Monday, January 31, 2011

Kindness of others

Remember the three things Jason told me I had to do to move forward with Product X? Find a manufacture, set a wholesale price and a retail price.

Well, I was totally stuck on finding one of the items...I have vloged about it several times, and it became somewhat discouraging trying to find this "needle in a haystack." That is, until I happened to stumble upon a small company that sold this mystery piece in the US.

It was a bold step but like my Mom always says, "You have to ask for what you want", so I contacted this woman and asked her if she would please  tell me the name of the manufacture that made this item. By her doing this, it would mean that I would not be purchasing them from her (to save money) and sometimes people are funny about giving away "free" information.

I would like to note that if anyone asked me where I purchased my blank tees for Wear Your Manners, I was always happy to tell them American Apparel. I like helping others out, you know?

Well, I was THRILLED that this nice lady gave me all of her information of where to purchase my "needle in a haystack" and I could not be more grateful! Now I am able to cross one "to do" off of my list and move forward with Product X.

I will never forget this woman and when I can, I will sing her praises for all to hear!

The moral to the story...you may want to keep things to yourself and think, "I worked hard for what I have" but to share your experience, advice and precious information can truly be life changing for someone else.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Product X2 - My Documentary


If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself...right? Instead of waiting for that casting call, I am producing my own show...call it a Volg, a Documentary...either way, you are invited to join me on this exciting journey of taking my idea and running with it...hopefully all the way to the bank!

It's not always going to be pretty...I am going to be completely honest and with that honesty, comes make-up free days along with my hair up in a pony tail and recording in my PJ's. Also, there will not be a lot of editing...one, it's too frustrating to figure out how to do it perfectly and two, I want you to see the real me - even when I mess up.

As always, feel free to comment, give constructive criticism, and help me out with any tips you might have!

Here we go!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Product X2

My Horoscope this month said that by January 15th, something big was going to happen and it's today, January 15th, that I purchased the domain name for Product X2 and started the process of trademarking the name.

Might be a fun coincidence or something you believe in but either way, I am actually on my way to launching my very own product!

One thing I did learn from Wear Your Manners is to start small. With Wear Your Manners, I went all out, spent tons of money and printed tees in large quantities without a marketing plan or any plan at all, really. I just believed in my idea and had the (false) confidence that it would be super easy to sell but now...now, I am starting with only 50 units of Product X2 and getting all of my ducks in a row before launching.

Of course I want it to happen NOW...to announce Product X2 to the world...but Wear Your Manners would have been in vain if I did not learn that patience is key. Hard work, planning and money management is a must.

I am known for being spontaneous and impulsive but in business, that has not gotten me far so...breathe...I will slowly get Product X2 off the ground...but don't get me wrong...it's going to be hard to contain myself!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

All dressed up and nowhere to go

As for most Inventors, great ideas for new inventions sprout up like weeds.

The ideas are the easy part. It's the "now what" that sinks our Genius Invention ship.

Such is the case with me right now...in a magazine, I saw a really cute idea and with a simple suggestion from my daughter, I have come up with an awesome invention! Think Silly Bandz, Pillow Pets or those crazy, little erasers...this idea for an invention is totally gimmicky and would have a short but profitable shelf life and it's not something you could trademark.

The two products that would be sold in the package are already manufactured so all I would have to do is purchase them wholesale.

What I WOULD need is a little bit of money, a design for the packaging and a company that would package them. Oh yes, and a name for the product - but that's the easy (and fun!) part.

Then...the time to take my product to market but I am getting ahead of myself.

My product idea is "all dressed up and nowhere to go." Where do I find a manufacture to package this brilliant idea?

Anyone?

Because I can not trademark this idea, I can not send it to a company like Edison Nation...I would have to do this completely on my own...no reality show, no big company taking over and giving me 2%...just nose to the grindstone, fingers crossed and faith...

If you, my loyal Product X'ers, know of a company that could package my new "Product X", please let me know.

All I need is a piece of cardboard about the size of a washcloth with two clear plastic containers attached to the cardboard and a tiny hole in the top that would allow for a hanging display.

I can't believe I am even considering doing this again...gotta love Inventors!