Where Did the Year Go?

I don't know about all of you, but I can not believe a whole year has past! It is bizarre to think that Woobee has been in business for over 2 years and Lola is going to be 3 next weekend. In my youth it seemed like it took forever for 1 year to pass. The year between 20 and 21 took an eternity (although I never let a thing like age stop me from having a good time). Now it seems that every time I catch a breath and look up another year has gone by. I can say that the years are getting better, which allows me to stomach the pace.

Business stuff...I just want to make sure all of you who read my blog and own your own business know about the FREE service Google provides for tracking traffic to your site called Google Analytics. Definitely go to Google and sign up for this if you don't have a way to track your traffic already, or even if you do Google has amazing options on ways to analyze the data.

I am about to hit the blog circuit again for BabyLegs and some for Woobee. Spreading the good word by giving away product. I do recommend sponsoring a giveaway when dealing with blogs. It has been my experience that it increases traffic to your site. Now, Woobee has never received a ton of sales from these reviews. Companies with lower priced products may notice more direct income, but it is still wonderful PR and people are starting to know the Woobee name and products. That is worth its weight in free merchandise.

This is how I choose blogs that may review Woobee or BabyLegs - I look at blogs I like or that I know are very popular first, then I look at their list of blogs they like, and the blogs they like and so on. I email the blogger and ask if they would be interested in reviewing the products or if we could sponsor a giveaway (may cost a little money or more product). This usually opens a dialogue on ways to work together. I have developed some wonderful relationships with bloggers (like Asha from Parent Hacks and Kelli from Tangled and True) and encourage you all to use this wonderful way of low cost marketing.

Have a wonderful and safe New Year!!!

Strength

Hey Blog readers. I am about to sound like a total sentimental weeny...I love the show the Biggest Loser. I am watching the grand finale and I tell ya' obesity runs thick in my family and seeing these people lose over 70-175 pounds is unbelievable. It totally blows me away and often brings me to tears.

Another blog that is sure to catch you attention if you like stories of hope and the strength of the human spirit is http://www.sixmaybemore.blogspot.com/ - The House is on Fire. I won't give it away, but I laugh and cry when I read it...and the blogger is a huge Woobee fan.She sent me the most amazing email about Woobee's giving comfort and security to two of her children through a very rough year. Check it out.

I have a question to all you small business owners? Do you spend every available moment working in some way? Whether you are fulfilling orders, emailing, graphics stuff, what ever it is, are you always doing something? My goal is to get to the point where I can hang out at night and choose what I want to do - without working AT ALL on Woobee Kids. I love my company, but I would really love to read a book for fun again.

HoHoHo...

Okay, have you elfed yourself yet? Office Max has this free fun program were you can insert you and friends/families faces onto elf bodies and they dance around. Ridiculously fun and I would say the best free thing I have done yet this holiday season. Here is my family - don't tell my husband I gave this link out...http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1349405231. If you do decide to do this yourself, the first picture you insert will go on the girl body that my husband is on (that's sounds a little off, but you know what I mean).

The wonderful Asha from Parent Hacks gave a fabulous review of our new Super Woobee http://www.parenthacks.com/2007/12/the-most-luscio.html - check it out. A huge warm Woobee thank you to you Asha for spreading the wonders of Woobee all over the globe!!! Here is a picture of Lola (pink hat) and her friend with a new turquoise/pewter Super Woobee.

Well business is certainly picked up from last year this time. I believe that that is do to good PR, lots of word of mouth, and a great product. People are finally starting to know to ask for a Woobee for holiday gifts. Thank God. Part of this months success also has to do with BabyLegs buying a butt load of Woobee product for their site. The BL site now exclusively offers the Ultimate Gift Baskets equipped with BabyLegs, Woobee product and a SaraBear Basket (which I love). There are three different price ranges and they make the PERFECT baby shower gift (especially for those that want to go in on a gift or make a BIG splash).

I have my husbands company party tonight. I actually don't know most of the people he works with because his office is 45 mins + away. But, honestly - how hard could it be to get along with a bunch of guys that design and sell bike parts?

Okay the next GHTA tip of the day. This tip is from one of the main speakers and I think it embraces the importance of how others perceive the success of your company:

When someone asks how your company (or you) are doing you answer with one simple word (and only this one word) - UNBELIEVABLE! Now, even if things are going badly this one word covers that without being negative or lying, and the importance of appearing successful will not only allow people to talk about how well you are doing (which will perpetuate success), but you will manifest your own success.

Have a GREAT weekend everyone.

Christmas for the children...

Hi everyone! Happy holiday season! Welcome to the time of the year where money actually flies out your a*s. This is the first year in a while that we have actually been able to spend a little money on the girls. Now that my hubby is out of school and employed full-time I have planned what I think is going to be a fantastic Christmas. Now, I don't consider the amount of presents the judge of what makes a "fantastic" day. As a matter of fact, I am quite against getting a child loads of presents and everything on their list. A few choice gifts that you know they will love is really enough to create a magical holiday feel. What did we get the girls this year? Well, since they have all the Woobee's they could possibly want, we chose some wonderful toys. My in-laws always send me a check to buy presents with which I love. So, Santa is bringing the girls a Plan Toys Chalet Dollhouse w/ some furntiure. They can move the floor plan around or seperate it in times of crisis - I love its modern feel. Lola is getting a rolling backpack (very small) with a bear on the front that can be strapped in. She saw it at the store and fell in love! Ava is getting a set of 3 wigs that she has been dreaming about for the last 6 months. Lola is also getting a Plan Toy activity bus and Ava is getting a dragon/dinosaur costume that is awesome from Magic Cabin. I also ordered stocking stuffers like felt animals, color pencils that look like twigs, and a few other little things from Sonya's Toy Garden. I bought all Lola's presents and Plan Toy gifts at a local favorite Urban Kids Play (and they sell Woobee's) and they also had a great book for drawing people that Ava will totally dig.

GHTA Tip of the Post: Creating a design (plan) for a request allows the person to deliver the expected outcome. If you do not give them a design, they will fill it in themselves and it may not be what you are looking for. A design should be replicable.