One Word: Core

In September, I posted about a book called One Word that inspired me to choose the word RESET as my focus for the remainder of the year.  Since that went so well, I'm choosing a new word for the new year.

My word for 2018 is CORE.

My RESET was successful even though it manifested itself in a way I did not anticipate.  I'm no longer working with the fun, fabulous ladies at Knack.  Our split was a mutual decision that was both amicable and drama free.  It did involve some sadness, but no ill will.  I'm very fond of everyone there, I learned a lot and will remain their biggest cheerleader.

My new career chapter is with Diverse Marketing.  The flavor of the line package is a slight detour from the lane I have traveled for so many years, and I'm already learning about new product categories (to me) and new markets (licensed products).  I'm thrilled that I'm also assuming new sales territory (with the addition of West Virginia) and will get to expand my family of retailers.  I'm a little out of my element at the moment, but that was the whole point of my RESET.  Be careful what you ask for, right?

The transition is what inspired me to choose CORE as my new word.

CORE was a clear choice because the concept provides continuity when you encounter changes, and its components are all connected and apply to different areas of life - personal, physical, spiritual and professional.

I'm easily overwhelmed by change - especially when it entails learning lots of new information in a short span of time - but my core principles remain the same and smooth out the insecurity that accompanies a big transition.

This move to Diverse offers the chance to meet new people, gain more knowledge and integrate my core business (retailers with whom I have built relationships over the years) with my new business.  It's a new adventure that allows me to both strengthen my core and build an even stronger business.

In so many ways, 2017 was a very good year for me, and 2018 looks really promising.  Thank you to everyone who has been part of my business in the past, and welcome to everyone who will be part of my business in the future.  Now it's time for us to jump head first into the new year and make it another successful one!

Gift Items $25 & Under - Drinks for Mundane Tasks from Knock Knock

You can always rely on Knock Knock for fun merchandise, so you won't be surprised that they have a plethora of items under $25 for all categories of gift-giving.

Drinks for Mundane Tasks features 70 convivial cocktail recipes to make even the dullest to-do lists more intoxicating.  The tedium of daily life requires at least as much spirit as special occasions do, and the recipes here will make you look forward to your household chores.

Author and aspiring mixologist David Vienna serves up drinks like The Grass Chopper (for mowing the lawn, pictured below), Three Sheets (for making the bed) and The Debt Charge (for paying bills).

It is a 128-page book that is easy to read with colorful graphics.  It's a humorous option for stocking stuffers, co-worker gifts, girlfriend gifts - but maybe not a teacher gift.

Retail it for $14.95 with some breathing room in your margin.

Let's get your store stocked now so you aren't caught off-guard when holiday business kicks in.  If you order at least $400, you will also receive a free half-dozen Fill in the Love Notes, Family version - a $48 retail value.

One Word: Reset

This was originally posted July 5, 2017 on my old blog.

I look forward to sales meetings because I always leave with a refreshed perspective, new ideas to provide more value to my retail partners and info on new product introductions.

Oh....and also gifts.

From the Knack sales meeting last month, my favorite gift is a book called "One Word That Will Change Your Life" by Dan Britton, Jimmy Page & Jon Gordon.

Book cover of my favorite gift from last month's sales meeting

I'm always looking to add to my collection of books that offer tips to improve professionally or personally - often both - and this one does not disappoint.  It's a short read that guides you through an exercise to identify one word to provide focus and get you closer to your goals.  Your one word will change over time as you reach goals and change priorities.

My word for the remainder of 2017 - RESET.

June took a hectic turn with a schedule heavy on meetings, travel, sales appointments as well as some lingering automobile drama.  My focus was scattered because I'm easily distracted by shiny objects, and I wasn't happy with my results.

July commences with a more settled routine and a new set of wheels - as well as the awareness that I need to take a step back, sharpen my focus on my business and recommit to my goals.

Sometimes in business - and life in general - your instincts tell you something needs to change.  It's such a relief to figure out you can correct your course with a few adjustments and attention to detail rather than a complete overhaul.

In wholesale terms, it's already Q4 and the most important time to be focused on reaching sales goals, building relationships and bringing top-notch, profitable ideas to my retail partners.

The Girl Who Ran - new release from Compendium

This was originally posted on June 1, 2017 at my old blog.

Summer is here (unofficially), but all of us in the retail world understand that means it's time to make plans for fall buying.  It's exciting both to see what your favorite vendors have created and to discover new vendors.

Here is the first in my series of Fall Preview posts, and we're starting with an inspiring new introduction from everyone's favorite - Compendium.

The Girl Who Ran is an encouraging new book for people of all ages, written about the first female to run the Boston Marathon.

“She said she would do it, she wasn’t a liar; she’d show them by running like the wind in the fire.” When Bobbi Gibb saw the Boston Marathon her mind was set—she had to be a part of it. She trained hard, journeying across America to run on all kinds of terrain. But when the time came to apply for the marathon, she was refused entry. They told her girls don’t run, girls can’t run. That didn’t stop Bobbi.

This picture book tells the true story of how she broke the rules in 1966 and how, one step at a time, her grit and determination changed the world. The energetic and bright illustrations capture the emotions of Bobbi’s journey and the fluidity of running. Created in collaboration with Bobbi Gibb, The Girl Who Ran is perfect for would-be runners, kids of all ages.

Don't forget that Compendium is one of the most retailer-friendly vendors in the marketplace.

• $5 flat-rate shipping on all orders within the continental US
• Risk-free returns mean you are never stuck with merchandise you aren't selling
• Bonus Buy & Super Buy programs increase your margin on books

Let's make plans to meet so you can see this and many other new introductions from Compendium to add to your shelves - and cash registers - for the fall.