Okay, I think I can write now.  About twice a day I am seriously having what I can only explain as an out of body experience.   The gravity of what’s going on kinda makes my brain turn off, my eyes glass over and I drift off to my happy place.  I’m thinking it’s a defense mechanism because my heart and head have never raced this fast for so long.  I’m going on 48 hours of pure adrenaline.  I don’t think that’s normal.  I’m really trying to stay sane and grounded because I seriously don’t want to frighten my little girls with any sort of “manic” behavior.  It’s okay girls… mommy has just temporarily lost her mind… she’ll come back soon.  So, Friday here is what I was told.  I’ll be flying up to NY on the 28^th for the taping on the 29^th.  I’m not 100% sure, but I THINK the show will air that night.  (I’ll let you know as soon as I know)  The segment I’ll be doing is “One minute too Millions” in which a newbie entrepreneur (me) gets to get advice from the experts about my company, my product, etc…  It’s a little scary because of course the feedback is not all positive.  They really break it down for ya, but the advice will be invaluable.   

Since the phone call all I can say is THANK GOD I HIRED MY PR GIRLS, because I would be lost without them right now.  The producer said she needed my Bio, Press kit and video clip.  On the phone I’m just sitting there nodding my head uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh writing everything she is saying.  I basically then got right on the email and regurgitated everything I was told and said “PLEASE JUST DO IT!”  I am soooo glad I have them… I don’t even know what a Press kit looks like!!!! (This brings up another issue… I DIDN’T BUDGET FOR A PROFESSIONAL FULL PRODUCTION VIDEO SHOOT!!!)  Where’s that money tree when you need it?! Back to the PR girls… And now of course they are going to blanket the local media with a press release and pitch my story to the local people about how I got the nod to go national.  It’s a big ol snowball that has just gained momentum and right this minute, I don’t mind telling ya… I feel a little out of control, a
LOT out of my comfort zone and TERRIFIED!  I’ve got to try to still be a stable wonderful mommy, run the daily operations of the company and prepare for… I’m not even really sure what I’m preparing for.   

I did email the girls at Early Bird Baby (they were featured on the show that my clip aired on) www.EarlyBirdBaby.com and just asked for any advice they had and what I could expect.  What I have gathered I can expect is whatever previous sales were, add two zeros to that and that’s what the show could possibly bring to your numbers.  This leads me to the next hat that I’m wearing.  All the sales and PR is great, but I’m still in charge of operations too, which if ops isn’t tight, sales won’t mean a thing. I have 2
PO’s that are on the water… remember that forklift conversation from Friday??  Well I made a frantic call to my sourcing agent that afternoon to see if I could divert the shipment to OH!  I always knew that I would get to a point where I couldn’t or shouldn’t fulfill orders here and that I would need to outsource that task.  Judging from everything that is going on and how crazy it is around here without the help of national media exposure, I decided it was time to make that move sooner then later.  I hired a fellow mompreneur friend Janene www.trendingsolutions.com to handle all my fulfillment, order taking, and inventory control.  Thankfully my OEM and sourcing agent said NO PROBLEM.  The product will be diverted to her facility in OH so she can ship all my product for me instead of my trying to literally “kitchen table” it.  Do I have enough coming?  Should I put in another
PO? Will the ocean freight get here in time for the show?  Will I be able to meet demand?  Am I kidding myself and will I have way to much inventory now sitting in a warehouse NOT free and losing money?  Hmmmm…. I’m feeling a little alone and a little overwhelmed right now…  I’m glad you guys are here for me to vent to.   

I need to regroup and put things into perspective.  (this is more for me, then you, so bear with me)  Okay… PR, Bio, Press Kits, video – delegated. 
PO’s-diverted, fulfillment-delegated, beating myself up over whether I will have enough or too much inventory-ongoing.  HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT?!  Being a first time entrepreneur is A LOT of trial by fire.  I’m just winging it over here and I’m taking you guys along for the ride.  Okay, so, this has actually brought up another issue.  I’m a little worried about inventory for after the show, so I have put all my sales efforts on hold temporarily until after the 29^th until I know what I’m dealing with.  A good decision??  Who knows!  I need to quite beating myself up over that issue.  It is what it is for right now, let it GO!   

Next week I have a speaking engagement so prepare for.  It’s not for the media or anything but it’s really cool.  I met a gal at a Christmas party who teaches gifted 4^th and 5^th graders.  They do a whole series in their class about inventing and entrepreneurs.  She asked me along with my patent attorney to come speak at the assembly of about 50 kids.  I’m very excited and thrilled to do it.  I just hope I can stay focused enough to give the kids something of value during those 45 minutes!  (That’s Wed at 8:15).  This blog is getting out of hand, so I’ll let you guys go for now.  Obviously I need to organize my thoughts some more.  I’m going to get in the shower, take the kids outside to ride their bikes and try to relax my brain a little.  Talk to ya soon! 

Leslie Haywood, Founder and President of Charmed Life Products, Inventor of Grill Charms™  www.grillcharms.com

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