Back in the saddle - so to speak

Trying this Again!
I think this is my third time at trying to use blogs and twitter to help build Fodeo. I'm completely open to suggestions for anyone that would like to help us move forward and educate an "old dog". Well, not that old!


Design, Design, Design
It was recently pointed out to me that the design of FodeoFlips is crucial. In the past, I thought just the function of the product itself (a unique peel and stick photo frame that can go pretty much anywhere), would sell itself.

Realistically, though, if the designs don't look good, people aren't going to want to display them. Now my search begins for what I've learned is called a "surface pattern designer." I met with a very talented woman Monday, Sarah Frederking, who has done work with Target, Design Design, Wal-Mart, etc. She creates beautiful designs, but we're trying to figure out a way to work together to create a profit for her that doesn't break our bank account.

Our foremost need is college-age designs. We'll be selling at Camex (major trade show for college book stores) this year, so we need to get this right.

We're also working on college licensing.

So anyone have design suggestions? Please send descriptions or even links to designs you would like to see on FodeoFlips. For more info, go to www.fodeoflip.com

Great Workshop this Morning!

Thanks to the Women's Business Development Center, Joanne Stone-Geier delivered an excellent workshop for us retailers on cashing in on holiday sales.

A few tips I walked away with are . . . .

-- Guest blogger (I have some I'm going to ask, but let me know if you're interested)

-- Independent Retail Black Sunday (our answer to the Black Friday big box retailers experience)

-- Holiday offer: We'll offer free shipping on all web orders on Cyber Monday

This is just a sampling of the valuable tips - way too many to mention all!

Beautiful New Showroom

If you haven't stopped by recently, take a look at our fully renovated showroom. Creative and extremely talented Julie DiOrio waved her magic wand (and stayed until 4 a.m.!) last night, and left us with a great new area for customers to shop. Much easier to find our FodeoFlips now. Thanks, Julie!

Working from Home

Home with a semi-sick 7-year-old. I've watched enough "Drake & Josh", "Jonas" and "Hannah Montana" episodes to last me a lifetime. Not to mention the "Underdog" movie we started out with. We're now taking turns drawing jack-o-lanterns, witches, Hanna Montana, and now frogs.

All this while answering emails, creating work lists, experimenting with packaging and giving quotes on FodeoFlips!

Affordable Video Production

If you're looking to add video to your website, blog or trade show booth . . . take a look at our new affordable video production packages at http://www.fodeo.biz/pricegrid.html

Many Balls in the Air

I'm going to try to be more consistent with the blog . . . tough to do with so much going on!

Trendy Kidz Designs - Smiley Faces, Peace Signs and Tie Dye Make a Splash

Our new Trendy Kidz FodeoFlip designs for tweens are incredibly cute and fun! Just go to http://www.fodeo.net/fun-uses/fodeo-flip/fun.asp to take a look. You can vote for your favorite and receive a free 6x8 FodeoFlip by becoming a fan of Fodeo on facebook.

Looking for the Best Photo Gifts

Please let me know your favorite photo gift and why it means so much to you. We'll show case the best submissions in this blog and on our website as part of our upcoming Holiday Gift Guide. Just send me an email at info@fodeo.net that describes the gift, where it came from, and why it is special. I can't wait to see what's out there!

Summer's gone?

Wow!
I always heard that once your children get in school, time goes by fast. Trust me, I had NO idea! The last few months seem like a blur between keeping the kids occupied, getting the word out about our new FodeoFlips via trade shows, auditioning for the TLC/Kelly Ripa/HSN reality show, and all the other things I can't quite remember . . . . .

Lots of new happenings at Fodeo . . . . we offered a 50% off on all services to facebook fans, and boy did they take advantage! Almost $3,000 was saved by Fodeo fans during just the month of August! The first 500 fans receive a free 8x10 FodeoFlip, so if you haven't gotten yours yet, what are you waiting for? Just log in to Facebook, become a fan, take a look at all of the fun FodeoFlips on our website, then email us to tell us which one you'd like us to send - for FREE!

New video production packages are available for businesses wanting to add video to their website/blog, train some employees via DVD, display video at a trade show or otherwise step into the world of technology as it is today. For more info go to http://www.fodeo.biz/videoservices.html

Okay, time to take a break at this point . . . .

It's Raining Fodeos in April!

What fun!  We've gotten a new order almost each day of April, and some really great accounts . . . American Idol, Toshiba, Amazon . . . 

I'm working on figuring out all of the new social media . . . twitter, facebook, linkedin, etc.  There's a lot to know, and I really feel old!

The 50% off "Memory Stimulus" promotion for store business is doing great!  Our customers are getting a kick out of our concept to "Bailout Your Closet" during the month of April.  Not only are we gaining store business, but increasing foot traffic within the store is allowing us to sell more of our retail items.  Much fun!

Yeah, NBC!

Just heard back that NBC loves the Fodeo concept.  I know I promised to give more insight into negotiating contracts with web developers, but I've got to get working on the displays for our tube Fodeos.

Go to www.fodeo.biz to see the look of the Fodeo tubes, which I thought wouldn't be as popular with retailers, but that's the concept NBC really likes - more opportunity for branding than our little red envelopes.

Other news . . . Fry's is also very interested.  I think we'll send them some tube samples as well, just to see what they think!

What do you think?  Take a look at the two packages at www.fodeo.biz, and send me a message to let me know what you think looks better . . . .