We just posted a very interesting op/ed from Kim Karnell Chlanda a new online retailer in the scrapbooking field. Kim and I met at a consumer recently and got to chatting about the state of the industry.

She told me the story about how her dad, a builder, got through the tough times in the 1980s and she likened the situation to our current economy and some of the struggles our business is experiencing. She offered to write a commentary and I took her up on it. Take a look.

Kim's premise is that we need to reach out to each other and ride the wave together. Nobody knows better the challenges another scrapbook retailer or manufacterer faces. Reaching out and partnering will allow us to move through the storm.

I've said the same thing on numerous occasions. It's absolutely critical that we maximize every partnership opportunity that could help grow businesses. It may mean finding a middle ground with a vendor or even a competitor. But partnering works- we've seen it with the success of shop hops and the Creative Cafe.

Kim's call to action should inspire us all to see how we can work with others to further our mutual goals. Relationships with our suppliers, our sales reps, our retailers and our customers will sustain us as we bump along the road of rising costs.

It's easy to partner when times are go go, now is the time that you will see who is really serious about driving their businesses forward. I often hear from small manufacturers eager to reach out to larger or similar-sized companies to work on a joint venture who are rebuffed before they make the pitch.

None of us are in the position not to listen. Read Kim's piece. It is very heartfelt and will make you want to start emailing and calling folks you know.

Let's start a conversation here at this blog after you read the editorial.--Beth


P.S. I am off to Chantilly tomorrow for the Great American Scrapbook Convention. If you're there please come by the customer service booth and say hey!

Lots of dismal pictures on the news this past weekend between the floodwaters in America's breadbasket and the Tim Russert headshot with born and deceased dates underneath. My heart goes out to all of the people why have been devastated by these tragedies. No wonder folks are turning the TV off. Seeing those images makes me feel very helpless.

We've come to think of disasters as weather-or fire-related. But losing a leader can also be a disaster for a business. NBC is certainly reeling from their loss.

We don't like to think about disaster planning. It sounds ominous, but heaven forbid you find yourself in five feet of water or with your store manager in the hospital you'll be glad you planned. If it is easier, think of this way, if you carry an umbrella it's less likely to rain. By taking action now you'll feel less helpless later.

Some things to consider:

• Do you have an exit plan in case of a fire? Are youre employees aware of it?
  
• Do you remove the CD after you back up your computer and take it OFF the premises?
• What would you do if you or your store manager was unexpectedly incapacitated? Would your employees know how/be able to keep your business going?
• How would you get in touch with employees or their family members in case of a weather event or emergency?

You need insurance but you need plans as well. You can find a consultant to help you in that area but there are plenty of free or very inexpensive resources in your community- your local fire marshal and American Red Cross Chapter for example. I'll be posting some past articles from C.N.A. that offer some additional resources as well.

The plans you lay now could save your business... or a life. Carry the umbrella, you won't be sorry you did.--Beth

P.S. Tim Russert, the election won't be the same without you.

Staycation is the latest lingo to describe what many Americans will be doing this summer in lieu of big vacations- staying at home and discovering the wonders of their local areas.

Here's an opportunity to partner with other business owners to promote local events and points of interest while weaving in the scrapbook angle.

Find out what's going on- Get the information from your local tourism office  or convention bureau and identify all of the parks, small museums and other destinations (world's largest ball of string or a house that looks like a shoe).

Create a local interest endcap or table top display with product that relates to these destinations- include some samples.

Reach out to some of these small museums and state parks. Some of them have give shops. The manager might be willing to give you some space for a percentage of sales (and to make their selection look more extensive). Display scrapbooking products related to the the theme (gardens, history, camping, vacation). This could include papers, embellishments even some themed albums.

Create your own family Staycation workshops and invite families in to create pages based on their visit to the State fair, swimming at the pool, picnics at the local parks or fun at the amusement park.

Here's where independent retailers have the agility to fill a local need. You can respond to the trends in your community and service your customers with product that relates. No chain or web store will be able to create such a targeted mix.

Oh and I forgot the ZOO! That's definitely on my family's staycation to do list this summer. Stay cool--- Beth

During some discussions with a few sales reps and manufacturers over the past few days an interesting trend started to shape. Each said it in a different way but essentially, their premise is that retailers are waiting until after the Presidential election to make any decisions about new products and some reorders.

That is November- almost five months before adding new lines or services. Good and bad idea...here's the if.

If a retailer, or any busines owner for that matter, is putting efforts elsewhere such as marketing, education, developing consumer relationships, elevating awareness of the business...that's all good. All good assuming the business is staying in stock and refreshing displays to make merchandise look new.

If you are frozen, and hey we've all been there at some point in our professional lives, and aren't doing anything... not so good. I know it is a scary time to risk on anything but if you get some input from trusted advisors you'll see there are things you can do that have minimal risk.

There's a country song with a line that goes "if you're going through h_____keep on going so you get through to the other side before the devil knows you're there."

We all need to keep moving in some way. If you can't figure out how, convene a brain trust. These could include employees, trusted friends, professionals from the local chamber of commerce, a trusted vendor or sales rep. Tell them your situation and ask them for ideas. Dont pooh-pooh anything and don't rule out anything because it sounds like it will cost alot of money. Once you get some great ideas you can put your energy into executing that idea in a cost- and time-effective way.

Ask for help- I said it in my last editorial I will say it again. There is absolutely no shame in it, especially when you pay it forward.

Always feel free to contact me- not sure what I can offere but I am sure happy to share some ideas or some moral support.

Don't just stand there. Do something!

(And i meant that in the nicest, I'm trying to motivate you way).Stay strong.-- Beth

I'll be offline for a few days as tomorrow I leave for the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Arlington (Dallas/Ft. Worth area), Texas.

For me, consumer shows are the perfect place to go when you need a great idea or just a good dose of "this is a fun business." I never get tired of hearing stories of our customers' scrapbooking activities. Their stories, as well as comments from industry professionals often lead to future blog posts and articles.

Plus, I am always duly impressed with the buffets that are rolled in (not by us, by ticketholders!) for the evening crops on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. I'm not sure how many pages actually get knocked out but it sure is a party! The only part I don't relish is having to turn someone down who REEEEEEEEEEAAAAALLLLYYYYY wants to get into a sold-out crop party. I feel bad but the person who determines maximum room occcupancy trumps me!

Consumer shows are a great place to do research. Even if you just walk the aisles and eavesdrop on various conversations on which classes were great and who is selling what hot new product you can learn alot. Hang out in the hallways between classes or in the cafeteria between noon and two and you can conduct your own little focus group.

You can also find some new suppliers who do not have the resources to advertise yet or those who are selling close-outs- you can stock up for a class or promotional giveaway.

The GASC Shows are presented by our sister magazine Memory Makers so you'll always find an editor or two on hand. I will be attending Arlington and Chantilly,VA two weeks later- if you're there- come find me to say hey! I'll be working the customer service booth.

Until Monday....--Beth