If Its Friday, It Must Be Good News

Holy smokes!  Another Friday already!  Well, by now you know what that means.  A round-up of this week’s good news:

1. Yesterday I met with a great fulfillment partner.  His family has been in the mailing and printing business for several generations in other parts of South Carolina.  Now he’s bringing the business to Charleston.  He was very willing to work with me, had lots of good ideas and I was happy to hear the company could handle most print jobs.  I’m still waiting for some info, but it seems very promising.

2.  My logo isn’t done.  At first glance, this might sound like bad news.  But wait!  Its actually good news because Stitch is fixing something I wasn’t comfortable with and happy to do so.  Now that’s a great partner.

3.  Speaking of Stitch….you guessed it, I picked them to be my design partner for AlesyaBags.com.  I was so happy with the logo work it was the natural choice.  They recommended Mathew Smith to do the background programming and after already answers 341 questions for me I know he’s a great choice too.  I’m excited to start site development at the end of this year!

4.  I’m considering using a PR firm.  My background is in marketing and public relations, so its tempting to do it myself.  Or at least wait until I’m more established.  But I’ve been convinced I need to at least investigate the possibilities – and so I am.

5.  Late last week Kate Trogvac from the #1 lens on Squidoo (my dream PR win, in case you forgot)  tweeted me the following: @Alesya Flattery will get you everywhere 😉 I will be delighted to review your bag!! And, yes, a happy dance took place after I read it.

Since we’re dancing, let’s jump right into the weekend.  Last week, I started a new feature where I write about something other than the business.  (All work is pretty boring, right?)  Thanks to Real Simple on Twitter it was very popular.  This weekend I’ll be talking about Halloween decor.  I’m sure many of you will be spending your weekend carving pumpkins so please join me, I’d love to see what’s on your door step.

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Friday Round-Up

Can’t believe it is Friday again already! Time for my weekly round-up of news.

1. After much deliberation I’ve picked the people I’d like to create my website. It wasn’t easy, because I liked everyone I talked to! I’ll be notifying the different partners today of my choice. I hope to start development at the end of the year or early in January.

2. My logo is 99% complete! Besides being in love with it, the most important thing is I’m really proud of it. It conveys the right message and can go the distance. While I won’t be revealing it officially until launch I’ll give all you designers out there a tiny, tiny hint. 135 U

3. As of today I’ve heard from three fulfillment services companies in Charleston and received one recommendation for a company in California. (Which, of course, is closer to China.) I’m waiting for quotes but like the progress I’m making.

4. I have not installed QuickBooks. There, I said it. It’s on my list and it needs to get done. Dad, I know you don’t read this, but couldn’t you come out of retirement and handle the books? Please?

5.  By the looks of the blog traffic, it looks like I’ve got some new readers!  Welcome!  Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.  I love getting the feedback.

And now that they official business is out of the way, lets get to the weekend update.

This Saturday is the Race for the Cure in my neck of the woods – Daniel Island in Charleston, SC.  My husband, daughter and I will be participating in support of breast cancer awareness.  If you haven’t signed up there’s still time.  Hope to see you there and if you spot me in the crowd, jog on over and say hello.

Also this weekend I’ll be starting a new blog feature where I talk about something other than the business.  (I know, you can’t believe it.  Trust me, its true.)  I’ve learned the hard way that all work and no play makes Jill a dull girl.  If you keep up with me on Twitter you already know I’m following October’s meal plan from Real Simple.  This weekend’s post will be on my progress over the first two weeks.

That’s all the news that is the news.  Hope you had a productive week!

PS – Good news you’d like to share?  There’s a handy little comment section below.  Tell the world how you are kicking ass!

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Good News Friday

It’s another good news Friday!  Here’s an update:

1. My PIN came!  Whoo-hoo!  I can wire money overseas.  NICE.

2.  Yesterday I received my revised logos.  LOVED them.  Not a bad one in the bunch.  After talking with the ladies from Stitch Design Co. I’ve found I can incorporate a lot of the ideas I like into other design elements of my brand.  I’ve narrowed down the actual logo to two choices.  As big marketing geek, this is really exciting stuff.

3.  Today is National Day in China and there is a national holiday through October 7th.  Before Wendy went on holiday she made sure to check in with me, confirm the bag changes and get the leather and hardware samples ready to send.  Also, she told me they are going to ship the products on their account so I don’t have to set up my own just yet.  Awesome.

4.  Thanks to my husband and one of our handy friends all the IKEA furniture is set up in my office.  My father helped me get all the needed office supplies so the whole operation should be fully functional sometime this month.

5.  Yesterday I applied for a free seminar with the almighty Seth Godin.  If you are a woman entrepreneur I highly encourage you to apply as well.  Even if you don’t get in, the process will make you evaluate your business.  And if you do get in, please tell me all about it!

That’s all the news for this week.  Hope your Friday is full of good news too.

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