This week I'm sourcing badges, mugs, clothing, and accessories for one client. Same five sourcing questions. Completely different answers. Here's what changes when you apply the same framework across multiple product categories—and how to compare unlike things strategically.

My husband needed 200 custom rulers. I had no idea how to source 3D printing. After years briefing manufacturers for fashion and products, I was hesitating before sending that first email. Here's what being out of my depth taught me about asking better questions - and the 6-question email template that works for any product, any manufacturer.

I uploaded my 2023 business data into Claude and asked it to show me what actually happened. I already had theories. I wasn't good at marketing. I needed better sales skills. The timing was off. Claude looked at the data and said: "You built a mini-department store before you had a single proven bestseller." Then it showed me numbers I'd been telling myself didn't matter.