Beyond the Bus Stop

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Bringing a New Product to Market or Starting A Business?

Do you have a business idea? A product you are working on. How can we help you succeed and reach your dream? Let's support one another in developing or growing our business ideas!

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Permalink Reply by Beth D'Andrea on October 6, 2009 at 8:14am
Hi Everybody! I'm working on a new product. So far I have made a model, and every time I show it to someone, it's gone! This is a great problem to have!

But, the product is time consuming for me to make. I would like to find someone to make it for me in quantities that will allow me to introduce it to a wider audience, and hopefully bring the price down. When I research online, I find I should search for "Contract Manufacturers," but this has been a bit of a dead-end. I've also found Alibaba.com which hooks entre's up with manufacturers, but this seems to be for already manufactured products.

Does anyone have any experience here? Thanks! Beth
Permalink Reply by Laura Kelly-Pifer on October 7, 2009 at 8:55pm
Beth, I was, at one time involved with the printing side of the business. I still do have contacts out there and depending on what you have, could possibly help. Shoot me an email with a brief description and I can possibly help. My email is laura@exercise2day.com

Laura
Permalink Reply by Beth D'Andrea on October 14, 2009 at 11:28am
Thanks! But the product is actually a wooden box with dividers in it...I guess it's really a bit involved! Any thoughts?

Beth
Permalink Reply by Laura Kelly-Pifer on October 7, 2009 at 8:58pm
Hi everyone! I have decided to start my own Virtual Assistance Business. Here is my info...

My name is Laura Kelly-Pifer and I am a Virtual Assistant who is willing and ready to help you with your next project. With over 15 years in a corporate environment, I have learned the skills necessary to complete these tasks. Please contact me (laura.kp@comcast.net) if you would like to discuss your next project.

What is a Virtual Assistant?
A Virtual Assistant or VA, is an individual who provides support services in a variety of areas. They are not your employee but work as an independent contractor and works remotely and not in your office using their own resources.

How can a Virtual Assistant help you?
A Virtual Assistant is convenient! A VA is available when you have work that needs to be done now, and you can pay online with your credit card. A Virtual Assistant (or "VA") can ensure that the entrepreneur or telecommuters who is working in a home office has access to all of the support benefits enjoyed by a business person in the corner office of a major corporation -- without having to hire any employees!

Who can use Virtual Assistants?
Almost any type of business industry can benefit from working with a VA. Here are a few that can benefit most from using a VA.

Real Estate Agents/Realtors
Insurance Agents
Physicians
Speakers, Coaches
Independent Professionals
Contractors
Executives
Entertainment Industry
Marketing Consultants
Web Based Businesses
Startup or Small Businesses
Telecommuters
Attorneys
Consultant

What are the benefits of using a Virtual Assistant?
- No employee-related taxes, paperwork, insurance, or benefits saving you money.
- No extra office space or equipment costs, once again saving you money.
- You only pay for "Time on Task" or by project.
- The ability to stay on schedule.
- Extra staff during seasonal or peak activity time.
- Support on as needed basis, with fast turn around time.
- Weekend and evening assistance available.

A sample of services that I can provide:>
Meal Planning
Creating Shopping lists
Booking Travel
Responding to Inquires via email, snail mail or phone
Customer Service
Incoming/Outgoing Fax Service
Reminder Services
Research Services
Gift Ideas for employees and clients including custom gift baskets
Typing
Data Entry
Social Network Posting and Upkeep
Mail Merge
Labels
Moderation of blog comments
Transposing information onto blogs
Event Planning
Permalink Reply by Suzy Stauffer on October 8, 2009 at 1:15pm
Great! BTBS will need a virtual assistant at some point in the near future! GREAT to know!!
Permalink Reply by Susan Creal on October 15, 2009 at 11:33am
Hi Laura!
I am in need of a VA...how ironic!! Are open to bartering services? I can help you grow your business as I am Business Growth Coach and Mentor for Mom Entrepreneurs. I would love to talk with you! Drop me an email if you are open!
Permalink Reply by Beth D'Andrea on October 21, 2009 at 12:33pm
Hi Again Everybody,

I just wanted everyone to know that I found a great place for information on bringing new products to market:
http://www.uiausa.org/

This is a non-profit that works hard to education inventors - Good luck!
Permalink Reply by Suzy Stauffer on October 27, 2009 at 6:37pm
This is a great resource--thanks!
Permalink Reply by Diane O'Neil on October 22, 2009 at 9:08pm
This is a great discussion topic! I've developed a workshop for teens on how to have a successful marriage in their future. I want to make sure that my kids (and other teens) don't repeat my mistakes. They CAN have one happy, life-long marriage. I've been approaching youth groups at local churches, with no luck. Personally, I think it would be perfect for youth groups - similar to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. But, that's just me! :-) I've also tried Facebook's cost-per-click advertising. I'm considering trying Internet Radio through Targetspot, which seems fairly inexpensive, but I'm not sure that's a good idea. If anyone has any ideas for marketing this kind of product, I'd love to hear your ideas.

Thank you!

Diane
Permalink Reply by Suzy Stauffer on October 26, 2009 at 11:22am
What do you think is the roadblock to youth groups taking this on?

Suz
Permalink Reply by Diane O'Neil on October 26, 2009 at 8:00pm
I'm not sure - I've been sending e-mails to the youth pastors at local churches. Maybe because they don't know me? I'm a little surprised that they don't even reply with a "Thanks, but No Thanks" message.

diane
Permalink Reply by Beth D'Andrea on October 27, 2009 at 1:03pm
Hi Diane,

I've been down this road as I've tried to introduce the concept of bringing finances together when getting married to these types of groups (see some articles on this topic here and here.)

The problem, at least in part, is that their youth groups are too young for this and this topic is a bit too forward for that group. Don't take the "no reply" personally - some people just think you are calling everyone and won't know if they don't call back (easier for them!). You can always combat this with "I'll call you next Wednesday to follow-up on this..."

But in the meantime, the trick is to find the right group. I've had some success through bridal shows, etc., but I know that's not the right venue for your topic. I'm trying to think where this class belongs...would it ever be appropriate as part of a discussion topic for a divorce support group? How long of a class is it? Could it be a Night School class?

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