Time Management Strategies for Small Businesses

I've been asked quiet frequently how I manage a soap business, consult part time for a Bay Area non profit, and manage a household of three kids the ages of 8, 4, and 7 weeks.  My usually response would be... "By screaming, yelling, and pulling my hair out."  Obviously, that hasn't been working. I've turned to time management books, and have implemented their strategies only to feel like crap because I couldn't sustain them for more than a day or two.  I was left feeling anxious and overwhelmed, a feeling that I had that was the motivation for leaving my 9-5 job. And my response to this feeling was, "F%#^ that! I've been down that road of anxiety, and that's why I'm creating my own entrepreneur path!" That's when I realized, it's not about managing time.  It's about managing ourselves with the time we have. How am I doing it? Well, here you go:

Step One: Make a schedule that is realistic!!! Identify when you can work. For example, I'm a morning person, but so are my kids. And though I love my little twerps with all my heart, I can't get anything done. And they deserve my attention. So my work happens during school. On some days, I only get two hours, while other day I get seven. So this brings in step two... My timer is my best friend!

Step Two: Give yourself a time frame to accomplish a task. This idea originated in order to motivate Eric, myself, and the twerps to cleaning up the house. We called it the "Quick Pick Up " time. Our family would pickup the house for 15 minutes as fast as we could. Each of us would have a room (and a super hero name!) and viola, the house appeared clean (good enough for that unexpected guest to stop by!) By focusing for a short amount of time on one task, something that we perceived to take a long time, took us 15 minutes. So I've applied this to Handbrewed Soaps. For example, I give myself 30 minutes to send out wholesale inquiries. 15 minutes to update/ update listings on website, 20 minutes to print packing slips etc.  I may not finish the task, but I can set up another time frame later that day.  Then I reward myself with a break... A walk or a shot of tequila ( I'm sooooo kidding, but what a great idea!) Then I go back to the timer with other tasks. By the way, this is actually a thing. Some guy made a technique called the Pomodoro technique.  I thought I was a genius for coming up with this strategy, but it looks like someone already claimed this geniusness.  There's even apps you can down load... Who knew?

Step Three: Find YOU time. With all the hustle and bustle in life, you have to find a way to wind down.  Whether it's exercising, or drinking a bottle of wine (each) with your friends, it's so important to recharge. And schedule that sh%* in, because it won't happen otherwise. Mine is Thursday nights at 6pm.  I vacate my house to go to yoga, dinner with a friend, or a cafe so that I can blog. Sometimes I lock myself in the bathroom to watch an uninterrupted episode of the Walking Dead on Netflix. Whatever it is, do it because if you don't, your business, family, and your health will suffer.  

So there you have it.. This is what is working for me now... Who knows what will work next week! What works for you?  

Meet Morgan From Buffalo City Jug Shop

Attention North Carolina, Handbrewed Soaps can be found at Buffalo City Jug Shop in Nags Head! (I think Eric and I are going to have to fly out and visit this fine establishment!!!)  I got a chance to ask the owner, Morgan Myshin, his inspiration behind the store (which opened about a month ago), what his favorite beer is, and advice for those that are thinking about going into the beer industry. Here is what he had to say:

Who you are and what inspired you to open your store?

Morgan Myshin- I grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and after brief experiences in teaching elementary school and working in the film business, I moved to Tahoe to work at Heavenly. While in California, I fell in love with craft beer, and it became a real passion for me. After moving back to the beach in NC, I noticed that the craft beer business was booming in North Carolina. Currently there are over 90 breweries in the state. My small beach town was lacking a bottle shop that could showcase NC beers to the over 1 million vistors to the area each summer. After a year of traveling around the country looking at bottle shops and growler filling stations, Buffalo City Jug Shop was born.

What is your favorite beer / beer style and why?

My favorite beer style is Stout. Not sure why, just a dark beer kind of guy. I do love a nice punch in the face with hops from time to time too though.

What advice can you give someone who wants to go into the beer industry?

My advice is to ask questions. I have found that most people in the industry are really receptive to helping out others in the business, so pick brains!! The advice I have received from across the country has been priceless, and has allowed me to avoid a lot of common mistakes. Also, get to know your local beer reps and breweries. Those individuals can help make or break your business!

Thanks Morgan for your thoughts!  Looking forward to meeting you in person!!!

How to Make A Calculated Risk In Life

There come times in your life when you have to make choices that involves risk.  These choices are risks because they have an unknown outcome such as job/ career changes, relocation from family and friends, leaving or starting a relationship, following your dreams when others think it's silly.  Taking a risk is exciting, but scary.  By taking a risk, you are entering uncharted water.  Depending on your personality, you may thrive by risk taking or be scared to death of it.  Either way, you know you need to take the risk because you hope that by following this choice, you will be happier and more fulfilled then you currently are.

I'm in the middle, I love risk taking because it's exciting and challenges my creativity.  However, I'm also scared of it because I I need to think about how it with affect my growing family. Over the past week, I have had to make a choice that involves a risk regarding Handbrewed Soaps.  The biggest question I had was, "Why would I take this risk?"  To discover the answer, I took out a piece of paper and did a brain dumb on the following four sub -questions.

1)  How does this risk match with my mission and goals for my business and personal life?
2)  How does this risk challenge me in a creative, fun-way?
3)  How will this risk open me up to new opportunities and experiences?
4)  What fears does the potential risk bring up for me?

Questions 1-3 are more about practical application.  My family and how I structure my business life around them is VERY important.  If it fits into our family/business lifestyle, then it's a go!  If it's a fun challenge that will open doors for me, then count me in!  Question #4, however, is the most important sub question because this is usually my "NO!" instinct!  This is what threatens my comfort zone. By naming this fear, it has been acknowledge and the "sting" is taken away!  If #1-3 point to yes, but #4 points to a no, well then, I'm taking the risk!  But if there is any concern in #1-3, it's a no go... no matter how tempted I am.

Again, I am no expert, but this worked for me! And yes, I am taking the risk... (details to follow!) What process do you go through when contemplating a risk?

Meet the Team behind Handbrewed Soaps

Handbrewed Soaps is a family operation! As we have expanded, we've enlisted more family members and friends to help! As they say, to raise a business, it takes a village!

Beer Brewmaster: Eric Swihart

The talent behind the homebrewed beer.  When he's not brewing, you can find him teaching middle school band and orchestra here in Oakland!   Eric enjoys the outdoors, playing with his kids, and playing in his band Fast and Vengfully. He is also the mastermind behind many of our slogans, video ideas, and other Handbrewed Soaps shenanigans!

Soap Brewmaster: Alyson Swihart

That's me!  I'm the soap maker!! When I'm not making soap or any soap related activity, you can find me hiking, hangin' with the kids, or gardening.

Assistant Brewer: Fred Noel

That's my dad!  He's the brains behind the expansion.  He's always into making things bigger.  For example: he's the dad that when you say you want a dog as a child, he thinks Mastiff or Great Dane when you ment Yorkie. Or as a child you want to decorate the outside of the house for Christmas, he's the Dad that makes a bigger than life size wooden Santa Claus to stand on your lawn, when you were thinking maybe just some lights on the porch? So, he's built bigger soap molds, a soap studio, and now helps make soap as I get bigger in my pregnancy. 

Soap wrapper extraordinaire/ Daytime child overseer: Donna Noel 

That's my Mom!  Without her, soap production would slow WAY down! She watches the kids when soap needs to be made! And she's the person that wraps the majority of the soap! She is such a master of soap wrapping, that she goes into a zen like state reciting the mantra, "Peel, Wrap, Stick."

Soap testers: My kids

They are the ones who are first to wash their hands with a newly made batch of soap! They are also marketing managers as I often find video on my ipad that they have made talking about Handbrewed Soaps: See recent video.

Promotion Guru's: Friends, Family, You!

These are the people that have answered the call when we needed help with running a booth at a festival, needing homebrew because we have run out, mentioned us on social media, walked into stores and have talked to retail owners about our products both here in California and out of state.  Most importantly, it's the users of Handbrewed Soaps that enjoy and give feedback to what we do!! Thanks for all you do!

Getting to Know your Local Businesses: Gracious Goat

It's time to get to know your local businesses again, so I introduce Kim Kandel from Gracious Goats. I met Kim at a local craft fair in Oakland where I fell in love with her lotions!  Here is what she had to say about her craft:

Who are you and what is your business about?
My name is Kim and I live in Oakland with my husband Matthew and my adorable mini-aussi mix dog named Mardi. Gracious Goat is about goat milk products for your skin! I make hand crafted goat milk lotions and creams using only essential oils and natural ingredients. Goat milk is perfect for dry skin because it is easily absorbed, is a natural moisturizer and protector, and it assists in the regeneration of skin cells.

What inspired you to go into your business? 

Dry, miserable skin! In my previous work life, I did a lot of air travel and my skin would become dry, cracked, and sore from the climate changes and the plane air quality. After trying many products, I found goat milk lotion provided the only consistent relief from dry skin and I became curious as to why. I was inspired by my friend Laura to make my own formulation and soon fell in love with the process of making something that actually softens skin and makes people feel comforted. It is a lovely mix of research, formulating, and testing. You have to be very exact about your ratios and process, yet there is still some creative play with the ingredients. I have a lot of fun in my lab!

What are some random facts about you? 

*I am from New Hampshire, "Live Free or Die!"

*I moved to San Francisco from Boston by train. Our country is beautiful!

*My deserted island "must have" playlist (as of today) includes Bach, Bob Marley, Bossa Nova, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rye

What's your favorite local place and why? 

Redwood Regional Park. Living in Oakland, I appreciate being in a city yet having access to wonderful local hiking (especially the dog-friendly trails). The rolling hills, Oak and Bay Laurel trees, and the peacefulness of the trails help me clear my head. I often return home with some new ideas and I certainly breathe deeper. If you are lucky, you can see a few goats on the trails too!

Thanks Kim!  You can find out more about her on Facebookor her website!

Getting to Know Your Local Businesses: Panic in Polkadots

It's time to get to know your local businesses, so I introduce Katie McKinnon from Panic in Polkadots. I met Katie at a local craft fair in Oakland. I fell in love with her owl stuffies and was intrigued by how she upcycled everyday items into works of art!   Here is what she had to say about her craft:

Who are you and what is your business about? My name is Katie McKinnon, and I create things. My shop is Panic in Polkadots and my most popular items are my stuffed animal friends, ice cream cones, robots, and cupcakes! I create everything in my home studio, by hand and by sewing machine, using my own patterns. I strive to use fabric scraps and reclaimed fabrics wherever possible, as well as buttons and bottlecaps, playing cards and ribbon!

What inspired you to go into your business? I have always been about creating things, and I would give a lot of my creations away as gifts to friends and family. One day, a friend encouraged me to start selling my items, and my Etsy store was born. Pretty soon, I was getting all kinds of custom orders! My passion is to create things that are truly unique, that come from the heart, and that are fairly affordable. Everyone should be able to enjoy handmade Panic in Polkadots!

What are some random facts about you? I collect umbrellas of many kinds: whether it's the real deal, in earring form, in paintings, in tattoos that I have, and even in my nickname "Umbrella!" I have an orange fuzz cat named Lucy, she is a redhead who gets in trouble a lot! I work at an ice cream shop, and have worked in various ice cream shops ever since I was 16! I love analog photography, and I still shoot with my many film cameras to this day! My birthday is 5 days before Christmas, and I have never had a surprise birthday party!

What's your favorite local place? I will have to say Alameda Theatre and Cineplex.  They are always showing films for the Classic Film Series and if you get the 8 pack of tickets, they are like 5 bucks each!  The Historic Theatre is beautiful and makes you feel like you have stepped back in time.  If only the popcorn were more timely priced!

Thanks Katie!  You can find out more about her at: www.panicinpolkadots.com , and www.facebook.com/PanicinPolkadots , and http://www.etsy.com/shop/panicinpolkadots

Getting to Know Local Businesses: From Garden To Jar

I LOVE LOCAL!  I’ve met many amazing artists, crafters, food artisans, and small businesses doing fairs in the Bay Area.  I thought it would be fun to get to know them better.  Today, Judy Cardiff, custom food preservationist extraordinaire, shares her story and love for all things local! (By the way, I’m in LOVE with her Carrot Cake Jam!)

Who are you and what is your business about?

I spent 20 years in corporate America and gave up my career for my "calling" (motherhood) when my son arrived 3 months early back in 2007.

A big part of embracing the roll of a homemaker after two decades as a ladder climber and ceiling breaker was reigning in our budget. We are HUGE proponents of organic and local...so much so that we grow almost all of our own produce during the summer. I come from a family of canners. My grandmother and her sisters would "Put up" and divide their respective harvests every year. So putting up our harvests was a no brainer. After having a friend join me to can tomatoes one summer, it was suggested that we offer a class for my son's preschool auction. It was a great success and we developed a few canners from that class, but I also had a few women tell me that for as much as they loved the tomatoes we did, they didn't see themselves ever doing all that work on their own.

All this time I'd been working for a friend's home based business. I had start up experience and we'd done some great things to grow his business. But, adages about working for friends being true, that relationship didn't last and last September I found myself trying to figure out what to do with myself when a neighbor asked for ideas on what to do with the passion fruit that was taking of their yard. I offered to make jam and split the yield. She used her share for gifts and mentioned to me "I'd LOVE to have all home canned stuff in my kitchen...especially with all that's growing in our yard, but I don't have the time."

So my business is actually custom food preservation. You grow it or source it, and I'll preserve it for you. I do canned produce, frozen produce, dried produce...I'll make jams, jellies, salsas, pickles and I'll re-create old family recipes. I also do lessons. This year I decided to do some jams to bring to craft fairs to introduce myself and my abilities and much to my surprise, I sold out of everything each time. So now I offer a few seasonal jams and jellies year round. Soon they'll be available on my website (www.fromgardentojar.com) and (hopefully!) at a small venue near you!

What are some random facts about you?

1) I was a competitive figure skater for 10 years -Early in my career I traveled internationally quite a bit. So much that I flew 200,000 miles in 6 months!

2) I hate grocery stores!

What’s your favorite part of Oakland?

My favorite part of Oakland is Fairyland! This little, unassuming playground was the impetus for Disneyland. And that kinda sums up Oakland to me...unassuming, full of charm, and a place where big dreams are launched.

Thanks Judy!  You can find out more about her at www.fromgardentojar.com and www.facebook.com/FromGardenToJar. 

And remember, From Garden to Jar is Oakland!