tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3606030799925498912024-02-08T08:51:33.971-08:00Starting a New BusinessFollow my progress at starting my first mini-business.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-69506650891983609602010-02-28T10:00:00.000-08:002010-02-28T10:00:01.741-08:00Motivational Video - JordonWhenever I am getting down I watch this video. Keeps me going!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/45mMioJ5szc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/45mMioJ5szc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-54122261890145583762010-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:002010-02-21T10:00:01.658-08:00If you have never failed, you have never lived!<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y6hz_s2XIAU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y6hz_s2XIAU&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-5255812567682768652010-02-18T10:00:00.000-08:002010-02-18T10:00:04.434-08:00Can we believe what people tell usLong video but, Malcolm Gladwell has written multiple books. In this video, he talks about various highly successful products, that initially received very poor reviews. The main example is the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, but also talks about Coke, Pepsi and All in the Family. Be careful about being discouraged by people telling you they don't like your product. Don't let it stop you from bringing it to market, because sometimes, people won't know why they like, or dislike a product. Interesting video.<br /><br /><object id="veohFlashPlayer" height="341" width="410" name="veohFlashPlayer"><param name="movie" value="http://www.veoh.com/static/swf/webplayer/WebPlayer.swf?version=AFrontend.5.4.9.1004&permalinkId=v657786S7rQ6yae&player=videodetailsembedded&videoAutoPlay=0&id=anonymous"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.veoh.com/static/swf/webplayer/WebPlayer.swf?version=AFrontend.5.4.9.1004&permalinkId=v657786S7rQ6yae&player=videodetailsembedded&videoAutoPlay=0&id=anonymous" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="341" id="veohFlashPlayerEmbed" name="veohFlashPlayerEmbed"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Watch <a href="http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/educational/watch/v657786S7rQ6yae">Malcolm Gladwell (2004) Pop!Tech Pop!Cast - video</a> in <a href="http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/educational">Educational</a> View More <a href="http://www.veoh.com/">Free Videos Online at Veoh.com</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000409&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Hot Offers" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000409&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-61577337596040224062010-02-15T10:00:00.001-08:002010-02-15T10:00:00.315-08:00Legal docs for your websiteAs I get closer to bringing my product to business, I am starting to figure out what needs to be on my website. The three things in particular you need to work on, is a privacy policy, terms and conditions, and returns. Believe it or not, these are not extremely difficult to do, and most major web stores have all three for you to review.<br /><br />So far I have my privacy policy complete, and am working on Terms and Conditions and Return policies. Upon completion, I will have my lawyer review and make changes. In this way you can save yourself several thousand dollars of legal fees, and use the legal work of some of the top attorney's in the nation.<br /><br />I try and keep these policies pretty broad, as most people don't actually read them, they give you more flexibility and if there is a an issue, courts have recognized that having an easy to find policy on your website constitutes people agreeing to them, even if they do not read them, or "agree" to them.<br /><br />Privacy tells people what and how you are tracking information on them. It talks about cookies, what the i nformation is used for, and how it is shared, whether with outside parties including law enforcement.<br /><br />Terms of use talk about the terms and conditions of use of the site, including ordering policies, and the most popular, indemnity and hold harmless. You can have a return policy integrated into your terms of conditions and use and I am unsure if I will have mine seperate.<br /><br />Finally, have a qualified lawyer review all your policies. Believe it or not, changing small words can make distict differences in how people and courts review it.<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000409&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Hot Offers" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000409&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-65260821365530852002010-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:002010-02-13T10:00:00.865-08:00Going from 2 to 50 Million - Gary VaynerchuckFor those of you who do not know Gary V, he took his parents business and made it explode. On the west coast he is a cultural icon and hosts his own vidcast on wine.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="437" height="370" id="viddler"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/68a06f0e/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="flashvars" value="fake=1"/><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/68a06f0e/" width="437" height="370" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="fake=1" name="viddler" ></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000409&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Hot Offers" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000409&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-80850627976797717762010-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:002010-02-11T10:00:02.395-08:00Learning Points when dealing with a contract manufacturerI have received an initial 25 pieces of my product from the factory in China, and to my dismay, its wrong. It's one thing that was done incorrectly and it makes the entire product feel cheap. Now I have to argue with the contract manufacturer to redo the product with no cost to me. I am unsure how that conversation is going to go.<br /><br />LEARNING POINT!<br /><br />When you go to order your product, find out from your contract manufacturer, how to deal with mistakes in manufacturing, and in particular, labor the point, that you will not pay for product that is manufacturered incorrectly. I have a call with them tomorrow to discuss how to solve this issue.<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000409&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Hot Offers" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000409&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-74290357359607347672010-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:002010-01-18T10:00:03.880-08:00Photographs and barteringI picked up the proofs and CD of my images last week. They look wonderful in my opinion. The photographs I had taken include:<br /><br />Photo's to show the functionality of the product<br />Photo's to show scale - I did this in relation to another product<br />Photo's to show the quality of the product up close<br />Mix of photo's showing in use and not in use.<br /><br />When I have my site up and finished, I will be able to have thumbnails for everyone to check out as well as if I want to sell on third party sites.<br /><br />My payments to him were to cover the cost of studio time, proof sheet and CD of images. As we looked at the photographs more, I realized, there was going to need to be some slight touch ups. Instead of paying him another 50 to 100 dollars, he agreed to do the touchups for one of my products. Given that I am thinking of a retail price of $25, that is a significant savings on this work.<br /><br />Don't overlook bartering to make payments as well. Certain of your partners may have clients that are your target market. It is well worth exploring!<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--<br />google_ad_client = "pub-8948615060145335";<br />/* 468x60, created 6/15/09 */<br />google_ad_slot = "1871521035";<br />google_ad_width = 468;<br />google_ad_height = 60;<br />//--><br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript"<br />src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"><br /></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-32851716001297199812010-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:002010-01-12T10:00:04.225-08:00PhotographsOnce you have your product in production, I highly suggest getting professional photographs taken. I recently found a local photographer that was willing to do two hours of studio time for a very reasonable price. He has experience doing commercial work. I did find a photographer that has worked with national clients but to be honest, he was much more expensive. For the distribution channel, this is the best result for me. In addition, he was willing to do all the photoshopping and clean up for one of my products. Barter at its best. It gives me a lot of confidence that people are willing to do 1-2 hours of work for what for me is a nominal price. I am picking up the CD and proofs tomorrow.<br /><br />When you do get photographs done, make sure you are getting full copyrights on the photographs. I have had some want to provide a "license" and maintain the copyright. This is a big mistake and be careful when you look at the contract your are signing. I had one photographer that was out of the running right away as he wanted to license the photo's of my own photographs to me. When I read the contract I was appalled. <br /><br />Essentially I was accepting a license to use print and digital for "marketing" purposes and was not allowed to transfer the license without written permission from the copyright holder. You don't want to lose control of your product so be very careful and make sure when you get a bid for photo's that you specifically state you will maintain all copyrights on the product.<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000560&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Office Depot, Inc" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000560&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=5"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-12188457573470830792010-01-11T10:00:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:00:01.832-08:00There is a wonderful interview at San Jose Mercury news with Max Levchin. If you do not know who he is I am sure you know the companies he has started incuding Paypal, slide and Yelp. What is interesting is all the various iterations his companies have gone through to be he companies they are. Link is here:<br /><br />http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_14128572<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000559&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Office Depot, Inc" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000559&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=6"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-64785703792703033962009-12-26T10:00:00.000-08:002009-12-26T10:00:00.540-08:00Samples and productionAs I had talked about earlier, I had found a contract manufacturer I was working with to create my product. Since I have posted, I have had two samples created. The first one, done from drawings I had created. After receiving the initial sample I made changes and had a second sample created.<br /><br />Needless to say I was blown away with the quality. Of course with that quality comes a higher price per unit, plus import duties and shipping. I have put in my first order of 1000 units, which will take 30 days production time and 30 days on the water.<br /><br />Realize that you, as the small guy, will get less "love" from the contract manufacturer then their established clients. You need to push and push to get them to get back to you. Its a test in the way, as until you order something, you are a cost center.<br /><br />Keep persevearing and you will get your product made. As I get closer to launch, I will let you know how it goes.<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=166833.10000396&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Microsoft Store" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=166833.10000396&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=3"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-80799218156897236772009-12-24T13:34:00.000-08:002009-12-24T13:39:13.769-08:00Long time, no chatI know it has been a while since I posted on this blog. I have been very busy with the business and will catch up with multiple updates. Needless to say I am almost at the point of the product launch.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"><!--<br />google_ad_client = "pub-8948615060145335";<br />/* 468x60, created 6/15/09 */<br />google_ad_slot = "1871521035";<br />google_ad_width = 468;<br />google_ad_height = 60;<br />//--><br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript"<br />src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"><br /></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-49081511655681300262009-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-06T10:00:01.751-07:00Intellectual PropertyYou have a great idea. You want to bring it to market. How do you protect your intellectual property from imitation, copying and outright theft? In the US, and other countries, ideas such as trademark, patent and copywrite are used to protect intellectual property.<br /><br /><strong>Patent<br /></strong><br />"A grant made by a government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time."<br /><br />Patents are best known in the pharmaceutical industry. They invent a drug and get exclusive right to that invention for X number of years. Same thing with Intel and their chips. What many don't realize is under patent law is something called Trade Dress that protects others from copying the visual appearance or use of your product. This is one thing I am exploring right now.<br /><br /><strong>Trademark<br /></strong><br />"A distinctive characteristic by which a person or thing comes to be known"<br /><br />Trademarks include Logos, product names and sayings that are used to identify your product or company. Best known trademarks would include Coca Cola, Disney, Intel and Nike. Anyone can apply for a trademark, but understanding the strength of that trademark is difficult. Trademarks can be looked at in four different ways:<br /><br /><u>Descriptive<br /></u><br />Describes the goods or service offered, such as Computerland for computers, or Park and Fly for airport parking. These tend to be the most difficult to trademark.<br /><br /><u>Suggestive<br /></u><br />Indirectly refers to quality or use of a product. Examples might be, 7-11, for stores open from 7 AM to 11 PM, or mustang for a fast car.<br /><br /><u>Arbitrary<br /></u><br />Similar to fanciful, arbitrary trademarks include names that have nothing to with the product. Arbitraty might be Apple, for computers and MP3 players, or Sun for servers. These along with Fanciful tend to be the strongest.<br /><br /><u>Fanciful<br /></u><br />Fanciful trademarks are the easiest to register, and describe a term that has been coined and<br />had no meaning before the trademark. Examples would include Verizon, Starbucks or Yahoo!.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Primary versus Secondary<br /></strong><br />Your trademark might not be distictive enough for a primary trademark registration. That doesn't mean you can try and get a listing on a secondary trademark registration. While not as strong as primary, over time, that secondary trademark can move up into the primary zone.<br /><br />The best example of a secondary trademark is the shape of coke bottles. Coke bottles have a distictive shape and if you look at Pepsi or Dr, Pepper, their bottle shapes are quite distinct. This is where a competent trademark attorney can help you.<br /><br /><strong>Copyright</strong><br /><br />Copyright gives the author exclusive right to their published work for a set period of time. As of right now, life plus 50 years I believe. Copyright law states unless you specifically exclude it, all your work is copyrighted. But to enforce it, it has to be registered with the copyright office.<br /><br />Most people think of music and movies being protected by copyright, but in reality, the content of this blog, or the content of your web page.<br /><br /><strong>Disclaimer<br /></strong><br />I am not a lawyer and if you have any questions about protecting your intellectual property, you really should consult a competant IP attorney. A lot of companies are out there to help you file applications and do IP searches. You are better off doing your filings early, versus having to deal with the legal fees associated with infringing on someones intellectual property, even if accidental.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=171321.10000016&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Quality Printing for Less at PrintRunner.com" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=171321.10000016&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=14" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-18686187692346287532009-10-05T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-05T10:00:02.271-07:00Legal CounselAs my business moves along, and I try and bootstrap it from the ground up, trying to minimize or eliminate fees is key, as it will be for your small business. But at the same time, I am trying to avoid being pennywise and pound foolish. From the get go I have questioned whether I can get any patent protection for my product. At the very least, I was going to trademark it.<br /><br />Unfortunately, these are dollars that should be spent to at least get adequate counsel. I am glad I did. I met last week with a law firm on an initial consultation. The information I received was invaluable before I paid a dime in legal fees.<br /><br />First, how did I find this law firm? Truth be told I looked up a few of the local legal firms, that are known for their corporate law practices, and sent introductory email messages to them, explaining who I was, why I was emailing and what I needed. In particular I wanted to talk with an associate that specialized in IP, as well as general corporate law questions, and if possible sales and use tax attorneys.<br /><br />First law firm came back to me and said, sure we can meet with you, we charge an initial consultation fee of $150. I was prepared to pay it if I needed to until I reached out to the second law firm. They set up an appointment with one of the senior partners, where he listened to what I was doing, and what I was trying to accomplish. He then put me in touch with a younger associate that specialized in trademark.<br /><br />I talked with the trademark attorney, and set up an appointment to meet with him. Before we even met he gave me some things to look up on a google search so I could understand what I was looking for. All of this at no charge. We met and talked about where I could run into problems, and what else I was looking for. All of this before I got charged a dime. We agreed to let him do some work, maximum two hours at $175 an hour. In addition, he was going to put me in touch with a colleague at another firm to talk patent.<br /><br />These are the type of lawyers you want. Those that are interested in learning about your business. They make it up in more legal work in the future. Right now I am quite happy I met with them, and will continue to use them in the future. Because they are in a less urban area, their per hour fees are quite a bit less then what I would be charged in Silicon Valley. I figured I just got $10k in education on trademark for nothing.<br /><br />My advice, do not pay an initial consultation fee. If this law firm wants to build a business with you, they will take a little time to meet with you and understand your business. At the same time, don't waste their time. Come prepared with your prototype, copies of your logos and names, so that the meeting goes smooth and fast. Remember, in the future, $175 per hour billed in 10 minute increments starts to add up over time. <br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=171321.10000016&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Quality Printing for Less at PrintRunner.com" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=171321.10000016&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=14"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-54316508883694529832009-09-26T10:00:00.000-07:002009-09-26T10:00:00.293-07:005 Minute Business LessonBob Parson, the founder of GoDaddy.com gives you a five minute business lesson.<br /><br /><object width='320' height='195'><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='movie' value='http://www.bobparsons.me/bpblogplayer_embed_320.swf?theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_151_Blog24_640x350_med.flv'></param><param name='bgcolor' value='#000000'></param><embed src='http://www.bobparsons.me/bpblogplayer_embed_320.swf?theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_151_Blog24_640x350_med.flv' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowFullScreen='true' bgcolor='#000000' quality='high' flashvars='doPlay=false&theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_151_Blog24_640x350_med.flv' width='320' height='195'></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=166833.10000245&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Microsoft Store" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=166833.10000245&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-72684256997219995972009-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:002009-09-25T10:00:02.766-07:00Hurry up and waitSo as you noticed I haven't written in a while. I had the contract manufacturer look at the drawings and prototype, answered their questions and they have sent off to the factory in China for initial pricing. I am still waiting! Ughh! How frusterating.<br /><br />One thing to remember is when you find a qualified factory to do your work, you will also be the smallest customer they have. I know they have not received one dime of revenue from me yet, but have also indicated how serious I am at the moment.<br /><br />My advice, is don't get steamed up. I have to calm myself down as I am trying to maintain a schedule. Take the time to work on other things. Meet with your attorneys and understand your obligation for sales and use tax, for filing your trademarks or tweaking your corporate structure.<br /><br />I am trying to meet with a trademark attorney next week, a sales and use tax attorney and a couple CPA's to do my sales and use tax filings. I will let you know my experience with that and my cost when it is said and done.<br /><br />I am trying to have a working prototype by the time I leave for a wedding in Napa a the end of October. It is important to have prototypes as I will have a working session to get everyones take on the product and changes.<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=166833.10000280&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Microsoft Store" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=166833.10000280&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-18807489272543182442009-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:002009-09-09T10:00:02.482-07:00GoDaddy.com - Rules for SuccessA new video by Bob Parsons, the founder of GoDaddy.com on the rules for success in entrepeneurship and business.<br /><br /><object width='320' height='195'><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='movie' value='http://www.bobparsons.me/bpblogplayer_embed_320.swf?theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_163_Blog29_v10.flv'></param><param name='bgcolor' value='#000000'></param><embed src='http://www.bobparsons.me/bpblogplayer_embed_320.swf?theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_163_Blog29_v10.flv' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowFullScreen='true' bgcolor='#000000' quality='high' flashvars='doPlay=false&theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_163_Blog29_v10.flv' width='320' height='195'></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=171321.10000015&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="250 Free Business Cards at PrintRunner.com" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=171321.10000015&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=14"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-53687442169140836302009-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:002009-09-07T10:00:01.493-07:00Contract Manufacturer - UpdateAs you reach out to contract manufacturer's, there will be up days and there will be down days. Frankly, my conversations with the first two contract manufacturers, left me disheartened about this project.<br /><br />The first company I talked to said, go find a designer to make a prototype then we will see if we can make it for you. And oh ya, budget $5,000 for tools, dies and forms. Hmm, if I am gonna go out and have my own prototype built, then I will bid the business to the lowest bidder. At best this was a, if you run through all these obsticles, maybe we can do business with you.<br /><br />The second company, I had more hope for. This is a product they are supposed to specialize in. Their website was beautiful. I provided drawings, and they came back 3 days later and said, sorry, we are not going to bid this project. To complicated. At this point you start to second guess your idea. Stop! This is normal, but will admit, I was at a low point.<br /><br />Finally, I found a local company, in all places a state manufacturing directory. It is close to where I live too. Sent an informational request, and set up a time to go in and see the sales manager. Already I got good vibes.<br /><br />The sent me a copy of their Non Disclosure Agreement that was surpringly in my favor. I made some slight changes, and prepared for my meeting. I created cardboard prototypes and sent an agenda for the meeting. <br /><br />I sit in the meeting, we each sign the NDA, and frankly, it was a breath of fresh air. The salesperson knew what I wanted, we talked about minor changes, material selection, and marketing strategy. We discussed the pro's and con's of various materials, and even better, I got him excited about the product as well.<br /><br />It doesn't stop there. As we discussed more, he mentioned since it will be a virtual business (no storefront), they can warehouse the product for me at a nominal charge, and even handle mail fullfillment. This is great as I had planned to fullfill myself until I had enough volume to talk to a fullfillment company.<br /><br />Even better, he offered to put me in front of third party retailers that order through them already, with the hope of getting a spike in sales volume early. They mentioned bringing the product to trade fairs they participate in. They do this to show their manufacturing abilities, but it is also free marketing.<br /><br />At this point I am completely stoked. I couldn't ask more from a partner. Right now, he is having their designer take a look at my crude prototype and drawings, to figure out pricing. Once that is determined, it should cost me a few hundred dollars to make a few production prototypes and then it is off to the factory for production.<br /><br />Meeting in person allowed him to see my passion and seriousness. It allowed us to talk about the design philosophy, target customer, and for him to see I did my homework. Go into the meeting, with a crude mock-up. The salesman told me, people seldom come to meetings with them, and it is very helpful at determining intent. It also shows you are serious.<br /><br />While production costs are important, find a good partner, and try not to nickel and dime them. Be honest and upfront as they may be able to help you more then you think. As for payment, he mentioned a deposit up front. I agreed we had not progressed enough to look at trade terms, my only request is to pay by credit cards to get my points.<br /><br />As it is, I should hear in a week about initial production cost estimates. We can then tweak design or materials to lower costs. Once we have agreed, they will build a shell prototype, and send material samples. I will then decide on material, and have a production sample created. I expect this to take a month so will update you as things change.<br /><br />Charge ahead and conquer!<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=171321.10000015&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="250 Free Business Cards at PrintRunner.com" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=171321.10000015&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=14"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-55674559839765859582009-09-02T10:00:00.000-07:002009-09-07T10:49:01.472-07:00Rules for success - GoDaddy.comThose of you who follow the technology scene, or have your own websites and blogs, know about godaddy.com. For those of you who don't godaddy.com is a site/company where you can purchase domain names. If you want to purchase yourcompany.com you can go to godaddy, search for availability and purchase it. Godaddy.com is actually Bob Parson's third company he has started. Watch his video where he lays out the keys to success.<br /><br /><object width='320' height='195'><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'></param><param name='movie' value='http://www.bobparsons.me/bpblogplayer_embed_320.swf?theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_159_Blog 28 Fixed Master.flv'></param><param name='bgcolor' value='#000000'></param><embed src='http://www.bobparsons.me/bpblogplayer_embed_320.swf?theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_159_Blog 28 Fixed Master.flv' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' allowFullScreen='true' bgcolor='#000000' quality='high' flashvars='doPlay=false&theVid=http://a1848.g.akamai.net/7/1848/13927/v001/godaddysof1.download.akamai.com/48279/_159_Blog 28 Fixed Master.flv' width='320' height='195'></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=182491.10000030&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Ally Bank" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=182491.10000030&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-79773820997882632652009-09-01T10:00:00.001-07:002009-09-01T10:00:00.621-07:00Contract Manufacturers - UpdateI have now talked with three contract manufacturers. Of those three, one essentially will not be able to do it, but was good enough to put me in touch with their independent design person if I wanted to pay them to design a prototype. One is currently having their product engineer take a look at the idea and figure out how and how much it would cost to produce. The third one I am meeting in person at their design center this week.<br /><br />The one mistake I did make with the first two, is not getting a Non-Disclosure Agreement in place. It is quite easy and you can either 1) find one online or 2) alot of companies have general ones in place that they will sign with you. This is particularly important for companies that produce product overseas.<br /><br />The biggest thing I underestimated was tooling and die costs. One company quoted me close to $5,000 just for tools and set up which surprised me. I will see what the other companies have to say. I will keep you informed.<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=183400.10000029&type=4&subid=0"><IMG alt="iBuyOfficesupply.com Inc." border="0" src="http://ibuyofficesupply.com/images/affiliates/ibuyad_pallet_r98_c5.png"></a><IMG border="0" width="1" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=183400.10000029&type=4&subid=0">Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-40504859167372636582009-08-30T10:00:00.000-07:002009-08-30T10:00:00.254-07:00It all started with an IdeaI was fortunate enough to come accross a story about entrepeneurship, and the pull back of angel investors. This is little concern for me at the moment since I have no need for angel investors. Either way, they talked about one entrepeneur that was able to connect for his novel, interesting and frankly brilliant idea.<br /><br />http://www.zipzshoes.com/home.html<br /><br />It all came from talking with family at a neighborhood party, and the idea became a spark, the spark became the passion, and the passion became the business. All it takes is a spark.<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000297&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Hot Offers" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000297&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=11"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-89366894022249985832009-08-27T10:00:00.000-07:002009-08-27T10:00:02.402-07:00Ben FranklinHow much do you really know about Ben Franklin? He signed both the Decleration of Independence and the Constitution. He was ambassador to France. All of this without a formal education.<br /><br />What is fascinating to me is more about his life as a businessman. Franklin retired at the age of 42 before he ever started doing inventions and entering politics. Some of the inventions that are important and used to this day include:<br /><br />Bi-Focals<br />Lighting Rods<br />Electric Lightbulb<br /><br />He continually invented products, explored and most important, challenged the status quo. That is what we have to do every day, challenge what is expected or known. That is how innovation happens. Below is a link to a great article in the NY Times about Franklin.<br /><br />http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/can-do/<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000297&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Hot Offers" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000297&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=11"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-911505830880945282009-08-26T10:00:00.000-07:002009-08-26T10:00:01.315-07:00Contract ManufacturersAfter much explorations I made my first outreach to contract manufacturers. While I found several on the web, it was old fashion paper that helped me out the most. I went to the local library and found a manufacturing directory. Don't discount your local library's reference section. This was in a local township library that I found it, not a huge big city library.<br /><br />I proceeded to look up the companies and see if they have the ability to create my product. I have a lot of faith in one as on their website they have link directly to OEM/ODM services. You have all heard about OEM's, Original Equipment Manufacturers, think companies like Dell and Apple that make a product. What most people don't realize, is many times behind that OEM is an ODM.<br /><br />ODM stands for Original Design Manufactuer. Ever notice that a lot of your electronic products look very very similar? That is because they are all made by the same "Original Design Manufacturer" in China. Foxconn makes a majority of the cell phones as well as the ipods and iphone. Quanta makes a majority of the Laptops for companies such as Apple, Dell and Acer.<br /><br />ODM's are different than a contract manufacturer, because the ODM will actually take your drawings or concept and design your product for you. A contract manufacturer will just build to particular specifications. ODM's are key for those of us starting out early in business.<br /><br />I will be calling the manufacturers over the next couple of days to ascertain whether they can build my product and for how much. Currently I have asked the question of:<br /><br />Do they provide contract manufacturing services?<br />Can they build and develop protoypes off drawings?<br />What is the cost per prototype development?<br />Material costs?<br />Manufacturer value added if not included? (MVA is a fancy term for labor and B & C components like wired and solder.)<br />Set up and tooling costs and whether existing tools can be adapted? (If they can adapt your tooling and set up costs should be less.)<br />Minimum lot sizes<br />Pricing on small and large lots?<br />Acceptance of payment through the use of credit card? (Important since they would not provide trade terms for a "new company". Might as well get the points.)<br />Shipping (Understand how they will ship your product and when you take risk of loss. Especially important if shipping internationally.)<br /><br />Other questions I will ask is whether tooling and set up can be amortized over a particular production run. I will let you know what I find out so you can ask the same questions of your contract manufacturers. Wish me luck!<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=174585.10000297&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Hot Offers" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=174585.10000297&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=11"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-31854643179693593452009-08-19T10:00:00.000-07:002009-08-25T15:13:44.627-07:00Frontera FoodsAnother example of someone finding their passion, and bringing it to the market. If anyone has spent any time in Chicago, you have heard of, or eaten at Frontera Grill or Topolobamba, two of Rick Bayless' restaurant. Rick has taken his passion and knowledge of authentic Mexican food and brought it to people outside the Chicago market, with his Frontera Foods.<br /><br /><object id="cnbcplayer" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=" height="380" width="400" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="_cx" value="10583"><param name="_cy" value="10054"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://plus.cnbc.com/rssvideosearch/action/player/id/1074147279/code/cnbcplayershare"><param name="Src" value="http://plus.cnbc.com/rssvideosearch/action/player/id/1074147279/code/cnbcplayershare"><param name="WMode" value="Transparent"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value="LT"><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="NoScale"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value="000000"><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><br /><embed name="cnbcplayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#000000" height="380" width="400" quality="best" wmode="transparent" scale="noscale" salign="lt" src="http://plus.cnbc.com/rssvideosearch/action/player/id/1074147279/code/cnbcplayershare" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><br /><br /></object><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=182491.10000030&subid=0&type=4"><IMG border="0" alt="Ally Bank" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=182491.10000030&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-42660755192323306902009-08-14T10:00:00.000-07:002009-08-14T10:00:00.829-07:00Stages of EntrepeurshipA great article on the Amex Open Forum on the various stages of being an Entrepeneur. I relate to these right now and its amazing how spot on it is. Take a read and let me know what you think.<br /><br />https://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/the-world/article/you-arent-crazy-youre-just-an-entrepreneur-pamela-slim<br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=182491.10000036&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Ally Bank" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=182491.10000036&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=13" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360603079992549891.post-4786598755688492312009-08-13T10:00:00.000-07:002009-08-13T10:00:01.253-07:00Tom's ShoesI am sure we have all seen the AT&T commercials for Tom's Shoes. It is a fascinating study in capitalism with a cause. Here is an interesting clip about the start of Tom's Shoes.<br /><br /><object id="cnbcplayer" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=" height="380" width="400" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="_cx" value="10583"><param name="_cy" value="10054"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" value="http://plus.cnbc.com/rssvideosearch/action/player/id/1066299125/code/cnbcplayershare"><param name="Src" value="http://plus.cnbc.com/rssvideosearch/action/player/id/1066299125/code/cnbcplayershare"><param name="WMode" value="Transparent"><param name="Play" value="-1"><param name="Loop" value="-1"><param name="Quality" value="High"><param name="SAlign" value="LT"><param name="Menu" value="-1"><param name="Base" value=""><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="Scale" value="NoScale"><param name="DeviceFont" value="0"><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0"><param name="BGColor" value="000000"><param name="SWRemote" value=""><param name="MovieData" value=""><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1"><param name="Profile" value="0"><param name="ProfileAddress" value=""><param name="ProfilePort" value="0"><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all"><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true"><br /><embed name="cnbcplayer" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#000000" height="380" width="400" quality="best" wmode="transparent" scale="noscale" salign="lt" src="http://plus.cnbc.com/rssvideosearch/action/player/id/1066299125/code/cnbcplayershare" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed><br /></object><br /><br /><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=0VUQc1F99sE&offerid=182491.10000031&subid=0&type=4"><img alt="Ally Bank" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=0VUQc1F99sE&bids=182491.10000031&subid=0&type=4&gridnum=1" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0