Video Game Lessons

I know many have their opinions about video games, but for our family, it started as a fun thing to do together or something the kids could play with their friends.  Now that the kids are not little, it’s not as much a family thing as I’d like, but that’s another story for another day. Today, I want to share some lessons I’ve learned since becoming a video game consumer.

A few years ago I boycotted a local video game store. Mostly, I was frustrated because two stores had merged and they’d seemingly become a monopoly. This did not sit well with me. No more competition. Why was it this

 

How I helped pitch pet toy idea to QVC & won most innovative product for 2005

Are you looking for ideas of how to pitch your product to QVC ?  Here’s my experience, which I hope helps you reach your dreams:

When we first entered QVC‘s headquarters in Pennsylvania, we were surrounded by hundreds of other “hopefuls” who’d also entered the contest for “QVC’s Most Innovative Product for 2005″.  I was with my good friend and inventor, Janet Brown- Smith, who’d invented an amazing pet toy called Chase-It.

We looked at all the other inventions in awe – there were some interesting ones – but we had to focus on our pitch.  We had practiced the night before and in my mind, I knew our pitch was rock solid.  We brought the Chase-It with us, of course, and we brought a DVD player which would demonstrate a short footage of the Chase -It in action.  The video clip was perfect and even included my little dog, Max, who loves the Chase-It.  After waiting in our designated line for a few minutes,  we were next.

Rectangular tables stretched across the large room and Janet and I stood on one side while the judge stood on the other.  We knew we only had a couple of minutes and we dove right in.  It was actually a pretty simple concept: first, we told her what we we going to do – show how the Chase-It was a perfect fit for the QVC (quality, value, convenience) message, how it is innovative, current and marketable; then, we proceeded with the quality -hundreds of benefits to pets, dog trainers and owners; we proceeded with the value – how it was made and warranty and convenience – simple to use and even has special ergonomic handle; then, we showed the short video, which was impressive.  Last, we reiterated what we just said.  The judge had a poker face, but I could tell she liked it when she smiled as she held the product.  It was over within minutes.

In a nutshell:  tell them what you’re going to do, do it and then re-iterate what you just did.

Pitching a product is not so hard if you believe in the product, which we did.  Of course, it has to be the perfect fit for QVC – quality, value and convenience – and something they are looking for.

After what seemed like forever, we got the call and Chase-It was picked as one of the most innovated products for 2005 by QVC!  In fact, it was featured on QVC twice and today, it’s in several stores across the country as well as online.

I’m proud that I was part of that experience and welcome any questions about pitching a product idea to QVC.

~~Maggie

Here are just a few online stores that carry the Chase-It:

Clear Run

Pet Expertise

Shower Your Pets

Helping Udders

 

Sold!

Recently, I’ve become a bit obsessed with selling stuff – on Craigslist, that is.  If you’re not familiar with the site, you have to check it out.  Basically, it’s like having an online garage sale.  LOVE IT!  My first sale was actually for a large item — our 5 year old swingset.  At first, I had a lot of “tire kickers”.  Then, just when I was considering donating the damn thing to a church or something, WAM!  We sold it in three weeks!  The deal was mutually successful — actually, we practically gave it away if you compared what we paid for that thing.  (Of course, it was bittersweet seeing her go — we had a lot of sweet memories on those swings).

The other things I’ve sold, so far, are LEGOS!!  My son collected legos practically since he was old enough to grasp them and the collection seemed to exponentially multiply for about 8 years.  So far, I’ve sold $100 worth.  Not too shabby for a few clicks on the computer and camera.

I also donated a few to the Kindergarten class at the school where I work.  Their faces were so full of wonder and happiness at the sight of the lego people and other cool pieces.   Hmmm…this inspired me to go back through the pile that’s left and see what else I can sell…..

~~Maggie