The Sky Is Falling ... Or Is It?

The federal government is always doing something that affects us. Sometimes, we feel powerless to change these situations -- gas prices is a good example of that. Other times, we know there are things we can do to have an impact, but we are just too busy with other priorities. Then, there are times when we feel like the federal government acts, and the sky is falling.

          

This can happen when a proposed new law threatens to adversely affect how we live our day to day lives. How we generate income. How we feed our children. How we pay our bills. How we build wealth. In these times, we find ourselves mobilized as never before. We know that, if we choose to, we can affect change for the better. We realize that we are not powerless. That we can rise to the occasion, inform ourselves, create a strategy and move forward to implement a change that serves our just cause and alters the course of a nation. The 700+ members of the Indie Beauty Network now find ourselves in such a situation.

I founded IBN in 2000 so that people who discovered the joys of making cosmetics, and who wanted to make a business out of it, would have a place to network, share information and be encouraged. We now add one more layer of purpose to the mission: fight the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 in its current draft form, as it's pending the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

In a former professional life, I worked in the federal and state government advocacy and public policy offices at a Fortune 500 corporation. The experiences I had there have uniquely equipped me to be of service to IBN members on this issue. In the coming days, I will add several posts to this blog, all designed to help you understand how to effectively and efficiently impact public policy on issues of concern to you. While my focus will be on this legislation, you can use my tips and suggestions to guide and direct your efforts in any area.

When a new law threatens to change the status quo, it can feel like the sky is falling. But as Barbie said in one of my daughter's videos, "It's only hopeless if you give up." In this case, we can give up our businesses and let the sky fall, or we can join together with other like-minded Indies in an attempt to adjust the sky to suit well reasoned and just positions on issues that touch our lives.

IBN members are strong. They are tenacious and they are creative. Of course, I already knew that from working with thousands of them over the years. In a member conference call yesterday to discuss issues raised by the draft FDA Globalization Act of 2008 (members enter username and password to listen to audio here if you missed the call), I confirmed IBN members' commitment to take action. To not hold back and cower in the corner. To refuse to let the powers that be control their destiny.

IBN members on the whole have chosen not to let the sky fall. And I am right here with them. Rolling up my sleeves. And honored and humbled to have the opportunity to do so.

Go Indie!

To stay up to date on all the FDA Globalization Act activities, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

Comments

[Ederle]

If we don't stand for something, we stand for nothing!

I completed Step 1 in the registration process today.

[Kayla Fioravanti]

I second what Barbie says...we simply can't give up. It is not hopeless and we clearly have a voice that can and will be heard. There is power in numbers and together we are big. And may I always be on the same side of a fight as dM! Thanks for leading the way.

[Fabienne Christenson]

I am not in the habit of backing Barbie, I think she is pretty shallow most of the time, but this time I can only say,"Go Barbie!".*

I have to admit a thrill when I first read about the government waking up and finding and entire area of endeavor which it happily let rule itself for decades. After all, it was only cosmetics and who cares about them, right? I don't know if I was angrier because the government didn't give a &*$% about women's products, or because they decided to come after us to make us: jump through hoops, pay huge fees, and be subject to massive punishments. Argh.

I would really like to know who started this government regulation of cosmetics idea. Was it big cosmetic companies who realized that the indies were digging into their bottom line? Was it some do-gooder who was going to save the world from something harmless and become famous in the process? Was it some thoughtless lawmaker who just threw us in along with medical equipment?

Just for the record, we have done a great job of policing ourselves for the past century. Liability laws, capitalism, and even personal integrity have held together our companies and kept them beneficial to millions. If there have been any harmful incidents, the usually needle nosed press hasn't picked up on them, as is their wont. Evidently, there isn't a rash of bad apples out there and this is a "sky is falling! Quick, make the ladies do more to prop it up!" issue.

For all of the attempts to stop us, I am so proud that we are resisting and I am so grateful for Donna Maria. She is one smart chick. Yes, I would say she is even smarter than Barbie!

Thank you, DM.

*Must be something in the water, Paris Hilton has managed to worm herself into my good graces, too. Go Paris!

[Elizabeth Hill]

I've often thought that all of our past experiences, whether work related or personal, are for a reason. Donna Maria, I think you're seeing and experiencing that right now, and I know how exciting the feeling. If you look at my resume, I look somewhat schizophrenic. In fact, I was just doing what I enjoyed doing, learning from it, and moving on when it was time for me to do so.

Today, I can see where every single job I've had since I started in the workforce some 30 years ago is an enormous benefit to my business.

As an aside, from what I can tell the FDA Globalization Act has it's roots in the World Trade Act. I think that's why the legislation we are dealing with is the FDA GLOBOALIZATION act-the feds are trying to align with what's already taking place in Europe.

dm, thank you so much for standing in the gap for all of us. You are truly an inspiration.