Ok – Mabel’s Labels is a web-based business, so I do my best to stay current on what’s going on out there in the web-world. But, for this techno-peasant, that is a big undertaking. I’m learning (OK, Mumby’s forcing me to learn) about podcasting, blogging, etc, etc. but I’m truly fascinated by this whole facebook phenomenon.

A while ago I started getting emails from people requesting to be my friend so I got myself set up on Facebook, but I’m left with a few questions about the point.

First off, I think facebook is just what used to be my old ‘contacts’ list but with pictures. Oh, and with the ability to be a bit nosey, which is a problem because if I had no self-control that could eat up a lot of valuable time. And is it just me, or does anyone really have an interest in someone’s status? I just can’t see myself popping onto facebook several times a day to update people on what I had for lunch.

I also have a pet peeve….I got a friend request from someone I have not seen in 25 years! Yes, that long. His message was “what’s new?” Is that serious…as if I can sum up 25 years in a few lines?

OK Mumby, Facebook……what am I missing?

Mabel has an answer! This is definitely the strangest thing to go on around the office:

A few weeks ago, Kim sent a camp a box of brochures to give out to their campers. Pretty routine experience for Kim! Yesterday they called to ask “what’s with the camel?”

“Camel?” asked Kim? Yes, when they opened their box of brochures, they found a Mabel’s Labels magnet and a camel statue!!

Kim did not send this statue. She sent brochures. Who’s the wise guy? UPS? Folks at the border? We have no idea, but it is hilarious! The best part is, the camp thought this was some sort of “welcome to doing business with Mabel’s Labels” gift and expected a box of brochures to arrive the next day.

a) I wish I was that clever and

b) I wish I could afford to UPS random camels to customers for no apparent reason!
Or can I afford not to? Is this the ultimate buzz marketing? They’ll never forget us, and how many people will they tell?

Brewster Day Camp: a box of actual brochures is being sent out today! Sorry for the delay – we ran into camel problems.

Mabel’s Labels is thrilled to be entering the world of e-communities. Once I started blogging, the door was open for more, more, more! We’re going to begin a podcast in June, we’ve posted some of our recent TV appearances to youtube… exciting! Check it out. If you have any suggestions or tips for this type of communication, we’d love to hear it info@mabel.ca

It’s all new to us, and we’ll likely make lots of mistakes, but hey – at least it’s real!

Do you remember the first time you felt it? The mama-guilt? Could have been anything – letting her cry, resenting waking up, really really really wanting to give up nursing and give her a bottle… I remember being overwhelmed with guilty thoughts and thinking ‘why didn’t anyone tell me this?’.

I visited my aunt and new baby cousin this weekend. Baby Syd is very cute and very sweet, but also VERY attached to her mama. At 9 months, she won’t let anyone else hold her, feed her, cuddle her, or look at her! Mama took a few hours off and left Syd with Daddy & Grandma. She admitted that having Syd attached to her 24/7 was getting a little old. She hasn’t been out without her, she misses her friends, she misses her freedom… The moment the words left her lips she was overwhelmed with guilt! Wished she could take the words back… I SO recognized that guilt. That’s the guilt I’m talking about. That’s the guilt they don’t tell you about. It’s OK, I tried to tell her. It’ll get better, I tried to tell her. And that is all true – those feelings will pass. But the one thing that won’t change is that she’ll always feel guilt about every decision she makes and every negative thought she has! Just part of the package, forever & ever.

All of these instincts & common expereiences are hard-wired for a reason, right? What’s the guilt about? Maybe that’s what makes us over-analyse all of our decisions. Maybe that’s why it’s there.

Yesterday we met with an amazing woman. Her name is Victoria, and she is the powerhouse behind 2 daycare chains in Canada (Sunshine + Kids & Company). Kids & Co is one of Canada’s fastest growing companies. She plans to have 50 locations within the next 4 years. And these are not your average daycares! They offer extended services, top-notch teachers, web camera access, gourmet food and clean, fun environments. Each one of her new locations is a huge endeavor.

In the midst of growing this empire and her previous empire of centres, Victoria is also raising 8 kids! Amazing! I didn’t ask, but I’m assuming she does not sleep. Her crackberry, fast-talking, no-time to look at the menu style is part of her success, I’m sure. Victoria was fast, efficient and genuinely interested in us and our business. Even though her life is obviously insanely full, she is still interested in what other women are doing and how she can help. That’s amazing. It’s definitely something we can learn from. We need to cut out the excess and keep room for what’s important to us. Victoria’s priorities are her family, business, friends, and supporting other women coming up through the entrepreneurial ranks.

I hope to meet with Victoria again – I’m sure I can learn some time-management lessons just from watching. If there is any chance you’re reading this – Thanks Victoria! It was wonderful to meet you. We really appreciate your valuable time!