We LOVE to hear what our customers are saying about our products AND customer service, and we sure do appreciate the time taken to email, share on Facebook, or blog about CastCoverz! and how our products have comforted orthopedic patients.
Our most recent review was done by one of our customers and fashion blogger, Alison Gary, and was featured on her blog, Wardrobe Oxygen Personal Style by Alison Gary, which provides real-world fashion advice for all women, regardless of age, figure, lifestyle, or budget.
In Alison’s “All the Newness!” post, she shares her personal experience of breaking her arm and her recovery. She speaks about CastCoverz! glowingly, “They’re so much fun and especially nice now that my cast is at the dingy grody stage…CastCoverz! also sells items to make your healing process more comfortable, crutch accessories, mitts and boots for snow and cold weather, waterproof covers, and this genius item called a CastCooler…it cools and dries your cast and feels aaaahhhh-mazing!” Our favorite part is, “Best thing about CastCoverz! is the service – quick shipping and each order comes with a sweet personalized handwritten note.”
I am so blessed. I get to help people feel better, so they heal better with CastCoverz! products AND I get to answer questions about starting a business. The proverbial question, “How did you do it?” referring to building a business, is asked a couple of dozen times per week! So, in response to the people that dare to dream, I thought I would periodically answer some common questions. So, here goes…
Today’s post is oh, so, important! Not just because the new year often means recommitting, renewal, Goal setting. It can also be described as making resolutions or defining your priorities. Regardless, it is your vision, your dream for your future. Whether you’re a mom or an entrepreneur, or both! I recognize planning the future for some people may be challenging given the nation’s economic uncertainty, relationship issues you may be struggling with, or just living an overwhelmed life. With that in mind, I drilled down my goal setting process into a 1-2 punch for you:
Goal Setting Maxim #1 Before you know where you’re going, you
need to know where you’ve been. Planning for hopes, dreams and goals is vital to our vision and mission, whether it be as the CEO of my family or my
company. But, more important than that is taking a critical look at the year. This task is vital to give your goals, vision and mission a dose of reality. And there is no better time, than at year’s end. I set aside some time without distractions (I go off-site), bring the necessary numbers/information, bring a pad of pretty paper, and a sharpened pencil with a great eraser.
The first macro question I ask myself, “What are the top 5 things that worked this year?” With regards to the success of CCZ!, it was publicity/brand awareness, customer service experience, innovation (8 new
Elli, her collection of casts and Annette (Mother and Daughter)
products!), my employees (retained and added!), and a four fold increase in sales (!!). Answering the next question, “What are the top 5 things that didn’t work?” can be painful because it looks at your weaknesses. For example, inventory controls tops that list (I don’t have a [reliable] process to manage the fabric, webbing, thread, snaps, boxes, labels, etc…). Not knowing exactly what I have and don’t have allows for leakage and that means lost dollars. Not to mention, you can’t manage something if you don’t know what it is. Now take each of those lists and ask, “Why?” In other words, “Why did innovation work?” Another example, “Why don’t I have a reliable inventory management process?” If you’re just starting a business/thinking about inventing a product, the same questions apply, just re-frame them. For example, if you have an idea for a product, what top 5 things worked (met with a graphic designer, signed up for Tamara’s Power Mentoring Class, etc…) and the top 5 that didn’t (I didn’t call the plastics molding company contact back, I didn’t conduct the market research [beyond my friends and family] I need to do, etc.).
Goal Setting Maxim #2: Focus on your strengths
This goes against everything we’re taught. How many times does that voice in your head (god forbid it’s your spouse or friends) say, “you need to shore up your weaknesses,” or “you can’t do that because you don’t know how to do…” So, you commit yourself to learning, doing “X”. Instead, focus on what you do well. For example, I knew a woman that was in a dark, deep depression and didn’t think she could do anything. But she made her bed, every morning. She started building on that success. Now you can really plan for next year. At this time, next year you’ll have an effective tool to build on. Psst, I have a secret. I conduct quarterly and semi-annual (off-site) reviews, too. Weekly and monthly are done at my desk.
Next blog post: Help! I can’t find my commitment!
CAVEAT to Goal Setting: Though you need to always look at your life and see if it is heading in the right direction, the first of the year for me means rebirth, renewal and new beginnings. I love this time of year.
We are SO excited and we just can’t hide it! CastCoverz! has been featured in The Huffington Post as part of Marlo Thomas’ “It Ain’t Over” series, which features women who have reinvented their careers, found new passions and reinvigorated their dreams after 40. CastCoverz! fits the bill!
“From the time she was a teenager, Annette Giacomazzi was searching for her lucky break. An inventor at heart, she was always looking for the next big thing.”, says Lori Weiss of The Huffington Post.
Elli, her collection of casts and Annette (Mother and Daughter)
Stephen Key, author of One Simple Idea, features Annette Giacomazzi, founder and CEO of CastCoverz! in his new book, One Simple Idea for Start-Ups and Entrepreneurs. The McGraw-Hill book by The New York Times’ best-selling author Stephen Key, aims for its readers to learn from, use, and leverage successful entrepreneurs’ best business practices.
Stephen Key, founder of inventRight and mega-bestselling author of One Simple Idea, and his business partner, Andrew Krauss, interviewed dozens of entrepreneurs who have been through the trenches, navigated the road blocks and detours, and uncovered short-cuts that will help anyone with a simple but great business idea.
Annette Giacomazzi
Giacomazzi stated, “The book tackles the ups and downs every entrepreneur experiences and is chock full of practical ideas, wisdom, resources, and tips for anyone thinking about starting a company or in the initial stage of building a business. The secret to this book is Mr. Key talking about his own personal hurdles and challenges like a friend would over a cup of coffee.”
Giacomazzi continued, “I am honored to be one of only seven featured entrepreneurs in Stephen’s new book. Being included with the other successful entrepreneurs validates my vision and drive and, most importantly, the business best practices we’ve relied on as the backbone of my company.” The six other successful companies spotlighted in the book, which made the Top 10 Bestseller list for 3 business categories, are CelebriDucks, Clean Bottle, Wiki Wags, GrillCharms, Buzzy4Shots, and SnapIt Screw. Make sure you check out their amazing products!
If you are an entrepreneur with the goal of being successful starting or growing your very own business without wasting money or time, Stephen Key’s book is just what you need to kick-start your One Simple Idea! You can pick up your very own copy in bookstores nationwide or online at Amazon.
In Alison’s “All the Newness!” post, she shares her personal experience of breaking her arm and her recovery. She speaks about CastCoverz! glowingly, “They’re so much fun and especially nice now that my cast is at the dingy grody stage…CastCoverz! also sells items to make your healing process more comfortable, crutch accessories, mitts and boots for snow and cold weather, waterproof covers, and this genius item called a CastCooler…it cools and dries your cast and feels aaaahhhh-mazing!” Our favorite part is, “Best thing about CastCoverz! is the service – quick shipping and each order comes with a sweet personalized handwritten note.”
Stephen Key, author of One Simple Idea, features Annette Giacomazzi, founder and CEO of 