I've worked so hard for nearly two years and now things are starting to happen. I sold gloves when I didn't have the product to sell (only a prototype), we have revamped our web site, are on track to start selling gloves, and we are scheduled to leave for our first trade show next week.
All of this sounds wonderful and it is, but there's something else going on that I can't quite put my finger on. It's the feeling of a cosmic change happening in the air around me. Things are happening that are exciting and scary all at the same time. Some might say it's the fear associated with enormous amounts of risk, but I don't think that's it. I'm not afraid to fail and if I do, then what? Then we keep on living our lives being grateful for the love our family shares, our health, and the great friends we have. Sure, we lose some money, but money comes and money goes. Life goes on with or without it. If I had to put words to my feelings, I would say that great things are about to happen and all the hard work, kind deeds, and tenacity is about to come around and give back. Oddly enough, it feels strange yet certain.
Only time will tell what this thing is I'm feeling but I'm glad I took the time to write about it. That way no matter what happens I can look back and know you'll be right here with my answers. Sincerely, Kathy
Showing posts with label Trade shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trade shows. Show all posts
Friday, September 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
"Do You Have That? You Know You Need It, Right?"
We are in high gear getting ready for out first trade show in September. As we work through the things we obviously know we need, we're finding that we need so many not-so-obvious things, too.
Did you know you need a style sheet or "how to use" for your logo? What that means is, you have to have your retailers agree to only use your logo or brand as you allow. The appearance has to always be consistent and positioned as you want it to appear. That may be in their advertising or signage in their store, but not for their personal use or worse. There's more to this, lots more, but we're not going to go into it here.
How about making sure your manufacturer can produce a large order, a very large order. You may think, of course they can, but do you know? In our case, Dave realized that we need to be sure the skus are issued for not only our five sizes in two new colors, but also three larger sizes, also in the two new colors. That's sixteen new skus created in our manufacturers system before our show in just under six weeks.
There have been so many things that have come up in the last two weeks that I just can't imagine boring you with all of it (not to mention, I can't remember it all off the top of my head!). Suffice it to say, this has been and continues to be an incredible journey. It feels like yesterday that I sat at my kitchen table cutting up a poorly designed children's snow glove. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it a million more times, just start! If you just take those first steps, you'll be amazed at how soon all those steps create your dream journey!
Did you know you need a style sheet or "how to use" for your logo? What that means is, you have to have your retailers agree to only use your logo or brand as you allow. The appearance has to always be consistent and positioned as you want it to appear. That may be in their advertising or signage in their store, but not for their personal use or worse. There's more to this, lots more, but we're not going to go into it here.
How about making sure your manufacturer can produce a large order, a very large order. You may think, of course they can, but do you know? In our case, Dave realized that we need to be sure the skus are issued for not only our five sizes in two new colors, but also three larger sizes, also in the two new colors. That's sixteen new skus created in our manufacturers system before our show in just under six weeks.
There have been so many things that have come up in the last two weeks that I just can't imagine boring you with all of it (not to mention, I can't remember it all off the top of my head!). Suffice it to say, this has been and continues to be an incredible journey. It feels like yesterday that I sat at my kitchen table cutting up a poorly designed children's snow glove. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it a million more times, just start! If you just take those first steps, you'll be amazed at how soon all those steps create your dream journey!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Are You Going To The ABC Kids Expo?
We are attending this trade show in September and I want to see how many of my friends will be there. I think it would be a hoot to arrange an evening of drinks and appetizers to meet in person. Are you going? Do you know anyone who is? Pass this along and let's see if we can't make some face-to-face meetings happen! Here is some of the information on the show. If you think you might like to meet up in Las Vegas, let me know! I would love to meet some of my blogger-inventor friends!
ZipperBack Gloves will be in booth 1612!
Las Vegas, NV September 13-16, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Exhibit Halls.
The ABC Kids Expo is the primary trade show for the juvenile products industry. It was founded as a partnership between independent specialty store retailers and the manufacturers who support them, as a method in which to promote the long-term sustained growth of the industry as well as to provide valuable opportunities for networking and education. The main focus of the show is on products from newborn through teen, predominantly in the areas of furniture, bedding, room décor, baby gear, gift and layette, toys and related accessories.
ZipperBack Gloves will be in booth 1612!
Las Vegas, NV September 13-16, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Exhibit Halls.
The ABC Kids Expo is the primary trade show for the juvenile products industry. It was founded as a partnership between independent specialty store retailers and the manufacturers who support them, as a method in which to promote the long-term sustained growth of the industry as well as to provide valuable opportunities for networking and education. The main focus of the show is on products from newborn through teen, predominantly in the areas of furniture, bedding, room décor, baby gear, gift and layette, toys and related accessories.
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