photo credit: c h e e s e roc

In today’s large unemployment line and as many businesses look to fill positions that they cut out during the toughest times, it is being seen that some guidelines are becoming obsolete in the hiring process. Businesses are just so eager to fill a much needed position and have so many applicants that they are forgetting the fundamentals behind hiring the right way.

The wrong way first: interview someone for an hour. If you like them, have them interview three or four other people in your organization for an hour each. You’ve invested five hours of your team’s time, but really you only were looking for approval, because you’d already decided you liked the person enough to work with them for years.

Obviously if you and the first 2 or 3 people like the applicant, chances are you are not going to let the last person stand up and say “no, i don’t like them, find someone else”. It’s more of a courtesy that your following through with. Maybe it’s a courtesy that can be done away with.

You have options other than the above mentioned. Seths Blog recently suggested hiring someone on a temporary basis. You can set whatever time limit on this that you want, within reason of course. Give them say 3 or 6 months to work with you and your team, at which time you will do a review and make a final decision on whether they are the best fit or not.

The other option you have is to shorten your interview time. You can usually tell within the first 5 or 10 minutes if you like someone or if you smell something a little fishy about them. After which the rest of the interview is just a bunch of wasted time. So shorten your interviews to maybe say 10 minutes, then allow the rest of your interview team to do the same, that way you’ve only taken up about 30 minutes of your time.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

photo credit: madebytess

When setting out to hire new talent for your company, the challenge of finding the absolute best there is can be very frustrating and time consuming. With so many people out of work today, you are bound to have hundreds of applications rolling in just for one position to fill! I have put together a suggestion list of ways to ensure you find your company the very best there is out there.

• Background checks. Always, always, always do a background check on every person that you are seriously contemplating to fill your position. You may think by their resume, references and interview that they are just awesome, but you never know what they have been able to cleverly hide up to this point in life.
• Give your serious candidates a personality test. People can “fake” their way through almost anything in order to get a great paying job. But if you perform a personality test, it will give you a good sense of the type of person they really are and if they will fit well in with all of your other employees.
• Manage Smarter suggests performing a drug screening test. Yes this is become more of an issue today. Actually, a recent study showed that 75% of illegal drug users are already employed somewhere! Why take the chance of getting into that situation and jeopardizing your companies reputation.

Expose the candidate to the work and the work environment: Give the candidate a realistic understanding of what the day-to-day work will be like. Don’t just paint a pretty picture. It’s best to be honest with candidates about what the job entails, including the high points and the low points.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Scent-sations is home to the well known Mia Bella brand. They offer a variety of Mia Bella candles, the Bella Bar, and an entire line of mineral makeup known as the Bella Beauty Line. They also offer an opportunity for their representatives to mold their business into one that fits with their own lifestyle.

We recently had the opportunity to ask Theresa Stacy of Newmoodscents, a Scent-sations representative, about their business opportunity and her own experiences with the company.

What is Scent-sations, Inc.

Scent-sations, Inc. is a company founded in September 2002 by top level network marketers Bob Scocozzo and Charles Umphred that teamed up with Carmen and Lynn Milazzo the masterminds and creators of the gourmet scented candles. Together they created an incredible home based business opportunity and brilliant compensation plan to make the Retail, Fundraising and Residual Income a very doable and duplicable business. Generating over $15 million in Sales last year they have continuously grown yearly. The industry, in scents and candles, does over $3 Billion yearly and with 87% of households burning some sort of scented candle or oil. This makes it an incredible opportunity for many who not only enjoy burning candles, but allowing them to make money in direct sales. The corporate offices are located in Wilkes-Barre, PA employing over 80 people to happily pour, pack and sometimes hand decorate their gourmet candles. Scent-sations, Inc. also contributes often to local charities and major charities on behalf of the distributors. They also recognize our military in “Home Town Heros” in an on-line newsletter located on our website.

What are some of the products they offer?

Besides offering the ever popular Mia Bella’s Gourmet Scented Candles in the 16oz Jar, they just introduced the 26oz Jar along with the popular votives, Mia Melts and Bakery Pies and Cinnamon Buns. Also new is the Spa line of luxurious spa candles and the Signature Line with their unique scents. They are also known for the luxurious cleansing Bella Bar and recently introduced an entire line in mineral makeup, the Bella Beauty Line.

What makes these candles unique is the proprietary blend of natural waxes (NO Parafin. That’s the stuff that gives you the big black rings around the jar and soot on the walls and curtains). The burn time alone on a 16oz jar is on average about 120 hours. The double cotton wicked candles allows a smooth even burn, with the scent throughout the life of the candle which is rare in the industry. So you are provided great value for your money when purchasing one of our candles.

Tell us a little about their direct sales opportunity.

Our company has made it possible for people to start a home business and be successful. Scent-sations, Inc. allows you to choose the avenue you want to take your business. Retailing, Fundraising and Residual Income. You can do one or all three areas.

Unlike many other direct sales companies, there are NO Quotas to meet monthly. Scent-sations, Inc. does not use the Party Plan model. You are paid on all levels of your downline. You receive commissions monthly off your on-line sales and you have the ability to dictate the pricing in your area for the products (with the exception of the on-line store). Fundraising you do not need to be at a certain level to host them. You are not bound to particular areas and you have the ability to sell not only on-line with a personal company website, but you can sell in flea markets, craft shows, trade shows, street fairs. You can choose to do home parties or not. You are not limited to “How” you sell, because you are an Independent Distributor who truly control their own home business and purchase product at a wholesale price (with exception certain on-line publizing and E-bay) . You do not need to “stock up” on merchandise in hopes of selling it. You would if you do trade shows and events, but for most people, they do not stock product. You are not required to “sell” monthly. Although, I suggest you do so that you can have a prosperous business. You have full advantage as a home business and suggest speaking with your accountant for what qualifies in your state.

A unique on-line Business E-course is sent to those requesting further information. We have on going training calls, Regional and local meetings. Weekly live presentations, on-line video presentations, personal websites, backoffice that keeps track of our customers, sales, tracking packages, links to state information, pie charts. Downline info. You literally have access 24/7 to the Yahoo discussion group, an information site with recorded training calls, previous and current information for doing anything related to your business. You are instantly notified of company updates and an incredible support system.

What are the requirements for signing up?

There are no contracts, but it is suggested you do an autoship of one of three choices as a way to introduce new products and scents for as little as $39.95 a month, plus shipping and tax. Joining the team is simple and you can choose your start up package. You can start this business as low as $49.95 (plus S/Tax) and upwards. The packages are designed to introduce the products and material to get your business off the ground. They offer the opportunity to those that may not have a lot to invest to get started to packages that offer everything they sell to jump start your business quicker.

People that are interested in Joining my team can visit: www.newmoodscents.com and click on JOIN and sign-up within 5 minutes and upon completion a fully functional website with their information so that they can immediately advertise their business. For those seeking more information, they can visit: www.wealthwithcandles.com/newmood?more Both sites do have the video presentation and if you would like a package mailed to you simply complete the form on www.cashforcandles.com and you will automatically receive the Business E-Course on-line so that you can determine if this is the business for you as well as an information packet along with scent sample.

What have your own personal experiences been like with this opportunity?

I personally have found myself becoming more involved with my community, with other business organizations and being able to become part of a solution to helping others get the word out about our community. I meet many people and obtained many contacts that has helped to spread opportunity to other small and home business owners. Being able to share my experiences with them has helped them to create more profit in their business and I take away a better understanding of their business, desires and goals.

Since you joined with Scent-sations, Inc. over a year ago, what are some of the lessons that you have learned?

If doing an outside event, make sure you use a tent with weights. It’s funny, but true, a tent with a wall will create a sail in the wind. So use weights.

But seriously, I have a greater appreciation for many that do come on board my team that many who join have never before attempted a business and that I am able to help guide them, give them advice and direct them on a successful path.

In earlier years, I learned a valuable lesson, that you cannot make someone do something they do not really want to do. Sometimes I would want something more for them than they did, thinking this was the answer for them, but if their heart is not in it, then I can’t help them. You’ve got to have a reason WHY, passion, dedication, motivation and willing to step outside the comfort zone or you will not succeed.

What are some goals that you hope to reach before your second anniversary? Any long term goals?

I plan on having more in my downline that in turn are achieving their immediate goals and taking that cruise I’ve been planning now for awhile.

As far as my long term, to be financially independent so that I do not need to worry what will happen when I hit retirement age. I plan on redirecting my business to focus on training in 5 years and that gives me another 20 plus years before I officially retire. I plan on having an organization that has created many grand opportunities for those that felt they couldn’t do it and find themselves teaching others that anything is possible. I see my roll evolving into being a life coach and having the freedom and time to spend not only helping others, but with my family and traveling. It’s all about lifestyle.

Have you always been entrepreneurial? Did you ever imagine you would be running an at-home direct sales business?

I’ve always, from high school, been involved someway in sales. I have had several career moves from corporate, to Pastry Chef to small home business co-owner of a franchise and find myself drawn to being self-employed. It would be extremely difficult to work for someone else knowing that I have the power to change my lifestyle within me. That I can discipline myself to having a business that I can operate at my leisure, and the harder I work the more satisfaction I get. Watching something grow from nothing to a thriving business is a rollercoaster ride, but what a ride. The adventure is exciting, but when the ride is over, you have time to stop and see all the bumps you made it over, all the up hill climbs, dips in the tracks and the highs when your on top. And you get to do it all over again, except this time you know what to expect so you move on the bigger rides and see how high you can climb.

Why do you feel people should consider this opportunity and sign up?

First and foremost, the opportunity is for everyone whether you are a stay at home mom, a professional, a student, some looking to earn extra money part-time or full-time, you have FLEXIBILITY. You are not bound by contracts, no quotas, no mandatory meetings, no one calling you asking “why didn’t you sell this month”. Your are paid for all levels of your down-line and receive monthly commissions (as long as you are active). You have a choice to do events, dictate pricing, work from home at your convenience, do home parties or not. Work at hosting fundraising or not. Build a team or not. It’s desirable and consumable products that are environmentally friendly and used in 87% of households. The information received is beyond any other direct sales that I have seen.

What do you feel are some personal requirements that people must reach before they can achieve direct sales success?

First they must know and understand their WHY. Why they want this business and what do they expect to achieve from it. Be willing to be coachable, not be afraid to step outside their comfort zone. Must have a desire to change their thought process that they are capable to achieving success that they can duplicate the process and teach others to do the same. Highly recommend finding a mentor and always be working personal development. But, the number one thing, don’t listen to anyone but your own self. Be positive and follow positive people. Hang around the people you most admire for their values and their accomplishments. Those people that listen to their heart and feed their desires will achieve whatever level of success they have set for themselves.

Remember, “If you continue to do what you do, you will continue to get what you get.”

Success can only be determined by one’s self…

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

photo credit: Christy C

As employers we all know that when it comes to hiring employees, especially today with so many people out of work trying to find a job, it is a very daunting task. It sometimes seems as though anyone will walk in off the street and hand in an application for any job whether they know what they’re doing or not.

When interviewing, always make sure to pick the one person in your office who is truly great at interviews of any kind. Someone who can remain calm, collected, and push the employee to answer revealing questions about themselves within the companies legal limits to do so.

Always, always, always check up on their references. Many people surprisingly put down either people they barely know, people they haven’t spoken to in forever, or even people that they don’t really know well but they figure you won’t take the time to check up on it… check on them!

The job description. Think carefully about the listing. What are the job’s responsibilities? What skill set is required? It also pays to think about what advantages your company has to offer that would make this job appealing. Remember, you have options, and so do the best candidates.

When coming to the end of the interview and your making them an offer, spell everything that’s on the table out to them. Don’t leave any room for them to be able to manipulate what they “thought” or were given the impression that they were getting. Have an outline on paper ready for them to take a look at when it comes to all the offerings you are prepared to make them. Posted recently on New York Times.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Greenie2Steps is bringing a whole new theme and story to a child’s room near you. With the help of Greenie, the eco-friendly elephant, kids and parents alike are discovering the benefits of a green lifestyle. Of course, the fact that the art can easily be peeled off the wall, leaving no residue, then stuck back on without losing any adhesive is a plus.

If you ever believed the saying that “two heads are better than one”, then you can only imagine what three minds will come up with. There are exactly three women behind the creation of Greenie2Steps, Cynthia Laidlaw, Nancy Serafini, Joanne Coughlin, and each woman has played an important part in creating this innovative company.

Tell us a little about Greenie2Steps.

Greenie2Steps is a company that produces eco-friendly, whimsical wall art for children. The company was started by three Boston women. Nancy Serafini, an interior designer, Joanne Coughlin an artist / animator and Cindy Laidlaw, an advertising executive. Their collective goal is to create high quality children’s wall décor that is beautiful, educational and eco-friendly. The collection uses original art by Joanne and includes oversized prints, giant cut-outs or “Stickups”and wall murals up to 20 feet long. They feature the company’s “spokeselephant” Greenie and her friends, Taj the tiger, Lenny the lion, Geraldine the giraffe and Greenie’s brother Garrett the gray elephant. The art is printed on an eco-friendy fabric canvas, is washable and very easy to install thanks to a non-toxic backing that will not damage walls.

An important part of the Greenie2Steps company mission is to allocate a portion of profits to charities that support children, education and the environment.

What inspired the three of you to get together and form such an interesting business?

Nancy Serafini and Cindy Laidlaw have worked together for the last eight years in an advertising agency/client relationship. Cindy, the owner of The Laidlaw Group, an ad agency in Boston, designed the Web site and marketing materials for Nancy’s interior design business.

Joanne Coughlin met Nancy at the 10-year anniversary of the Art For Kool Kidz program, a charity co-founded by Nancy at Children’s Hospital in Boston. Joanne, a renowned muralist and former animator at Warner Brothers in Los Angeles painted a mural for the hospital that was unveiled at the Anniversary party.

Nancy, Joanne and Cindy met at the right place, at the right time, and Greenie2Steps was born. They have created a company that they consider to be a perfect blend of creativity, imagination, education and fun.

Who is ‘Greenie’? What are some the adventures and stories your characters have to share?

Greenie is a pink elephant from the far away isle of TelleyGreen. This magical island is where Greenie, her brother Garrett and their friends Geraldine the Giraffe, Lenny the Lion and Taj the Tiger thrive in a healthy environment surrounded by clean fresh air, crystal clear water and an abundance of flora and fauna. Greenie’s adventures began when she looked up at the sky and saw a leaf floating in the air. It was an unusual leaf, unlike any that grow on TelleyGreen. She wanted to know where it came from. So began her quest.

She travels the world in her eco-friendly pineapple plane built by her brother Garrett, an inventor. Along the way she meets new friends, discovers new places and learns new lessons about how to make our planet a better place to live.

Your wall art is eco-friendly? What are some of the ingredients used?

We use eco-solvent based inks and water-based coatings in the printing process. Our fabric canvas substrate is made primarily from wood pulp, the naturally occurring primary structural component of green plants that is a renewable resource. The materials we selected to produce our Whimsical Wall Art collection are an eco-friendly solution for consumers that are demanding green products for their families and their homes.

It was mentioned that your art uses a glue that makes it easy to unstick and restick the art on the wall over and over again, without leaving any residue. How does that work?

In fact, there is no glue in the production of our products. The fabric canvas is paste-free, self adhesive/removable and repositionable and can be placed on any flat surface. It has a soft-tack backing that never dries out or becomes permanent. This backing retains its elasticity for hundreds of applications. It will never mar walls, peel off paint or leave residue.

Nancy, Joanne, and Cindy, you’ve each got your own unique background and experiences. Would you mind telling us a little about your background and how it helped you co-found this business?

Nancy:

When I was 8 years old I knew I wanted to be an interior decorator. Today, I have an interior design business with work featured in publications such as House and Garden, House Beautiful and Traditional Home. As a way of giving back, I started the Art for Kool Kidz Program at a hospital for children in Boston which allowed me to see first hand the healing qualities art has on children. I wanted to make art more accessible to children everywhere and help them learn about the importance of taking care of our planet.

As an interior designer, I always liked working on children’s rooms and tried to find wall art that was whimsical, educational and eco-friendly. It didn’t exist, so I decided to make it myself by co-founding Greenie2steps.

Cindy:

As the owner of The Laidlaw Group, a Boston advertising agency and a true entrepreneur, I have worked with many clients who have had ideas and have come to us to help turn those ideas into powerful brands. I have over 20 years experience working with clients that range from small start-ups to Fortune 50 corporations. I have learned to recognize and develop the potential of a great idea. Greenie2Steps is more than a great idea, it’s on its way to becoming a recognized brand.

Joanne:

I learned traditional animation in Los Angeles at Warner Brothers Feature Animation studios. While there , I worked on award winning animation films including Iron Giant, Space Jam and the Tigger Movie. It was an amazing experience . Eventually I returned to Boston and started my own children’s mural painting business. Every year I try to donate one mural to a children’s organization which led to several projects for Children’s Hospital where I met Nancy and began my involvement with Greenie2steps.

Now that we know what makes you so different, what similarities helped bring the three of you together?

Our similarity is a simple one – a shared passion for art, teaching children how to live “green”, and building a successful business. Of course, it helps that we all have strong backgrounds in art and design.

What are some of the lessons you have learned from your business up to this point?

Pick partners with complimentary skill sets. Ours combine business, art and sales and marketing . While we each are strong in our own professions, it is the sum of our combined experience that makes the company work. We’ve also believe that everyone benefits from living on a healthy planet. And we’re learning how much fun it is to hand business cards to two year olds.

As a relatively new business, having just launched at the end of July, I know you haven’t had much time to reach any major milestones yet but what goals do you hope to reach before your first anniversary? What are a few of your long term goals?

Our immediate business goals are to increase brand awareness, expand the product line, establish our affiliate and retail programs, and generate a consistent revenue stream. Our long-term goal is to become a household name by licensing our brand for apparel, home furnishings, accessories and more.

Do the three of you have any advice that you would like to share with any would-be entrepreneurs that might be reading this?

First, love what you do and believe in your ability to succeed. Second, make sure you work well with your partners and have complimentary skill sets. Third, have a professional legal contract. Finally– do your homework.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

When Leslie Rees’ granddaughter was diagnosed with Raynaud’s Syndrome, he decided to have a look into the condition. When he didn’t like what he had found, Leslie created a solution instead. Heatbands are wrist bands that are made specifically for suffers of Raynaud’s Syndrome, although it can be used by anyone who needs an effective way to keep their hands warm. Instead of using an alternative form of heat, the bands make use of the heat within your own body.

What are HeatBands?

HeatBands™ are an innovative new type of handwarmer originally designed for Raynaud’s sufferers, they are very thin, ultra light and unobtrusive they are worn around the wrist to leave the hands and fingers free and warm.

How does it work?

HeatBands™ work by insulating the blood vessels that lie close to the skins surface at the wrist thus preventing heat loss, and by virtue of the products heat reflective core, heat is directed back to the area which has the effect of promoting a better flow of warm blood into the hands and fingers.

What inspired you to create it?

One of my grandaughters Laura Allen had very cold and painful hands and was diagnosed with Raynaud’s disease, she was told by the Doctor there is no cure, just wear gloves. I had previously designed and produced the Mediwrap range of products for patient thermo regulation for the emergency services and for in hospital use during surgical procedures, so I was very interested to research the condition and the products available. I was surprised to find other then invasive surgery and dangerous drugs, only bulky chemical handwarmers and a range of unsightly cumbersome items most requiring some form of activation or warming procedure. My plan was to design a no drug no chemical no activation product that would bring warmth and relief to users without any risk or side effects, I believe I have achieved that with HeatBands™.

What separates you from the competition?

HeatBands™ is the only product that offers a true natural remedy because it does not introduce heat it better utilises the body’s own heat.

How have your HeatBands evolved since your business was first started in 2005?

We have improved the product and the fastening and have seen HeatBands™ evolve from a medical product into a much wider and more versatile product as it has entered the sports market, the sponsorship and promotional market and the commercial market as HeatBands™ are now used by staff of some major food preperation companies and many outdoor workers.

Do you have any goals that you hope to reach over the next few years?

We plan to create a world-wide distribution network, introduce new products based upon the HeatBands™ technology. Make people more aware of safer more natural remedies for many ailments, and to make those remedies more readily available.

What are some of the lessons that you have learned from creating, launching, and running your business?

We have learnt many lessons, one is that generally a contract cannot be relied upon especially if you are a small company with little resources, the major companies and organisations will take advantage of your weekness. Keep your overheads as low as possible. Use your gut instincts. If it seems to good to be true it usually is.

What has been the hardest part of balancing time for your business and time for your personal life?

Your private and business life seems to role into one when you are very enthusiastic about what you are doing, our business is very rewarding as we know our products are bringing relief to many people and their comments and testimonials encourage us, we involve our family and our friends conversationaly in what we are doing most of the time.

What advice would you give fellow entrepreneurs hoping to launch their own business now?

You are never too young or too old. There is no wrong or right time if you wait until the time is right you will be too late. Don’t trust Banks. Get all the free help you can from central and local government run organisations.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Rebecca Winterhalt’s daughter had that problem. Her daughter was still in the potty training stages when she had an accident. Unfortunately Rebecca didn’t have a spare change of clothes on her so she had to borrow a pair of her nephews underwear. As the two children played, she noticed that her daughter wasn’t complaining about her underwear riding up and an idea began to spark within her mind. After much planning, that idea became what is now known as Girl Gotch. Taking advantage of the materials and design that makes boys underwear so great, Girl Gotch has created something that is much “too cute to be boys’”.

Tell us a little about Girl Gotch.

Girl Gotch is a company that designs and manufactures underwear for girls aged 2 thru 6 years of age. They come in 2 different styles; boxer and brief. They were designed after the traditional boy’s brief and boxer, but made ‘too cute to be boys’;)’

What inspired you to create this new type of girl’s underwear?

While I was potty training my oldest daughter, I couldn’t find underwear that would fit her. They would constantly ride up and she was pulling at them and saying how they hurt. One day when she was playing with her cousin, she had an accident and I didn’t have a spare set of clothes, so I borrowed my nephew’s gotch. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but as the day went on I realized that she wasn’t complaining about her underwear. She was running, jumping and climbing and they were staying in place. That’s when I decided that boy’s underwear were fantastic in design and little girls should be able to have them too. That is when Girl Gotch was born.

How many colors/styles do they come in? How much do they cost?

Currently Girl Gotch come in boxes of 3 boxers or briefs. They are available in a tri-colored box containing pink, purple and aqua. They are also available in pure white. I am hoping to have 2 more color lines by Christmas. The underwear retail for $14.99/box of 3. They can be purchased on-line at www.girlgotch.com or at a participating retailer. The retailers are listed on the where to buy section of the Girl Gotch website.

What was the design process like? What went into determining the materials and design that you wanted to use?

The design process was not as difficult as I thought it would be. I bought a bunch of boys underwear and literally took them apart. I worked with a local designer who was really great and she drew up the patterns for me. I sewed the underwear together and shipped them off to potential manufacturers. I had them provide samples in 100% cotton as well as a 95% cotton and 5% spandex blend. From there, I had my daughter play and wear the underwear and then I was able to finalize the style and fabric blend that was perfect for Girl Gotch. I wanted a high quality fabric that didn’t lose it’s shape as they were worn. The small amount of spandex allows for the little bit of stretch for comfort and helps hold the shape of the underwear.

Can we expect to see some new colors or patterns for your underwear in the future?

There are three different color families for Girl Gotch; cool, confident and pretty. The cool line contains the bright vibrant colors where the pretty line features soft pastels. The confident is the white line. There should be an additional cool line and a pretty line by Christmas time.

Do you have any goals that you hope to reach over the next year? Long term?

Over the next year I plan expand the number of retail partners. I also plan on launching into the USA. My long term goals for Girl Gotch is to grow the brand so that it is a ‘lovemark’ for consumers. Girl Gotch will be a household name and if there is a home with a little girl, it will also have Girl Gotch.

What are some of the changes Girl Gotch has seen since it first launched 1 year ago?

Initially, I had planned on partnering with a couple major mass retailers, however I decided that there was a better fit for my brand to partner with many smaller independent retailers. There haven’t been significant changes as I only went to market on May 07, 2009. When I started Girl Gotch, I wrote a detailed business plan and I use it to keep me in line. It is easy to lose sight of your original idea, so I constantly look back at my vision and make sure that all the decisions that I make are true to that.

What are some of the challenges you’ve had to face in business? What has helped you overcome them?

I think that the challenges I have had to face are getting the brand and logo perfect, finalizing manufacturing partners, finding the most cost effective partners in banking, website design to ensure that I can bring my product to market at a competitive price point. Patience, research and the support of my husband have helped me overcome my challenges without giving in to frustration.

What are some of the lessons your business has taught you?

My business has taught me that I can do anything. I have also learned that you can have the best plan and intentions, but there will always be something unexpected that will come up. I have learned that I need to stay positive and not take myself too seriously.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with fellow entrepreneurs that are just getting started?

I would say start with a detailed business plan and do your research. Be sure that there is a need for your product or service in the market before you invest all of your money. I would also recommend that you have the full support of your partner and family because you are going to need their support and help especially in the infancy of your business. Lastly, just go for it. Don’t over think it, just go for it. Someone has to come up with the next ‘it’ thing, so why can’t that someone be you.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Deborah Lowe was putting her baby girl in the car when the metal piece of the seatbelt touched, and slightly burned, her daughters leg. From that moment Deb decided there had to be a way to keep it from happening again. In 2002 she sewed up her first car seat cooling pad. From there she started to make cooler pads for friends and family. Word spread and the orders started to roll in. In 2003 BabyBeeCool was born.

Tell us a little about your car seat cooler pad and what it does.

The main purpose of The BABYBEECOOL Car Seat Cooler is to COOL a car seat for a infant/child or adult while out of the car. The temp inside of a parked vehicle can soar up to 185 degrees F in as little as 15 mins parked in the sun. Look under FAQs on my web “HOT Faqs”.

What inspired it?

The inspiration came from my own child not being able to stay cool in her car seat and a buckle just barely touching her inner leg and turning it red. I’ve since heard from many parents that this has happened to them and their child.

What are the other products sold by your business, BabyBeeCool?

BABYBEECOOL sells window shades to help prevent the sun from coming in and it helps keep the car a little cooler too. We sell the LOGO Stuffed Gracie the Bee plus blankets and bibs.

What colors does the cooler pad come in?

The Original comes in All American Denim and The Universal comes in a beige color.

Do you have any plans to add more color options?

We may, but we found that Parents like the denim and neutral color since it matches most car seats. (QVC was the one that suggested the BEIGE, however we never went on QVC. We were in the AZ Republic, Phx., AZ with Marilyn Montrose from QVC in 2007).

How long will it keep the seat cool for?

Approx. 10 hours in 115 degree shut up. See The Toy Man report [on my website].

How far has your car seat cooler pad come since you made the first one in 2002?

From an idea to being in stores and sold internaional, also Made In China. I use to make them at my kitchen table!!! then here in The USA and finally China.

In what ways has it changed?

We came out with the Universal Cooler Pad in the Spring of 2008 which covers an infant or adults car seat. Prior to that we only had the “Original BABYBEECOOL Car Seat Cooler”.

What are your goals do you hope to reach over the next year?

To maintain through this economy and continue to grow.

What are your long term goals?

To sell BABYBEECOOL, any offers are welcome.

What are some of the lessons you have learned from your business?

I started from the ground up, not knowing how to do one thing in this industry. It is very competitive. People can steal your idea and even if you have a patent change it up 30% and redesign your product. I attend tradeshows where you will see people come out with a very great product only to come back the next year to see them ripped off and someone else with somehing similar. However, this has been a great journey for me and I have learned so much about small businesses, met so many great people, learned to be on TV without being nervous(Ha!), and to just enjoy what I have and take the next day as it comes.

Do you have any advice that you would like to offer other inventors that are hoping to launch a business out of their invention?

If I would have read “Moms Inventors Handbook”, prior to my business starting I could have saved myself the journey of having to dig and look for all the anwers. That book is worth every penny. I think the auther of that book came out with a product in 2005 and her book, my business started in 2002.

I think all inventors should believe in their products, do the research and just don’t give up but be real and accept advice from a mentor, if possible. I have a wonderful mentor that has helped me every step of the way. Elaine Collins Shaw, she lives in Scottsdale, AZ. She is a friend but will tell me just like it is. Listen to the truth and grow. Life is a journey.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Imagine walking into your local store, picking out a cart full of items, and going to the check out line just to tell the cashier what you will pay for each item. Feels like a dream, doesn’t it?

Anyone who has bought from Shoppers Rule knows that it is a reality. Through an innovative system they have in place, shoppers are allowed to pick the price they are willing to pay for a product. While not all prices can be accepted, any price that isn’t instantly accepted will receive a counter offer. Then it is up to you, the shopper, to decide whether you are willing to pay the price. The automated purchase by offer system makes them unlike any other shop that can be found on the web.

We’ve had the opportunity ask Jim Murphy, the president of Shoppers Rule Inc., a few questions about this innovative system, the quilting/sewing supplies they sell, and about his own inspirations.

Tell us a little about Shoppers Rule and your purchase by offer system.

Shoppers Rule opened in 1999 with the goal of being the place to shop for sewing, quilting and embroidery supplies. We developed a unique way to shop by allowing our customers to make offers for the products they wish to buy. When customer’s comes to our site they have usually shopped around and they already know the market value of the products they want to buy. Because of our volume we are able to get the best possible pricing from our suppliers. We also do direct sourcing and in recent years have started manufacturing our own products to meet our customer’s needs. This allows give great value to our customer. Customers are able to enter an “Offered Price” for each item they place in their basket. When they checkout, our software compares the offer on the basket of goods against the cost of the basket. If it meets our minimum, the offer is accepted and the order is completed. If the offer is too low, we let the customer know that we appreciated the offer but it is a bit low. A counter offer is calculated and the customer can either accept our offer or delete the order. It’s that simple! This system allows the customer to interact with us and gives them a measure of controlling their cost. It’s a win-win for everyone.

What inspired it?

It’s hard to believe but when we opened in 1999 the Internet was just starting to catch on and we had to find an innovative way to attract customers. We simply asked ourselves why would we want to buy on the Internet. The reasons that came to mind were, to get a better price, to find products that are not available locally, and convenience. We looked at the websites that were then online and found that most were going after the price motive and were heavily discounting. Others were modeled after brick and mortar stores without any compelling reason to buy from them and without any customer interaction.

We already had strong connections within the sewing industry so we knew we could offer a large array of sewing and crafting products and could compete with anyone on price. However, we wanted to offer more to our customers than the lowest price – we wanted to offer great values and even better service. One thought led to another and we decided that the best price shouldn’t be based on one item; we wanted to give the best value based on all the items the customer was purchasing. This led us to “You Pick The Item, Then Pick The Price”. The system offers value to the customer and they become part of the process.

What are some of the products that you have available in your online shop?

We offer a wide variety of sewing, quilting and embroidery supplies. We also offer a huge selection of garments such as Tee Shirts, Sweat Shirts Golf shirts, Towels and other textile items to embroider. We are one of the largest suppliers of embroidery thread and embroidery backings in the country. We have also expanded and offer many gift and kitchenware items in our shopping mall section.

Which one seems to be the top seller among your customers?

That’s a hard question as it changes everyday. We cater to all types of sewers and each group buys different product lines. For example: Embroiderers buy embroidery thread and embroidery backings and buy all types of products to embroider and embellish. Seasonally, Tee Shirts and golf shirts are hot in the summer and Sweat Shirts sell in the colder months. We also offer the Shoppers Rule Thread Club to our embroidery customer’s. The Thread Club is very unique and very popular. Quilters buy quilting thread and templates. The Hot item for quilters is a Go-Cutter that dye-cuts pieces for quilts.

While you will accept any reasonable offer that someone might give for a product, what happens if his or her offer is below what you will accept?

We never intended that Shoppers Rule become an auction site or for that matter a barter site so we keep it simple. If the offer is too low, we inform the customer of how much we are able to save them through a counter offer. If the customer accepts the counter offer they get a great deal. If they don’t accept the counter offer, the order is cancelled from our system and is never seen again.

Be honest, does anyone ever go through and offer just $1 for something so they can see how low you will go?

Absolutely! Everyone’s definition as to what is reasonable is different so offers are all over the board. We expect that and don’t mind one bit. We feel that if a customer is a serious buyer our world-class service and value will win the day.

How has Shoppers Rule changed/grown since it first launched?

Oh – we have changed – oh my yes! Our “Make an Offer System has been refined throughout the years to make it easier for the customer to use and understand. When we first started, most of our systems were manual and labor intensive so they could not keep up with our volume. We automated the system and have refined the software to make it work seamlessly with our inventory, order entry, and shipping systems. Our Club Special Rewards program was introduced five years ago and membership in this program has grown every month since. Club Member’s are able to purchase selected items at prices far below our normally accepted price. Club Special Member’s also receive reward points for each purchase made and these reward points are redeemable for discounts on future purchases. We just recently shipped our five millionth product. We continue to expand our services as we launched our Shoppers Rule Blog just over a year ago. It now contains volumes of valuable information for our customers and it is our goal to make it the place to go for answers to all your sewing questions.

Do you have any goals that you hope to accomplish over the next year? What are your long-term goals?

We are continuously looking to make the buying experience more enjoyable for our customers. We are constantly on the lookout for new and innovative products and are currently in development of several products that fill needs in the marketplace. We have taken a steady-as-you-go approach to growth so that we can maintain our service level as that is truly the key to our success. Having said that, we do have some very aggressive plans for the future that should result in substantial growth.

Will you ever expand on your offer to buy system and start online shops that cater to needs outside of craft supplies?

Yes! In fact we have already done so. We opened up Shopperstools.com 18 months ago. Shoppers Tools offers an extensive line of shop and mechanic tools to the automotive trade. This site also uses the “You Pick The Item, Then Pick The Price!” system. We are also developing a new site, OurOneLove.com “ A Wedding Store”. Our One Love will offer all types of wedding supplies. This is a great area for us as we are able to use many of our current suppliers for much of the merchandise. We have also been in discussion about licensing the system to other merchants. We are studying the idea and have yet to make a final decision.

What are some of the lessons you have learned from your business?

We have learned that no matter how much you know there is always more to learn. You can never assume that all your customer’s needs are met and that you must always be changing or you will not succeed. We have had to reinvent ourselves ten times in ten years. With the “You Pick the Item, Then Pick The Price!” system you learn to expect that a few customers will be unreasonable. You also learn that in the end, most customers are fair-minded!

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

While it wasn’t the lost luggage itself that inspired Katy Messersmith to create Katydid Collection, she was inspired by its direct result: the need to buy more clothes. Where she was in Ghana, there was no store available to buy new clothing from. Instead she had to go straight to the source, seamstresses. Enlisting their help she was able to have some pieces put together. Inspired by the process and the patterns she started into business by selling fashionable handbags. From there it has expanded to include other accessories and clothing for women, men, and children.

Tell us a little about Katydid Collection.

Katydid began in 2004 as a handbag line and in the past few years has grown considerably and we now have expanded into not only fashion accessories but also apparel for women, men, and children.

What inspires your designs?

Symbols of our culture really inspire me. How I can portray those symbols and magnifying their meaning, but in a trendy way that customers want to be seen in. The most popular ones I have used over the past few years are crosses and fleur-de-lis. You will often see in my designs that I mix a lot of symbols as well such as a crown with angel wings or an iron cross with fleur de lis, etc.

What inspired your business?

The trip to Ghana was inspiring, but in all reality I needed to make more money to pay for student loans from college. So I did what I loved and found pieces I liked and sold them on ebay until I could afford to truly apply my own designs to different products and I grew from there with a lot of late nights and early mornings. I’ve always known that I wanted to work for myself and have always been an entrepreneur at heart, I just so happened to land in the fashion industry.

You were (and are) truly a lemons-to-lemonade type of gal, especially with the way you replaced your clothing after your luggage was lost on your flight to Ghana. What were those early pieces like? What about them helped ignite the inspiration for what is now Katydid Collection?

The first designs were born of necessity while in Africa and they reflected on the vibrant local fabrics. Even though the experience of loosing my luggage at the time was so devastating I often look back and if that wouldn’t have happened I am not sure I would have ever started my own business in the handbag/clothing industry. I was in such a rural area that you couldn’t just go and buy shirts or clothes in a store, you actually had to go to the local seamstresses on the streets and have them made. I just remember waking up each morning and before I would go volunteer at the clinic in Ghana I couldn’t wait to see what creation I could come up with that day. Many of the designs back then were very basic and simple, yet fun and functional and I feel my line has always reflected just that.

How many different pieces/categories do you currently have?

We currently offer eight different categories selling more than 600 products. We started with just handbags and since have apparel and fashion accessories. We also have branched out from not just women’s apparel but men’s and children’s as well.

Besides through your website, where can your clothing be purchased?

We are only in the domestic US for the moment, but our designs and products are in more than 10,000 stores and boutiques across the nation. It’s always exciting to see our products in places we never expected like mall kiosks, festivals, trade days, and home parties.

How has Katydid Collection changed/grown since its birth in 2004?

Our top line revenue has grown exponentially and we continue to grow through this tough economic downturn. Much of our growth can be attributed to focusing on our customers and to us growing categorically with new innovative products and designs. Two years ago we didn’t offer apparel and now it’s our number one seller. Next year could be jeans.

Do you have any goals that you hope to reach with your company over the next year? Any long term goals?

We would like to begin taking the brand to larger department stores and the over seas market has always fascinated us, but there are many opportunities to expand the brand through more innovative online marketing and social media. It blows our mind that there are so many ways to connect with our customers now and all that must be tracked and measured from an ROI standpoint.

What are some of the lessons you have learned from your business?

Always be aware of the consumer trends and what is going to be hot the next season. We are also very conscious as this business is very competitive. Competitors are always looking to take market share by looking at what has been successful for us and doing the same thing. We must always be one step ahead through innovation of new marketing techniques or product designs. One thing that I’ve learned though is to be successful you have to think positive and never give up. I made a lot of sacrifices to get to where I am today, but it was worth it.

Do you have any pieces of advice that you would like to offer anyone hoping to start a business in the fashion industry?

Sure, we encourage anyone to follow their passion, but understand it going to take many long hours and a few years before real results can be measured. Be prepared to push through the hard times and success will follow. You have to have determination and dedication to your business and for the most believe in yourself. Don’t be shy in asking for advice or opinions or talking to others that have proven to be successful.

* statistics from Popular Mechanics.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.