Wednesday, October 14, 2009

A simple post

When feeling stressed....


DANCE!

60 comments:

  1. Okay so I posted this to the last board cuz the comments kept being placed there even though we have a new post so I am officially making the switch to this post:

    Tracy,
    Okay here's my guess. Because you have some background experience in TV and you have had a communication of sorts back and forth with Milojo you are being considered to be a judge for the WI Show? If not you should be.

    Will you tell us if we guess correctly? Hmmm?

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  2. Hey Ladies,

    Sounds like I'm the only one out there still trying to get things to happen. (Boo-hoo poor me)Seriously though if there are those of you who are still waiting for that break you may want to check out www.edisonnation.com they have a new Live Product Search (LPS) which essentially are retailers who contact Edison Nation and say exactly what type of product they are looking for and inventors then enter there ideas for consideration as a product to be worked on by edison nation for representation to the retailer. They currently have three specific LPSs going on that are very specific so your idea would have to fall into the category for that particular search (which is fine if your product happens to fall into that category). But they just announced a new LPS for an As seen on TV Direct Response Leader - So really broad category essentially if you think that your product could be sold through informercials then it would fit the search. Now if you decide to submit something to the search it costs $25. (Very modest price I thought.) The thing I really like is after you submit your idea thre is a meter and you can monitor and see where the progress is at. You know how we all go nuts with this waiting thing!! Well your still waiting but you atleast see the progress and know at what stage your product is at in the submission process. And lastly if you become a gold member you can enter your ideas into multiple searches (for no extra cost only pay for the first search you enter each idea into) as long as they fit into the search category. Plus each search only cost $20 for gold members. $10 a month fee though. But you also get a super discount on other inventors products. And you get to support your fellow inventors. For details Check it out www.edisonnation.com Honestly I just scratched the surface here. I know doesn't sound it but true none the less. LOL
    Anyway I am so excited about this new LPS. No really? Can you tell? Anyway hope this has been helpful to some and hope to see you on the LPS Edison Nation Forums. :^)

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  3. Hey Mary, I responded on the last post...thanks!

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  4. I signed up for Edison Nation Bed Bath & Beyond Dormitory search. I was moving along in the process and received an E-mail stating that if I got to level seven (there are eight total), Edison Nation would own exclusive rights to my product and my patent.

    I was told I would get $2,500 up front (taxable income) and a typical annual annuity of $100,000 paid in January of each year, depending on sales.

    I am not ready to give anyone exclusive rights at this point, as I have not realized the true potential for my product. I decided to opt out of the competition, when I heard BB&Beyond was closing three stores.

    I want to make you ladies aware of something that happened yesterday. This gal from one of the large shows I did in Orlando, called and said she needed for me to send 400 sets of Bag Bundles ($12,000 profit) "today". She said a truck would be coming to pick them up and she would sell them at a huge show in Houston. She was paying the $451 to have them picked up here in FL and delivered to Houston for the Quilter's Convention.

    I know the show is legit, but started feeling like I would not see my money, I did not want to split my profit 50/50, when I sell on my own, I get 100%. How would I get it back if she didn't sell all of them? What if I can't find her to get my money? What if I go to court and she says she has never heard of Bag Bundle as she has "rebranded" my product?

    I was excited about the exposure, but then she said she was going to rebrand my product and sell it with the name Stash and Sash. After calling a few family and friends, I realized I knew nothing about this gal. Why is she calling me on the day the show is to start in Houston? Why did it take me eleven weeks to find her to get my video from the Orlando show? Why didn't I have a Purchase Order or Contract? My husband who owned his own business for years was so upset that I almost let 400 sets go, with so little to run with.

    I made the decision to back out of all of that. I called the freight company and told them I changed my mind.

    Did I make a mistake? I will never know. We all have to be so careful to protect our interests. I feel confident that this was a sign from Above, to keep making the contacts I am making, working the shows I am working, selling on Ebay and my web site, press releases in trade magazines and something wonderful will happen long-term.

    If we seem vulnerable, desperate or not experienced with Retail...we need more help than we can imagine from those who do get it. Lisa w Bag Bundle

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  5. Lisa, can you go to the show yourself? I bet you could get a table last minute and sell theheck out of them. I used to live in Orlando, Hell I'll go do it for you. I'm the one that talked to you on the phone that one day not to long ago. ALso, that gives you a great idea to do quilting shows!!!! Also, you did the right thing how could you send your product without payment?
    Let me know if you need help or I could meet you there. Like I said I know Orlando like the back of my hand and I can fly for free because of my husband.
    LOri

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  6. OK Tracy here is my other theory.....You and your go to girlz gal that you are friends with are going to pitch with Anthony Sullivan! I think it will be different from just doing the show once. What I think is you will be the girls people go to about inventions! I think they may make it a reality show of the crazy things inventors go through to get there products sold.

    Just a thought!!! This is fun it is like those murder mystery games! :0)
    #3

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  7. All of you ladies need to beware of these contests because they seem glamorous and a great way to get your product "out there" but when you read the fine print of the contract..."they" end up owning your product and then they can do whatever they want with it. Also the percentage that you will get is usually vague and a small pittance.. just saying...beware. I looked at the edison nation contest a while back and after reading the fine print, I said, no way! Same with the mom inc contract....they gave no indication of what we would be paid--a percentage of a percentage with no "real" indication of what that percentage would be...no thanks!

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  8. Tracy,
    I like #3's idea. If that's not it you should tweet the suggestion to @Kingsully. LOL

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  9. Whoohooo #3! Love it!!!! Hopefully I'll hear something next week!

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  10. Watching Live and Kelly Ripa said she had a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
    I watched intently, hoping she was about to say something wonderful about WI (Mom Inc) but...no...it was about her returning to All My Children...
    Darn...

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  11. Tracy,
    Great minds think alike I too was glued to R & K hoping to hear about WI. Bummer.

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  12. Hi Lori! You are SO dear! I met this gal at the CHA craft fair in Orlando @ the OCCC. She did the video of me there, in exchange for 12 sets of Bag Bundles. The actual quilt show is in Houston. I can't go because I am doing a large craft fair tomorrow, that is why I was thinking of sending them to Houston. The quilt show is over Sunday. My husband retired from SW, so I have free flight benefits as well-a blessing!

    There is a huge show in Orlando I am doing 11/21 and 11/22 (before Black Friday). I was given a gift of a 10 ft. wide X 5 ft. long booth for free. There should be 45,000 people at the Big Sale @ the Fair and Expo on Colonial. I would love for you to join us, but with the hotel, cargo van, gas, tolls and food, I am trying not to also pay anyone.

    Every inventor or new business start up I know is struggling with money. Mary Kay started with her little $500 life savings and she peddled her homemade cold cream door to door. She died at age 84 a billionaire! Struggling is part of the adventure! :) Lisa w Bag Bundle

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  13. Lisa,
    I will help you out anytime! That is one thin I have found out about having the free flights, usually I can't find anyone that wants to go somewhere on a moments notice or afford it, kids etc... I know you will do great! People really feel the energy when the invetor is present! Good luck and just remember I'm here;0)

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  14. Lori is your product SB? Just curious. I have spoken with several WI on the phone. Not sure if your product is manufactured yet, but I wish my booth was bigger, so you could sell your product at my booth. Perhaps we can do this next go around. I am doing another vendor fair at Temple Shalom here in The Villages, FL 11/10. Lisa w BB

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  15. Have a great weekend you awesome Women Inventors!!! :0) #3

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  16. Anyone who might be interested in working with vendors at the Big Show in Orlando just for the experience and some extra Christmas cash, 11/21 & 11/22 contact Tom (352)753-5819. Lisa w BB

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  17. Hi Lisa,
    MY invention is in the jewelry catagory. What kind of ashow is the big Orlando show?
    #9

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  18. Ah...another work week has ended and still there was no word from Milojo or TLC. I had thought for some reason that this week we would have heard something. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't getting to me...waiting is the hardest part (I just sang that in my head!) Happy weekend ladies!

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  19. Maaaaaan! I wish I was on the East Coast and could join all you ladies in your adventures out there!!! Some one set up a show out West so I can meet and hang out with all these awesome women inventors!!! Seriously, how did you all wind up in Orlando!?!? :) :)

    Having a garage sale tomorrow morning to help pay for inventions and adoptions. Both worthy causes. Hope you all have wonderful things motivating you this weekend.

    Sincerely,
    Deedra
    www.klipzon.com :)

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  20. HEY! Anonymous with the RETIRED SWA Hubby!!! My husband started flying with SW five years ago - still an FO due to change in retirement age, etc. WE LUV and feel so lucky to Nonrev :) Just wanted to say hey and show a little of that SW Spirit :)

    Best,

    Jen

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  21. Okay - so LISA - I read too fast and now I see it's you with the nonrev privileges :). Have a great day everyone!

    Hey Tracy!!! Can't wait to hear YOUR big announcement!

    Jen

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  22. Happy Saturday everyone! It' beautiful and chilly here in Florida so we are headed to the zoo with the kiddies!

    Jen, I am hoping and praying that next week will be the week I can yell from the rooftops all the good news I am dying to share with everyone!!!!!

    Have a fun Saturday! I'll be up early posting tomorrow...

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  23. I will keep everything crossed, say some good prayers, send you all the zen and good vibes I can muster - somehow I have that "it's in the bag" feeling for you!

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  24. Jen, that is music to my ears (it's in the bag)!

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  25. Hey #9 the Big Show is for EVERYTHING! If you want a booth, I can try to get you one for free too.

    I made $700 at the craft fair today. It is so good to see these people getting familiar with the product. I mostly look for reactions!

    The show I did where I worked up my business plan, Doug Hall told me to sell the heck out of the product I have here. The more I sell, the more sales history I have, the more likely a company is going to license or buy my product!

    Hefty has shown some interest. I would be honored to have Hefty! I use everything they have. In fact, they were the inspiration for Bag Bundle! :)

    Jen C-Non-rev Rocks! Lori you know it too! :)

    Tracy, I am putting you on the prayer wall at church...we need the masses to help each other!!!

    Good Luck to all! Lisa w BB

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  26. Deedra, sorry I didn't respond to your out West reply. I retired from Albuquerque, NM so, I get the West and Southwest. I ended up near Orlando, as I live in The Villages (77,000 people, 39 golf courses and 35,000 golf carts), where people are over 55! :) Not sure about the others. Lisa w BB

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  27. Lisa,
    Way to go! Sounds like the craft fair was a huge success.
    I am touched that you are putting my name on the prayer wall - thank you very much!!!

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  28. Just received my Infomercial this morning from PitchMen casting call in Las Vegas. I hate the way I look, was a nervous wreck, but at least am getting the word out. I am thrilled to have videos to run with. Lisa w BB
    www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmMlFYzbWIg

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  29. Hey NICE VIDEO Lisa!!!! :) I think you looked GREAT!!!!! AND you didn't seem nervous at all! I liked seeing your husband on the video as well. :) Way to go!

    Sincerely,
    Deedra
    www.klipzon.com

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  30. I was SO impressed with your videio, Lisa! You have a wonderful product there and your pitch was just great! I'm not sure I could EVER handle myself with such poise and finesse while doing a pitch. If you were nervous, you could have fooled me! Kudos to Lisa!!

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  31. Deedra - I have an idea for marketing your product. I'm not sure you have thought of this particular avenue before - perhaps you have, but I'd love to share it with you in case you have not. What is the best way to connect with you (other than here)? It occured to me this weekend that you may be missing an extremely lucrative market.

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  32. Lisa,
    I want to thank you for your very gracious offer. I'm not sure if my hobby would go there at all. You know I'm a WI but because of the contract and the show I can't sell my product but I am also an artist and sculpt art dolls. they sell anywhere from $400-1500. Does that sound way off for a craft fair? I know you said they have everything. I also have handmade baby doll cradle around $200. I'm just afraid that I would take you up on your generous offer and get all of my stuff there to learn through "experience" that it wasn't the right market. I am hopefully going to do the International doll show in Orlando in Jan. of course there are several hundred other doll artists and companies doing the same thing, so I may consider your offer.
    Thanks again I appreciate it so much.
    Lori

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  33. Thanks for the support ladies! :)Please let us all know what you are doing, so we can help each other. Tracy, sounds like you had a sensational time!
    Lori, If you want, you can call Tom (352) 753-5819, as he is in charge of the entire show. It seems if 45,000 people are there from all over the world, you could make some money and/or contacts. If you want to only bring your best dolls for display and take orders, that is always good. Travelling is difficult with product and display. Tom is the one who gave me the booth for free ($350 value). When you call him or if any of you want to call him, he can answer all of your questions.
    I am giving all of you my Business Plan that Doug Hall from Planet Eureka created for me at the World Marriott in Orlando. Planet Eureka and Merwyn Research gave me a $2,000 gift for free. I think a Business Plan is essential, but that is my opinion only. Please feel free to take out all of my information and use this as a template for your own. Just make a copy. You don't want to eliminate my info, as you need to see what they are saying about each of these categories. With help, it took six hours to do this.
    http://www.planeteureka.com/marketplace/concepts/report.php?id=1340
    I am SO proud of all of you! Lisa w BB

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  34. Ya'll can always send me "comments" on my website and leave your contact info. I will tell you, with 3 boys just turned 5 and down to 11 weeks....dirty diapers could keep me from responding for a while. :) I do, however, schedule in time for Tracy's blog...so anonymous...you could share your marketing idea here...it could help lots of the WI that are reading I'm sure! :)

    -Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  35. I wrote to Barbara Corcoran on Shark Tank and E-mailed her several things. I am so touched that she personally took the time to write and I am ordering her book now...I have sent many things to many people, but for her to take the time to write, speaks volumes for we women-approachability is so important! Lisa w BB

    Here is her response:

    Hi Lisa,

    I so appreciate your contacting me about your business and I hope you keep your enthusiasm pursuing your dream. Sadly, my SHARK TANK contract precludes me from entertaining any new business ideas while I'm under contract with ABC. I just cannot grant you the time, energy, or attention that a good idea deserves. If you would like, you may submit your idea directly to SHARK TANK through abc.com and I hope to see you on the show! Also, if it would be helpful to you to catch all the tips that helped me along the way, check out my book, If You Don’t Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons on Your Pigtails on Amazon. Again, best of luck with your endeavors and thank you! Also, please tune in to SHARK TANK tomorrow night at 8:00 PM EST on ABC!

    Barbara

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  36. I LOVE Barbara Corcoran and admire her smarts! She chose to take under her wing a niece of my friend's on Shark Tank a few episodes ago (Lori is a woman who writes relavent childrens books geared towards hyperactive kids, having come up with the idea when her own son was hyperactive). I watch Barbara's savvy take on real estate on the Today Show and I just think she is great!

    Deedra, okay. Here's my thought. My daughter is getting married and one of the newest trends in bridal head pieces is a very simple fabric headband with a clip on each side (Klipzon, anyone?) However, this trend is so new that the headbands are hard to come by. Macy's has some, but the headband is only an inch wide. We are specifically looking for one that my cousin's daughter recently wore for her wedding and when my daughter went to the shop to duplicate that purchase, she learned that it was over TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS! I tell you, Deedra, it is nothing more than a two inch wide satin fabric headband with some pearls/beading on it. That's IT. If this is what is hot right now (and it is!), I just wanted to suggest that you pursue the bridal market. That's it...I wondered if you had considered that.

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  37. I have thought about that, and I think that if I can get some Klipzon momentum going, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to do bridal headbands! I LOVE WEDDINGS!!! Thanks so much for the idea encouragement!!

    -Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  38. Deedra, great! And too bad you're not doing them right now because you'd have your first "bridal" customer!

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  39. Girls, I just think all of you are so awesome for the support you are giving each other!
    Have a wonderful day!

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  40. Deedra, I want to get married again, so I can have one! :) The neat thing about you, is that not only do you have a great product, but you are a perfect pitchman for your product or anyone else's. In getting to know Tracy, it looks like she would be too.

    Is there a way you can design one that the bridal customer above can wear and then you can get it back and use it as yet another working prototype and the testimony from the bride would be useful? :)

    I remember the books for hyper and ADHD kids. I love the octopus and with so much going on technologically, all kids need to learn to have quiet time and relax. When I read the blogs on abc.com Shark Tank Discuss, every person who has worked with Barbara or knows of someone who has worked with her, thinks she is awesome. Lisa w BB

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  41. I'm a Realtor for my profession and I look up to her so much!! She has such great energy that is contagious. I would love to have her as a mentor.

    I have some great ideas brewing in my head with Real Estate and Pitching hum.........:0) #3

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  42. Well HEY! I don't mind working on a bridal one! Anonymous who is getting married...go to klipzon.com and go to the page where you can leave comments and send me your phone and email and if you are up for trying out a prototype, let's do it! :)

    -Deedra :)
    www.klipzon.com

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  43. I love this. Way to support your fellow WI!! I love being a part of what is happening here. Even if I am only a cheerleader for right now. I think we've really got something here Ladies. I think we all can live that dream with help from our fellow WIs. Love your video Lisa. I will be checking out your site and purchasing some BBs for my RV.
    Hey Ladies I'm in need of some honest criticism. Who's up for the job? I would like you to take a look at 2 of my products and check out my videos and let me know what you think.
    Any takers?

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  44. Sign me up Mary! bagbundle@comcast.net I would be honored. Lisa w BB

    A gal bought a set for her RV on Ebay from my oldest daughter. She loves the fact that everything can come out of those drawers and she can see everything. She just ordered two more sets, called LL Bean and wrote to them to tell them this is a must for their line and she hooked me up with Walmart and two camper trade magazines! Helloooooo??? Gotta Love It! I am so grateful and that is one customer...Lisa w BB

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  45. Quick question???? Deedra with the contract we signed could you get into any trouble? I think it is ok because your not selling it. Just a thought! :0) Good luck to you keep moving forwarded!!!! #3

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  46. One more question??? I was wondering if any of you ladies might know this answer for me. If we do not go on the show is the contract we signed null and void. The contract I received did not have any signatures on it. I don't think it is a valid contract with out them sending us one back signed and dated. With that said do they send us the ones we signed back voided????

    Thank you for any insight you might have on these.:0) #3

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  47. Also, no one should communicate with any other person without signing a Non-Disclosure Form from both sides. If anyone needs an original that you can print, let me know and I will attach one for you. I must have 50 Non-Disclosure Forms-even from my American Manufacturer and their China contact. Even with a patent, I never took a chance. I kept a folder of nothing but NDF's, so if I needed one in a hurry (knock offs), I could pull it in chronological order. Lambert & Lambert, has been successful with International Patent Infringement cases to the tune of $3-$400 million settlements; now that is who I want on my side.

    When I asked anyone questions without a NDF, I was very cryptic about what I wanted. I only asked that person exactly what I was looking for, for that one particular piece that I felt he/she would be useful for.

    Don't forget Shark Tank tonight @ 8 Season Finale ABC ET. Lisa w BB

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  48. Mary S I would love to help you out in anyway I can!!:0) Is it something you could post on this blog for us to see?? I look forwarded to seeing it I bet it is amazing!! #3

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  49. Is it bad, #3, that I haven't even looked at that contract since it was sent months ago? My guess is that they wouldn't care a bit if I wanted to make a prototype bridal one for someone. :) So if she contacts me, I'll do it!! :) Or at least try! (I change a lot of diapers around here...hee hee)

    -Deedra
    www.klipzon.com

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  50. Sounds good to me too!!!

    I hear you on the diaper thing I have two in diapers! I know you will make it look amazing! I hope you all post pictures of it.

    Have a wonderful night ladies!! :0)

    P.S. This is a great way to start your day!
    Say: today is my day! Amazing things are in store for me today and I receive them all! I attract incredible people and make results happen with ease! Abundance is mine in all areas!

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  51. I forgot to sign the post above! #3

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  52. Hi ladies,
    Since you all are women with great ideas, I thought i would ask. For all of you that are talking about changing diapers, I have a five year old son with an undiagnosed illness and well, I'm probably looking at changing his diapers for another decade. Anyway, he is 40lbs now and just to big for me to lift him onto the diaper changing station. Really, I'm not complaining to much but it is getting really hard to go anywhere with him because I just can't do it by myself. Any ideas or suggestions? Hey there just may be a very useful invention opportunity here. It is so important to expose him to different places and things that I'm feeling extremely frustrated because I can't figure it out.
    Lori

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  53. Hi Lori, my girls have suggested, changing on the bed or on the floor with a mat under. Or a step stool leading to the table at home. When out, they lay the kids in the back of the van on a mat with doors closed.

    Pampers has bigger sizes for special needs kids (Size 7). After Size 7 Pull Ups, you can use Good Nights or Depends. Some women have special cloth diapers they use with throwaway liners and wash their own.

    While out put him in pull ups, you can take the sides apart and put back together, without taking pants and shoes off. Then you can tear sides off and change in stall if out and they can just stand.

    As mentioned earlier, I have 12 grandchildren and some of my grandkids in diapers have been older as well. Good Luck! Lisa w BB

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  54. for the question #3 had about the signed contract -- There is no language in the contract regarding termination of the contract if your product is not selected for the show.

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  55. Thank you Anonymous! With that said I would guess that you can't send anything into shark tank for casting???

    I hate being in a stalled position. I like to keep things moving forwarded!! Oh well my husband say what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger! :0) #3

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  56. Hello Lori,
    I will be praying for your son and you! I know that must be so hard on you emotionally and physically!!!

    I have a few questions for you. Is you son mobile at all? Can he stand? This will help me to try to understand your needs. Keep up the faith and good will come out of this!! :0) #3

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  57. Hey Lori,
    A few questions - You say undiagnosed illness. Is it determined that he will never train or be a late trainer or are you guessing that. I ask only because I have had a late trainer and I know the frustration and stigma attached and I have some helpful suggestions that helped me. But if it's not a not training/defiance thing than my suggestions would only pose to add to your frustration.

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  58. Hello mary and #3 and Lisa,
    Thank you so much for the prayers and your suggestions. It has been devastating for us but you know what, he is the happiest little guy! It is hard on us ,but he has a great life! I always say" it's always a great day in Wesley's world"! Two doctors said that he would NEVER walk. He just started walking on his own a few months before his 5th BIRTHDAY!!!! What a great celebration for us.
    I say that I will probably be changing his diapers for a long time because even though he is 5 he is really functioning around a year and a half. My problem is when I'm out let's say anywhere and his diaper needs changed (#2)I don't know what to do!!!! I can't really lay him down on the floor of the bathroom(yuck!) and If I do everyone can see him ( I suppose it's there problem not mine) but he looks totally normal so I don't think people understand. I have thought about making some type of simple pop-up/mat/sheild so that I can lay him down and change it on the floor. So to answer your questions #3 yes, he can finally can stand, but certainly doesn't know to stand still if I ask him. The pee-pee diaper will be no problem I think standing but short of inventing something simple but effective for the other is my challenge. I greatly welcome and appreciate any ideas or suggestions. Thanks WI, you have know idea how much a little suggestion could change our world!!!:0)
    LOri

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  59. I really believe that if we all put our heads together as we have here, we could save the planet! :) Lisa w BB

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  60. I am so proud of what you girls have made here! Thanks for being so fabulous!

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