I'm going to feel the excitement and anticipation each moment!

Entrepreneurial Generosity

Entrepreneurs are some of the most generous people. In the last year I've met many people who are bringing products to market or running their own businesses. The one thing that seems to be true with all of them is that they want to share what they do. They share their knowledge, their expertise, their network of friends and associates, and their products. Part of the desire to share comes from wanting people to know and love what they do. The other factor is the pride they feel in their product and/or service.

I understand this because I find that I want to give away gloves to anyone who helps me that has small children. I don't have very many pair to sell this first season, let alone give away, but I sure want to! I want people to know what Dave and I created and that our product will solve their problem. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with each mile stone. I know I can't give away as many pair of gloves as I'd like to...yet! But the day will come when I can donate, give back, and share our product with everyone we want! Smiling!

I'm Camping!

Even us hard working mompreneurs need a break! I'm camping with a big group of friends and will be back on Monday. I'll see you all on Wednesday, June 24th! I hope you are doing something fun, too!

Pint Sized Entrepreneur Natalie Lillie

I'm a firm believer that when you give children the opportunity to succeed, they'll do just that. Natalie Lillie is a perfect example of a young lady who had an unpleasant life experience and wanted to tell her story. At just nine years old, Natalie wrote, Natalie's Lice Aren't Nice!

A few years earlier, Natalie got lice from sharing a hairbrush with a soccer pal. She watched as her three brothers had their heads shaved and then endured several days of natural treatments, and uncomfortable combing to pick the nits out. When it was over, she was afraid her friends would think she was not clean so she wanted to educate everyone about head lice.

I had the pleasure of visiting with Natalie a few weeks ago, and what a joy of a young lady! She is beautiful, inside and out, and has an incredible vocabulary. I've known Natalie's family for nearly 20 years, so I'm not really all that surprised she's a dynamo. Everyone in her family is as kind and ambitious as she is and she has excellent women in her life as role models. With all this young lady has going for her, she has a very bright future ahead of her!

You can buy Natalie's book at Amazon by clicking this link: http://www.amazon.com/Natalies-Lice-Arent-Natalie-Lillie/dp/1434372715

How Do You Pay For It?

How do you pay for your business? It takes money to make money and it certainly takes money to launch a product. We did okay getting the ball rolling, but now we have product ordered and need to pay for two trade shows, a booth, travel expenses, and anything else that crops up.

I know people who have relatives who foot the bill, and others use credit cards. The days of home equity are long gone for most, and banks aren't making business loans nearly as easily as they used to. So what do you do?

I'm pretty creative when it comes to fund raising. When Dave and I were planning our wedding, we got a donation of a weekend vacation and sold raffle tickets. We made over $800 and that was almost enough to pay the caterer. Yes, we got off cheap! Our friends all rallied and provided their professional services either at their cost, or in several cases, as our wedding gift. It was wonderful. When Dave was in Iraq, I got big name musicians to autograph a guitar and then the local morning DJs would auction it off for me. This money paid for shipping of hundreds of boxes of CDs and DVDs to our troops.

Have you ever sought out a creative fund raising solution? I would love to know how you raise money to make your business fly.

Who Do You Know?

You've all heard the saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Do you believe that? I do. This is not to say that you should ride any ones coattails, it's just to say that when pivotal people know who you are, you have opportunities that others may not.

Case in point; I met a woman at a networking event who had invented a great baby product. We talked and initially connected because she is also the wife of a National Guard Soldier. As the evening went on, I agreed to take a sample of her product and send it to a friend of mine who has connections with a company that may possibly be interested in licensing her product. She sent it to me, I sent it to him, he took it to them, and viola! A licensing deal is on the table. This deal wouldn't even be a possibility if we didn't tap into our willingness to ask for help.

Who do you know? Who do they know? Ask! You know what you need and the kind of professional people who can help you make your dream a reality. Find out how many degrees of separation there really are between you and them. I bet not as many as you might think!

What Do You Wear To Work?

I love being an entrepreneur for so many reasons, but mostly because I like that I can work in my pajamas if I want to. And many days, I want to!

The really nice thing is that there are times when you need to pull out the tailored suit, and other days when jeans and a freshly pressed shirt will do. Those days are a nice change and make me feel important, but in reality, I'm one of those people who is most comfortable in my yoga pants, thick socks, and a super soft t-shirt.

So hear is my question; do you think it matters what you wear to work? Of course if you work in a bank or corporate environment, you need to comply with specific dress codes, but what about being self employed? I say dress for the event. If you are meeting investors, or making client calls, dress professionally. No matter what your product or service is, you'll feel more confident and your client will have more faith in your professional ability. If you're doing admin at your home office, wear whatever you want, even nothing if that suits you!

This applies to all areas of your life. You're not going to a formal wedding in cut off jeans and a tank top. The same way you're not going to the beach in your best business suit. Use common sense and good judgement and you'll always be dressed appropriately!

On a side note, this reminds me of something I said as our wedding ceremony was beginning. We had a garden wedding planned and as fate would have it, it rained. We moved the wedding to the reception hall where there was a gorgeous stone fireplace. The minister made mention of the bad weather and I politely chimed in, "There is no such thing as good or bad weather. There is just weather and if you are dressed appropriately, every day can be a great day!"

What Do You Do When You Have A Lull?

You know, the time when you finished one thing but can't start the next step yet? It always feels a little strange when I ramp up, work hard, and finish a task to find that there's nothing to do until...fill in the blank.

For ZBG, the blank is, until it's time to start working on our trade show booth for ABC kids in September. We are working on it in terms of tossing around ideas, but no solid "to do's" yet. I'm also waiting on our glove order to put together samples for retailers like Sports Authority.

There is certainly aways something to do, but there are also those times when you just have to wait. I can hear Tania now, "Wait, wait for what? I'm working on invention #352 while I wait on colors from Asia for #176, and bendy wire from Mark for #267."

What do you focus on when you are in a lull? I'm working on other ways to earn an income while we wait, and that means many balls in the air at once. I'm also using this time to get fit and trim so that when the spotlight is on me, I'll feel good about how I present myself and comfortable in my clothes.

When all else fails, I had a manager tell me once, "If there's time to lean, there's time to clean." And I've done my fair share of that over the last few months as well!