BARBCO

Moved Over

2010-01-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

As part of trying to be consistent in brand and keep my life in some sort of order, I've started a new blog for the CADDi and a separate one for my artwork. This blog has gone to rest. ZZZZZZZZZ.

Hope to hear from you here:
http://beveragecaddi.blogspot.com/
or here:
http://hranilovich.blogspot.com/

November Recipe

2009-11-03T09:02:00.002-05:00

Take an ordinary brownie, a cup of coffee - or just about anythng else - and top it with this for a festive holiday presentation. Eat it by the spoon and swoon.

Cocoa Bean Coffee Cream
from "Bitter Sweet" by Alice Medrich

1 c heavy cream

2 T cocoa nibs - coarsely chopped into smaller bits

1 T crushed coffee beans (regular, not dark-roast)

sugar to taste

Bring cream, nibs, and coffee beansto a biol in a small saucepan.

Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 20 minutes.

Strain the cream into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract the liquid.

Discard solids. Chill the cream for at least 6 hours.

Whip, adding sugar to taste as it thickens.�

Beverage CADDi Facebook

2009-10-29T07:14:00.003-04:00

It's working. in three days there are 129 fans on the new CADDi page.

I went to see the site of one new fan and found this amazing resource for Michigan entrepreneurs. What a cool side-benefit of this whole process!

The photo upload trouble took some research. I'd saved all photos at the same dpi and height, but apparently the height/width ratio cannot be more extreme than 1 to 3. Many of my photos were too tall relative the the width. NEVER had that be an issue before. Once I had that down, the process got easier to post photos, though working with albums continues to be difficult.

The BEST news was that someone posted a Shoulda Had a CADDi moment. It's this first recognition of need that will help people understand the point of having and using the CADDi. It's not just another collar - it's a tool to get a beverage from point A to point B.

It's nice to feel the life in this Facebook page. Now I have to think of reasons for people to be glad they bothered to become fans. I'm thinking that will evolve on its own...hoping so. Sure appreciate the support no matter what!

Facebook Follies - the CADDi PAGE

2009-10-26T09:05:00.004-04:00

About a year ago I set up a Facebook presence for the CADDi. Then, after a month or two, I could no long access it. I have a group for the CADDi on my personal page, but really wanted to keep this all separate from the rest of my life.

My interns told me the CADDI definitely needs a Facebook presence.
So, I dug into the depths of available e-mails and managed to set up a page for the CADDI. Facebook was being VERY stubborn about uploading photos, so it took hours.

Then someone informed me that there are pages and there are PAGES on Facebook and if I used the personal type for a business they could pull it from the web (explaining the mystery disappearance of the first one). Who knew? Apparently lots of people, just not me.

SO - yesterday I set it up AGAIN, and asked a bunch of people to join AGAIN (people are SO forgiving!). I'm pretty excited and hope it can become a fun page. Check it out. Still struggling to upload images, but I'm determined!

In a week or so, this should the THE page for the CADDi.

Discount codes uncoded

2009-10-21T16:18:00.004-04:00

I finally know how to create a discount code/coupon code/voucher, so that I can offer CADDi specials.

The first is for MSU. I'm told CADDis are perfect for tailgating and that's where my interns are and we're going to do a little MSU awareness campaign. I was hoping to offer a buy-two-get-one-free deal, but the code doesn't work that way. $1 off it is...just use the code MSU.

In retrospect I wish I'd used another code, so I could send it to other schools, but that'll be later. For now we'll track this and see how it goes.

Empty Vessel

2009-10-03T07:28:00.004-04:00

Life is changing in myriad and subtle, but exciting ways. The news, the economy, less work...I'd let things get me down and was feeling like I'd lost all direction.

I met with some friends to discuss how to make this whole self-employment work for us as people - to keep the joy and follow the right path to a good life. One of these people gave be a bracelet which says: Positive thoughts lead to positive actions. Then and there - I simply decided to stop feeling bad. The end.

It worked. I jumped into my usual activities, but with renewed energy and resolve. I read a business book which, along with other small signs I hadn't been reading, made it clear that I need a team to accomplish what I'd like.

Three days later I attended the MSU intern fair, hoping to find someone who would be willing to take on an unpaid internship working with a self-employed person with no real plan. I wasn't looking for anyone to do anything in particular. I WAS looking for the right PERSON - the one who looked me in the eye in just the right way.

Nearing the end of the day, three women stepped up to my table and set their resumés before me. The sun seemed to rise from behind them and the air felt clean and exciting. I said that there was no way I could choose among them, that I would want to work with them all and they said, "ok". Then a fourth woman came, who knew them and promptly joined the group.

My team. Four charming and bright women, with all that bright connotes. Graduate students in marketing, advertising and retail. We have now met a few times. They've survived my dog peeing at their arrival. They've already offered some great ideas. I'm thrilled to see where this might lead and to have the freshness of outlook they provide.

With the upcoming PR CADDi blitz, we can follow up and follow through with any coverage we might get.

The team name, Empty Vessel, comes from the Tao te Ching...the universe is an empty vessel from which all things come.

October Recipe. Coffee Sauce for Ice Cream

2009-10-02T07:42:00.001-04:00

This is one of my all-time favorites.

Give it to me, Baby

2009-09-30T19:51:00.002-04:00

The CADDi PR Adventure begins.

From November through February I've contracted a PR firm to tout the CADDi. I don't know why, but the timing feels right and I feel ready to take this to a new level.

This is NOT a cheap proposition.
So - at the wild suggestion of some enthusiastic friends - I am doing a big ask...asking people to give me cash... one dollar(or more if the spirit moves) and ask their friends to do the same.

Just so everybody gets something out of it, I'm also offering a number of images to use as computer wallpaper and, for a larger donation, framable prints.

I hope people have some fun with this. I hope they tell their friends and it goes insanely viral. I hope it gets some buzz along with some cash. I hope the PR is worth it.

Here's the link to the rest of the story and the donation site.

Domain Name Dilemmas

2009-09-28T14:30:00.002-04:00

Several years ago I had to choose a domain name. I WANTED caddi.com, but every permutation of CADDi I could think of was taken. I probably didn't think hard enough.

For reasons which I'll discuss soon, the domain name issue came up today. Ann Siegle (of Tria Design, who handles my website) suggested I try getthecaddi.com. Lo and behold it is available and I took it. It has the name of my product in it (beveragecaddi.com was taken). Let's see if this all works...getthecaddi.com should simply forward to barbco.biz.

I'm glad to have fixed this...it's felt a little off all along and I now feel fresh and like I'm starting over, which in many ways I am...again - more to come.

All I'm saying is - take it from one who's now paying double - get it right the first time.

German Pretzel Recipe

2009-09-21T14:11:00.007-04:00

Have so many people asking for this recipe I'm just posting it here:
3 1/4 c unbleached bread flour
3 T unsalted butter - chilled and cut into 1/4" cubes
1 1/4 c tepid water
1 t dry yeast (not fast-rise)
2 1/4 t sea salt (or regular)

Rub flour together with butter till mixture is like coarse meal.
Add water and stir till absorbed.
Sprinkle yeast on one half of the dough and salt on the other.
With a wooden spoon, mix with a few strong strokes.
Knead till smooth and elastic - about 12 mintes, or 8 with a machine at medium

Form a ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth. Put in the oven with just the light on for about an hour or till the dough has started to dome and feels light and springy.

On a clean counter, cut the dough into 8 equal pieces. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
Roll each piece out to about 18" long with tapered ends. Shape your pretzel by crossing the two ends, leaving a loop. Cross them again to make a twist. Flip the ends back over the loop and pinch gently. Cover with plastic or a damp cloth and refrigerate for from 2 to 14 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350°

Now you'll need
4 quarts of water - brought to a boil
1/3 c baking soda
Add baking soda to the water 2 T at a time.
Take chilled pretzels. Add one at a time to the boiling water. When it floats to the surface, after about 30 seconds, add another. Turn the first and let boil another 20 seconds. Lift with a slotted spoon and drain well. Place on baking sheet. Continue with other pretzels.

Sprinkle pretzels with coarse salt or sesame seeds.
Bake 30 - 35 minutes or till beautifully browned.
Eat as soon as you like. If there are any left, you can store in plastic to keep soft, or in a paper bag for a couple of days to make crunchy...it's all good!

Enjoy!

The illustration was done for last year's Old Town Oktoberfest.

Fired up about Fall

2009-09-21T06:48:00.004-04:00

I love fall...and Mondays - new beginnings filled with possibilites.

This last weekend was arty - had a painting fly off the brush and did two raku firings with fun results. I'm preparing for a summer event and sending things to a woman who does private showings. Two painting series and one in clay are competing for my attention, but the portraits are going to win for now, I can tell.

Met my intern team and am SO looking forward to working with them on the CADDi. The timing is right for their skills and energy. What a wonderful bunch of young women!

I started a stock illustration portfolio on the i-spot. Will be adding more images along the way.

Spoke about my book at the Okemos library last week - interesting and charmingly interested audience. That experience ties in with another thread that's feeling pretty exciting at the moment. Someone told me that two people had asked for it that day at Schuler Books - fun!

So - stir, add a little basil, taste, life is good.

MSU Catalyst article

2009-09-14T11:32:00.002-04:00

Reporter Reed Kalso came to my studio a few weeks ago and we chatted. I think he wrote a really lovely article for MSU Catalyst whose mission is to let students know that there is life after school and options they may not yet have even thought of. Hope this helps. Thanks, Reed, wherever you are.

Selling off my Site

2009-09-04T07:57:00.003-04:00

Being an artist can leave you feeling like a gypsy - carrying your wares here and there, setting up tables, packing and unpacking. Every time you move a piece you risk damage - especially to that expensive frame. Every time you ship a piece or drive to deliver you lose profit. There are only so many available venues for selling art and I have a problem with volume - I make a lot of work.

Sometimes I'm working toward a show and have a cohesive theme, but lately I'm just experimenting in concept and medium...a little of this and a little of that. Fun.

So, I've decided to offer some work for sale directly from my website. It's a form of marketing, but, I hope, would also help some people have access and ease in finding work. These are not bargain pieces - don't want to undercut my galleries. Some of the pieces are framed and some not. I'm also including digital reprints.

To see work in person, please check out Mackerel Sky in East Lansing, where I have fairy houses. Honora Bird Gallery in Old Town has sculpture and paintings and a little clay. River Street Gallery in Manistee has paintings.

All just part of making a living.

What the Devil?!

2009-09-02T07:52:00.003-04:00

Sometimes you just have to have fun and these crack me up. When a bowlful of red-hot devils looks up at you from the kiln, smiling, you know you're onto something.
These are pins. I wear my devil pin when I can't say what I really want to.
I'll be taking these to Honora Bird Gallery in Old Town Lansing, but also have them at upcoming holiday events.

August Recipe from barbco.biz - Coffee Cake

2009-09-01T13:24:00.001-04:00

Coffee Cake
Quick, easy, tasty!

Butter a loaf pan

Cream together till smooth:
1/2 c softened butter
1/2 c sugar

Add 1 egg and mix thoroughly

Sift together:
1 1/2 c flour
1/4 t salt
2 t baking powder

Combine:
1/3 c strong coffee
1/3 cup half & half cream
1 1/2 t vanilla

Add coffee mixture alternately with flour mixture to the butter and sugar mix. Stir just till mixed evenly.

Pour into the prepared loaf pan.

Combine and sprinkle over batter:
3 T sugar
1 t cinnamon

Bake at 375° for 40 minutes or till an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in the pan.

Click HERE for the current BARBCO recipe.

Freelance Suicide

2009-08-14T08:09:00.000-04:00

Just saw article this through Twitter. It's dead-on.
http://www.freelanceapple.com/9-ways-to-commit-freelance-suicide/

CRAZY busy...triage

2009-08-13T08:03:00.004-04:00

A friend once told me that it's ok to have an idea and not actually DO anything with it. Very hard for me. I love being places I've never been, even if it's a simple as an intersection in my own town. So, I'm always chasing the new, following the creative thrill...probably the adrenaline.

Today someone asked me if I'm still crazy busy. I haven't seen her in years. Everybody always asks me that and I usually am...and that's CRAZY!

I like to read a book in a hammock, too.

In the last weeks I've been in triage mode with my life, considering what gives me the most emotional and (gotta think about it) financial bang for my life's buck. The answer pretty much always comes back to making art. Illustration, fine art, clay or paint...it's all good. I do need variety, I do need to be creating, but I do not need a billion hats to wear every day. Life will not allow me to have done everything, so it's time to get back to doing what I do well and love to do.

I'll forget this - there's still so much out there that's calling my name. And I do like to be busy, just not crazy.

Feelin' it.

2009-08-04T16:39:00.004-04:00

Had a very interesting chat with two women yesterday - a little spiritual, a little biz-ness. Also met with a cool new client. It all added up to filling my pitcher (a WISE friend used to say,"You can't pour from an empty pitcher").

Started the day by cleaning the studio - had a summer's collection of things not quite done, or doable at the time - just DID them or tossed, or filed. In finding the surfaces below I felt myself growing calmer. Ideas started coming into the space that clutter had filled. I now have two paintings started and another ready to start tomorrow. I have a series I want to explore as a possible book-y project. I'm feeling ready to work my butt off - prepping for galleries, client sketches and, as is often the case, a pro bono illustration.

A friend with whom I have a monthly biz conversaion gave me a great reference for the CADDi. We talk about the issues behind getting a new product understood and used. I'll tell you about her when she's ready.

Andrea King Collier posted something about my book, which was so cool! And I had another call from someone interested in including the book in a project of theirs.

There are many things I don't get, but I do know that I'm in my zone when I'm making art.

"Twas a good day.

Simplify

2009-07-30T08:31:00.004-04:00

This summer of high highs and great stressers has made it clear: it's time to reevaluate a lot.

1. Computers are NOT my friend and I pledge to spent less time at this keyboard (this is the second time I'm writing this, as Firefox shut down, deleting my almost finished first draft - case in point).

2. I'm reminded that my priorities do not involve wealth (though I'd have more if they did), but I still need to make a living.

3. I've been doing way too many things to do any of them well.

So - this morning I canceled both of my online shops - Etsy and Bonanzle. I'm going to do paintings for the gallery in Manistee which wants to carry my work. I'm going to focus on illustration, which is both my most effective and most enjoyable way to support myself.

The CADDi is still an adventure - I'm still seeing progress and having fun hearing when someone gets a kick out of using theirs. I have plans for it yet.

But - I'm going to find more time to smell the roses...did that yesterday at MSU gardens with our German guest on a glorious Michigan summer day...THAT's important!

Bonanzle,CADDi Coverage, and Michigania

2009-07-02T06:34:00.004-04:00

1. Though a crooked path I've heard about Bonanzle, which is like Etsy crossed with Ebay - you can have an e-store to sell just about anything you want. This seemed like a good idea for me as I have my book and some All Dogged Up products, which don't fit the Etsy model. So, I've put up shop at Bonanzle. I still have a lot I want to add. There seems to be a nice sense of community there so far and the customer service has been great. We'll see if I can generate any sales, which is the point, after all.

2. Lisa Cocuzza at It's a Glam Thing was wildly generous and filled some print space she had in this publication with an ad for the CADDi. What a great surprise! There's a little glitch in that it reads barbco.com rather than barbo.biz, but people will see the CADDi and can google it, or talk about it, or just start to understand it, which all adds up in good ways. I'm so very grateful to Lisa!

3. Michigania, a Lansing store full of tons of Michigan products, is now carrying the CADDi. The owner got it right away, as she demonstrated how she carries her coffee by the lid with her teeth sometimes (with mixed success) when her hands are full. Buy local!

Introducing a New Product

2009-06-26T17:16:00.005-04:00

Getting awareness of what a new product is, and how it works, is a tough hurdle to jump.

I'd heard about Animoto and thought it might provide a simple and affordable method to describe the whole CADDi concept quickly. I took photos of people using the CADDi at our Thank-you Party (ok, I was thanking the CADDi Corps for support AND taking their pictures, but we really did have fun, despite the fact that the margaritas were sadly weak) and in no time and with charming cooperation from the models, we got some dandy shots.

The photos were the final pieces I needed to build a little clip for the CADDi to post and by the next day I had them uploaded and it was done. I did forget to include this photo of texting and the domed cup, but may use it later. Today I tested the remix option to see how things would change and much preferred the new version, so posted that at barbco.biz.

Check it out HERE if you'd like.

Business Model?

2009-06-16T14:25:00.003-04:00

I was raised on Raggedy Ann stories. As part of a business assignment for a class, I had to create a mission statement expressing my immutable laws. After long thought and introspection the statement below evolved. It's scary to think I haven't made it much past five, but then again, 5-year-olds have a wisdom you can't deny. I'm not sure yet how this translates into making a living, but somehow have faith that if I stick with this model the rest will work itself out.

Because I'm involved in such disparate ventures, the basis for the statement had to be the person who has to do the work...in this case, me. So, here goes - smarmy and naively idealistic though it may seem:

HRANILOVICH MISSION

Hranilovich is a fluid, orgainismic being operating under the following principles:

DO UNTO OTHERS = Be kind.
MAGIC WISHING PEBBLE = Leave any situation better than I found it
WIDE EYES = Pursue areas of curiosity
BUMPER CARS = Savor the ride
MOM = Share learning

The world of Hranilovich is the Deep Deep Woods with fairies 'n' everything which means:
There is a sense of community
These is a solution to any problem
There is a sense of wonder
There is love
There is beauty

Hranilovich is comprised of:
Hranilovich Illustration (I am provide a service)
Hranilovich fine art (I create)
All Dogged Up (We have products)
BARBCO (I sell the CADDi and raise money and awareness for organizations)
Hranilovich author - have this book I wrote and the SheHive Freelance articles/segments to do.

Crisis over

2009-06-11T08:19:00.003-04:00

Ok - so it was a bad day at last blog entry. Lovely things have been happening every day since. I forget sometimes that the choices I've made to keep my business balanced with my life take me out of some models for success. No, I'm not making millions...wasn't planning to. I AM learning a ton and meeting amazing people and making steady progress toward getting a product I designed to the marketplace.

Here's timely Toilet Paper Entrepreneur blog topic today (I can give advice even when I can't always feel it - think I'm # 90).

I Tweeted my confidence slump and was charmed to get some heartfelt responses which truly did turn my day around. Genuine cream rises even in Twitter.

Got the CADDi listed at this nice blog - Steals and Deals and would like to thank them for that!

Crisis of Confidence

2009-06-09T15:20:00.003-04:00

It comes in waves, this emotional business, and today I'm just feeling like the CADDi climb may beat me. It's partly in contrast to doing artwork, which comes easily, and to the large illustration job bid I'm waiting to hear about, for which income would come easily.

Nothing about the CADDi, other than coming up with the idea in the first place, has been easy. I KNOW I'm making progress and that I just need to keep plugging, but since I can't see more than a step ahead it feels sometimes like the climb is eternal.

I met with a woman yesterday who advises people like me. She's had several start-ups...one so successful that she could not keep up and had to fold, another is at about the same point as the CADDI. She told me that my four years with this is a very short time for launching a new product. It was so nice to hear! I'm starting to hear people talk about using the CADDi, or having the AHA moment when they wish they'd had one, which is even better. I'm selling some and have had some inquiries from people interested in selling them for me. I should feel great, but today I just feel tired.

This is a blog about the entrepreneurial experience and how I'm feeling is a part of the roller coaster ride. I want to be honest, so sharing the ups goes with sharing the downs.

I just realized it's 3:30 which is the lowest point of any day for me, and I'm fighting allergies this week...could be that simple.

Maybe I'm halfway up the vine and the golden egg has a smiley face on it.

CADDis for Causes launched

2009-06-08T17:15:00.006-04:00

FINALLY! After over a month of tech difficulties, I've been able to get C4C up on the site.
Here are a few of the labels for the causes. See if you can match them to the correct organization on on the list below.

It works like this: get a CADDi specifically created for the cause and $1 will go to that cause. I've chosen these groups for personal reasons and hope this program can bring both visibility and dollars to them.

The final list is:
The Humane Society
American Cancer Society
East Lansing Art Festival
Lansing Art Gallery
The Nature Conservancy
Old Town Scrap Fest
National Multiple Sclerosis Society

On a side note, I had a business consultant tell me that nobody would buy a product because it would do someone else good. I hope to prove him wrong because adding this concept to BARBCO has given me a lift already. Time will tell and in the meantime I'm having more fun with it all than I have in quite some time, so it's good enough for me.

Youngest CADDi model - cutest, too.

2009-06-02T14:41:00.005-04:00

Are these adorable, or what?!
Amanda Snook took them of her son - the first to respond to my request for CADDis in action photos. The plan is to create a short clip about how to use the CADDi. Thanks so much, Amanda!

I'm hoping I'll get more photos - CADDis with strollers, bikes and walkers - books, kids and phones.
If someone sends me a photo in the next month. I'll send them a CADDi. If I can use it in the clip, a CADDi AND a Biggby gift card.
Just send it to me at bhranilovich@earthlink.net.

Today I got an order for 200 CADDis from a college library. It made my day, since I really think CADDis are great for students and this is 200 more out there being used...one step at a time.

Still on hold

2009-05-26T16:53:00.004-04:00

Still can't make changes on my BARBCO site and am very anxious to launch CADDis for Causes. Hope to by June 1. Will be adding Multiple Sclerosis Society to the mix, tho in a different format.

Still can't access the CADDi page on Facebook. It won't accept my password and they've been a tad slow in customer service, tho I did get one message to verify I'm having trouble and hope, by tomorrow, to be able to get into it. Have had two people ask to be friends and would very much like to welcome them!

Caddis are now at Mama Bear's in Old Town Lansing and here's a coupon you can use through Summer Fest in June. Had a friend ask if he could help get CADDis going in Austin TX - thought it'd be a good fit. Hope we can work something out.

We had our last trunk sale for All Dogged Up this weekend, though will still sell at a couple more venues. Posted some bitchy items on e-bay today - first time I've tried that...was amazingly easy.
Hope someone thinks the goodies will be fun for a snarky party or something.

In bid mode for a massive illustration project. Hoping stars will align - many people/factors to bring together.

So - on hold in several areas, but moving forward in others. Spent today dealing with numbers, which, I hope, means I won't have to do that for awhile again. Did order some frames, so will be finishing up some paintings to show, including All Dogged Up original art.

CADDis, Consignment and Coupons

2009-05-21T10:42:00.003-04:00

Last week I had a consultation with Mike Michalowicz (The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur). It was great and I so appreciated his openness and the creative thought he offered.

My assignment at the end was to get CADDis into a small coffee shop on consignment. Consignment was never something I wanted to deal with, but, being an overachiever from kindergarten, I did my homework and am pleased to report that:

CADDis are now at Great Harvest Bread Company in downtown Lansing.
AND - will soon be at Mama Bear's in Lansing's Old Town.

I'm running a week-long special starting tomorrow at Great Harvest - $2 off a CADDi w/ coffee purchase.
I'll run a coupon special for Mama Bear's sometime near SummerFest, as I think the CADDi is great for outdoor events (Old Town has bunches of them) and I really want to get them in people's hands.

It didn't kill me to do this - didn't even hurt. It will be interesting to see how things go.
I'll post the coupons on Facebook and in e-mails and probably tweet about it - can't hurt.

Computers, Contribute, GoDaddy

2009-05-05T14:53:00.002-04:00

Can't move forward. There was a glitch with GoDaddy, which meant I can't edit in Contribute. In order to change that I've had to move my hosting, which then sets off the chain reaction of hell.
I've changed the settings for the new hosting, but now have to wait till that goes through before I can change the password for Contribute. Contribute says I can't edit that info because I have a draft in the works (I don't). Chicken? Egg? Omelette? Sulphur?

Thank goodness Ann Siegle (Tria design) is on the hunt - she's amazing.

I just want to GET to it! P is for patience.

CADDis for Causes - final list

2009-05-05T14:50:00.002-04:00

Have finalized the list of causes for the new program. They are:
East Lansing Art Festival
The Lansing Art Gallery
The Nature Conservancy
The American Cancer Society
The Humane Society
Old Town Scrap Fest
This is a group I have supported in one way or another over the years, so feels nice to bring together. The first focus will be the East Lansing Art Festival, as I bring the rest together. Should be ready to launch this in a week or two.

Freelance Forum

2009-05-01T07:04:00.008-04:00

It looks like I'm going to be the "expert" on freelance for the new SheHive. I'm very excited to be part of this endeavor, as I really respect the people who have brought it all together.

As the voice of freelance I'll have the chance to do some writing as well as a brief monthly radio spot, for which I'm hoping to be able to interview fellow freelancers.

For now I'm looking for YOUR INPUT.
If you are also a freelancer - copy, photography, business management - whatever - please write to me with questions, opinions, solutions, coping strategies - whatever you think you might have to offer or would like feedback about. We'll see how lively we can make this conversation get.

I'd love to hear from you. Just e-mail me at bhranilovich@earthlink.net or simply comment on this post.

(The horse is a logo I did for a freelance copywriter and dear friend many years ago. She has since passed away and I put it here today to let her be part of our conversation)

Interesting list

2009-04-26T16:28:00.001-04:00

Found this and liked it - entrepreneurial 100.

CADDis for Causes

2009-04-24T13:48:00.002-04:00

I'm excited today, because I've just decided to start something called Caddis for Causes.
This came out of my homework, which had me evaluating the purpose of my company. I've always donated to the Nature Conservancy, but want to move the give-back more to the forefront and increase the impact it could have.

Here's how I envision it:
I'll have a page on my site www.barbco.biz (though I may have to do it from www.hranilovich.com) which lists my causes with their logos. I've chosen these (we'll see if they are interested. If not I'll keep looking. These are my favorites):

Lansing Art Gallery
East Lansing Art Festival
American Cancer Society
Old Town Scrap Fest
WKAR
The Nature Conservancy

From this page there will be a link to the CADDi for each cause with as much information about that cause as they'd care to give me...at a minimum a link to their website.
From the sale of each CADDi, I will donate $1 to the cause.

Simple. Real. It feels like a good fit for me and had be humming at how to make it all work.

Amazon?

2009-04-24T08:06:00.002-04:00

Did a little research yesterday and decided to put my book on Amazon. The fees seemed reasonable and the visibility can't be beat. That was going to be my first little task this morning.

It turns out that you CAN just be an individual seller and sell for those small fees, but only if the product is already listed in their system. Mine is not. In order to have the right to list, I have to sign up for one of two seller programs, both of which involve monthly fees. I wasn't surprised, as I had assumed there'd be the fees, but since the first pieces I'd read had made it seem like there was a feeless approach, I'm slightly bummed and not in the mood to either deal with it or start paying fees.

So, for now, no Amazon. I'll take my chances and try to get people directly to the book. And that's my learning curve for this morning.

Flipping the Turtle

2009-04-23T09:43:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I listened to a webinar put on by the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur. It was LOADED with food for thought and my mind is still buzzing. He talks about helping entrepreneurs and how, in many cases, they just get stuck on some point - like a turtle who's been flipped - and that if they can just get unflipped they can move forward.

I'm very excited that, as a result of signing up for his class early, I've been offered the opportunity for an hour-long consultation with Mike. (Mike was kind enough, by the way, to endorse my book). I'll talke with him about the CADDi, as that whole arena is still the most foreign for me. I've been thinking a lot about where I could use help and when and where I, the turtle, got flipped.

I'm sure there are many many areas where I need to tweak and reevaluate and rework - I think that will always be true and, while frustrating, it's what is interesting about business. But, the big flip for me was, I believe, when my manufacturer took my minimum order from 2,500 units to 6,000. I've been working to get the CADDi in people's hands - getting it visible and recognizable. The ultimate goal, though, was not to sell individual CADDis, but to get orders for custom. At 2,500 units I could offer as few as 1,200 at a time if I combined two orders. With a minimum of 6,000 I need either 6 orders or two very very large ones, which is pretty unlikely with a product people barely know.

So, I'm stuck. I'm willing to sell singles as a matter of marketing and awareness, but selling custom was the whole point - a plan which would work in conjunction with my other work. I never wanted to be dealing with inventory - just brokering orders/helping with design - ship straight from manufacturer to customer.

As I was hoping, writing this has clarified my thinking a bit - not solved anything, but reminded me about where I got flipped. Being flipped doesn't mean I haven't been able to do anything, but it has completely changed the view. I look forward to getting my feet back on the ground.

Capital Gains Article - E is for Entrepreneur

2009-04-16T10:52:00.003-04:00

Capital Gains was kind enough to run a nice little article about my book. We talked for quite a while and she was allowed VERY few words, so she did a great job. One thing I want to clarify, tho, was that this book was not researched, per se. Any research I did was simply a function of living the live and paying attention over 35 years.

I wasn't marketing when I said that it's a Michigan product - I just think that's cool to be able to say.

Now - if only the books would arrive. People have started to order this little book (I tried t make each page really count) which thrills me to no end.

Have to be out of town for the next few days, but hope to send out marketing materials on Tuesday.

Today is just a lovely spring day and I plan to open windows no matter what the temp!

Spread Thin

2009-04-14T16:28:00.002-04:00

So much time on the computer these days. All the Twitter/Facebook/entrepreneurial groups and blogs/LinkedIn - so few REAL encounters. It feels like tossing stones in the ocean sometimes. It also feels like what I should be doing, so I keep doing it.

AND -
1. Yesterday someone I'd known from another group found me on Twitter and made the connection. We have chatted back and forth and that has come into focus in a nice way.
2. A friend and mentor has started a new group called SheHive, which looks like it is going to be an entrepreneurially-based site for women with lots of classes and seminars and more than what one usually finds. The founder and her partner are both fun, quick and dynamic and I'm hoping this can be my main networking group in time, streamlining things a bit.
3. A group of women I've been swapping tales, successes, advice and assistence with has gelled a bit. We now have a Facebook page to help us think more about how to function as a group. Each of us has a charitable component to our companies, so we may start there. The group was casually named Karma, but that is seeming more and more like a good fit.

Who knows where any of this will lead, but it's still interesting and there are glimmers of the potential.

Top 10

2009-04-08T12:20:00.002-04:00

Read 115 marketing tips at the Toilet Paper Entrepreneur yesterday. I love this guy - funny and dead-on (the tips are from readers) I can't wait to read his book, which comes with a seminar I just signed up for.

ANYway...
I was feeling stuck, so the tips jogged this and that and I ended up with a long list of things that would be fun or important to do. This morning I wrote the following:

10 Reasons to Use a CADDi

1. It’s reusable and saves the waste of
disposable collars.
2. It leaves your hands free to text, open doors, scratch your nose, pull luggage.
3. You can hang it from umbrellas, rest-room hooks and strollers.
4. It lets you put your arm DOWN - just swing it along by your side...ahhhh!
5. The designs are fun - coffee beans, quotes, even some school colors.
6. It costs less than your last spilled latte.
7. It keeps your hands away from hot coffee and cold smoothies.
8. You’ll get attention.
9. You won’t drive off with a cup on you car.
10. This fun little accessory will brighten and lighten your day.

Little Ups, Little Downs

2009-04-05T09:56:00.002-04:00

up and down: Well, it turns out the cups used in the Netherlands for coffee are too small for the CADDi, so I won't get to have them in that Amsterdam shop after all. It's a bummer, because they were very excited and even talking about getting press about them, because CADDis are so new. Still, it was all a little exciting and the people were very nice to work with.

up: FINALLY got back on track with manufacture. I wrote several months ago about the death of a major player in our supply chain. It has taken all this time to rebuild the machine and, with some false-starts and returns, get the CADDis the way I need them to be. There are so few parts to them, but each is has to be right for them to work well and look good. I've been on hold with marketing, becase I needed to be sure I had a product, but I do. 7 months is a big chunk out of a 5-year plan.

UP! Someone Tweeted me about the CADDi: I should carry cards w/ your website on it with me - I get so many compliments on it. Can't shop w/ coffee w/o it!

THIS made my day and still makes me smile - for the fact that someone is using and loving a product from my head - for the connection on Twitter, which can seem like a vast anonymous wasteland at times.

In the end, ya just have to have faith and keep plugging - you really never do know who's looking at what or where they are.

Encaustic

2009-04-02T09:08:00.003-04:00

Yesterday at Pilates I was told a story about a Rat and a Sparrow. The vision fell into place as perfect for the encaustic medium I'm trying to understand. The story has been set to music.

Encaustic is a beeswax/resin that can be pigmented and/or layered with other materials.
It's very exciting to use, as the materials themselves seem to just snap you to the right side of the brain.

I want to do much more with this and would LOVE to be able to do illustration assignments in encaustic. The surface is simply yummy. The marks are organic. The smell is slightly burned - encaustic is the right name.

CADDi Swag

2009-03-31T15:04:00.002-04:00

I'm told the people at the event loved the
CADDi. That's all I need to know today.
Here's the site of the gift back people I worked with http://www.itsinthebaginc.com/
Nice, organized, kept me in the loop.

Fun Day in CADDiland - with Gratitude!

2009-03-26T20:28:00.004-04:00

This was a gratifying day. I had a coffee shop in Amsterdam ask for samples and pricing and they sounded quite excited by the CADDi. I'll have information to them ASAP.
Then I was checking Google Analytics and started to find blogs where people have mentioned the CADDi.

Here's one of them...
http://ttelroc.blogspot.com/

Remember the Dancing Goat downtown? I still miss them.

The sister of the person told her about the CADDi and she ran with the "story". I am so touched by both acts. It's the kind of fellowship that warms a person - that we just help each other out because we can. It can be lonely doing a business by yourself, but today I feel like I'm in great company - wherever you are.

Bowlful of Devils

2009-03-23T16:43:00.002-04:00

Smilin, cuz they're still HOT from the firing. Soon to be pins.

Back to Esty

2009-03-23T14:22:00.003-04:00

A few people have asked recently, whether I have an Etsy shop. I used to, but closed it when I was feeling simply too busy to bother. I looked into reactivating it and it was very easy - still had images in the system and everything. So - the store is open again.
Mostly I'll have reproductions. So far, it's pretty much this foodie series and a few miscellaneous images. At some point I'll add some more fairy houses, definitely some devil pins, and will even sell some originals - fine art and illustration.

Illustration - a Buyer's Guide

2009-03-20T10:53:00.004-04:00

Several years ago I printed a piece to help people understand the process of buying illustration.
I still have a number of them, but wanted to have the information in a format people could just updoad and print. I'll post it on Twitter, I'm sure, and TRY to post it on Facebook, though had trouble with a pdf link last week (why would the same link work one place and not another?)

Click HERE to see it and, if you like, print it out. Please send the link on to anyone who may find it interesting or useful.

Close call

2009-03-17T17:01:00.002-04:00

Almost shot myself in the foot today. Called to change a phone plan and came THIS close to shifting all services and adding cable. The woman did not call back at the scheduled time and in the meantime I started to think of the ramifications of changing my e-mail address. Did I care enough about faster internet or a cleaner TV image to bother - nope.
So, our lives are still simple and easy. Enough is enough.

Facing the Proofs

2009-03-15T10:17:00.001-04:00

Friday the proofs arrived for my book. I'm afraid to look at them. Despite having had two people proofread and checked it till I couldn't see any more I just know I'm going to find something big.
My husband reminded me that this is why we GET proofs and he's right. Still, this is the first writing I've put out publicly and all of my insecurities are right on the surface.

It's so different looking at the book when it's been put in the final format. As reader's spreads, the art looked one way, now things which I'd thought of as being on the outside are actually in the middle. It's not a problem, just a shift in perception.

CADDi as Swag

2009-03-15T10:15:00.002-04:00

The CADDis will be in good company.

Out of curiosity I have researched various celebrity/event swag companies. I liked the business approach of GIFTED, so agreed to participate when they approached me about the CADDi. The audience was not celebrities, but writers and designers, which felt like a decent fit.

The bags will be presented to designers being featured during the Orange Coast Magazine Design Tour '09 running April 21 - May 17th.

Several on-line news services picked up the press release. I'll be curious to see if I see any results in barbco.biz hits.

Another adventure in entrepreneurialism.

Twitter and the New Chair

2009-03-15T10:15:00.001-04:00

It's not just Twitter. Facebook has suddenly taken on a life of its own, too - and I've spent much of the last week prepping and uploading files for another site. HOURS at the computer, when it used to be minutes. My back was shot.

I had to buy a new chair. I LOVED my old chair and this one looks like any old office chair, but I can tell already that I needed it. My mouse arm is supported, as well as my back. These two things alone have let me like it a bit more. I'll have to find a good home for the old chair, though - it deserves it.

The new drawing board chair should arrive Monday. I'll be sittin' pretty, now.

Posted by Barbara Hranilovich at 10:09 AM 0 comments

New image

2009-03-10T12:46:00.002-04:00

Just finished this piece. It will be used for a label on a black container. Can't wait to see!

E is for...at the printer

2009-03-06T07:45:00.005-05:00

"E is for Entrepreneur" is at the printer. I should have it in hand in a few weeks.
I'm so VERY grateful to Terri Haas-Wittman (great friend - AMAZING designer) who laid it out and made it feel real.

This has been a fun project. It started out as blog posts, but took on a life of its own.

I really wanted the book to feel like the reader and I are sitting at a coffee shop and schmoozing about what comes our way as self-employed entrepreneurs. I have educators' genes, so am hoping I can help someone in some way with this - that would be the point, after all, or it was just an exercise in spewing.

I'm starting to get some nice feedback, which has given me the courage to actually put it out there. I do think there is a place for this nurturing touch, which can accompany the more tactical sorts of business books.

So - it's possible to place orders now. Just click on the E is for button at the bottom.

Frustrating week

2009-03-05T18:21:00.002-05:00

One step forward, at least one step back. Manufacturing communication and quality control. Just when we got it right they arbitrarily changed materials on me. This affects both look and function. The good news is that I'm not slammed against a deadline - still have product here. I know we'll get it right, but we HAD it right, so this was a blow...felt like I went back two years in this whole process.
P is for patience.

Round and round we go

2009-02-26T17:43:00.002-05:00

Just finished this week's Twitter webinar, which got me looking through and searching in Twitter for any references to anything in my bizness.

Found this Capital Gains article, which I knew was being written, but hadn't realized was out.

I also found some very interesting people today. It's starting to get fun.

The class was about how to keep Twitter from taking over your life. So far, not a problem.

Celebrity Gift Opportunities

2009-02-25T07:50:00.002-05:00

Recently I've had some contacts from people who want to include the CADDi in "celebrity gift bags". It sounds fun, but in the end you give them product and pay a HEFTY fee to them- all on the off chance that your product MAY get in the hands of, or be seen getting used by, some (unidentified) celeb circle.

Someone just passed this article along. I think it gives a great overview of the celeb-gift experience. Even if you don't plan to work with something like this, it's interesting reading.

Enjoy.

Fairy Houses at Mackerel Sky

2009-02-22T11:45:00.006-05:00

I'm really thrilled that Mackerel Sky has agreed to show my fairy houses at the gallery. I LOVE Mackerel Sky and think the fairies will, too.
For what it's worth, the fairy houses are safe, slightly protected, out of doors till frost. Some sit on surfaces, others can hang from a walls, or trees. Some have copper hanger, so they can go in trees.

Mackerel Sky is showing the full spectrum, from teeny to dramatic.

Fairy houses are great for house-warming or wedding gifts and come with a card, reminding you to invite your fairy and, along with that, just a little joy.

I hope folks like them, so I can keep making them.

Catching Up.

2009-02-21T07:19:00.007-05:00

It's been a full week.

Swimming in the Twitter pool has been interesting and I'm still curious enough to pursue.

I GOT MY ISBN # for E is for Entrepreneur - this is more exciting than I thought it would be...I mean, really - our dates have consisted of bookstores for years, so having my own number is just plain cool.

Got the PayPal button on the site for the book, so people can reserve a copy at this point. I'm hoping to have it to the printer by the end of next week and it's only a couple of weeks out from that for the book itself.

We posted All Dogged Up for sale. A hard decision, but none of has time to take it where it needs to go. We are very proud of the work and it was really amazing to look at it all and realized we'd accomplished it on basically an hour a week of planning (cannot count the hours in foundation work, but that's done - the fun stuff is what's ahead and we still can't do it - too many hats).

Two new clients this week and both very nice.

Women's Caring Program volunteering coming along - developing a system so people can have parties to raise $$ for working families needing daycare.

Still seeing orders of CADDis and sent some off to a big event in Chicago - only had to send 6, but will have info in 600 bags for guests - a very nice trade-off for me!

Had some labels made for CADDis, so am offering just a few with the ORAL image just for fun.

Might paint the studio - maybe it's the cold winter, but I'm feeling the need for something a little less neutral. Got a gorgeous hooked rug wall-piece (at last year's Women's Caring Program silent auction) with rich colors and want to show those off a bit...feel the warmth.

Am starting to get a rythm for going into the Walnut studio and working. I LOVE this space - the most peaceful room I've ever had for making art. A little clay, so painting, some fibers. Trying to just have fun making marks...it's working!

So, lots of hats, as usual, but they're all fitting pretty well right now.

Good info on Social Networking

2009-02-16T15:41:00.001-05:00

And so it begins. Found this through a Twitter profile and her site is full of juicy and helpful tidbits and articles.
Check it out:http://kelbycarr.com/

Interesting Article

2009-02-16T12:40:00.002-05:00

Just a little food for thought -
The Science of Entrepreneurship

FLIPPED OUT!

2009-02-14T15:50:00.003-05:00

Fun day - my spouse got me one of the FLIP cameras, so I'm going to have to record a few things - starting with my dog's compulsive licking and this gorgeous snowy day, but there'll be tons. I'm not a huge taker of pictures, but the idea of having sound, too, is great. This is such a great little tool.

And - the Twitter thing is proving interesting. I've signed up for a workshop to learn more - have some catching up to do. I played with getting an image on my profile and finding people and such.

Something new every day...just the way I like it.

Twitter and Get the Dash

2009-02-13T17:19:00.002-05:00

Today I joined Twitter and have to say I'm actually pretty excited. It feels like a good fit. I've been tiptoeing around it, but yesterday, at the suggestion of my LWL leader, listened to a webiniar about Twitter etiquette.
It was put on by this woman (Laura Roeder) who really knows her stuff and explains it well. She has a workshop I think I'll do in coming weeks to really get a handle on it.

Here's something cool - Getthedash.com.
You sign up and Laura gives little weekly assignments which will help you fine-tune your social-media effectiveness. It's just a little something you can do each week, but in asking this, she helps you think about much more than the assignment - what are you trying to accomplish? Who is your audience? It's really fun and a little bit exciting. But then, I was one of those who always loved school.

E-signature - learning curve of the day

2009-02-12T08:29:00.003-05:00

After watching a video, reading lots of how-to's and instructions, I finally got a signature for some of my e-mails. When I typed text in the text area, nothing worked. There was a CHOOSE component at play here and I didn't know how to prep a text file to be chosen, so I took a leap and chose a j-peg. That worked - j-peg in an area calling for text.

This took an hour. I was hoping to have a link, but that's not signature 101 and I need a break before I try html...a break and a mentor, but I'm determined to figure all of this out.

At least I have SOMEthing for today.

Linked in - so what?

2009-02-05T18:58:00.001-05:00

Apparently I'm not alone in not quite GETTING LinkedIn

Peter Shankman just wrote: "Do you use LinkedIn?" Everyone raises their hands.
Then I ask,"Anyone know what to do with it?" And everyone gets quiet, and
looks at their water pitchers. That's probably because they haven't
read Jason Alba's new book, "I'm on LinkedIn, Now What?" - This is
like the bible for LinkedIn - Check it out on Amazon here:
http://tinyurl.com/ddgnhz - Then check out Jason's blog behind the
book: http://imonlinkedinnowwhat.com/ - Good stuff.

CADDi moment

2009-02-05T18:24:00.002-05:00

Hi. I just got this comment:

...this image - reminds me of coming down my icy outdoor stairs, carrying briefcase,bag and baggage -- AND coffee mug -- wishing I could find my caddi. I Need another one! (Or two)!!
Frances Doezema

I call it the CADDi moment - I love it when people tell me they really could have used a CADDi, or had that moment when they truly understand the point of it.

Thanks, Frances - made my day!

SparkPlugging

2009-02-05T09:43:00.002-05:00

Here's a new resource (at least to me): SparkPlugging - a networking community for at-home workers.

Type A Moms

2009-02-04T13:57:00.001-05:00

Just got listed at this site - a fun networking place for moms in business.
Worth checking it out, for sure.

Detour to Entrepreneurial Motherlode

2009-02-03T14:34:00.003-05:00

I just had a one-hour detour in the middle of writing this entry.
1. I was looking for the Biggby/Bob Fish article in Entrepreneur Magazine. They were sold out.
2. I DID find another publication by them (I think)- a quarterly called Entrepreneur's StartUps.
which is one cool thing to read.
3. In looking for a web-site to mention here I ended up logging in, profiling up, and deciding this is an amazing site. It's full of blogs and ways to look at and connect your business (though there is no listing - there never is- for commercial illustration and I REFUSE to stick myself in arts and crafts (no disrespect - it's just not the same).

I recommend this as worth checking out.

Now, I think I'm going to go spend some more time exploring there, myself.

Gift Therapist Surprise

2009-01-31T16:05:00.003-05:00

Well, I just discovered that Jennifer Carota - the Gift Therapist - posted the RR segment on YouTube with an endorsement of the CADDi. She didn't tell me and I came to it by accident.
SO GREAT to have friends paddling along in the boat.
THANKS Jennifer!

The plant

2009-01-30T10:52:00.004-05:00

Last weekend I attended another Ladies Who Launch intensive workshop.
It's always nice to get a kickstart in the company of others in the same boat.
At a LWL conference last spring we were each give teeny plants to take home...symbols of our young businesses. Each time I water or turn this plant I think of that - that I have to tend to my business with the same care and consistency. Look how it's grown! It's my favorite plant.

CADDi on the Road - or beach - or wherever?

2009-01-26T12:00:00.003-05:00

This clip just makes me smile. The fact that my friend thought this through, did it and did it so nicely warms my heart.

I've added a spot on the CADDi site requesting that people post clips of their CADDi around the world.

I heard yesterday about a cool toy - the Flip. You can record a full hour and it has a USB connector, so goes straight into the computer. Here's a link to Amazon if you want one - I may have to break down.

CADDi Crafts.
I've also added a spot on the BARBCO site for people to send in images of crafty things they've done with their CADDis. I'll be curious to see what folks come up with.

Posted by Barb at 10:13 AM

Five-minute Marketing

2009-01-22T19:00:00.002-05:00

5!

A few months ago I was having lunch with Ann Siegle from Tria Design. We were talking about just how much marketing a person could get done with little bursts. I'd been doing it, but hadn't thought of it as a method, but I started to. At her suggestion I started to consciously, in any work day, devote at least 5 minutes to marketing some aspect of my business life. Sometimes it turns into longer. I like the structure and the little nudge. It's like -"C'mon - you can do this - it's no big deal."

Ann does workshops on marketing and this reasonable/doable method.
You can see more about it here:
http://www.triadesignfirm.com/tips/fiveminutemarketing.html
in case you might like to schedule something for a group.

CADDi Fun Fact - TUPPERWARE

2009-01-22T14:27:00.002-05:00

A customer just taught me something new...

CADDis work GREAT on Tupperware Sheerly Elegant 16oz Tumblers.

How fun is that?!

Capital Gains Article

2009-01-21T15:15:00.001-05:00

Thanks Capital Gains, for the nice little piece.

Mixed Bag

2009-01-20T06:58:00.002-05:00

As press always is, the RR spot was great, but a bit disappointing. The person showing it dropped one of the straps, but had the quick wits to note that it didn't spill. I had sent a few pointers to the show about the CADDi - one of which was that it does not hang from the wrist, but rather a finger. R put it on her wrist (this is an invitation for a raised arm and spilled liquid). They did show how to put it on the cup, which is GOOD. They could have shown someone carrying a bunch of stuff with the beverage, which would have been good.
Still - orders are coming in and hits on the Barbco site are WAY up. The link is on the RR site - all of which are VERY GOOD.

I feel so lucky that this came my way and am glad it's over.

Today I'm going to put together a piece about how to use the CADDi for the site.

CADDi in Aruba

2009-01-19T13:09:00.003-05:00

This is my highly photogenic friend Karen who was kind enough to shoot and send this GREAT photo.

I'm a doofus

2009-01-16T16:34:00.002-05:00

Just got a call from the Rachael Ray Show - they're getting the link ready for next week and checked my website out. I'd spelled Rachael Rachel. I'm still blushing. They were very nice about it and just said it'd be nice if I fixed it there.

They also said the segment went very well and the CADDi's really cute, so I'm feeling a little less anxious...you just never know when you're not there and there's no going back.

So...I'm going to have a nice quiet weekend and try not to stress myself out...do some clay firing and, if it warms up, maybe even a raku firing...and bake some bread - definitely bake some bread.

Another Contest

2009-01-12T16:05:00.003-05:00

Can't hurt - might help.
I've entered another StartUp Nation contest...Leading Mom's in Business.
Once again, people can vote daily.
Click here to vote. I'd, of course, appreciate the support.
The winners will be based solely on the number of votes.
Entering is part of my 5-minute-a-day (thanks Ann Siegle) marketing plan...a little here, a little there.

How to prepare

2009-01-12T07:04:00.005-05:00

The end of last week was all adrenaline, but the business reality is that I'm totally in the dark about what, if anything, may result from getting the CADDi on Rachael Ray. I did decide to order more of the two most popular designs, assuming that some orders will come out of it all. There will be a link on their site and they mentioned 15,000,000 people...a number I can't quite fathom.

The best part of this opportunity is awareness...breaching the user/buyer gap by letting people know what it is and how it works. Why would anyone order them if nobody uses them? How would someone come to use them if nobody carries them? This is that basic chicken/egg dilemma when introducing a new product. I'm hoping the RR spot will provide the carton.

It tapes tomorrow and I'm still nervous. Who knows how it'll be presented? I'm at their mercy.
Not sure yet when it will air.

Rachael Ray

2009-01-08T15:36:00.004-05:00

I want this in writing. This is the day I got a call from the Rachael Ray Show. I've just boxed up CADDis to be shown on a "favorite things" episode to be taped next Monday.

Who knows what may or may not come of this, but it's a heck of a sense of validation. My heart is beating oddly and it's all a tad surreal.

I'll certainly post when it's supposed to air as soon as I know.

Back in the Saddle

2009-01-05T09:16:00.002-05:00

For the past several months I've been on hold with the CADDi and trying to to get too nervous. A major player in the supply chain died suddenly. It was awful from both business and professional standpoints for other people with whom I work more closely. A new person had to be brought up to speed, reconnect and establish communication. There's been this long period of just-don't-ask-they're-doing-the-best-they-can during which time I have not been able to move. I no longer knew what my production costs or minimums would be. I dared not promote, because I wasn't sure if I had a product to promote.

All is right with the universe (at least this teensy bit of it) this morning. Pricing has stayed the same. I still have a 6,000 unit minimum per order, but the great news is that it can be broken down into 6 separate CADDi designs, so I can piggyback custom orders with my own needs for inventory - and offer custom of only 1,000 units.

This is the not-so-romantic side of being an entrepreneur. It does come down to money and numbers at some point.

I'm just excited to be starting the year knowing I have options and my systems are again in place.

It's a Glam Thing makes CADDi a favorite item

2009-01-01T08:35:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Lisa Cocuzza for naming the CADDi on her site. She seeks and reports on fun glamorous goodies. The CADDi isn't exactly glamorous, but I accept the support!

May this be an interesting year. May we learn from what it brings us and ride the river with aplomb. There's nothing like having good friends for taking it all in stride!

Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

2008-12-31T08:42:00.001-05:00

This is a fun site which recently asked for resolutions from entrepreneurs. I liked thinking about it and it's inspiring and encouraging to see what people have written. You can see them all (mine is number 73) HERE. Consider posting your own. The media is watching this site for interesting stories to follow.

Nature Conservancy donation

2008-12-29T16:14:00.002-05:00

I'm very pleased to say that BARBCO will be able to donate $50 to The Nature Conservancy because of CADDi sales in 2008.

I just did the math and I haven't had a year with profit yet, but the big start-up expenses are now behind me. I'll need to reorder inventory, but that's good news. I'm learning that pr is cheaper than advertising, so should be shaving big costs there next year, too.

Would it not be cool if, in the 5th year of my 5-year plan, I broke even for the year? It'll take much longer than that to break even in total, but as long as there's progress I'm happy. The ratios are shifting in the right direction and orders are coming in more regularly.

You tube comment

2008-12-28T07:10:00.003-05:00

Just got a "kewl idea" comment from the little CADDi animation on You Tube. I didn't know comments were possible, and it was a fun surprise to get one - it means someone other than me has actually viewed the short. Even a teeny encouragement like this is a huge incentive to keep plugging.

Coffee Business Solutions

2008-12-27T13:00:00.004-05:00

This may be my last writing for this year. I'm trying VERY hard to take a few days off from everything but wrapping up bookkeeping and cleaning the office. I'm curious where things will take me next year.

I know I need to get focused, as last year just about did me in. I have some projects I want to wrap. I need to think about where things are with the CADDi and how to best get the word out about that. It's been fun having orders come in and that's getting them in people's hands and being seen, but I still have work to do in that arena before I'll be able to push for larger custom orders. Suggestions are welcome.

There's a new coffee magazine you can read here. I think they've done a nice job. You can fill out a survey about the magazine and get a lifetime free subscription. I was lucky to have them ask if they could run an ad for me for free so they can show people how their ads would work. FREE advertising! I think they've done a nice job with the publication.

I have a good feeling about 2009 and wish those of you reading this well.

Parents with Style GIft Guide

2008-12-15T18:08:00.001-05:00

Thanks to these folks for their mention of the CADDi in their gift guide. It's a fun site.

Coming up for Air

2008-12-02T14:04:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've written. Illustration jobs have had me hopping (jumping up and down like a madwoman) for weeks. That's where all of my attention has gone, other than a trunk show for All Dogged Up, a gallery opening and a craft show. Each has has had positive and negative aspects - time loss being the hardest. Still - the businesses are all coming along in their own little ways.

I'm starting to get CADDi orders - singles and gift packs - from various parts of the country, which is pretty exciting. Every 12 I sell is 12 more on the streets doing marketing for me. They've gone as far as Hawaii and Washington, and east to PA. A death in the manufacturer family has put production on hold, but that's almost back to normal. It was a blow to everyone.

Turns out the CADDi did not win the StartUp Nation contest, but I was thrilled that it got in the hottest vote category and am SO grateful to everyone who helped by voting - in some cases every day.

Now - back to the drawing board - literally.

CADDi hits You Tube

2008-11-19T13:27:00.001-05:00

Check it out -- the CADDi is on You Tube.
I wanted some way for people to see how to use it and Kevin Zmick from Media Graphics put this together for me. Thanks, Kevin!

The Dirty Shirt recommends the CADDi

2008-11-18T12:17:00.002-05:00

It always amazes me when people go out of their way to make someone else look good.
Check out this CADDi REVIEW. Heck - I was just hoping for a little mention.

Simplifying

2008-11-17T07:08:00.002-05:00

I just decided to start deleting. It's been a year of trying things on for size and it's been fun. I put things on Etsy.com. I started a fine-art blog. I've certainly gotten deeper into Facebook than I expected to, and that's still pretty shallow. On one level it was essentially to raise my Q for BARBCO and All Dogged Up. On another it was curiosity about how and whether people respond to such things.

It's all very interesting, but I'm already rather over it. I decided today to pull my Hranilovichoriginals blog and Etsy.com. It's like cleaning my closet of perfectly good things that I just don't care to wear. I want to be able to see and appreciate the things I love.

Grace Boutique

2008-11-09T13:06:00.003-05:00

At the risk of redundancy, I'm writing about Grace here in addition to Facebook. Summer's wonderful little boutique is a MUST SEE and this Friday evening - November 14th she's having a shopping party. I hope to see you there.

Check out her amazing party dresses, darling sweaters and affordable accessories - perfect for anyone from teens to, well, my age. I just like going there.

Summer did the Ladies Who Launch program with me and we learned a lot. She's got her act together, I'll tell ya, though she's a sweet as can be. We need her in this community, so please make a little trip to Old Town for your holiday shopping.

While you're there, please stop by the Honora Bird Gallery tucked in that alley next to Sir Pizza.

Vote for the CADDi - NEW contest

2008-11-03T07:25:00.002-05:00

What I thought might be a meniton on someone's blog turns out to be a contest.
I'd SO appreciate it if you or anyone you might send would vote for and recommend the CADDi at this address: http://www.thisnext.com/item/BC79EB9B/DBFC27B2/BEVERAGE-CADDi

There's a certain energy that's starting to build.

New Photo

2008-11-01T08:35:00.002-04:00

I want to thank Kim Kauffman for the new photo. I needed a head shot and she made it almost even fun. This one felt like me.
Kim's incredible photography can be seen at Mackerel Sky on Ann Street in East Lansing - through November.
Her work is really getting recognized, so get it while you can - it's amazing! She does commercial work, but I really want you to see her fine art, so check it out here.

The Trunk Show

2008-10-31T18:05:00.002-04:00

Here's a photo of the new Dapper Dog goodies from our trunk show was last week. Thanks to all who came by! We had fun. The next All Dogged Up gig is the Women in the Arts Festival in East Lansing - November (7th/8th).

Buy Local - Earthly Delights

2008-10-30T18:00:00.000-04:00

We visited Earthly Delights last year. It's gourmet heaven and it's right here in DeWitt. I've had their cards and have meant to pass them out to everyone, but this may be better. They're mail-order only and have just about anything a foodie would want.

Check them out at http://www.earthy.com/

Their packaging is really cool...wish I'd done it.

New Trick from the i-spot

2008-10-24T08:15:00.002-04:00

My online portfolio is at the i-spot. They just gave me code for the direct link which you can see at the right under my photo. It's a REALLY fast way to see the most recent mini-portfolio. The dogs have played heavily in the mix this year. Most of my recent projects are still in the works, so I can't show the pieces yet, but there have been some really fun things to paint.

Tag line?

2008-10-23T07:16:00.002-04:00

Kevin Zmick wrote this morning:

CADDi "One less thing in your life that needs balancing"

Kevin works for Media Graphics and is producing a little clip for me for YouTube. I can't wait to see what he comes up with.

Type-a Mom CADDi review

2008-10-20T07:26:00.003-04:00

Here's a blog for busy, mulititasking moms...most of us, in other words.

In it is a review of the CADDi. It's my favorite so far because she admits she started out skeptical (which is normal for a new thing). It looked too simple to make a difference (It does look too simple which makes it tough to explain). She tried it out, though and put it through its paces and the CADDi came through.

Bringing a brand new concept to the market is tricky. Why buy it if you don't know what it is? Why sell it if nobody has ever heard of it.

But (and I go back to the day I thought of this silly little thing) it really DOES make life better.
It makes my heart sing to have someone else see it, too.

Great way to start the week.

Feeling like myself

2008-10-16T16:48:00.003-04:00

After a few days in Floria visiting my parents I'm back to a full illustration schedule and whole days at the drawing board. After an erratic year so far, this is a slamming fall. I like the meditative pace of simply painting all day. The project is a fun one, but I can't talk about it - it's a SEcret, which just means someone else's product before release.

I sometimes get sick of painting, but after being pulled in too many directions these last few weeks it's been feeling good. And I'm grateful for the steady income.

Someone told me we're just two weeks away from the Holiday Open House at Honora's studio, which means a week away from the All Dogged Up trunk show. Still prepping product for both. I'm really excited about our new products, though, so can't wait to see how people respond. Hope to have the web site updated with the new goodies by then, too.

I usually have a holiday card ready to go by now - might have it in the kiln as I write. Hope so!
How did it get to be mid-October when September yesterday?!

All Dogged Up

2008-10-07T19:56:00.002-04:00

This has been a doggish week. In prep for our trunk show I've been plugging on the web site - getting drafts of pages ready, so we can replace one line with new shirts and add our new products.
I really do need to learn html - maybe next year. Things which never made sense before are starting to, so I might actually be somewhere near ready to take that on. I have to say, it's really been fun, though deceptively time-consuming. There is the day job, after all.
What's another 12-hour work day, anyway? Good thing I like what I do!

Caddi makes the Top 20

2008-10-01T07:40:00.002-04:00

The Gift Therapist has placed the CADDi in the top 20 of her 100 picks for the 2008 holidays.
Check it out to see what other goodies she recommends - there are some darned tasty-looking chocolates, I know that.