Multi-function Confusion

It is actually amazing how much I have learned in the last 3.5 years of owning These Two Girls, LLC. and running our brand Rain or Shine Kids. When I have conversations with industry people, or even business folks not from the children's industry, I can hold my own now. I understand terminology and processes I had no idea about even 2 years ago. It is very rewarding.

One big thing I have learned about when dealing with large stores (REI, Target, Babies-R-Us, etc.) is that a multi-functional product has a much harder time being placed with these big boys than specific use products. Here is why. Buyers from big box stores have what they call an 'open to buy', i.e., their budget for buying product in their specific category. So a blanket/bedding buyer will only be looking at products that fit into blankets and bedding. Say a blanket product can also be used as a nursing cover, stroller accessory, etc. the buyer is more likely to skip that product and focus on something that fits nice and neatly within their category description. Should they decide to choose the product for the online store, it can be very difficult to have it placed in any other category than that which the buyer purchases for. So although a product might be a stroller blanket, if the blanket/bedding buyer purchased it, good luck getting it listed as a stroller accessory, or carrier accessory. It's crazy. Also, multi-functional products cause problems with big-box stores when they try to merchandise it. Does it belong with strollers, blankets, carriers, nursing covers? This alone can keep buyers from picking up the line.

So, although all the research says parents are searching for good quality multi-functional products for their babies, getting these products on the shelves is harder than you would think. I guess we need to stop thinking outside the box people. OR, you can design both multi-functional and specific...hmmmm.

ABC Show

I just bought my tickets to go to the ABC Kids show in Vegas in September. I have chosen not to get a booth this year, but it is important for me to see what's out there and new in the children's industry. I'll be shacking up with the friends for the 4 nights and am realy looking forward to being surrounded by industry people. Being the sole person running a company can be lonely. I have consultants I use for numerous tasks but it does not replace brainstorming and bouncing ideas off a team. My life has been so crazy with the girls home this summer that I am actually really looking forward to time away.

Doing a photoshoot on Friday! I am very excited to get some new pics. Look for a new all weather WooBee for winter.

Remember...the Rain or Shine Kids all weather WooBee summer sale is over Sept 1. Get over there and score a protective blanket at a great price!

Ah, interns

My life suddenly got better. I placed ads for interns on Huskyjobs.com and found my first intern, Fei. Although Fei is currently in China at a summer internship she has agreed to help me with some smaller projects until she returns to Seattle. I sent her 5-6 photo's that needed white backgrounds and she returned them the next day! It takes me forever to white out backgrounds! It makes me all tingly just thinking about it. The deal with bringing on interns is to have clear objectives for them and the experience needs to add some enrichment to their education...what can you do for them? I can offer interns clear project descriptions, with room to implement their own process to get the desired end result. I do not want to micro-manage someone. The opportunity here is that my interns will be able to list specific projects they were able to accomplish to move my business forward. It's all about how it translates to their resume folks. It has to be a win-win. In the process, you get (hopefully) good help and a fresh outlook. So frickin' awesome! Oh, and incidentally, I am still looking for one or two good peeps. If you know anyone that wants to gain experience in building a social media program or with PR give me a holler.