Avoid the 3 C’s: Competing, Comparing, and Categorizing
July 28, 2006
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Oops. I did it again. Yesterday I found myself in a sudden mindset of the 3 C’s and had to refocus and stop myself. The 3 C’s are easy to do, very challenging to overcome…at least for me. But, the first step is to be aware that you are even competing with another person, comparing one another, or judging and categorizing others. I think women in business are particularly competitive. Why don’t we cheer one another on? We must celebrate our differences. We all have unique opportunities to give, let’s help one another succeed.
Sherri Dew talks about these three deadly obstacles as a downfall of humanity in her book “If Life were Easy it wouldn’t be Hard: and Other Reassuring Truths.” Dew says that the “antidote to these baggage-breeding behaviors is charity.” Be kind. Be gentle. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
This week I had a bit of a “train wreck” as they say with someone in business, I wrote an email that I shouldn’t have. I should have taken more care in how I expressed myself and thought more carefully about what I was doing. His reply was very professional, and thoughtful, even though I should not have deserved a reply. I learned a great deal from his charity and gentle treatment of my concerns. I apologized for my actions and hope I can remedy the relationship further.
Today’s Magic Wand:
Be aware of the 3 C’s; Love One Another.
Say Goodbye to an American Classic Brand, April Cornell as we knew it
July 27, 2006
I am so disappointed. April Cornell, a very successful upscale fashion designer that produced women and children’s clothing and home decor merchandise for the past 30 years has gone out of business–bankrupt. I called my rep for the brand today and she told me the disheartening news.
My rep was with April Cornell for several years and now reps for another notable company in Arizona, a wonderful opportunity for her, yet she is still sad about the loss of her former business. She said that the company has closed all of its American stores and did not fulfill orders for Spring 2006. She attributed part of the downfall to not staying current on the trends as well as poor decision making. This was particularly disappointing for her because as an independent rep she travels doing trunk shows and was not able to be paid on orders she placed for her large clientele. I am sure many reps lost money because orders were not fulfilled. It just shows you that you are never “safe” in business…they say the first five years are hard, I bet April Cornell would say the last five years were worse.
What’s next for April Cornell? She is being reinvented and is licensing her designs to other companies and is now featuring her new products on QVC. Visit www.aprilcornell.com, the new line is called “Naturally April.” You can also read her blog.
Sweet & Charming Video Pitch is DONE, interested?
July 27, 2006
My video pitch created for Funding Universe is done, I am starting to deliver/mail to interested investors; minimum investment for phase 1 funding is $25,000. Investors on Funding Universe will see it online in the next couple of weeks when my BP is done. Contact me directly for more information email Kelly (AT) princess sweet.com
Where in the World is 10x Marketing?
July 27, 2006
A couple of weeks ago I blogged about 10x Marketing’s website and how helpful their powerpoint was online. I really think its amazing, however, the company has a new owner and the new owner doesn’t want anyone to know their phone number or email yet, not sure why…??? They are losing customers right and left and I’m getting a lot of traffic from search engines on the subject because of my blogs on it. So, the answer is great company, great ideas, not sure how to contact them at the moment!!
If you know the new owner tell them to at least put an email on their website.
The Art of the Power Nap
July 27, 2006
I’m going to take a nap today. I am so excited. It’s only 7am and I’m already planning it. Start Up Princess Laura Jacobs, Herbs for Health in Pleasant Grove taught me “The Art of the Power Nap” www.experiencewellness.org
The Art of the Power Nap:
Around 3pm, close the blinds in your bedroom or office and rest for 15 minutes only. Just tell your body that you want to wake up in 15 minutes and then you will wake up feeling refreshed. Don’t sleep any longer than that during the day, unless you have 1-2 hours to catch up on missed sleep and are sleep deprived…15 minutes is the magic number.
Today’s Magic Wand:
Take a Power Nap today!
Baby Talk
July 26, 2006
I have a couple of sweet little princesses, a newborn and a toddler. It’s been a trick to be out and about with them and grow my businesses, but we are managing well and has been fun too. Some tips for anyone out there in the same boat!
Naps:
Required daily, at least 2 hours for my toddler. At the same time for both, if possible!
Read:
The Happiest Baby on the Block * especially if you have a colicky baby!
On Becoming Baby Wise
Baby Minds
Playful Parenting
Brands:
Avent baby products
Maclaren stroller (love their double)
California Baby Hair Care
Burt’s Bees
On the Go:
Always carry extra clothes for every child and yourself! (at least an extra shirt)
Extra diapers, etc. supplies in the car
Always carry extra water, healthy snacks
Comment about what you think are baby essentials. We’d love to hear!
Taste of the Valley’s Entrepreneur Jason Christensen
July 26, 2006
We spent our Pioneer day feasting at Utah County’s “Taste of the Valley”. If you’ve never been to one of these, you pay a flat fee (it was only $8!) and then sample cuisine by local businesses. The event was held at Thanksgiving Point Reception Gardens and was sponsored by the Provo-Orem Chamber of Commerce. It was a delightful and delicious in every-way (except the miserable heat)! It was amazing to meet and see so many established and new restaurants share their gifts for splendid gourmet!
My favs: new comer Shoots’ special drink with non-alcoholic Irish Rum, coconut milk, and green gelatin fruit bobas, The Harvest Restaurant’s Tilapia seviche (sev-ee-che) salsa (1/3 shredded grilled fish–salmon, tuna, or halibut would work too… with 2/3 mixed chopped salsa veggies and lime), and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory’s frozen bananas!
As you can imagine, one of the most popular spots was the delicious Frozen Custard from Coney’s. I enjoyed meeting Jason Christensen, founder of Coney’s in Orem www.coneyscustard.com and also owner of six year old company North Star Alarm Systems www.northstaralarm.com. I was surprised that such a young entrepreneur could have not just one business, but 2! And he’s an Executive MBA student at BYU. WOW. Even if you don’t live in Utah County, you can learn a lot from Jason. Visit his sites, both companies have strong branding and look very professional, plus the sites are easy to navigate and find necessary information about the companies.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit with him on the phone about being an successful entrepreneur. He said that he was inspired to open a frozen custard business in Utah County because he loved frozen custard shops in the East and wanted Utah County to experience it. He is planning on opening another location and get the systems down better and then offer franchise opportunities.
He offered some excellent “magic wands” for Start Up Princesses.
Partners:
Always be careful who you go into business with, not just because you need to absolutely trust them, but you need to know whether they are a good match for you strategically. Do they have what it takes for the long haul? Do are you a balanced team? Do they have different skills and expertise to bring to the business?
Funding:
Jason says that investors want to see that you have “skin in the game”, that you care so much about the business that you are willing to do what it takes to put in money into your business such as personal savings, equity from your house, etc. If you are willing to take the risk and demonstrate it, they will be more likely to also put in the risk.
Enjoy some Frozen Custard at Jason Christensen’s Coney’s this summer! 
Congrats to Mindy Gledhill, Winner of Pearl Award 2006!
July 26, 2006
I just got off the phone with Start Up Princess Mindy Gledhill www.mindygledhill.com and she shared the great news with me, the song, “Emma” featuring Mindy as lead vocalist won MOST INSPIRATIONAL SONG of the year for the Pearl Awards.
Today Mindy is re-recording her song “Child of Light” for The One Heart Bulgaria www.oneheart-bg.org benefit CD. (Previous version is owned by another label). Thank you Mindy for donating your talents and time for this important project!
How do We Teach Them to Dream?
July 26, 2006
If you’re on this site, it’s likely because you’re a dreamer. Entrepreneurs are the best dreamers, but we don’t just stop at the dream… we have a mission to accomplish, a purpose for living, a goal to achieve, a passion! But what about all the young girls and women on this earth that don’t have a dream or have confidence to pursue their dreams? It’s hard enough when you have passion to fulfill your dreams. I wish I could help a young girl I know who is 15, pregnant and has no hope, no dreams. I wish I could help my Bulgarian orphan friends to dream big and know that with God nothing is impossible.
I hope I can learn more from my friend and life-long example, Joni Eareckson Tada. Through the miracles of the internet I reconnected tonight with Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada, www.joniandfriends.org. Ken was my student government advisor in high school when I was student body president at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. They both have been so kind and supportive of me in my life.
If you don’t know Joni, you need to hear her story, see her artwork and read her books! She is an inspiration to all for how she has handled her incredibly challenging life’s circumstances with grace. I would like to interview her soon to share more details of this amazing woman. Joni and Friends teach people all over the world to have faith in their dreams and to overcome difficult circumstances, particularly disabilities. One way they do this is by example, another is because Joni and Friends reaches out to those in need, making a powerful impact with their ministry globally. Just last week Joni was at The White House, as a personal friend of The President of the United States. Joni has been instrumental in advocating rights for disabled persons for many years. Larry King, and Patricia Heaton are among Joni’s voices of support for her organization. Thank you Joni and Ken for your love and dedication to your work. You are teaching others to dream!
Today’s Magic Wand:
What can you do to share more light?
My Top Ten Tools as an Entrepreneur
July 25, 2006
Sources of Inspiration
My Incubator Group, Mentors, Board, Husband, Mom, Friends
My Business Plan/Palo Alto Business Plan software program
Contact Management software program
My Ann Taylor suits
www.marketingsherpa.com
www.fundinguniverse.com
Business Plan Competitions (networking, help with strategy, ideas, direction)
My iBook with my video pitch and company commercial installed at all times!
Internet!
Today’s Magic Wand:
Think about your top ten and other essentials, give thanks for what you have to help you on your Start Up journey! Leave a comment if we’ve left out something you think we should consider!!!
