Tips for Running a Successful Company

In a magazine interview, I was recently asked for my top 10 tips for running a successful company. At first, I almost found it a little humorous...I am the one always reading the blogs and articles from super successful entrepreneurs (like Mark Cuban's 12 Rules for Startups or Tony Hsieh on Entrepreneur.com) for their tips. Why would anyone want to hear my advice?! Then, to give myself a little more credit, I had one of those crazy realizations that I have earned this spot. Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly no Mark Cuban, but I have technically built a multi-million dollar business. Who would have known?! I'm just a little girl from Kentucky. I didn't go to Harvard, I didn't even take my SATs! I'm just one stubborn, passionate, blessed, hard-working little momma, but it certainly took some lessons to get here. So, with that said, here are my top ten tips:

1.  If at any point you find yourself following another company and imitating their decisions, it is time to re-evaluate your business plan. In my eyes, it’s like a ship following behind Christopher Columbus. That’s no way to make history!


2. Surround yourself with people that support your vision. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle and is certainly different from working at your average corporation. Your team must be committed to the climb and excited about the destination.


3.  Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster. It ain’t easy!


4. Think outside the box. Sounds cliché, but in today’s ever-changing environment, it is necessary to be innovative, creative, and open-minded.


5. Do more with less. Spend wisely.


6. Treat your customers and your team like you wish other businesses and previous bosses would have treated you.


7.  Don’t do it unless you love it. Running a successful company requires massive amounts of time, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears. In my opinion, in order to achieve true success, passion is a requirement.


8. Embrace change and do things differently. Don’t look to the industry to tell you what to do, show the industry what they should be doing.


9.  Dream big. Without dreams, you have no direction.


10. Run your business with humbleness and gratitude. Pay it forward, share your blessings, and never take success for granted.

The road to fulfillment

Over the past few weeks, I have been in interview mode, trying to find the next member of our team. I have spoken to many people, some young, some more experienced, some single, some married with children. Over the years, I have found one recurring theme...people on the search for career fulfillment. This is one search that I can certainly relate to, and it has been for me, one of the most important and valuable discoveries of my life. It was the discovery of passion. Passion for what I do daily. Without that passion, I would be one over-worked, under-paid, lost woman. I know how incredibly blessed I am to have discovered my passion at an early age (late twenties), and I am even more blessed that I am able to aid others in the discovery of their own passion.

So, if you are still on your own journey of discovery, this is my note to you...with determination, an open-mind, LOTS of hard work, and most importantly faith, you will find your fit. Sometimes it takes patience, other times it takes intolerance. I knew in my heart for years, that I was not in my right place. I witnessed business is ways that I knew were not only unfulfilling, but also unethical. I listened as my co-workers complained about their jobs, and sadly, I often participated.

I have shared this story in the past, but it is honestly, one of the turning points in my life. I remember vividly sitting in my car, before going into work, making a "deal" with God. "Just give me the idea, and I will give you everything I've got. I'll bust my butt, work 7 days a week. I'll inspire others and pay it all forward. Just lead me to my passion." I knew it was time to make a change, I just wasn't sure what that change was supposed to be. It was with this faith, that I quit my job, and spent three months in search of my passion.

That was December of 2006. In March of 2007 RuffleButts was trademarked and I was set on my journey. I'm not going to say it has been easy, it hasn't. I had NO idea what I was about to get myself into, but I count my blessings daily that I took that leap of faith. I went through some rough times....even ended up on the couch of a therapist at one point. But, I survived, or should I say, I'm surviving! Every day is pure craziness around here, and I wouldn't trade a bit of it for anything.

I spoke with a woman today that took the step of meeting with a life coach. To some, this may sound corny, I think it's genius. Your own private teacher to help you choose the path that leads to passion, what a great idea! This journey is not necessarily one for career, it is one of fulfillment. This may be a role as a stay-at-home mom, or a life as a pastor. It is finding your right fit, fulfillment for your life. For you, it may require a life coach, or maybe a life-changing book. For me, it was a chat with God. No matter what, I think it requires a conscious decision. The decision of discovery, of commitment, and ultimately of fulfillment.

Office Holiday

I must admit, I was SUPER indecisive this year when it came to our office holiday party. Mark and I went back and forth trying to figure out what would be rewarding, bonding, and fun for everyone here at the RBOffices. First it was bowling (so team-ish), then it was a restaurant/bar (so typical), then zip-lining (so cold!!). Then, one night (yes, I do most of my good thinking in the middle of the night), I realized that we are not a typical company and don't have to follow the typical office holiday rules. So, right before we all headed home for the holidays, we shared the news...

This Christmas at RuffleButts, I followed my heart and in doing so, my team was right there beside me. I work with the best people ever!! Instead of spending money on a party, I wanted to do something a little different. First, we rewarded each of our team members for their incredible commitment and contributions by treating the gals to the Spa and the guys to an Amazon shopping spree. I wanted to give them each something that they typically would not give themselves. So, that was part 1.

For part 2, I wanted to do something that was in line with our company philosophy. The best gift ever...the gift of giving. Every RB team member received $50. The catch - they had to spend it on someone in need. There were no other rules.

I didn't realize that this was a selfishly unselfish gift, because in the end, it was the best gift for me!! It was so cool as we went around the table at our morning meeting this week and everyone shared what they did with their $50. It was awesome for me to see my dream coming to life, for RuffleButts to be spreading smiles in more ways than one.  And honestly, because our team is made up of such incredible people, I think they truly would have chosen this holiday gift over any other.

So, my lessons learned this week:
- Follow your heart
- Giving is just as much, if not more fun than getting
- I work with a bunch of awesome people
- Sometimes, but only sometimes, indecisiveness leads to good things

To wrap it up, I'm sharing our "Bad Christmas Sweater Day" picture. Organized by Laura, the lovely lady that packs your website orders with love, it was a fun and festive day here at RuffleButts. And yes, that is me looking like a turtle about to be hit by a car!! Oh, and Cameron looking at me like I'm a nut! I think Kiki (on the far left) should win the award for best (or worst) Christmas sweater...we never did take a vote!

Along for the ride

As a glance down at the date on my computer, I seriously can not believe that the new year is just around the corner! I am amazed at the rate of which life speeds by, getting faster and faster every year. I vaguely remember back to adults having this same discussion in my presence as a child, but could never understand what they were talking about since summer break seemed oh-so-far-away. Now, I get it. I understand more and more each passing year.

As the new year draws near, I have spent a bit of time analyzing my personal goals, as I think we most do when the Christmas trees start popping up at malls everywhere! I have realized that many things are just as I would like them, but many others need more attention. Say, this blog for example!!! (Mark, no comments here!) See, when I started RuffleButts years ago, I was very driven to create a successful business, but equally important was reaching people all over the world to share a positive experience, an inspiration in some way. Although this is still very much a priority to me, with the time commitments of the business, our company family, and my own family (now a bit larger than it was at that time), I have found myself sacrificing a few of those things that were and are important to me. This is absolutely no excuse, but I know I am not alone here!!

So, my commitment to myself and to you, our readers...I am making it a priority this year to share more of my journey. It is my true hope that this journey inspires you in some way. Maybe it makes you laugh (at our comedy of errors), or cry. Maybe it gives you that kick-in-butt that you've been waiting on to pursue your own dream. Whatever your dream may be, whatever your own story, I hope you'll come along for the ride!

So fast

Where does the time go?? Time has always gone by quickly, but I am discovering that the day that "Mommy" replaces your birth name is the day that the clock goes on high-speed! Is it Christmas yet? It will be before we know it!! I seriously can't believe my last post was in March! So here's the quick summary of March to July for me and RuffleButts...




March - ended up in the hospital with early labor
Early April - ended up in the hospital again with early labor
April 4th - our little one decided to finally make his entrance...for real this time!
Yes, you read that right HIS entrance!! We were blessed with a precious little boy, Jonas David Schaub.
April 6th - I returned to the office, with Jonas in tow (maternity leave...what's that?!)
May 11th - we relocate the entire RuffleButts office, warehouse & team to our new space...with Jonas in tow
May through June - working at the new office...with Jonas in tow
late June - my little boy has his first day of "school"
July 1st - here I am, seriously I feel like it's still March!

I realized recently that when Aubrey was born, all of these women kept approaching me in public to see our little squirt, and they all had the same response..."enjoy it cause they grow up so fast." At the time, it seemed like she would be a baby for years to come. Now, the 2nd time around, I finally get it! They were so right, they do grow up incredibly fast. I am truly soaking up every minute I get with my little ones and treasuring every bit of it.

In a way, my children are mirroring RuffleButts for me. They were born within a year of one another. I feel like I have watched the business crawl, then walk, and now with our new warehouse and incredible team, I feel like my little baby is growing up! It could not be more rewarding to witness this process. And the best part is, this baby, RuffleButts, is being raised by a village. Our team and our customers have such a hand in where we are today. I know, for a fact, that we would not be here without them, without you.

Layla Grace Golf Tournament

Layla Grace, as many of you know, has always held a very special place in our hearts here at RuffleButts, as well as in the Schaub family. When I found out that there was a golf tournament organized for the new Layla Grace Foundation, I knew we had to be a part of it. I'm super bummed that we're too far away to participate, it sounds like a ton of fun! So, my 2nd best option was to find a way to be a part of it from afar. We are excited to say that we are now an official "hole sponsor", so we will be posting that ruffled baby bum logo somewhere along the course at High Meadow Ranch golf course in Magnolia, TX. Hopefully the golfers will get a good smile at that hole!

If you are in the area, I highly recommend that you check out this event.

The Layla Grace Foundation’s First Annual Charity Golf Tournament will take place March 26, 2011 at High Meadow Ranch golf course in Magnolia, Texas.

Entry Fee of $150.00 includes:

• Green fees
• Arrival package
• 2 drink tickets to use during the tournament
• Awards dinner with open bar
• After-dinner concert with Sundance Head
• $100,000 shootout
• Prizes & more!

To register online, click here.

Fabulous photogs and new products!

In this business, I have been fortunate to work with some fabulously talented photographers. As most of you already know, we have long worked with Amanda Elkins of AmandaElkinsPhotography.com. She continues to blow me away with her talents behind the camera, but just as importantly, we have grown together as moms, business owners, and friends. She is my go-to for our big photo shoots, although sadly she is all the way across the country. So, on occasion, and here recently, I have also had the pleasure of working with a few other photogs a little closer by. I am so excited to not only share their incredible work, but also the fun new products they captured for us.

First up...swimwear!! We couldn't be more excited to share our new 2011 RuffleButt Swimwear Collection. Since we sold out in less than 3 weeks last year and had to re-produce everything, we are bigger and better than ever this year. We have tons of new prints, multiple new styles and we are keeping if fresh all Spring long! The first two to arrive are after many requests for a RuffleButt one-piece style and the ruffled two piece style was so much fun to design, I just couldn't help myself. Hope you enjoy!!

Bela (the adorable model shown in this picture) was a total trooper shooting on the beach in less than ideal weather. Isn't she just too cute in those superstar sunglasses!

So, after many requests, not only have we added the one-piece to our Spring 2011 Collection, but we also now offer all the way up to 4T.

This is one of my favorites so far to design. I went a little crazy with the ruffles, but it is just so fun and frilly, I couldn't help myself! Again offered from 3-6m all the way up to 4T, this suit is just a fun summer wardrobe addition for every little princess.

Next up...Ruffled Dresses galore! As we are receiving in new merchandise everyday, when these fun and ruffled creations arrived to our offices, I thought it would be a fun chance to work with a local SC photographer (Erin Dietrich of ErinDietrichPhotography.com) that had reached out to me a while back. The dresses first arrived in the satin version for the holidays, but is also soon to arrive in the cotton version for a Spring sunny day. She also has a cutie patootie of her own and was just perfect for some fun shots. She also was able to capture our brand new RuffleButt undies with some creative help from her husband in posing the precious tots, along with our fun new RuffleButts wave Bloomers. Erin did a great job, especially considering that she shot these pics about a week after we experienced some major winter weather here in the Carolinas, so was limited to working indoors.

In our bold black, this is the new satin Ruffle Dress. The body is made of a machine washable (on

delicate preferably) satin, while the ruffles are made of the same organza as you have come to know and love on the RuffleButts Organza Collection. The dress is super fun and actually quite comfy...Aubrey loves to run around in her ruffle dress, pink being her favorite of course!

So, the back story to this pic...let's just say there is a cat being held in the air by hubby to distract two toddlers, which turned into some super cute poses! Good thinking Erin (and hubby)!

These fun new RuffleButt Wave Bloomers were supposed to be a fresh limited edition style for Spring, but with the incredible response, they will likely have a long-term home here at RB!

Prego

No, I have not completely fallen off the face of the planet...just working hard to tread water and keep up here in the office! These last few months have been more insane than usual around the RuffleButts household. Aside from our crazy growth, which I owe completely to our amazingly wonderful and supportive customers, we have also been hard at work planning for our new styles, big announcements, new team members, and on a personal note...an addition to the RuffleButts family due this April! Yes, we are adding to the Schaub clan, Aubrey will soon be a big sister!

Seriously, I don't know how you guys do it! Moms are just super heroes in my book and I don't know how you do it with more than one. I guess I'm soon to find out! For now, I am enjoying my big round belly and feeling those kicks and squirms all day long. We're trying to prepare for the big day, but I'm honestly so busy around here, I am admittedly a little behind in the preparations. A nursery is on my list for this weekend, after having our first little scare and ending up in the hospital for a quick one-day stay last week. Aubrey threw me for a few loops in her first 9 months, but this little one is a bit more anxious. After a lot of fluid and a few contraction halting shots, all is well and back to normal. Now stay put little one, for at least a few more weeks! A name...next on that list! So, stay tuned for more surprises - boy or girl...I can't share all of the fun news in one day ;)

So, that is our big news, our ENORMOUS blessing, and I am honored to share it with you!

Mompreneur "wannabe"

I received an email today from a sweet lady by the name of Kristina, who referred to herself as a "mompreneur wannabe". I chuckled to myself as I read her email, knowing that we all start at the "wannabe" stage at some point, but today, Kristina, I am giving you a new title..."mompreneur in-the-making"! I completely understand where she is coming from and her fun sense of humor, but I don't warmly recall the feeling of being a "wannabe" in the beginning. None of us really like being the freshman, especially coming into an industry that can be a bit old-school. I recall early on, getting unsolicited advice from "experts" in the industry, and darn it, if they weren't wrong on almost every piece of advice I decided to follow!! I specifically recall a Buyer reviewing my first sample line giving me all of her input on what people would buy, what they would "hate", and what would be my best sellers. The fabric that I was considering cancelling from the line, of course, she said would be the number #1. It become a joke in the "office" when that was the absolute worst selling fabric print from the first season! It was then that I vowed to followed my gut, to run this company using my best sense of right and my gut creativity.

This is much easier said than done, not only when you are the "freshman", but even three years in. People often told me that doing business this way won't work in this traditional world of apparel sales. DON'T LISTEN!! Do your research, be sure you have something to base your decisions on, then stick to what you know is right. Sometimes you'll succeed, sometimes you'll fall on your face, but you'll know that you followed your heart and weren't swayed by others.

Ok, so back to Kristina...she was asking what my suggestion would be to her. She is trying to get her children's clothing item off the ground, and is in the start-up phase. Her question, specifically, which comes first, the orders or the production? This is a very good question and one that has conflicting arguments for both sides. Obviously to a financial benefit, it is always great to have orders before you have the commitment of cash out of your pocket. On the other hand, I can't imagine having gone to Vegas when I launched RuffleButts without a production currently in place to fill the orders that were coming in. I'm honestly not sure how most companies do it, but from what I understand, many companies take orders for the season coming prior to placing their production orders. We don't do it this way. We almost always have stock for our customers and ship immediately, unless of course something is a huge seller and we sell out faster than we can produce. This is a risky situation for a company, but for us, it works.

I don't want to tell you to take the leap, but being completely transparent, that is exactly what I did. Kristina wrote in her email, "I'm wondering if this is risky, getting orders when I don't have product in stock, but to order all the product will probably cost around $*****, and what if nobody buys/likes it?" For me, this is exactly what I did. I dug deep, did a ton of research, a lot of prayer, got a lot of feedback from friends and family, and placed my first production order without a single customer order. Talk about some serious motivation...your family savings in little ruffled form, I knew that I had no choice but to sell it, to make it work. For me, this option paid off.

Kristina also wrote, "Any suggestions you have about starting your own business, I would greatly appreciate. It is very hard to get people to help you, everyones trying to protect their "sources"." Yes, in the beginning I found this super frustrating, but now three years in, I somewhat understand why. In this business, you must stay ahead. People will copy your products, even your business, as soon as they see that it is leading to success. Not everybody works in the most ethical of manners, so those of us that have paid the dues, cried the tears, put in the time, are hesitant to share our sources. With that said, it has always been important to me, from day one, to pay it forward and share as much as I possibly can...hence this blog!

I don't have the big answer, but I will tell you that in the beginning, you have a very life-changing decision to make. You can start small, making a few pieces here and there, trying to get orders to sell them...consider this the "mompreneur in-the-making". The other option, go for it, dive in, commit everything, and start out day one as an official "mompreneur". Don't worry, with this roller coaster of a ride, you will certainly earn the title! I don't think one is better than the other. It purely depends on what you are setting out to accomplish.

Thankful

Wow, where to begin! Blogs are kind of funny in the fact that they are just slightly like a reality show...as a reader, you almost feel as if you know the person. You have watched them through the ups and downs, successes and failures, wins and losses. The RuffleBlog has been a bit like this for me. I often just write away, thinking to myself that no one really reads these rambles, but on occasion I realize that I tell you guys more than I tell my closest friends...somehow it is just easier to type away.

So, for the most part you already know how thankful I am, not just in the simple sense, but truly grateful for the life God has given me. I am human, so yes, sometimes I forget to treasure each and every moment, but it is days like today, when I am surrounded by family, that I get to take it all in. Here are just a few on my list:

1) My family - since Mark and I work together and spend, literally, almost 24 hours a day in the same space, I guess you could say that our relationship is a bit out of the ordinary. As you can imagine with that scenario, sure there are moments I want to send him some place far away for the day, or even the week, but for the most part, I can't believe how lucky I am that we found each other. We had a crazy start (long story), but to have found someone who supports by stubbornness and entrepreneurial workaholic mind, that was one in a million! The fact that we get to share our journey, in life, with family, and in business, is such an enormous blessing. On top of that, we have family and friends that fill our life full of love. And of course Aubrey...I honestly did not know that you could feel this way about another human being. She is the light of my life and just a little miracle.

2) RuffleButts - I could go on and on here. First, I feel so blessed that God gave me my "this way" sign so early in life. I feel so incredibly blessed to do what I do, every single day. I love my job, my work-family, my customers, I just love RuffleButts! I know that I am in my right place, and that is such an incredible feeling of peace. I am grateful that RuffleButts has found enough success to spread the joy to others. I am grateful that God has given me the strength to endure the craziness that comes with starting and running a business. And I am so grateful for the support that we have received along the way. Our customers are beyond awesome!

3) Health - I do not take this for granted. As Layla Grace is still in our prayers every day, I am eternally grateful for the health of me and my family. I know this is a gift, and I do not forget this.

I hope you all had a fabulously special Thanksgiving day!