FodeoGrowth

Back in the saddle - so to speak

2010-10-27T08:42:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-11-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-07T12:57:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-03-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

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 . . . .

Working with Web Developers

2009-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

After many lessons learned, I've developed some tips I'll list here (mostly to remind myself) of things to look for in a Web Developer/Programmer, as well as tips for working out contracts.

Selecting a Web Developer/Programmer:
1) Always use a referral. Find someone whose site you like, ask other business owners, etc., but referrals are best. I was provided several referrals recently through Rackspace, our web hosting company. I LOVE Rackspace, and highly recommend them for any hosting/email needs. Their customer service is unbelievable! Find them at www.rackspace.com

2) Give a test for the type of programming you require. For instance, we needed some photo upload work done. I wanted to make sure the programmer knew how to program this service before I hired them.

3) Check references. Just because a company appears on a programmer's site, doesn't mean that customer is a happy one. Fodeo appears on a couple of previous programmers' sites that I wouldn't recommend to anyone. In fact, our website has been changed from the original images these companies still show as referrals. Simply call some of the companies on the site randomly and make sure those users are happy customers.

4) "Test" more than one programmer at a time. For instance, with our latest search, we had a list of tasks that needed to be programmed. I spoke with 3 different companies, all referrals, and presented the same info. I then gauged the 3 competitors as to how quickly they responded to the proposal, and whether or not they seemed to be interested in our business. Of course, it helped to have 3 different price quotes to compare as well. Our current programmer has been wonderful at getting the job done quickly, with no drama or hassle. You can find Alex and company at www.WebsiteAtWork.com

5) Give small projects before handing out the big job. This worked well for us in the past. I had a list of small things that needed to be done. By observing the response time and efficiency of the smaller project, I was then able to determine if I wanted a long-term contract with that same programmer.

I recently didn't follow this tip. We had one of the worst experiences with our website we've ever encountered, which could have been prevented if I had followed my own advice. The lessons learned from the experience, however, have taught me a much-needed lesson about website security and the mishaps that can easily be avoided.

Since this post is so long, I'll continue with contract tips in the next post.

Three Months Passed!

2009-03-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

Trade Shows
A lot has happened in the last 3 months. Three different trade shows Promotional Products Association International, BDA (largest merchandise agency) preferred suppliers, and the Photo Marketing Association.

All were different, and we had a great response from buyers for our new FodeoFlip product and the Fodeo Photo Montage Service Package. The Time Capsule seems to be geared more toward the gift market.

We have over 75 promotional distributors patiently waiting for samples of the FodeoFlip, and numerous more retailers ready to buy when they're ready. I had no idea product development could take so long!

Opportunities that rose out of the shows . . . Fodeos have been presented to MLB sponsors of the All-Star Game, and I'm told orders should start coming in during March and April. FodeoFlips are also being considered for stadium giveaways across the country by numerous major league teams. And a meeting was held today with NBC to present Fodeos and FodeoFlips as retail items for NBC.com and NBC stores at Rockefeller Center and airports nationwide.

Now that the trade shows are behind us, I'll try to focus regularly on updating the blog. Please watch in the coming days for info on working with a web designer, tips on developing a new product, and other tidbits I hope you find helpful.

Thanks for checking in!

Busy Season

2008-12-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

Whew. We've been busy. Store sales are holding their own, and we're doing our best to stay on top of projects to prevent having to charge rush fees for our customers that want to deliver very special and personal gifts to loved ones.

2008 Time Capsule Available Soon!
Looking to hold on to a little piece of history? The Fodeo 2008 DVD Time Capsule is exactly what you're looking for! It's full of interesting news events, surprising movie info, top music artists, etc. And each chapter begins with a fun trivia question, with the answer to follow - it's amazing how much our world has changed in a very short time!

The Fodeo Time Capsule will be available on amazon.com January 1, as well as various retailers. You can have a sneak preview now by going to http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O04LF0
If you know of a retailer you think would be interested in selling the Time Capsule, please let me know.

Lots of Websites
I was advised to work on getting our product and our website on as many review sites as possible. There are a ton of them! I had no idea so many websites exist - mom reviews, photo product reviews, baby product reviews, etc. This effort will keep me busy for quite some time!

More to Research - Affiliate Programs
While looking to put a coupon code on various coupon websites, I kept coming across info about affiliate programs. Most coupon sites won't allow you to list a code with them unless you use some type of an affiliate administration program. I discovered this info last night, and just haven't found time to research yet.

By the way, since you're reading this blog, I'll let you in on a little secret. On December 19, we'll be providing a code that will give you 50% off online purchases - Fodeo Custom DVD Packages and photo prints - for 24 hours. Just go to https://www.fodeo.net/specials/holiday-2008/ and enter your email address to receive the code. And send me a note that you saw it here!

Trying to Figure Out Twitter
Anyone know much about twitter.com? I've signed up to follow a couple of interesting people, had my phone authenticated, but still no messages. I'm missing out on a lot of HARO info I'd like to receive, but am not sure what else to do. I just replied to the authentication message I received last week, so I'm hoping to get some help, but I'll take any supplemental assistance available!

Little Things Matter

2008-12-07T23:56:00.000-08:00

I was just reading a blog at www.preemiepresents.blogspot.com and feel compelled to share how Sara Nunn turned her scary experience of giving birth prematurely to her son, Henry, into something positive for other families.

Sara is using her time and effort to collect gifts for families whose premature babies must remain hospitalized during the holidays. Until reading Sara's comments, I never realized the torment it must be not to be able to hold your newborn, let alone go days without being able to see him or her. Sara had some kind comments for our donation of 30 Fodeos to help with her efforts, but you might know of something that could benefit these families as well. If so, please take a look at her blog to see how you might be able to help lighten the burden during a tough time.

Looking Forward

I can't put into words how excited and optimistic I am for the PPAI Expo in Vegas in January. I'm thinking this will be a great chance to kick off our two new products - the FodeoFlip and the Fodeo Time Capsule.

We've got a great new display that will help us look and feel like a real company, as opposed to just a table with some posters and signs.

Many Thanks

A special thanks to Ray and Heather at La Grange Camera in La Grange Illinois. They embraced our Fodeo Custom DVD Package at their shop and promoted it in a big way over the weekend during La Grange's Christmas Walk. I'm interested to talk with them tomorrow to see how everything went, but they were pretty sure the product would be well-received by the families waiting in line to have pictures taken with Santa. We're hoping we were able to keep the kids entertained and less antsy during that time as well!

Way, Way Up!

2008-12-02T14:18:00.001-08:00

Amazing How Things Happen

Remember the sales rep I mentioned in a previous post? It turns out the info we received was "mis" represented, and things weren't quite what they seemed.

In short, we have a meeting scheduled with a "partner" of the first rep that can indeed get the job done. This is exciting for us because we just need to get our foot in the door to show how great Fodeo's product and customer service really are.

Foot in the Door, Indeed!

We received an order yesterday for a prominent celebrity golf tournament (so prominent that we're not allowed to use names or images), as well as Fodeos to be sent to the Superbowl! We're working on that household name thing - you know, the part where Fodeo becomes a household name!

FodeoFlip

The FodeoFlip is simply becoming more and more fun! New designs, new ideas, lots to consider! I can't wait to launch this new product!

Way Up!

2008-11-25T10:22:00.001-08:00

Chris's Big Idea

In our morning meeting, Chris Donato came up with another brilliant idea! At our trade show in January, which is the biggie for the promotions industry, we'll be able to have distributors email a sample logo to us, and then our amazing graphic designers will create custom FodeoFlips that they will email to me.

I will be able to print out custom Fodeo flips right at our booth in Vegas. This will give us a chance to talk with the distributors a second time, plus provide them with a sample they can then take directly to their client. How fun is that?!

Did Somebody Say "Patent?"

I'll back up a bit, though, because that's not the only exciting news. We found out yesterday that after doing a search, the patent attorney we were referred to believes we can patent the FodeoFlip. WooHoo!

I really believe this is going to be a fun product that multiple clients can afford.

Time Capsule Sponsor Needed

We've not given up on finding a sponsor for our tremendous Time Capsule on DVD product. The YouTube contest tied to this product could be an unbelievable promotion for some happy company out there. If you know of any big companies looking for a promotion directed at graduation high school or college students, please have them contact Fodeo.

Okay, back to work!

The Ups and Downs

2008-11-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

This post was started on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Whew.

Getting a new business off the ground is fraught with ups and downs! So let's start with the down of today to get it out of the way.

We met with a very experienced sales rep a couple of weeks ago that was confident he could get our product into small and mid-size photo shops. It's the perfect market for us because they have knowledgeable sales people, and the customers are already interested in photos.

But now we've hit a road block. The owners of these stores aren't understanding our demographic. Sure, there are MANY people that will stand at a kiosk and put together a photo montage, just as there are people that will complete the same task at home. But that's not our Fodeo market.

Someplace in my house, I have an iron. Now, do I use that iron? No, because I know there are people that can do a better and faster job ironing than me, and I'm willing to pay for this service. That's what we are - a service.

So, the best thing would be for me to have an opportunity to speak with at least one of these owners with the sales rep listening in on how I answer their questions, but who knows if I'll have that opportunity.

Now the positive . . . . !

We've found the "magic" material we've needed to create our Fodeo flip! One of our investors, and an unbelievably great friend - Julie Skulborstad, came by today to drop off a new Fodeo project. She was in my office when I opened my material samples that came from China, and asked about what we were doing. I explained the Flip concept, and her response was, "Oh, you need to talk to Steve Kruchko!" And talk I did!

Steve has a guy that can provide adhesive similar to Post-It notes. Combined with a lightweight vinyl, this should work perfectly! I can't wait to see some samples tomorrow morning . . .

Great PR support

2008-11-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

HARO

If you're trying to promote your business, and you haven't heard of HARO yet, definitely take a look at helpareporterout.com I found out about this site from Cindy McClure of dressthedrink.com If you're in the market for a really great "Girls' Night Out" gift, take a look at her site!

Helpareporterout.com allows you to sign up to receive 3 emails per day that all include queries from reporters/blogs looking for products and or sources to be used in their publications. Each day, I think I respond to 5 or 6 subject appropriate reporters, and so far, we will be featured on about 6 different holiday gift guides (most are blogs and 2 are radio stations).

Research has shown that blogs with loyal followers tend to drive more direct business to online stores than national media coverage. It could be that clicking on a link in a blog provides immediate access to the source of purchase vs. thinking "that sounds good, I'll have to remember to check it out."

Savor The Success

Savorthesuccess.com is another site that provides PR opportunities. Plus, if you're a woman running a business, it's geared to our girly side -- lots of advice and tips from other business owners.

National City

Received a call today from National City bank saying they are interested corporately in sponsoring Fodeos for breast cancer walks. WooHoo! This could be a big account given the number of women that walk to raise funds for cancer each year. The fact that our breast cancer demo is pretty emotional definitely helped!

Promotion Is Going Great!

Our promotion of offering a 10% savings on transfer services when you buy a Fodeo Custom DVD package is going over great! Customers are appreciating that they don't have to round up all of their media before the holidays in order to take advantage of the savings.

I think we're going to see some pretty great holiday Fodeos as a result!

Welcome!

2008-11-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

This is the first installment of many to come! Thanks for taking the time to follow Fodeo on our path to providing the most widely used photo product ever developed!

What's new right now? Our website! We're almost there with MAJOR changes! You'll see many functions already working - photo upload, including options to create multiple chapters. Our customers have already begun using the site and are sending us rave reviews!

In the works:

-- 2 new products that came out of focus groups established due to a challenge from Honda.

-- FodeoShare: a website that will offer the top-selling photo gifts, as well as some unique ones we came up with all on our own (well, our investors had some suggestions!)

-- Great holiday promotions available through our retail store.

New Products

Fodeo Time Capsule

This suggestion came from our always creative sales rep, Mike Rapp, and his focus group of Missouri high school seniors who said they'd love to have their year in review on DVD. So we're taking the top stories of the year -- News Events, Sports, Technology, Music, etc. -- and combining it with some basic annual stats: Prices for a gallon of gas, a loaf of bread, an average home, a basic car, etc.

We realize this product also has appeal beyond graduation seniors -- parents of newborns, milestone birthday celebrants, corporate anniversaries, etc. Therefore, we're probably going to offer this product on a wide scale, and you can customize it with photos. Please send a message to me at val@fodeo.net if you have suggestions or would like to reserve your copy!

Fodeo Flip

Our second focus group here in Chicago (Thanks to Ron Meyer, Sean Felden, Megan Callahan, and Matthew Connelly) said they wanted to be able to decorate the outside of their laptops. We've searched high and low for a material that would stick to both metal and plastic casings. My source in China says she has just the right material, and I should have it in my hands by the end of the week. We think it might something similar to the old "Cloroforms" we played with (well, some of us are that old) as kids.

We'll be able to print a promotional 4-color ad on the material, but more importantly, we'll add a 4x6 photo pocket. The product will provide the "decoration" the seniors wanted, as well as the advertising the corporate sponsors want.

We'll keep you posted as the project progresses.