Keeping it All Rollin’…

Working at home while also trying to launch a new product to market has been quite a challenge this past year.  Not only to have I have log the hours I need for my clients, I also have to find the time to call my mold maker, color guy, consultants, designers and all the other folks who help keep The Baby Owen Company moving forward.  (Although most days that’s really just me, I guess.)

I’ve found 4:30 is an optimal email/get work done time.  Yesterday, though, I worked from 3am-5:30am.  I’m beginning to miss (if only just a little) the regular work day.

But I think I’m happy doing what I’m doing.  Certainly I’m working more hours than ever, but at least they are my hours to keep (or not.)

As we approach 2007 I’ll tackle more topics of product development, as well as my daily struggles of working at home with TWO little ones to care for.  (YIKES.  Better set that alarm for 2:00 am….)

Happy Holidays, and a Restful New Year to All,

Lorraine

A (very long) Series of Unfortunate Events

…no, not Lemony Snicket – my (2 year) odyssey into the world of product development!

I can see why most “great ideas” never make it to market…its a heck of a lot of work. And when you are dealing with people who aren’t as commited to the project as you are, things can (and do!) move at an excrutiatingly slow pace.

Last year I lost 6 months (literally) on a molder who decided they weren’t doing custom injection molds anymore. Then it was a problem with the color…and now new issues with the mold that I’m trying to resolve….

…and on and on it goes.

I think I’m past the point of no return (although last week I considered cashing in my retirement fund, paying off the loans, and calling it quits.) But I decided to see this through, and if I sell just one sink mat I’ll have gone farther (or is it further?) than most.

If anyone out there is developing a product and wants my insight/help (such that it is) drop me a line. You don’t have to worry about your idea getting “stolen” (I think a lot of people worry about that) but in my experience its more about figuring out if you even HAVE an idea that would be worth “stealing” eventually.

And besides, I have my hands full. If I survive the baby sink mat I have at least two other products I want to get off the ground. More than enough to keep me busy with another long series of unfortunate events. At least this time I’ll be prepared.

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Today’s Baby O’Blog Quote: “We are very concerned.” Violet Baudelaire, a memorable quote from Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)