Two Sisters make $Million$ #3
With a Product Every Woman Needs
from Huff Post 10/12 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz 7/13
How do you find Packaging?
Find an amazing Graphic Designer. Work very closely with her to figure out the best way to display your product. Walk the stores, look at other ways products (similar or not) are packaged – and displayed in different stores. You can create different packaging for the same exact product. For example, we are on our 3rd or 4th iteration of packaging. We package differently depending on the customer and the store space.
How do you look & play Big when you’re a Small Company?
Present yourself big. Bring big ideas & big solutions. Think big, but remember your limitations in terms of supply chain & infra-structure. Do not over-promise & under-deliver. You don’t get a second chance. All of these transactions are conducted by people. Be the most prepared player in the room and you can win big. If necessary get help.
Do Trade Shows help or hurt? How do you approach trade shows to reach buyers?
Trade shows are a mixed bag. Go prepared to listen to every possible combination of questions & comments and you will still be surprised by what happens. Understand your goals before you go and determine what success looks like. This is an expensive proposition. Try to book appointments with buyers in advance if you can, instead of trolling the hall and reading name tags. Also, look to share trade show space with companies that complement your product. Sharing is a great way to save on costs and you can also help “cross-sell” with their customers.
If you could “share” any Story & Lesson with our audience, what would it be?
Time is not your friend. If you have success now, do not think it will just continue & grow. Sharks that stop swimming die. It is highly competitive out there and bigger, more established companies will come along, steal your ideas and eat your lunch, if you are not prepared. Have appropriate capitalization to cover your business model and spend wisely. Be legally protected at all times when possible. Trademark, patent, copyright, distributor/rep group agreements, non-disclosures and non-competes exist for a reason. Read them & use them. The best advice is to have an attorney who can help you answer questions that is on your side. Legal bills can rack up quickly and before you know it all of your money goes to legal. Look to have a partner/friend be there for you as an attorney and at least give you a discounted rate!
Comments: What did you think of this story? Could you do it? Anything that would have helped them?