tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58369370538442637212024-02-19T03:16:51.940-05:00In Good Company Workplacesthoughts and findings for women entrepreneurs and small business ownersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-31235594345079790452010-07-15T10:59:00.000-04:002010-07-21T11:01:33.440-04:00We've Moved! Don't Miss Out!Please visit our fabulous new site with integrated blog.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ingoodcompany.com">www.ingoodcompany.com<br /></a><br />You can find more of the same great content and conversations there!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-92047334335001163352010-06-24T13:04:00.000-04:002010-06-28T13:08:50.703-04:00Stay Tuned...!!!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Holy Toledo. It has been a very long time since we have posted. But there is a good explanation for our delinquency!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We've been busy concluding our interviews (snippets of which will be posted through October), opening a new space in our existing building, AND...we are launching a whole new website and blog in the next week or so!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We are going to be able to share lots more information on our new platform and better yet, we will be able to interact with you more.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In the meantime, sit tight and hang in there with us...new and improved is on its way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">-Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-22580858988941084882010-06-09T07:37:00.002-04:002010-06-09T07:37:00.747-04:00Interview Tidbit: Selima Salaun of Selima Optique<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JPdXEPBWPxktt37z0GnW6oGO9wa4yDzGRlrWX2T1e82ZDn24dDTZhs_ILxm0kGLD4jwDI6f5WOj2xpOLVkD402rAnnpYYNUC5nNqWnO5S6QIfkPFO9z4RwAd7s50lyssSNryL5iMfxw/s1600/selima-optique08.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JPdXEPBWPxktt37z0GnW6oGO9wa4yDzGRlrWX2T1e82ZDn24dDTZhs_ILxm0kGLD4jwDI6f5WOj2xpOLVkD402rAnnpYYNUC5nNqWnO5S6QIfkPFO9z4RwAd7s50lyssSNryL5iMfxw/s320/selima-optique08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479701667403353026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">(image by Tong Jiao of </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.ontheinside.info/">OnTheInside</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">From Shazi’s we rushed uptown a bit to the flagship store of Selima Salaun creator of </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.selimaoptique.com/">Selima Optique</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> on 7 Bond St. The store experience is gorgeous and we were absolutely enchanted with Selima! Here are a couple things we left thinking about:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Adelaide – Selima said “freedom is much more expensive than money”. I’ve been thinking a lot about that.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Amy – I love how Selima has experimented with her business over time and is keenly aware of the successes and failures which have strengthened her business, her brand and her confidence as a savvy businesswoman!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Selima!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-57049789240035859592010-06-06T08:31:00.002-04:002010-06-06T12:36:57.463-04:00Interview Tidbit: Shazi Visram of Happy Baby<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx-tmBCEWAvfgGVvNHt8VC8XSNQLjnr6EgicI_oc8f2klKwqRcNcOOWBspIXXKNWZy_3-QTNtBTI6cBwJ1nzxXn9qfiqzDuCjBNVxrJYqjvux0WcJdUMwj6ehRcR4SzlDP0XXP49Q7f8/s1600/happybaby.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx-tmBCEWAvfgGVvNHt8VC8XSNQLjnr6EgicI_oc8f2klKwqRcNcOOWBspIXXKNWZy_3-QTNtBTI6cBwJ1nzxXn9qfiqzDuCjBNVxrJYqjvux0WcJdUMwj6ehRcR4SzlDP0XXP49Q7f8/s320/happybaby.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479700108883360098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br />On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Next up we had the chance to reconnect with Shazi Visram, whose brain child – </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.happybabyfood.com/">Happy Baby Food</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> – has been proliferating store shelves and gaining tremendous momentum over the last couple years! In addition to a lovely pre-natal couples’ yoga video (Thanks, Shazi!) here’s a couple of things we walked away with:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Adelaide – I was so interested to learn that Shazi has found a mentor in Gary the founder of Honest Tea. There are obviously similarities between their brands and strategies.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Amy – I was impressed by how she passionate and committed to her mission she is. Both impact her daily decisions about new product development, growth and collaboration opportunities.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Shazi!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-18958744195947205682010-05-28T08:58:00.001-04:002010-05-28T14:15:01.533-04:00Interview Tidbit: Claudia Hanlin & Jennifer Zabinski of The Wedding Library<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQnwAjpQ9Gl64rEcR76XfTuQj9tDRhNhI04OlaUI9qPrw3YnfNuDu2Wob2qQj2XfI099gceym_FM3Qjvw9Ws3pRoXrENbjGc6IhWI-gj2XIThDuNEypZw_yx1-6eC78gaI4SVWise6z4/s1600/wlbanner.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQnwAjpQ9Gl64rEcR76XfTuQj9tDRhNhI04OlaUI9qPrw3YnfNuDu2Wob2qQj2XfI099gceym_FM3Qjvw9Ws3pRoXrENbjGc6IhWI-gj2XIThDuNEypZw_yx1-6eC78gaI4SVWise6z4/s320/wlbanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476385650111672386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It was wonderful to take a trip up town and visit <a href="http://www.theweddinglibrary.com/">The Wedding Library</a> - an innovative and interesting business model that has been a NYC staple and industry leader for more than 10 years!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We were particularly eager to speak with Claudia and Jennifer as The Wedding Library is a model that we ourselves have looked to learn from many times.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Aside from the gorgeous and colorful bridesmaid dresses here are a few things we left thinking about:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Adelaide – I was so interested by all the creative ways they have found to grow their company. The extensions of their business model have not only been innovative, but they have all been structured in a manner that suits their own needs and goals.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Amy - I was also intrigued by the many dimensions of their business that have evolved over time. While they set out to create a resource library, they have added event planning and retail components in order to more fully meet their clients’ needs and requests! And they have such a dynamic partnership!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We are really excited to see the new directions that The Wedding Library is going in the short and long term. These ladies have been such leaders in their industry and we have hardly seen it all just yet!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">thank you, Claudia & Jennifer!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-55727662564354336202010-05-25T06:51:00.000-04:002010-05-25T06:51:00.049-04:00Interview Tidbit: Janet Hanson of 85 Broads<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyLnkl1Br6xxsXsib6iaDySFXlVnWZ5u99640qSQT9dPthjW6-_xQwt1RDHiFPEGYsXQ0PGJ-jkhQUz7jHzOQp8WcK-rt2sq18zB7Z1dhayZQxUaWYCzfTMfDgjjFK7YSDfeqckubnHo/s1600/85broads_logoBeta.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 45px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyLnkl1Br6xxsXsib6iaDySFXlVnWZ5u99640qSQT9dPthjW6-_xQwt1RDHiFPEGYsXQ0PGJ-jkhQUz7jHzOQp8WcK-rt2sq18zB7Z1dhayZQxUaWYCzfTMfDgjjFK7YSDfeqckubnHo/s320/85broads_logoBeta.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469373965604016594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We were thrilled to have the pleasure of speaking to Janet Hanson, founder of <a href="http://www.85broads.com">85 Broads</a> - a leading global network of professional women.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">There was a lot to learn from Janet's experiences and story! A couple things that we were left musing about:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Adelaide - I thought it was so interesting that Janet was really able to reframe ex-corporate employees as "alumni" in a way that her former firm wasn't and couldn't appreciate. Janet instinctively knew the value in creating this kind of affinity both to the firm and amongst the women who had left.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Amy - I was impressed by how Janet really saw a need for herself and her peers - connecting the women in finance who were exiting in droves - and decided to create an innovative solution. That solution has morphed and evolved over the years into a formidable business with tremendous global reach and social capital.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Janet!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-11170638584581497752010-05-22T06:50:00.001-04:002010-05-22T06:50:00.134-04:00Interview Tidbit: Joy Cho of OhJoy!<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoVOqvNGqO-pnV483S4FU9NmU9VTw6rliQMvh09IJuDzTfp4DqXMuwSqvZBW-wmtr1GL30T-gi0Jqa4zdI6rjWyFxxOhVPFCeb15NK-XR2aDN8Y26FXDUvpkoSMQXVSUy-TEhvr3H_0A/s1600/oh+joy.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoVOqvNGqO-pnV483S4FU9NmU9VTw6rliQMvh09IJuDzTfp4DqXMuwSqvZBW-wmtr1GL30T-gi0Jqa4zdI6rjWyFxxOhVPFCeb15NK-XR2aDN8Y26FXDUvpkoSMQXVSUy-TEhvr3H_0A/s320/oh+joy.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469372198213991762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I have long been a fan of Joy Cho's </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ohjoy.blogs.com/">OhJoy! blog</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, so it was such a pleasure to connect with her and hear more about </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.ohjoy.com/">her business</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, brand, and story.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Aside from lots of sage advice, here are a couple of things we were thinking about afterward:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Adelaide - I was really impressed by how deliberate Joy has been to grow her business in a way that allows for designing remain central to her role. Case in point, after a brief trial run instead of continuing to produce products Joy moved to a licensing model.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Amy - It's amazing that her foray into entrepreneurship was accidental - but as she described a happy accident! And how amazing that shortly after getting started Joy was offered her dream job (at a company she always wanted to work) and she turned it down because she realized she already had her dream job - her own business.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Joy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-73872205702770461112010-05-20T09:22:00.000-04:002010-05-20T09:22:00.084-04:00LILLA P: Rethinking direction and business strategy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs1EzEKwQp3oOTcX0eiXqOk1kG5GqcUOZupia09MBFLZROjJckN5bEei81mCd7JuuvBHXlVOEl9JSeMkN5m1MbaWL9zEHhPpKCjfxRWhwYiJqPIomLhRzvd6SVmq2cZS7AbTp1rItyR8/s1600/lillaplogo0909.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 78px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470950065660202722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBs1EzEKwQp3oOTcX0eiXqOk1kG5GqcUOZupia09MBFLZROjJckN5bEei81mCd7JuuvBHXlVOEl9JSeMkN5m1MbaWL9zEHhPpKCjfxRWhwYiJqPIomLhRzvd6SVmq2cZS7AbTp1rItyR8/s320/lillaplogo0909.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This month we have been profiling Pauline Nakios of LillaP. We have talked about </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilla-p-when-it-is-hard-to-feel-like.html">feeling like a real business</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, d</span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilla-p-demand-to-be-treated-like.html">emanding to be treated like a client</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, and </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilla-p-building-team-business-and.html">building a business that allows you to focus on what you love</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When we spoke to Pauline, we asked about business directions that have changed over time. Pauline had a wonderful example of a strategic direction LillaP pursued and then decided it was not the right direction for the company. The majority of LillaP's customers are small boutiques throughout the country.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Pauline has direct contact with many of the store owners, managers and buyers and has a keen sense of the individual boutiques clientele. For example, Pauline spoke about how brighter colors from her collection are more popular in the south. In NYC and LA many of the boutiques sell tons of basics like black, white and navy. These boutiques have loyal client followings and each store proprietor knows a lot about their specific customers likes and dislikes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Several years into the business, LillaP was approached by Bloomingdales. This was an exciting opportunity for LillaP as a goal of the company was to sell to large retailers. Initially, they felt there were many potential benefits in landing an account with such a big retailer who obviously had strong brand recognition and deep pockets to place a large order.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">On the other hand, Pauline learned that corporate retailers have lots of requirements, (such as specific packaging) that smaller boutiques do not find necessary. What made it most challenging was the lack of direct contact with the person who was selling the product. Unlike her direct connection to a store owner, Pauline found it difficult to establish a relationship to the numerous sales people at all of the various store locations.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When she visited the NYC store, she discovered that clothing was not merchandised well and many styles and colors were piled up in the stock room. Pauline realized that drawbacks of selling to a large retailer outweighed the benefits.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">She decided that in the future, LillaP would not pursue larger retailers but instead would stick to selling to the customers they know and love - small boutiques!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Meet Pauline by joining us for a </span><a style="FONT-FAMILY: trebuchet ms" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/04/save-date-field-trip-to-lilla-p.html">private talk and tour of her showroom on May 26th from 3-5pm</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br />- posted by Amy Abrams</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-71714678734210446542010-05-19T06:09:00.000-04:002010-05-19T06:26:05.326-04:00Interview Tidbit: Wendy Mullin of Built by Wendy<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNFL3shbS4apN9lkbXazl7F6QwthtjVVNv0eNwRlL4PEd8Ld99mxi-OU_WKF3oF8vbY91Wja6ByW9m3PlFmedGNutvKzDrZVrpg_A2LNvxc5RAmI-h7tgb7RBGHco1KhDCXMuzscTPFw/s1600/builtbywendy.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNFL3shbS4apN9lkbXazl7F6QwthtjVVNv0eNwRlL4PEd8Ld99mxi-OU_WKF3oF8vbY91Wja6ByW9m3PlFmedGNutvKzDrZVrpg_A2LNvxc5RAmI-h7tgb7RBGHco1KhDCXMuzscTPFw/s320/builtbywendy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469369789613361090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After an amazing meeting with Sunny Bates, we scrambled out to Brooklyn to visit the <a href="http://www.builtbywendy.com/">Built by Wendy</a> office and warehouse and meet the women behind the fabulous brand, Wendy Mullin! In addition to her fantastic staff, Wendy works alongside Julie, an adorable dog who was quite welcoming.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Aside from a sneak peek at some of the upcoming designs, here are a couple things we walked away with:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Adelaide – I was really taken by Wendy's appreciation at a very early age with Betsey Johnson and how she created a whole store and life experience in order to brings shoppers into her world. Wendy has recreated that strategy with her own brand exceptionally well!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Amy - I enjoyed learning that Wendy's current approach to her business is "less is more". She spoke of having less stores and wholesale accounts than she had in the past but that she is making just as much money. She has less to worry about and is a lot happier - in her words "more chill". It sounds like Wendy has done a wonderful job of making her company work for her needs!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Wendy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-74581106511920845832010-05-17T07:01:00.001-04:002010-05-17T08:08:20.977-04:00Special LILLA P discount for IGC Community!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW2MsiflBeN9rI5woY_oTZzODdneqMbiIl9d2CgS4jnlrZzDarwBraSC69CV3fjLYZjshuicQSBF2OeUbimgJMTBHCgSLQn8u9keMO8D3nw6Aj5VN4RsEM9rPE2sKAwgjF_6PO_7Y18E/s1600/lilla+p+logo.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 78px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472209059482387634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOW2MsiflBeN9rI5woY_oTZzODdneqMbiIl9d2CgS4jnlrZzDarwBraSC69CV3fjLYZjshuicQSBF2OeUbimgJMTBHCgSLQn8u9keMO8D3nw6Aj5VN4RsEM9rPE2sKAwgjF_6PO_7Y18E/s320/lilla+p+logo.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Pauline, owner of </span><a href="http://www.lillap.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Lilla P</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, who we have been featuring all month through our inFOUCS program has generously offered all IGCers 20% off your entire purchase for the next 2 weeks!!<br /><br /><strong>To redeem please enter IGC20 at checkout on </strong></span><a href="http://www.llillap.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>http://www.llillap.com/</strong></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong> (valid from 5/17 - 5/31)</strong><br /><br />Also, we hope you are planning to join us at the private tour and talk at Pauline's showroom in the meatpacking district next <em>Wednesday, May 26th from 3-5pm</em>. to rsvp please send an email to us at </span><a href="mailto:igcrsvp@gmail.com"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">igcrsvp@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> with LILLA P in the subject.<br /><br />In the meantime, catch up on some of the LILLA P conversation we've been having on the blog:<br /><br /></span><a href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilla-p-when-it-is-hard-to-feel-like.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When it's hard to feel like a real business<br /></span></a><br /><a href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilla-p-demand-to-be-treated-like.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Demand to be treated like a client<br /></span></a><br /><a href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilla-p-building-team-business-and.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Building a team, business, and brand that allows you to focus on what you love<br /></span></a></div><div>Happy Shopping!<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-46141454316550753872010-05-16T07:49:00.000-04:002010-05-16T07:49:00.725-04:00Interview Tidbit: Sunny Bates<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iKX0_nf3ZQMizpeNQhAWU2e7v5aGYeAmHCGdNLyIrE7C7-INhVUVfDJLLCzsUx2UUdSPaRsTI4uqNtCeMLzcASqO92jx4N5X9_LwgxGydxH74L0p32rLMtrumEUlEgvxR1LHC2UxIXA/s1600/Sunny+Bates.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iKX0_nf3ZQMizpeNQhAWU2e7v5aGYeAmHCGdNLyIrE7C7-INhVUVfDJLLCzsUx2UUdSPaRsTI4uqNtCeMLzcASqO92jx4N5X9_LwgxGydxH74L0p32rLMtrumEUlEgvxR1LHC2UxIXA/s320/Sunny+Bates.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469366763446628082" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We can not underscore how amazing it was to have the opportunity to meet </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.sunnybates.com/">Sunny Bates</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. There is not much that Sunny isn't involved in and there isn't much that she hasn't done! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">With a burning desire to be on the leading edge of what's important and what really matters, Sunny has started and sold ventures, been a sought-after partner, collaborator, investor, and strategist. She is an inspiration and model of how to continually do work that is interesting to you and that meets your needs!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So, aside from a deep sense of admiration, here are a few things we walked away thinking about:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Adelaide – I was really impressed with Sunny's clarity on what is exciting and interesting to her (both in the present and past) and I was really inspired by the constant professional tweaking, adjusting, and exploring that she has employed in order to be involved with new projects that continually suit those interests.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Amy - As a business owner and a mom, Sunny spoke of integrating her two worlds in an effort to have the best of both worlds. I loved that Sunny described herself in relation to being a business owner, mom, boss as being "good enough". She spoke of how hard women are on themselves and that often doing a "good enough" job goes a long way! I could not agree more!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Sunny!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-25226802202781569552010-05-13T05:47:00.000-04:002010-05-13T05:47:00.689-04:00Interview Tidbit: Samantha Edwards of Gif+d<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB0BXFWmVFtPOMVSo2SG9TQlbhhkg1gYMnUE0As56AYpbRNvR5GJlu5Q9lJr5kUqg2OwaAlnel9Uuxnour3za9GZ1Fngank5XHFR20oAdEm86pxFwQORdqUvxkTcjlN-lcQaIpNcbkK0/s1600/logo.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB0BXFWmVFtPOMVSo2SG9TQlbhhkg1gYMnUE0As56AYpbRNvR5GJlu5Q9lJr5kUqg2OwaAlnel9Uuxnour3za9GZ1Fngank5XHFR20oAdEm86pxFwQORdqUvxkTcjlN-lcQaIpNcbkK0/s320/logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469363658399161490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">After wrapping up our trip to Philadelphia, we were scheduled to meet </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.thegiftd.com/blog">Samantha Edwards</a> creative genius and branding extraordinaire at her amazing Tribeca flat (just saying it that way because she's British!), which happened to be one street over from our favorite dress designer <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.seliayang.com/">Selia Yang</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Aside from a zillion design and decor ideas (really her apartment is amazing) and lots of love for her little pup, Stella, here are a couple of things we walked away with:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Adelaide – I find it just amazing that the evolution of her business has really been on account of Sam keeping on accepting one creative challenge after another. The result is that her work has become more and more comprehensive and her business expanded accordingly. In actuality, we learned that Sam has has two separate businesses (one with partners and one that is solo) that pursue different directions providing her with a lot of creative versatility.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Amy - I thought a lot about Sam's advice to never burn a bridge - she spoke of how despite being a big city, NYC is a small town, especially within given industries. It made me think about how important it is for growing businesses to contemplate the importance of their reputation in the long run and how when you need to part ways in business dealings you should strive to do so on good terms.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thanks, Sam!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-43106185868244776052010-05-12T06:40:00.001-04:002010-05-12T06:40:00.697-04:00LILLA P: When it is hard to feel like a "real" business<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkV7QFrnOOx2RjgMw37TuOQzi_H5570PyA3kyZLCS58rvkgdrfP-Wi8Zbi-WHO7HyRZ6MR6snKDEGnbGfqFiFylKVWkaa5lESQiylTwV8k9Kb3yyIvx0JhMDp-bA5O8nfmoBFxNsaGRo/s1600/Lilla+P+tank.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkV7QFrnOOx2RjgMw37TuOQzi_H5570PyA3kyZLCS58rvkgdrfP-Wi8Zbi-WHO7HyRZ6MR6snKDEGnbGfqFiFylKVWkaa5lESQiylTwV8k9Kb3yyIvx0JhMDp-bA5O8nfmoBFxNsaGRo/s320/Lilla+P+tank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469406111114783186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This month we have been featuring parts of our conversation with Pauline Nakios of </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.lillap.com/">LILLA P.</a> (Catch up on posts <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilla-p-demand-to-be-treated-like.html">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> and </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/05/lilla-p-building-team-business-and.html">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> and join us for the </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/04/save-date-field-trip-to-lilla-p.html">end-of-the-month event</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">One thing Pauline, Amy & I talked about was the psychological safety net that business owners sometimes give themselves at the beginning of a new venture.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sometimes people feel that if they act like their new business is not real or at least not a real business then they can’t really fail. Instead, they think if they are just sort-of trying something then they can also just sort-of stop doing it when they want without feeling badly about it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Pauline shared that she felt this way when she started more than 10 years ago. She said that if she believed that she was “not a real business” then it wasn’t a big deal, but once she proclaimed her legitimacy and that she was really trying her hand at entrepreneurship then she had a lot more to lose.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We have talked about this phenomenon – </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2009/11/business-owners-imposter-complex.html">The Impostor Complex</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> - before.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It is challenging to assume and own a new identity. Once you claim that you are doing something or want something then, of course, it means more when you don’t get it. However, I would also argue that if you don’t claim it you are more likely to not get what you want. After all, our businesses are reflections of what we make them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Most everyone who knows us knows that we are big fans of ventures of all shapes, sizes, and intents. And it shouldn’t be surprising that we believe that if you don’t take yourself seriously for your efforts – whatever they are – then you’re unlikely to get any serious rewards. Why? Well you’re unlikely to treat your venture or yourself with the same level of respect & you’re unlikely to convince others (customers, vendors, partners, etc.) that you’re doing something worthwhile and interesting.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">However, where this whole impostor complex becomes a bit tricky and catch-22-ish is when you look at the cost of feeling like you have go into everything with a certain amount of certainty and seriousness.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">It’s also true that prematurely claiming or owning something can unnecessarily tie us to experiments we’d like to abandon. And worst of all, the pressure to prematurely declare something formal may prevent us from experimenting and trying our hand at things in a more organic way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So for the record we are fans of both experimentation AND legitimacy. And think that we’ve seen this continuum negotiated best when folks are comfortable in both roles, have clear boundaries and points of evaluation, and are articulate about their intentions.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For example, “we thought we try doing this because the climate seems right and are willing to give it a good 6 months before we evaluate whether we’d like to formalize it or move on” or “Doing XYZ has always been a passion of mine and I figure now was a good time to see if I could make a business out of it and if I even like the process of running the show. I’m planning to test it out for a few months before I decide if I really want to invest more.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">These are both clearly examples of experiments, and are quite different from legitimate ventures where people have invested a tremendous amount of time, energy, capital and resources. Where folks really seem to get stuck is moving from the “experiment phase” to the “legitimate phase”.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Some ideas on how to navigate the transition:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">1. Be clear about whether something is an experiment or not…if you are seriously relying on the business revenue and viability, then it is no longer an initial experiment</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">2. Be very clear about what your goals and intentions are (for now). Nothing will make you feel illegitimate faster than comparing what you are doing to someone else’s goals.</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br />3. Be respectful of the time and energy that you are investing in your venture and speak and behave in a way that demonstrates that – chances are others will follow your lead</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br />4. And of course, as always, surround yourself with resourceful peers who are on your same wave-length and can validate your experiences as an entrepreneur!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thanks, Pauline, for all the brain food!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br />- posted by Adelaide Lancaster<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-9336044555327817232010-05-11T07:40:00.002-04:002010-05-11T07:40:00.077-04:00Press Alert: IGC on CNN!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNT53v2RSZzkV_KPD6INzNBHbzeK6LcA4y2aI-UIpYAHg1F0brsTIDvLQMuUWgk3SU8B9VEpmaNYBiRjbo2rlze-KmV5bKdjgKrWqvffXR7fDAHt2CHF1RooLFtJoxRmn_YkF-LVmR_I/s1600/cnn+logo.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 72px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNT53v2RSZzkV_KPD6INzNBHbzeK6LcA4y2aI-UIpYAHg1F0brsTIDvLQMuUWgk3SU8B9VEpmaNYBiRjbo2rlze-KmV5bKdjgKrWqvffXR7fDAHt2CHF1RooLFtJoxRmn_YkF-LVmR_I/s200/cnn+logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469358801532523602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><br />We were thrilled to be featured on CNN's The Turnaround at the beginning of the month!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><a href="http://www.ingoodcompany.com/press_20100501_cnn.php"><br />The clip can be viewed here</a></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />A special thanks to</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Amanda Hofman of </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.urbangirlsquad.com/">Urban Girl Squad</a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Emily Wolper of </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.ewolperinc.com/">E. Wolper, Inc</a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Eden Abrahams of </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.clearpathexecutivecoaching.com/">Clear Path Executive Coaching</a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />for their time and thoughtful contributions!<br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-38717882765463216142010-05-10T07:26:00.000-04:002010-05-10T07:26:00.706-04:00IGC is Expanding! A new space offers full-time desks & offices<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbn3cepPKTqZ3waeQ8mJmp_ncBGLcVbKwM-OxzzKAHLRC8ZUeENGeSVmhCcjwuZpGjmgMDDKdbc6yu5-jNBhr-JPn32Wzi7CWMcheEJvDS1qRuyYBHvYhWnHKBt1tw6da94G39z9zCuE/s1600/Desks+2.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbn3cepPKTqZ3waeQ8mJmp_ncBGLcVbKwM-OxzzKAHLRC8ZUeENGeSVmhCcjwuZpGjmgMDDKdbc6yu5-jNBhr-JPn32Wzi7CWMcheEJvDS1qRuyYBHvYhWnHKBt1tw6da94G39z9zCuE/s200/Desks+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469356897921334738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(picture of the 4th floor since the new space isn't quite ready yet!)</span><br /><br /><br /><br />We are so thrilled to announce that we are growing and will now be offering FULL TIME monthly membership options starting June 1st! Better yet, the new space is on the 3rd floor of our existing building!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />These FULL-TIME memberships include access to either a permanent personal work space or furnished office. Both options have unlimited 24/7 access and all-inclusive pricing and offer everything you need to get your work done without the hassle of setting up your own office or making a long term commitment.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Our <a href="http://www.ingoodcompanyworkplaces.com/join_dedicated.php">DEDICATED DESK membership</a> provides you with a personal work space within an open, curated office, while the <a href="http://www.ingoodcompanyworkplaces.com/join_office.php">PRIVATE OFFICE membership</a> offers a beautiful, furnished office in a great city location and in the company of other women entrepreneurs.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Click here for further details and a list of all the cushy amenities.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A floor plan is available upon request.<br /><br />Please email Amy if you are interested in either of these offerings: amy@ingoodcompany.com<br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-67052439761483359332010-05-08T11:47:00.001-04:002010-05-08T17:09:42.028-04:00LILLA P: Demand to be treated like a client<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXyokrlz-qa3cx9OIPFpMuyRE9fzUJ1QNViJK7d-8KFq_ZidqyxE7p1h0ZCvKl5CiBtSvxYA6zGKl6cG_xnfeF9eNdB7Ls6dk1068mVeExhTT0fndDStgxfamNgfPv6-4_vompLwRs1E/s1600/Lilla+p+2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXyokrlz-qa3cx9OIPFpMuyRE9fzUJ1QNViJK7d-8KFq_ZidqyxE7p1h0ZCvKl5CiBtSvxYA6zGKl6cG_xnfeF9eNdB7Ls6dk1068mVeExhTT0fndDStgxfamNgfPv6-4_vompLwRs1E/s320/Lilla+p+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469008948521029986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />During our conversations with Pauline of <a href="http://www.lillap.com/">LILLA P</a>, we talked a bit about what it is like to be in uncharted territory, whether that is new to business or perhaps just new to the phase you are in.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Pauline issued sage advice, which was to always demand to be treated like a client. It can be tempting to follow the lead of others when you are in the novice position, especially when dealing with vendors or in other business-to-business relationships.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Pauline recounted an experience with a manufacturer in which she let the other company drive the bus because she didn't feel experienced enough to set the terms, tone, or tenor for the relationship. She indicated that it was a big, costly learning experience for her and that since, she has always played the role of the savvy client even when the process was new to her.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Pauline's advice has sat with me since and given me reason to pause and think about the various business relationships that we have.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It is easy when starting something new to follow the path of least resistance, to rely on the more experienced people at the table, and to assume that their past experiences have generated work patterns and policies that are effective and efficient.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And, isn't tremendous when you do hire vendors that just make the whole process so easy? They effortlessly bring their expertise, experience, and systems to the table and immediately solve your pain? But the reality is, that this is a lot to expect and taken with Pauline's advice, I have a feeling that this kind of assumption can really set everyone up for failure and disappointment. It is just too simple to be steamrolled by a process that you don't understand and that may not work for you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Better to evaluate each relationship, recognize when you are the client, and insist on being treated as such.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Of course, the shoe fits on both feet. It is also important to recognize when you are not the client and to learn to treat the other party accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >-posted by Adelaide Lancaster</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-88166163860616061962010-05-07T09:12:00.007-04:002010-05-07T17:21:17.782-04:00Book Learnings: The Value of 2 Sets of Eyes and Ears<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdFLxtaQBfMuBj3G5DW5nISB25MKOy50iDBhkCjkTGST5u6coTb2hM2V15psRIVBF2Dgi7qVK5AGJ8LAUnTTYJJrRicN994fxTBJqjj9w9RJlNvCFboCn0eFzFok7T78I61IHpX8EA6s/s1600/eyes+and+ears.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdFLxtaQBfMuBj3G5DW5nISB25MKOy50iDBhkCjkTGST5u6coTb2hM2V15psRIVBF2Dgi7qVK5AGJ8LAUnTTYJJrRicN994fxTBJqjj9w9RJlNvCFboCn0eFzFok7T78I61IHpX8EA6s/s320/eyes+and+ears.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468637280873654274" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(image courtesy of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DandyLionPress">DandyLionPress</a>)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today marks our 50th interview! Wow, we are half-way there.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />We have regularly been sharing some of the things we have been learning along the way, such as the <a href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-learnings-entrepreneur-is-thorny.html">mixed reactions to the word entrepreneur</a>.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Something else I have been thinking about is how valuable it has been to have 2 sets of eyes and ears in the room during the interviews. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Amy and I often talk about how <a href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/03/more-introversion-extroversion.html">we use our very different styles, thinking preferences, and approaches to our advantage</a>. As it turns out, the interviews are no exception.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We have frequently found that we hear and remember very different statements and each think to ask things that they other wouldn't have. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Literally, as we leave Amy will sometimes remark about an interesting thing the woman we spoke to just said. And it will be as if I never heard it. Then I will comment on something I thought was interesting and that will have been completely under the radar for Amy.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Luckily all of them are recorded and available for replay!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />At the beginning of this process we had contemplated using a divide and conquer technique in order to accomplish more in the short amount of time that we have. I'm so glad that we didn't.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Doing these interviews had really made me appreciate the importance of diversity of thought and perspective, allowing knowledge to evolve and conversations to transpire, and to not jump to any conclusions!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Can't wait for round two, which kicks off with a trip to Boson on Monday!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >- posted by Adelaide Lancaster</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-86409180243486939462010-05-05T05:23:00.001-04:002010-05-05T06:32:35.864-04:00LILLA P: Building a team, business, and brand that allows you to focus on what you love<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkThlxLCqU77CovpN1C_gf9ZXGsJXTBWoF8wdQAv-muAy2RcUrG-AyRNCfNG69HrHebnEgiOkfPNiiydsE8IT3qp-gnAA9bBlmnL5bMxwKU3e9PtKfmCVsd72pRzcLibhIdHU-BjtIS4/s1600/Lilla+P+dress.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkThlxLCqU77CovpN1C_gf9ZXGsJXTBWoF8wdQAv-muAy2RcUrG-AyRNCfNG69HrHebnEgiOkfPNiiydsE8IT3qp-gnAA9bBlmnL5bMxwKU3e9PtKfmCVsd72pRzcLibhIdHU-BjtIS4/s320/Lilla+P+dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467622739704253058" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />This month our <span style="font-weight: bold;">inFOCUS </span>business is </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.lillap.com/">LILLA P</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> and the woman behind the brand, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Pauline Nakios</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. Pauline is just delicious and we have so enjoyed learning about her business.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >LILLA P</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> celebrates the t-shirt and is designed for both the modern lifestyle and aesthetic. The collection, which is known for being easy and comfortable, provides women with beautiful colors, fabrics, and styles and quickly converts new customers into loyal followers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of the things that stuck out to us most about Pauline and LILLA P is the extraordinary journey she has been on and how through the many tweaks and advancements, Pauline has gone from juggling almost everything that needed doing to carving out the role that she loves the best and focusing on her strengths, which might be different that what you would expect from a fashion brand such as LILLA P.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In the early days, Pauline ran LILLA P out of her garage fulfilling each order herself and getting her hands dirty in every aspect of the business. Now she has a staff and partner (her husband) all of which allow her to play the role of creative director and focus on what she loves which is continuing to craft the brand, interact with the market, sales representatives, and customers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Pauline’s efforts to remain connected to the customer show in how relatable and authentic her company and brand are. And, it should come as no surprise to those familiar with the gorgeous and flexible clothing that the LILLA P line is inspired by Pauline’s grandmother.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We found it so refreshing that Pauline has been able to achieve such success with LILLA P without being overly schooled in fashion or design and without being on the technical side of the business. She has truly been able to craft and deliver a vision leveraging her own strengths as well as the talents of the people around her.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A very interesting model and example for us all to consider!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/04/save-date-field-trip-to-lilla-p.html">Meet Pauline and the LILLA P brand and go behind the scenes at her showroom on May 26th.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-75638942366128566852010-05-04T06:40:00.000-04:002010-05-04T06:40:00.350-04:00Interview Tidbit: Linda Lightman of Linda's Stuff<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUalddPrrPl8H_K1UEjd8_J3_QEHyTM8zL9xGqkRVUa5KIrSMnJAvcPJsJlOjFZUflxiWoy6iA7_YTL1YWxXQeqSkE7rY8_kcUWfN0dywpnMcjUXC1pPTEsEHth5n6gHJNwXTHgrqxlM/s1600/lindas+stuff.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 91px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUalddPrrPl8H_K1UEjd8_J3_QEHyTM8zL9xGqkRVUa5KIrSMnJAvcPJsJlOjFZUflxiWoy6iA7_YTL1YWxXQeqSkE7rY8_kcUWfN0dywpnMcjUXC1pPTEsEHth5n6gHJNwXTHgrqxlM/s320/lindas+stuff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464519728768271394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We round out our first day in Philadelphia by visiting </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Linda Lightman</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> mastermind behind </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://shoplindasstuff.com/">Linda's Stuff</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> - a giant in the fashion consignment world and the #1 seller on eBay. On any one day, she has more than 40,000 items up for sale. Considering that all the merchandise was kept on site, I was more than a little worried about how long it might take to drag Amy out of there!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Aside from wide eyes and a dropped jaw, here's a few things we left with:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Amy - I was so inspired that after 7 years, Linda absolutely loves coming to work and how she really turned her passion into a business. She loves her work and it shows.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Adelaide - It is amazing how much Linda's stuff has changed over the years alongside changes in the industry, the social media and web worlds, and eBay itself. Linda talks about her business history as a constant and continual learning process. It is clear that Linda's Stuff is as successful as it is because Linda has invested in continuous improvement, by setting aggressive goals for herself, and doing what it takes on the business side to meet them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Linda!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-71649070817193919792010-05-01T07:23:00.000-04:002010-05-01T07:23:00.656-04:00Interview Tidbit: Megan Brewster & Erin Waxman of Art Star<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpa0sAs3l4EFspuY7nveFZfN4shHFsitcaAG4aJTwsddREfIFjHKaAuK8TK4GjRcdi4BlFHvAC88OdSjwBAElrnGu2JxrSBBsB4eZuaYVP9FMbvZBuv96IcQYWgQd5BeMgEXHME3_vII/s1600/art+star.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpa0sAs3l4EFspuY7nveFZfN4shHFsitcaAG4aJTwsddREfIFjHKaAuK8TK4GjRcdi4BlFHvAC88OdSjwBAElrnGu2JxrSBBsB4eZuaYVP9FMbvZBuv96IcQYWgQd5BeMgEXHME3_vII/s320/art+star.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464515526321576626" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Our second stop in Philadelphia was at the famed </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.artstarphilly.com/">Art Star</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> boutique in Northern Liberties. There we had the privilege of meeting owners Megan Brewster and Erin Waxman.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Aside from several purchases, here are a couple things we took with us:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Amy - I was so taken with how strongly they believe that being a working artist goes hand in hand with being a business owner, and also how making an impact on their community is central to their business mission. In fact, they want to eliminate the term "starving artist"!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Adelaide - Outside of the artist community, Megan and Erin have leveraged a lot of support in their local community. They are well loved by their neighborhood, the Philly press, and the Philly indy scene. Each time they have wanted to grow, change, or accomplish something they have been successful at rallying the community around them to make it happen!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Erin & Megan!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-68390235096884927182010-04-29T05:42:00.001-04:002010-04-29T05:42:00.459-04:00Interview Tidbit - Amy Voloshin of Print Fresh<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmykRLcBl3UjpJUROmk59vxvKJ64TOPjGDSILI9Cxp77iT4Dnc5aVc5BmupuZoMRom7Rs7xhj4n4-B5Yhk066bn-DJ-Ukcuv0g5mp-T18cPTOHf2VZTG05cxRG6RDTPL_HR1L2-BTVb4/s1600/vintage_samples.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmykRLcBl3UjpJUROmk59vxvKJ64TOPjGDSILI9Cxp77iT4Dnc5aVc5BmupuZoMRom7Rs7xhj4n4-B5Yhk066bn-DJ-Ukcuv0g5mp-T18cPTOHf2VZTG05cxRG6RDTPL_HR1L2-BTVb4/s320/vintage_samples.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464505270508208210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >(samples from their vintage archive)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">To kick off our first Philadelphia interview day, we visited Amy Voloshin at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://printfreshstudio.com/">Print Fresh</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. This amazing company designs prints and textiles that are then sold to all sorts of stores - ranging from department stores to Anthropologie for them to use in their clothes and fabric products. It was awesome to see their offices, which included a design room, screen printing room, and vintage fabric archive!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Aside from serious envy about this very cool job, here are a few things we walked away with:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Amy - I found it so heartwarming that Amy feels she is working in her dream job because she is creatively fulfilled - and that this self created "dream job" is her deliberate act of creating work that works best for her!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Adelaide - Relinquishing control is a challenge for most entrepreneurs, but I was struck by how comfortably Amy began hiring people right from the beginning. She has and is considering many growth options for the firm and she knows that each of them require getting the right talent at the table.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thank You, Amy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-25663263805332471862010-04-28T05:03:00.003-04:002010-04-28T07:54:28.202-04:00Save the Date - Field Trip to LILLA P showroom May 26th 3-5pm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ti3vQPVS1jXtRrKSMdHSxMu8xioc6SfOn4NBvT3j0YjdgF25ALb8SBcWBEZxc9RxcgfQFCo6lnmTnqZ_SGujnXS6qlDA5CpNdk6UFJ4i3Dd0b1WswQ-1o_LR_jnHzXXYobcht4JtOyY/s1600/Lilla+P+-+pink+tank.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ti3vQPVS1jXtRrKSMdHSxMu8xioc6SfOn4NBvT3j0YjdgF25ALb8SBcWBEZxc9RxcgfQFCo6lnmTnqZ_SGujnXS6qlDA5CpNdk6UFJ4i3Dd0b1WswQ-1o_LR_jnHzXXYobcht4JtOyY/s320/Lilla+P+-+pink+tank.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464511917790660930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We have wrapped up yet another interesting month of inFOCUS.<br /><br />So far we have taken a behind-the-scenes in-depth look at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/01/selia-yang-infocus.html">Selia Yang</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-infocus-introducing-meredith.html">Meredith Barnett</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, and </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://ingoodcompanyworkplaces.blogspot.com/2010/04/introducing-bottlerocket-our-april.html">Bottlerocket</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Next up?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Pauline Nakios of <a href="http://www.lillap.com/">LILLA P</a>.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />For more than a decade, New York based fashion line <span style="font-weight: bold;">LILLA P</span> has developed a coveted market niche by taking fashion’s most iconic creation, the classic cotton tee shirt, and flirting with its styling, construction, and fit. Built around a modern rethinking of that iconic silhouette, Lilla P has grown into a busy Meatpacking District design studio with a devoted retail following for expertly tailored knitwear.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Both hilarious and sharp - Pauline is not to be missed! </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Join us for a private gathering at her showroom. Pauline will be talking about her story, the brand, its history and future, and lessons learned along the way.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />WHEN: May 26th, 3-5pm<br />WHERE: LILLA P showroom - address will be provided<br />RSVP: igcrsvp@gmail.com</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />In the meantime, you can follow them on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lilla-P/201107383066">Facebook</a> and watch our blog for snippets of our conversations with Pauline.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lilla-P/201107383066"><br /><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-68645183608547734282010-04-27T05:42:00.000-04:002010-04-27T05:42:00.558-04:00Interview Tidbit: Frances Lappe<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tshGwlPCcwQn_MfRHlYWlUEZRK46UyZc6P3GFIE61wUuaDr7YELEVBU_Tr3rBRknkI4PqZ53yEXaf4A4wvVaSK5iuKCsy25c5mBoeNtRG8NV-0mapRgKbnKE9h2P2CTWE1VL09GruyQ/s1600/Frances+and+Anna+Lappe.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tshGwlPCcwQn_MfRHlYWlUEZRK46UyZc6P3GFIE61wUuaDr7YELEVBU_Tr3rBRknkI4PqZ53yEXaf4A4wvVaSK5iuKCsy25c5mBoeNtRG8NV-0mapRgKbnKE9h2P2CTWE1VL09GruyQ/s320/Frances+and+Anna+Lappe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464489979070648578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">(Frances pictured with her daughter Anna)</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Frances Lappe has been hailed by Gourmet magazine as one of the 25 people who have changed the way we eat. Frances was writing and teaching about the impact of our food choices on our health, economy, politics, and humanity long before it was in vogue. She wrote the revolutionary book </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.smallplanet.org/books/item/diet_for_a_small_planet">Diet for a Small Planet</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> more than 20 years ago and since then has been waiting for the rest of us to catch up with her. We were honored to have the opportunity to speak with her.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Aside from gratitude and awe, here are a couple of things we left thinking about:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Adelaide - I was amazed by Frances’ ability to continually create new solutions and alternatives when the existing options didn’t appeal to her. Completely unsatisfied with contributing an ounce less than she possibly could, Frances’ entire career has been about creating opportunities for her and others to make necessary changes in the world. Over the years she has leveraged several formats and outlets including books, foundations, speaking, writing, and community building. I am in awe of what one person can do.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Amy - I was so intrigued by her mantra that it is "not possible to know what's possible". It was clearly her way of channeling fear as energy. Besides it is a wonderful statement that in many ways defines and fuels entrepreneurship.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Frances!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-31356667887323688582010-04-26T10:59:00.004-04:002010-04-26T11:53:28.044-04:00Book Learnings: Entrepreneur is a thorny word<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPu6QOso2cKER3hTMaAgTAnYwLd1orXt7V938uKvc0EdEPzSM8Sch9ZxSfFLTDV2NnIhTWuMnS-aWtiFvafyaTOflLPFbA9NrNnwi8x8X3gV5nNgNbErYkbGPr7aDlzhPaSg3d5IWPT9M/s1600/purple+thistle.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPu6QOso2cKER3hTMaAgTAnYwLd1orXt7V938uKvc0EdEPzSM8Sch9ZxSfFLTDV2NnIhTWuMnS-aWtiFvafyaTOflLPFbA9NrNnwi8x8X3gV5nNgNbErYkbGPr7aDlzhPaSg3d5IWPT9M/s320/purple+thistle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464474652478937842" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(image courtesy of </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/leapinggazelle">leaping gazelle</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When we set out to interview women for this book we were hoping to see examples of the 8 themes that we are going to write about in the book. These themes illuminate various aspects of growing a business or what we have referred to as best practices in the business of building your business.<br /><br />So far, after interviewing more than 33 women (business owners) we have found incredible examples of how different women have addressed the process of growing their business. In addition, we have been able to hear how thoughtful and deliberate they have been in structuring their business in a way that makes sense for them.<br /><br />We have been sharing many takeaways as we have been going along in the form of <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Interview Tidbits”</span> and will of course share more lessons in the book.<br /><br />Along the way, however, we have frequently been asked what has been surprising about the interview process? What have we learned?<br /><br />Many things have begun to stand out, and they feel worthy of sharing. One thing in particular is women’s relationship to the word entrepreneur.<br /><br />We have discussed repeatedly the need to expand the definition of an entrepreneur. We <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adelaide-lancaster/are-women-business-owners_b_526263.html">have made calls for more women to use the word</a> because in our minds it seems like they should give themselves the credit they are due!<br /><br />However, it is quite clear that many if not most of the women we have talked to so far don’t identify with the term entrepreneur and have reactions such as:<br />"it's so corporate"<br />"I picture men in a suit"<br />“it seems too tech-y or startup-ish for me”<br />"I am not on a high growth fast track"<br /><br />This is coming from women who are clearly enterprising, often pioneering, and who are running profitable and long-standing companies! Many have employees.<br /><br />Nevertheless, they often prefer to think of themselves instead as small business owners, or according to their trade (designer, consultant, engineer, etc).<br /><br />We also put out the question “When did you start considering yourself an entrepreneur?” through HARO and received more than 50 interesting responses that in essence ranged from always to never.<br /><br />This all really begs the question of the importance or relevance of expanding the definition. Should we be emphasizing a word or term that doesn’t feel reflective or appropriate?<br /><br />We are also aware that we aren’t the only ones talking about this.<br /><br />In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272292577&sr=1-1">Rework</a>, Jason Fried’s new book, he calls for the retirement of the word entrepreneur because it is outdated, limiting and not descriptive enough for many of the ventures and enterprising folks out there.<br /><br />True. It is quite difficult to come up with one definition that encompasses all the various permutations and ventures that seem entrepreneurial.<br /><br />On the other hand, Scott Belsky in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Making-Ideas-Happen-Overcoming-Obstacles/dp/159184312X">Making Ideas Happen</a> encourages more people to consider themselves entrepreneurs, because as he says, "It is your responsibility to make your ideas sustainable. For an idea to thrive over time it must be treated like an enterprise."<br /><br />Also true.<br /><br />Overall, we are reserving judgment for now, but are excited to continue the conversations.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />What do you think? Time to go? Time to expand?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- posted by Adelaide Lancaster & Amy Abrams</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5836937053844263721.post-44073984075644889772010-04-25T08:30:00.000-04:002010-04-25T08:30:00.073-04:00Interview Tidbit: Sarah Endline of SweetRiot<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDBf8bqQgeKh1Rvw8gEt-r7oQne_GZlys3qS2_OFrZ7Ba-2dv8wFtVi7Is52pYAVlOancOn_VKd6vxFNS_LlTazJew9hBZyBE31OLtJD5lgDaQAEez3gLNvFxoCkArZBG_dBVqwVWf3U/s1600/sr_logo.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 109px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDBf8bqQgeKh1Rvw8gEt-r7oQne_GZlys3qS2_OFrZ7Ba-2dv8wFtVi7Is52pYAVlOancOn_VKd6vxFNS_LlTazJew9hBZyBE31OLtJD5lgDaQAEez3gLNvFxoCkArZBG_dBVqwVWf3U/s320/sr_logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457929814056025378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On this exciting book journey we have the pleasure of interviewing nearly 100 women who are running interesting, inspiring, and innovative companies. While we of course will be including lots of details in the book and discussing the interviews over the next year, in the meantime we wanted to share a few tidbits from each amazing interview!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.sweetriot.com/">SweetRiot</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> has been an amazing brand to watch grow over the last several years. It not only has a unique product but a tremendous social mission. We were excited to share some time with </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sarah Endline</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, one of several social entrepreneurs that we are interviewing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Aside from some yummy treats, here are a few things we walked away with:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Adelaide- I was inspired by the amount of passion that Sarah clearly has for both her business and her mission. She was determined to be a social entrepreneur early on which has clearly shaped the feel, growth, trajectory and soul of the business.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Amy- I was struck by a great phrase that Sarah used when speaking about the importance of connecting with a community. In her case, she spoke of her community of entrepreneurs, many of which are friends but said the attraction was based on an “entrepreneurial chemistry”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thank you, Sarah!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">- Adelaide & Amy</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0