I’ve recently received a flurry of emails asking if I was aware of the new CPSIA testing requirements which will go into effect in February 2009?
Yes, I am, - but thank you and kudos to all of you who are “on it” and are actively spreading the word. Since we pick up new readers everyday, I’m posting a couple of links to THE main source for the CPSIA information on Fashion Incubator.
The archive for all posts relating to the new CPSIA requirements:
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/category/cpsia/
The link to the CPSIA forum section:
http://www.fashion-incubator.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=32
Good news - Fashion Incubator CPSIA forum open to everyone!
This section of the forum has been opened to everyone in the hopes of spurring more action and preventing mis-information. Kathleen is doing an incredible job of spear-heading this movement, it’s great to have a central location for everyone effected by this new legislation.
If you manufacture consumer products, please get your head around this information. It’s very important and yes, it all applies to you!
Note - so, now, in the “events” section of your 2009 business plan / calendar, you should add “CPSIA testing requirements in effect” to February and “certified third party testing requirements in effect” to August. Then back up from those events to schedule out all the little steps that need to be taken in order to be ready in time.
Happy Weekend!
December 12th, 2008
It’s the end of the year! Already? Yes, yes, yes - already. I’m looking forward to a NEW year. We’re getting deep into the annual planning for 2009. This will be the first time we’ve really done the nitty gritty planning, month by month - with personal goals for each of us.
It’s been really really good for me to work with my partner on creating the master goals (the big financial one). Now, we’re in the midst of working backwards through the year from December towards January. Starting with December enables us to see where we need to be on the path towards our goals each month. By working backwards, you can increment the steps and sub-goals realistically through the previous months.
Tip: Make sure you add important events to each month as you make your plan. Include monthly marketing / development / release plans if applicable. Also include what you should be pitching (july could show “make holiday / gift guide pitches”. You want a map of everything that needs to happen each month in order for you to reach your goal.
I personally feel more attached, committed, and engaged with my goals than ever before, because we’re down to the level of specifics I’ve never been at before. I’m good at the high-level goals “want x number of reps by x month” - but then I don’t do the follow-through and plan out the work and time it will take to reach that goal. Until now.
I feel so proud of us…
I’m also doing a lot of end-of-the-year cleanup and organizing so that we can truly hit the ground running towards our goals.
December 11th, 2008