Loose Thread Stitchers

$30,000 in 30 days - Day 17 The Lehman Brothers bankruptcy bumped me

OK it took me a few days to get myself together and finally be OK with my stint on The Big Idea.  Truly, not my finest moment and yet I feel liberated that I was able to announce my disappointment and move on.

Being a business owner is difficult.  You have to be the good, the bad and the ugly.  I do not like confrontation.  I find it to be a bit overwhelming and I would rather the situation dissipate on its own.  It never happens.  So I have learned to address the issues as they come and not procrastinate.  It only makes the situation worse.

And so I was all set to be on The Big Idea (TBI) tonight.  I was not going to watch it.  In fact, I was working on the Loose Thread Stitcher static pages to hand over to Raj at E-Softsys and my Mother-in-law called, upset b/c she thought she missed the show.  I turned to 44 and TBI was pushed b/c Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy.  So I know this is going to sound harsh, but they decided to push the entrepreneur show for a glimpse of greed and over confidence?  I find it ironic.

TBI promotes hard-working, economy boosting entrepreneurs, where as CNBC chose to hush our voices to highlight irresponsibility and greed.  Please let's showcase the sad state of the economy and not the last glimmer of hope (TBI).  We were pushed and who knows when they will re-air the episode or if we will  forever be in limbo.

On a brighter note, my website info was incorrect on the TBI site.  I contacted the producer and they will change it tomorrow.  So at least my info will be correct, if they decide to air the episode.

Off to finish the static pages and get more leads.  Seriously, you have to decide if being your own boss is worth it and if you have the gumption.  I was wavering this weekend, and then I put it to bed.  I am here, I am working my tail off and I Will get the $30,000.  Stay tuned to find out how!

Things just got interesting~

In Stitches,
Colleen

$30,000 in 30 days - Day 13 - The Big Idea or the big Failure, you decide...

It has been a whirlwind for the past 2 days.  On and off the phone, sending pictures, getting information, trying to get everything together for today.  I left the house confident and feeling good about what I was going to say.  How Loose Thread Stitchers is not only a dream of mine becoming a reality but a tool to fill the void within the stitching industry.

I went down to the studio and was ready....or so I thought.  I seriously was not prepared for what happened next.  You sit in a booth and view yourself on a screen in front of you.  You do not see who you are talking to and all you have to guide you is an ear piece for which I am so deaf it was hard to hear.  And yet the show must go on.

Before I begin I want to make it VERY clear, what happened next was ALL me.  My fabulous producer Annie, went above and beyond to do everything possible to make this not only a catalyst for my company but also a once-in-a-lifetime shot at promotion.  She worked early mornings, late evenings, weekends - Seriously I have 3 small kids and run a company form home and her schedule makes me tired!  She is a trooper and I am forever grateful to be given the opportunity to work with her but more importantly to get to know her.  The Big Idea is a better place b/c she works there and I am  better for having met her.  OK now that I have that off my chest.... 

I stunk, to put it mildly and even as I sit here I know I should be thankful just to be on TV and that I was able to say my company name and website address on TV (seriously who gets that kind of opportunity) but I realized after it was all over, that they had no idea what I was talking about. 

The panel was giving me suggestions b/c they thought my site was to promote needlepoint.  They had no idea that needleWORK is different types of stitching.  I was talking about cross stitch, knitting, crochet, needlepoint, quilting and sewing.  They had no idea what my website did or why I would even bring it to market, they questioned my research and did not think there would be a large enough audience for my product.

Were they right?  No.  But I was also wrong.  I did a dis-service to my company by not correcting their perceptions of my business.  I did not articulate my vision and I missed a golden opportunity to promote my brand and my product.  As I am sitting here I am ready to cry, and have pretty much been in this state of mind all day.  What happened to me?  Why did I freeze, why didn't I speak up?  What was I afraid of?  I have been "talking" in my head all day, over and over I repeat what I should have said, what I should have done.  It goes something like this.

Donny, I am sorry to interrupt, but I am not sure the panel fully grasps my product.  Loose Thread Stitchers is an online society that allows a dynamic exchange between industry professionals and stitchers worldwide along the 6 types of needlework (cross stitch, knitting, needlepoint, quilting, sewing and crochet).  We do not sell a physical product, we sell the connection to the information.  LTS allows the industry professional to showcase their work to their core audience - a stitcher.  The stitcher can customize how they locate the information they need.  It is a fun, fast and easy way to build the needlework community one LOOSE THREAD at a time.

Sounds great doesn't it?  Then why couldn't I get it out of my mouth?  I feel battered and bruised by my lack of camera skills and disappointed in my lack of UMPH to get my information into their hands.

I am going to embrace the sadness tonight, for tomorrow I must get back up on the horse and try again.  As I sit here typing with tears rolling down my cheeks, I will not allow this to stop me.  I have to know that everyone makes mistakes and you have to grow from the experience, I only wish that mine did not have to be on TV.

I don't want to end here on a sad note so I end with this.  It is a wonderful feeling to know that at the least, I have exposed the idea of needlework to individuals who might not normally know of, or think of this craft.  I hope they visit our site or at the least Google information based on our program and see that it is a wonderful craft and something to feed your soul.  I know  am going to put a few stitches in before bed.  The piece I am finishing now will forever be my $30,000 in 30 days journey piece.  I know someday I will look back and marvel at all that has happened and be thankful to have this piece to remember my journey.

Things just got interesting ~

In Stitches,
Colleen

PS - I will not watch this when it airs.  I think once I put it to bed tonight that is where it should stay.  I cannot think to get upset about this all over again.  Off to stitch (cross stitch).  Night

   

$30,000 in 30 days - Day 11 - Who knew all this went into TV?

Seriously, when you hear someone works in the Television do you think.  A comfy job?  Easy money?  WRONG!  I have been on and off the phone and e-mail for the past few days with the producers sending the information they need.  Seriously, producers have A LOT to do.  We have been on the phone early in the morning and late at night.  It looks like they are working the same crazy hours I have been.  The only difference is, I am launching a business and they do this every day.  WHEW!  I am tired just thinking about it!

I will have to tape 2 segments.  One tomorrow and one on Thursday.  I am a bit nervous, I want to portray an image of professionalism, commitment and drive.  I want the viewers to know that Loose Thread Stitchers is here to STAY!  We have done everything possible to create a revolution within this industry.  We have a one-of-a-kind offering, a great business plan, solid projections and a creative marketing strategy.

W will see how the next 2 days plays out.  A lot of running around and hoping I have prepared enough.  I am NOT the best on the spot interview.  I need to relax, listen and respond accordingly.  I hope I don't throw up. hahahahahahahahaaa

OK off to bed, I need to get some rest and hopefully these bags under my eyes will go away and my forehead line will look less creasy, I should probably go get bangs.

In Stitches,
Colleen

~ Things just got interesting

   

30 days to $30,000 - Day 7, My first weekly report

Good evening!  Well this has been a week to remember.  Seriously, who knew this time last week where things would be today?  I called my husband at work and he asked if Oprah called.  He said he wouldn't be surprised the way things were going.  I cracked up.

Now, I know this is all very exciting and I am going to continue to explore these opportunities, but I also realize that I still have $0.  Opportunities to promote my business are fabulous but if they don't turn into investor dollars, I am not going to hit my mark.  No time for negativity but I did want you to know that I am not living in a bubble.  I do understand that I still don't have anything, but I KNOW it will come.

OK so to update my progress.  I was contacted by a senior producer from The Big Idea and he seemed interested enough, who knows.  We were on the phone for less than 5 minutes, he had to run into a meeting and said he would call on Monday, we shall see.  He was questioning what they could shoot if they came to my house.  So this weekend I am going to get the office together and take some pictures and send them to Annie to forward to him.  I want them to know I am serious.

I was contacted by a potential investor and sent my company information so keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.  Should hear something in the next few days or so.  I find this step to be the hardest and yet the most essential.  How do you provide enough info/time to an investor before you contact them and ask for a final decision?  I have decided to ask when I provide the info.  Something like, I am sending you information about Loose Thread Stitchers, let's schedule a call for Tuesday to go over any questions you may have and see how we can move forward.  I don't know if this is too in-your-face.  What do you think?  Any suggestions?  Thoughts?

I found a potential $10,000 opportunity but I want to investigate this further to make sure I am not losing my mind before I blog about it.  The concept is that you provide your business information and people vote for the best idea and if you have the most votes, you win.  I will stand outside and pull people into my home to vote for me if this is a real opportunity.

Finally, my husband let me know that over the past 7 days I have yet to explain anything about Loose Thread Stitchers.  I thought, he has to be crazy of coarse I did.  Nope. Nada. Nothing.  So tomorrow I am going to let you know everything you would ever want to know about LTS.  Well not EVERYTHING but what we are trying to accomplish and why this $ would help so much!

Things just got interesting ~

Col

   

$30,000 in 30 days - Day 6 Seriously is this all happening?

Ok where do I start today?  So many things are going on it is crazy.  I started to make a list of things so I didn't forget to mention anything in the blog.  Ok here it goes....

The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch

• Spoke with Annie (producer) and sent all the info she needed to make a decision.  I hope I sent enough info and they decide I will be a good story. I mean my mom thinks I would be great.  it stinks she doesn't work there, hahahaha  This is a big opportunity, I want it BAD!

Sam Walton Sam's Club New Entrepreneurs Award

• I was contacted today by an organization called Count Me In. Since I had applied to their business program for funding and was not selected (I contacted to inqure why and I was told the ONLY reason I did not receive the  funding was because my company was less than 5 years old.) They decided to consider me for another opportunity.
• I have completed the interview process and I am anxiously awaiting the results.  This award will bring national exposure to my company and advertising that I would otherwise not be able to afford.
• Note - a great lesson, I was not granted the initial award I was after, and yet I was given another opportunity.  Lesson - you never know where an opportunity will lead.  When one door closes, another opens.  Keep your eyes and ears open!   

Entrepreneur.com

• I was contacted by this company because they are creating a new section on their site and in their publication called A Day in the Life.  I have been afforded the opportunity to submit my thoughts, experiences in an effort to help other moms who are (or want to be) MOMpreneurs.  This is a fabulous opportunity to not only promote my business but also to let other mom's know, they can do it. 

WHEW!  Seriously, this has been a CRAZY day.  How can so many things happen in one day?  Sometimes when it rains it pours, so I am taking full advantage and seizing each and every opportunity.  This may never happen again and this could be THE moment, so if I have to work all night (Tuesday night I was up till 4 AM and I still had ideas spinning in my head.  oh and BTW - the notebook was a good idea except now I need a night light to see what I am writing....oh the drama (:

Ok time to sign off and get back to the task at hand finding funding!

It just got interesting~

In Stitches,
Colleen

   

$30,000 in 30 days - Day 5 Donny Deutsch of the Big Idea Called...

Ok well not Donny himself but Annie (a producer) from CNBC did.  Seriously, how cool is that?  Ok let me contain myself and get back on track....Ok where was I, oh yes, as you know (If you have been reading my blog) I have contacted every major TV show, Newspaper, radio, basically anyone with a website and a tell us your story tab, I was on the site and entering my information.  You just never know.....

Well today Annie called.  As a side note my cell phone is terrible and has fallen into the toilet (I have 3 kids under 5 you do the math) more times than I care to mention so it decides when it is going/not going to work.  When does it decide not to work - when Annie calls.  By the time my phone decides to turn back it is ringing off the hook, my husband cannot believe I missed the call.  By this time it is after 5PM EST so I just leave a VM letting her know that I will be sitting next to the phone until she returns my call.

What happens?  My phone dies again.  Seriously, this woman must think I am nuts, I am but she shouldn't know that about me yet... (:  Besides the fact that I am trying to raise $30,000 in 30 days or I would buy myself a new phone...I digress...

Ok so I finally get a hold of Annie (total sweetheart) and tell her my story. (the abridged version)  If you know me personally you know how hard that is for me.  Annie, if you are reading this, YES that was the abridged version (;  I have to shoot Annie an e-mail by tomorrow morning about what I need and what happened etc.

So keep your fingers crossed that everything works out and that I will be able to get on the show, the exposure would be amazing and the opportunity to secure the funding I need and have experts help - it is more than I could have ever asked for.

As a funny note, my husband and I always wanted to be on the Big Idea with Donny Deutsch.  We just always thought we would be the featured success story, not the HELP my business is going down the drain kind of thing.  Anyway...We watch his program all the time. I like that he is always so positive and makes you really think about your business in a different light.  The whole reason we fired the last web developer was b/c we watched his show where he told a viewer it is sometimes better to cut your losses instead of continuing to spin your wheels.  Learn from the mistake and move it. 

Those words gave me the freedom to let go.  Heritage Web Solutions  had no idea what they were doing, they worked on the site for over a year (was supposed to take 3 months) and it was no where near completed.  Phone calls were not returned, they continually missed deadlines and were surprised that we were not happy.  We made the decision the next day to walk away.  Although expensive and upsetting it is a lesson I will never forget.  If we had not walked away we never would have found E-SoftSys (the most amazing web development company EVER!)  Seriously, if you want professionals who over deliver and exceed expectations, these are your guys.  (Let them know I sent you)

So I am off to get my info together for Annie and hopefully have some good news coming soon.

Not to be over shadowed,  Vicki, a mom on the smart Moms network was kind enough to blog about me and my mission you can view her blog here : http://www.simplyvicki.com/2008/09/03/spreading-the-word/.  Thank you Vicki - I am so thankful for all the help I have been given over the past few days.  It amazes me that people are so willing to help.  I cannot begin to tell you how much that means to me.  I am completely in awe of their generosity and support.  Thanks again Vicki!

Things just got interesting!

In stitches,

Colleen

--

$30,000 in 30 days, Day 4 - Payoffs and submissions

Today was a whirlwind.  It is funny when you have a lot to do it seems there are not enough hours in a day.  Why is that?  I cannot sleep.  My mind will not turn off.  I am consumed with finding ways to obtain funding.  I decided that I need a notebook specific to my LTS launch.  I lay away at night thinking of ways to find money and I am worried that I won't remember them so I have a hard time falling asleep.  First thing tomorrow morning I am going out and getting myself a notebook and then (hopefully) I will be able to sleep.

Results so far -
- Another blogger picked up my story - Thank you Tara Burner!  You can read it at  :
http://everydayactofkindness.com/acts-of-kindess/need-loose-thread-stitchers.html  They'll  be auctioning off some items and sending the proceeds to help fund LTS.  How great is that?  Click on the link above and see if there is anything you would like to bid on and help support a great cause!  The best part?  This site was created to inspire random acts of kindness - I was inspired and committed one today too.  Check out the site to find out more.

- I was contacted by a potential investor.  Will keep you updated, not getting my hopes up but nice to know the word is getting out.

- A needlework industry magazine has decided to write about LTS when we launch.  This publication is read by thousands of craft professionals worldwide.  This has the potential to be a HUGE opportunity for exposure and credibility within the industry.  This is also an amazing advertising opportunity that I couldn't afford - so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this pans out.

- I found suggestions and tips about how to add information to my blog that will create a greater audience  - how did you find me?  Have you told others about this?  Let me know.  I wonder if what I am doing is working.

What I have to do tomorrow -
- update my blog (I mean I know you are waiting with baited breath to know what my next move is going to be (:
- speak with the lawyer to go over the policies and procedures for the site
- web development meeting, review of site log in pages and static pages
- make at least 5 contacts.   

OK, well time to sign off and get back to work - oh BTW I totally feel overwhelmed.  I reread my post and I sound all cool and collected.  SO not the case, but what are my options?  Give up on my dream?  After working for years on this I can ONLY move forward, there are no other options and with that I focus on the task at hand and will freak out once the site launches.

Ok now I can post (:

Things just got interesting!

In Stitches,
Colleen

$30,000 in 30 days - Day 3 How to raise business capital

I hope you had a wonderful day today.  Today was Labor Day.  A day to take off and enjoy a day away from the office.  Well that is unless you are under a strict deadline and trying to raise $30,000 in 30 days, then you get into that office and you WORK. 

Today was full of Internet searching, trolling and Googling ideas of what I could do to get this money.  I mean when you think about it, $30,000 is not chump change.  You really have to pull out all the stops.  So here were some ideas from todays research:

• Start going thru the house and e-baying everything that is not nailed down. (Seriously I am starting this one this week and hope to have some auctions going by this weekend.)
• Send letters to local businesses and request sponsorships for my blog
• Consign the kids clothing - not stuff they are wearing now, just their old clothes (:
• Offer membership discounts to potential members who pledge a gift during our fund raiser
• Sell my needlework (I know but seriously, I want the website so much more)
• Sell my wedding dress (yes I would actually do that!) I am not selling my husband, that is were I draw the line
• Go to NY and try to get on the morning show with a sign about Loose Thread Stitchers
• Get on a local show (Philadelphia Area)- even in the audience and wear an LTS shirt with info about my mission
• Got to Wall Street with a sandwich board about LTS and talk to anyone who will listen
• Find people to blog about my cause
• Write an article in an industry magazine highlighting my efforts and what LTS can bring to the table

OK so that was everything I came up with today.  Tomorrow I will begin to try to implement at least one of the above ideas and see how much revenue I can generate.  As for wonderful things that have already come my way.... 

I was also given the fabulous opportunity to be a guest blogger on Rebekah's blog http://www.the-day-of-a-mom.com/2008/09/guest-blogger-loose-thread-stitches.html.  THANK YOU Rebekah!  I was also given a secret invite to a great new site, but I cannot reveal anymore info till they launch.  I hope you stay tuned to find out what will happen next on my mission to $30,000 in 30 days.

Things just got interesting!

In Stitches,
Colleen

How to raise start up capital - Day 2 ChipIn.com

Well, it has been quite an interesting 24 hours.  I'd like to start today's blog with my favorite quote: 

“We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?  You are a child of God. Your playing small does NOT serve the world. There is no-thing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the Glory of God that is within us, ALL of us. And as we let our Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our Presence automatically liberates others.”
- Nelson Mandela 1994

I have always LOVED this.  His words are enlightening and empowering while at the same time a bit frightening.  I mean this is so outside of my comfort zone and then I thought to myself, isn't that the point.  Starting a business is not easy.  You have to decide if it is worth it and go for it.  Loose Thread Stitchers is absolutely worth it.  So I took the leap and know that by letting others know my needs, I will receive what I need.  Less than 24 hours later, I did.....

I received a wonderful idea from Rebekah of Smartmoms-SmartBusiness.  She suggested I set up a paypal button so others can contribute to my cause even if they didn't have $1,000.00.  She thought some would like to donate and feel as though they were helping another woman reach her dream.  I mean is this woman fabulous or what?

I found a site called ChipIn.  Their main goal is to help its users successfully collect money.  I mean how cool is that?  If you decide to contribute, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  We will post your name and a big THANK YOU on the LTS website once we launch.

If you are so inclined, please feel free to linkback to this blog or cut and paste this URL to create a link on your site http://www.chipin.com/mywidgets/id/04eb14b31aa06819

Until tomorrow, another day another adventure.

It Just got Interesting!
In Stitches,
Colleen