Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Sanity...it's crazy-making

The past few weeks have involved a never ending roller coaster of events, emotions, tasks, and trying to somehow come out alive on the other side. The worst part about all of it? I can't talk about it yet....
Inside, I'm a writer. This is my outlet, and I think that Kyle loves that I have it, because there are only so many times he can listen to me vent, or talk out my strategy to "take on the big guys". But the nature about this entire situation is protected by a looming necessity for confidentiality, and if I even started to talk about why I could be making things even harder for myself.
What I can say is that everything will be ok, life will go on, and at the end of it all, I will be a more valuable business person from the experience we're having.
What I hate about this....it makes me feel like I'm a bad mother. I cannot physically do everything during the day and night that I need to do, and do everything that Abby needs me, as her mom, to do. Yes, I accept help, and I have a super nanny, and Abby is completely well taken care of. For me personally, it's not enough. When we started trying to have a baby I knew it would be a challenge to balance everything, but I knew that we had the most amazing support system to make sure that we are all ok.
I grew up with working parents, and I know that I need to work (at least part-time) so I have something else to do. I never wanted to be in a position where I was there for the morning and bedtime...and nothing more.
Once this is all over, I'll be happy to take at least a day or two to spend with just my little girl.
Some mommy and Abby time....and maybe a glass of celebratory wine.

Until Next Time.....

Dabble

Friday, February 3, 2012

What are you doing?

Today I had a VERY thought provoking meeting about direct marketing with a fellow digital print professional who trumps me in experience on more levels than one. Yet I walked away from the meeting feeling very secure in the business mindset that I had, the values, goals, principles, and direction of our company. We were talking about his new advertising/marketing firm and the dilemma of a direct marketing campaign. How many times have you received something in the mail trying to sell you something? SOOO MANY! Sure, they personalize a salutation, or even a unique feature about you, but there is SO much more that can be done!
Think about this....
You have a business, and you have clients. Are ANY two people exactly the same? Nope. Does every one of your clients need or want something you offer? Sure! Are you trying to close a sale, or open a streamline channel of business? Well, both. Yes, you want to make money, but if you look at every customer as a single deal, that's all they will ever be. Same goes for non-profits; don't just go for one donation, go for perpetual giving! Once you look at your customers as unique creatures, you need to find an effective and cost-effective way to market to them not only in a WAY that is pertinent to them, but also at the right TIME for them.
The idea is mass production with a unit of one....
We have a printing company with no minimums. Seriously. It's more than a quantity system, it's a customer based model. If a company or association comes to us with the desire to send our a direct mail marketing campaign, we might produce 5,000 pieces. However, we are producing 5,000 sets of ONE.
After our meeting finished, I felt like asking him "Is there anything you want to do that you haven't done?" I'm sure there might have been something, but as I opened the door by saying, "anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask", he returned the open door. I am inspired everyday by people who are willing to let me pick their brain of experience, and humbled when they tell me I have the right mindset to get to where they are.
So again I sit here wanting to conquer the world, waiting for my next big break. Why wait? Here's my offer to anyone reading this that has a customer base and needs a better way to reach them. Email me!
kdsessoms@greetingexpress.com
I don't care if you have 5 customers, or 5,000....we can help you reach them in units of one, and I will give you my prep time at no cost. I will brainstorm with you and help you reach all of your dreams, and your revenue goals. Sales pitch? sure....but realize that it's almost 8:30 on a Friday night and I'm doing work market research while my 4.5 month old sleeps. Personally, I think that's a nice quality in a collaborative partner!

Looking forward to Kyle's return home and a nice weekend with my family. I might even be lucky enough to get some "grown up girl time" on Sunday with Courtney. Maybe a mani/pedi, a little shopping, and some lunch. After all, even working moms get some personal time!

Until next time

Dabble

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Milestones

It's only Wednesday and I feel like I've been running around for months this week...if that makes any sense. Abby officially started rolling from tummy to back, and is SO close from back to tummy but her stinking arm keeps getting in the way. We are decorating our house, finally, New Orleans Purple guest room, Girly Paris guest room (aka Fairy Godmommy room), Africa Living room, St. Lucia half bath, and a few other "undecided" areas. I find myself with the TV on in the background daydreaming of fashion, travel, cooking, decorating, things to blog about, and experiences I want Abby to have.
She'll be 5 months old in 13 days....it's CRAZY how time flys. I also find myself thinking about what it's going to be like to be pregnant with a little girl running around. No, I'm not pregnant yet....notice how I said while she's running around, clearly at 4.5 months old she's not quite there YET. It'll happen when it happens for us for #2, but for now I do not want to miss a single moment of her growing up.
Our company is finally hitting the biggest event that I feel like we've been planning for for YEARS (it literally has been). Pretty soon we'll have a website "facelift" complete with a live custom design studio. **Que high pitched girly squeel now**
The dreams I have for non-profits as affiliates, bringing them new ways to reach the public, make money for their causes, expand, I get giddy. Odd, ok, maybe.
In other news....
We had a FABULOUS trip to Daytona last weekend. Abby was a TOTAL champ, so was Courtney stuck in a car with us for 10 hours each way. Abby slept most of it, and Courtney didn't kill us at the end, all in all a success I'd say! Abs (one of Abby's nicknames) got to go to the track for a bit, just long enough to smell the rubber and exhaust, but not long enough for ear/lung damage! I got to watch my dad race for the first time (that I can remember) in my life. He amazes me, at 69 years old he was determined to race in the Rolex 24 hour race. I wish I had his ambition and dedication to the things I love. I guess I have years to get to that point, one that involves knowing exactly what is important to you.
I officially want either a Yukon.Tahoe XL or a Suburban. But more than anything right now I want to take a bath with some of my favorite products from www.lushusa.com/shop All fresh handmade natural products and the BEST bath bombs in the world. Yes...they're that good.
A nice hot bath is my Chic Moment of the day!

Until Next Time

Dabble