Sears and Best Buy: The Beginning Downfall of their Corporations

by Karen Maeby Posted on March 31, 2012

As I was looking through the LinkedIn articles I had on my iPhone app, I saw THIS article and became interested enough in writing about it.

Basically what the article is saying that Sears is becoming more like Best Buy – a retailer whose been around for a while – and now is in trouble (or, should say, has been for a while) in this shaky economy.

Back a few years ago, in my retailing career, I used to work inside Sears’ Lands End. Let’s just say straight out – I hated Sears. Our Sears was always portrayed the same way – hot, very hot, and slightly uninviting. It was where the “older” crowd went. Sears was the place where the crowd walked through to get to the other side of the mall but never to really stop around and look. It wasn’t hip enough for 2/3rds of the mall goers.

Remember Montgomery Wards? This will be Sears in a couple of years. In my opinion, Sears isn’t making it as a large box store any more. They lack fashion and focus and they just can’t keep up with today’s market.

Now, I must say I haven’t been in a Sears in a while and haven’t even looked online to see what they have to offer — but I am saying this from experienced. As suggested in the article linked above, they should find focus in on their tool and housewares departments. Often when I think about Sears, I think about appliances, so?

Best Buy. Oh boy, Best Buy. Okay, so I admit we go to Best Buy to look around and possibly get something if it’s… NOT *any where else* if we need it like asap or if we come across a great, quick deal.

Best Buy is a repetitive box store that will soon be obsolete. Their prices are way too high and the online retailers are often the competitors (regardless of what people think about this). Do you have a list of electronics to get or dvds or accessories? Well, look online first at Amazon or NewEgg – boom! You’ve found a much better deal about half off or more. Need a computer fixed? Yep. Don’t go to Best Buy’s rip-off Geek Squad, go to someone local for a lower cost or for free. Seriously. If you’ve been going to get your computer fixed (or simply looked at) by Best Buy, you’re soooo getting ripped off.

Prices within retail need to reflect the economy. You’re in competition with a whole lot more companies when people have to scrape by and decide on where to spend. What will YOU do Best Buy or Sears to get customers to walk in and spend their money in YOUR store?

Fix your outdatedness. Change. Make more changes. Turn your companies around because soon.. you probably won’t be around to do much more.

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I am now officially back writing on PitchmenEnthusiast.com!

by Karen Maeby Posted on March 31, 2012

Wow. What a long, long road it has been to get back to writing here.

For those who have kept up with this blog, even while I haven’t written here, bless you. Thank you for staying and thank you for reading. I’m going to certainly try to put out excellent articles from now on.

So, the big question of: where have I been?

I have been busy with working with being a part of a start-up company. I can see you nod your head there, yep! You totally understand why I had to abandon this blog. 

So here goes: I have been a part of the (start up) company I am working for since October. When I came to work with my boss, he wasn’t sure if it was going to be a small or big opportunity. It turned out (very quickly) that it was going to be something big. Lots of bits and pieces came together and fell apart then my husband came to work with us at the latter part Nov/Dec. And, it’s been full blast since.

Patience is a HUGE key part in someone revving up their own business from ground up. And, if you know me, I am not the patient one.

It took forever to find a building. Then, once we did, it took forever to set everything up (offices, rooms, construction on the building, trying to figure out the plans, phone system/Internet, shop and so on.)

While writing this, I have to take a step back to look at where we had been at “point a” and what obstacles we have climbed through just to get to this “point “b”.

Not really in any particular order. My thoughts:

1. First thing is first, if you have all opportunities knocking at your door (and on your side) to start up a business from scratch – IT IS SO WORTH DOING!!!!!!!!!!!!! You do NOT have to go in and clean up after someone, you can do it right the first time (if you do things right, that is) and if something doesn’t get done… guess who there is to blame? That’s when you will figure out what kind of worker you truly are.

2. You get to do things YOUR way. Yes, if you go in and partner with someone or several someones then you have to negotiate whatever it is – but still – you get to do things your way and if you don’t have a way you get to make up things as you go. I remember all of the company policies or having to do something “someone else’s way” and most times, they didn’t allow or acknowledge new creative point of views. It was frustrating as I have too much creativity and business-sense to follow someone else’s bad direction.

3. While looking for a retail/office space, you really need to know what all you are looking for in an office. Such as, we knew about how many offices we wanted, that we needed a huge garage area, showers, place for a retail store in the front and so on. My boss looked at several places before we were able to put bets on this one as “the one”. If you aren’t a tiny ounce sure it’s what you want, it’s not. Playing the waiting game isn’t fun for those involved (especially ME, who wanted to move into an office about 3 months ago). When you find the perfect place, you will know it.

4. When you think that you have the perfect employees, you might — but you might not. Be careful how you get the employees and that you do not destroy bridges that you might need later. Also, the perfect ‘pull in’ employee might not work out instantly but you might find the perfect one thereafter.

5. Have a plan. Then another, then be prepared to scratch that and make another plan. No plan you make will go accordingly to… as planned. You will have to rethink your strategy several times due to bubbles in your timeline of when things are supposed to be completed.

There are several pointers I’ve thought to myself about helping build a business and there’s too many to just include in an ‘welcome back’ – don’t want to overwhelm anyone!

We’re still at the beginning and it’s been a very cool and interesting ride so far. When we finally get our business open, I’ll update more along the way.

Now, I can officially say I helped close down a business (Goodys in 2008) and helped open a business this year.

Very cool!

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1) Great people/products I’ve been supporting since Pitchmen came out. 2) Do you need help with your business? Let me help you!

by Karen Maeby Posted on December 10, 2011

As you all know, in the direct response world, those people (friends) I meet will always be a part of me and I will always think of them often. This being said about the people that I find that have products, as well.

After Pitchmen season one was over, everyone involved with Pitchmen (Sully, Arwen, etc) would post things about the ERA event going on in Vegas. People with products go there to pitch them to companies, it’s also a GREAT networking source, as well. (And, it always been in my (and my husbands) interest to go to that event… one day!) 

While in my divine on-going interest of this event, at the time, Livemercial was around and I was lucky enough to be talking with some of the insiders like PitchToThePros. They were amazingly patient with me when I told them “HEY tell so n so I said HI!” or “What’s going on?! What product is that? Who is that?” .. and so on. I had a lot of fun learning about that. LM would have a long list of little clips where Jennifer Crawford would host the product and find out what it does and everything.

Not only did I find some amazing friends on Twitter by looking up the product found on those videos, but I found some amazing friends AFTER the show, before the second season, after the second season and when I started this website (and when people found me via my personal site talking about Pitchmen).

Now, with Christmas being around the corner, the following items listed below are GREAT gifts to give!

During the ERA event, I found these friends (with products):

PORTAPOCKET – Kendra  - I’ve been following her since day one after seeing her on that Livemercial video. Her website is www.portapocket.com. Her product is used to replace having to put your cell phone/credit cards/keys in your bra if you don’t have pockets and don’t want to carry a purse. It is also wise to have if you are traveling in dangerous areas that you may end up getting your purse stolen, you definitely don’t want to have your phone/credit cards stolen. If you go to her website – she has a blog and can be found via Facebook and Twitter. You can also order the product via her website.

CELLY SMELLYS – Jessica – Celly Smellys are cleaning wipes for your phone, or can be used to wipe any personal electronic device (as recommended). They come in 4 scents, as seen on her website www.cellysmellys.com. You can order via her website or buy at various places (you can find those places on her about page). CellySmellys was just offered a spot at Burlington Coat Factory a little while back, so go look for it! Like all, you can also find her updates on Facebook and Twitter.

SASSAB – Tracy – I have been following Tracy for a long time. From the beginning she’s had products and talked about them, but we finally got to see one of her products come out about a few weeks ago. SassaB – the newest and hottest trend for kids/teens! It’s linkable charms for your hair. www.sassab.com You can actually purchase her product via Amazon.com. She’s also on Twitter/Facebook, so look for her! This item, in particular, is the AMAZING stocking stuffer for your teen/pre-teen/or little girl! They will LOVE IT. :D

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BANOODLE – Tania – I haven’t talked to Tania in a while, but her product was AMAZINGLY clever! You place the BaNoodle on the bag, roll it up and clamp the sides in. And, wah-lah – the food will say fresh and closed! This product was introduced on Pitchmen Season 2 but was sold on HSN with Sully pitching it. I’m not really sure what’s going on with this product right now, all I know is that I love both of the ones that I have! We roll up our chips with them and they DO stay more fresh than with the flimsy chips clip!

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FAN*NY SEAT – Becky – She doesn’t have a product out in stores but she has a prototype. I’ve been friends with her for quite some time, and have enjoyed talking about Pitchmen Season 2 and Shark Tank with her! It’s also amazing to be able to see some of the stuff she’s doing and following her story along to getting her product out on the shelves. I sure wish her the best of luck – as you know, it’s never over.

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ZIP N HANG – Dorota –  I also haven’t talked to Dorota in a very long time either, but see that she’s getting along well via her FB. She found my other website (www.karenmaeby.com) when I had the full list of Pitchmen products up, she left me a comment, and she told me about her product. I’m very glad she did. What is this Zip N Hang? Her product replaces the hook that you put a wreath on, or any other items you hang off the door. Her product does NOT damage the door like other products would. Buy 3 get 1 for free, $12.99 up on her website www.zipnhang.com GO NOW!

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(Disclaimer: the above list are only of friends with products, I have made so many more friends that’s IN the industry without products, that only pitch them or are just friends of the show. So if I forgot you, I’m sorry! Plus, as you can see, I go on marketing sprees and like to market my friends when I get a chance every few months!)

Having said the above, I am ALWAYS looking for new and more inventors/products/business/entrepreneurs to follow. If you have suggestions, please let me know.

ALSO, even in my already busy schedule, I am looking for people who need help with their business or product – mainly ones who need advice. I WANT TO HELP YOU! I had an epiphany the other day regarding something that I want to do in the future and this will help me gain on evidence that it will work. I’m always going to be real with you, I don’t like anything less than that.

What makes me credible to help you? I have had four years of retail experience (4 stores, 1 year of management at 2 different stores), so I know the backhand of how retail AND business works. I was an eBay seller and administration for a guy who owned his own business for two years. And now, I am the Vice President, marketer and administration of the current company I’m working for – SDSkis. (I am also making my own brand with my name Maeby – as a published author, photographer, designs, blogging and anything else I can get my hands into doing. I am currently selling on eBay myself.) Over many years, I have studied and practiced (on my own and some in school) these subjects: writing, graphic design, photography, selling (as far as hands-on retail, other jobs), business math, marketing, business in itself, direct response industry and so on.

There’s a lot of things I keep up on with practice and reading. I have a lot to offer you just based up on my knowledge, so please give me a chance to help you! (Yes, for free.)

Need advice for your product? Let me know. Have questions about marketing? Let me know. Don’t know if your product is already out there or if it will stand out? Let me help you.

I’m here, even if I’m busy, I’m here – because I’m nice and that (what I’m offering you) is what I like to do.

Help me help you.

Feel free to leave me a message here if you need help!

(PS – please recommend me to anyone you may know in need of help, as well!)

Posted in Inventors, Pitchmen, Products | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A line or two of how to get on track of properly branding yourself, your company, and name.

by Karen Maeby Posted on December 7, 2011

While working on items/logos/graphics for the company I’m working for, I decided it was time to write something about branding.

Branding is a way of marketing and if you can’t market your brand correctly, then you’re pretty much going down fast.

A couple of weeks ago while coming up with plans on developing ideas further, I wrote down that we needed a tag line. One that will catch someone’s eye or make them sing a jingle in their heads that make them remember us. By accident, I came up with the tag line the other day while mapping out the sticker that I’m going to make for our boxes. It might be cheesy, but it’s completely smart and will make people remember us.

As I read a LOT of magazines, articles and watch a LOT of shows that talk about marketing, direct response, writing, business and law…all of which helps what I’m doing, I am taking note of the most important ideas and basing my “to do this” upon that.

To me, the logo must be nice enough to always keep and never change. People build trust, when something as small as the logo changes, then boom…your company has an issue.

Customer service is the biggest branding, ever. Treat your customers well. Let them have several ways of contacting you, and work deals with them. The more you help them get what they want, the more they’ll be coming back to you in the future. They might also suggest people to you.

Give out free items with your logo on it. Even though people may toss it aside after they’ve used it a while, it may help in the future.

While thinking of this, I keep thinking of branding myself. It’s difficult because I’m trying to focus on the work (our) business is doing but trying NOT to lose focus on my brand… even though I am doing that, sadly.

PITCHMEN ENTHUSIAST was supposed to be a brand a part of “Karen Maeby” representation, KAREN MAEBY [dot] COM was supposed to represent me as a whole and MAEBYS TREASURES is also a part of “Karen Maeby” representation but ONLY for selling items and eBay-focused business. Yes, I have a lot going on.

What I wanted to do with my brands?

I wanted this blog (PE) to be so business-focused and I wanted to be known for it. That hasn’t happened yet because I haven’t had the chance to write an entry every day and find lots of people’s business blogs to comment on. I wanted it to actually be focused on the direct response industry but then have topics of everything.

“Karen Maeby Bates” brand was focused solely around writing and photography and anything artsy. I wanted people to KNOW me by my writing instantly and photos with my name on it has to speak poetry without the words. I put “Maeby” on my work because… (here we go with the tag line) ‘It’s never yes or no, it’s always Maeby’ or ‘Maeby, yes or no.’ No other one person has the name of Karen Maeby. People WILL remember that name because it’s unique. My work is also unique (only because I fight to do things difficult and the hard way but it always turns out the best). Not to mention, the whole pirate theme with me (21st century meets vintage pirate hooker/old soul). People will remember me if I am unique enough to the eye, mind and soul.

Maeby’s Treasures (which actually used to be ‘likemybooty’) – I changed because I wanted “Maeby” in the title. While my main site is pirate-themed, ‘treasures’ is also under that category, so it only makes sense. I want the unique part of my name on something that I’m selling so I can develop those customers and my brand.

Now that I’ve said all of that, I’ve found two fonts to represent me (one business, one fun). I’m making logos (or headers) and trying to stick with it. I’m trying to make schedule to keep writing, I will have business cards some time to promote. I already have a book out, all of my photography is out on sites with my name on it (and more to come), I am trying to develop more design with my name (like, sketches, clothing, etc) and other things. I already have a good base on eBay.

While helping build our brand for work, I’m trying to make following examples for my own stuff. It’s coming out good. I’ve redesigned the banner on this website, on KarenMaeby.com and I do have a new template/banner on my eBay one.

One step at a time….

Posted in Pitchmen | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Pointers on how to make your product successful and marketing your idea.

by Karen Maeby Posted on December 5, 2011
While helping a friend out about a business issue, I came up with some pointers that I thought would be important to make mention in my blog this week. These are the pointers that everyone SHOULD know – but sometimes forget – while caught up in the moment of their business / product.
If you have a product prototype (or even an idea that you haven’t *yet* developed), here are some key thoughts you should really pay attention to before submitting your product to companies:
  1. Stop. Think about your product. Come back. Ask yourself this, ‘What problem does my product solve?’ 
  2. Then ask yourself ‘What purpose does my product serve to the consumer?’ 
  3. Next, if your product serves a much needed purpose, does it pass the ‘is there something out there like it or is it totally unique’ test?
  4. If it’s NOT unique, then ask yourself ‘Will it be a better product than what’s out there? Better enough for the consumer to throw out their old product and replace it with yours?’ 
  5. Also, please please please – if your item isn’t unique – do your homework and find out how they differ from others that are out there. Use that as the key to point out, and hook the viewer. (Also check for trademarks and names to see if your name hasn’t been taken.) —- This stuff should be the number one thing, but I’ve seen a few people forget about this, as they were really happy about their product.
  6. If you plan on submitting your product to the direct response industry where they use commercials to sell, you MUST remember that your product has to be TV friendly.
  7. How do you know if your product is TV friendly? They have to properly prove on TV (and have people believe it works). They have to come up with a few different ways on proving that it works.
While being a part of a business from ground up, I am the marketer of this company. Here are some thoughts about marketing….
  1. I’ve heard it said to me a couple of times, by my boss, that ‘don’t get too caught up into doing work that you forget about your job.’ My “job” is to be vice president, the marketer and administration. The “work” is taking photos of items to put up on eBay and the entire business that deals with that, as well as some other stuff.
  2. Marketing – from day one, YOU MUST START MARKETING. If you *only* market when your product comes out, you’re actually way behind and you’ve lost “x” amount of time. It’s not very professional.
  3. Graphics – make sure you make a graphic (logo) that you like and stick with it! If you change the graphics and any other stuff that your customers are more liable to not continue following you.
  4. ^ That above: If you have to change your logo or your name or something significant of your company, you LOSE customer trust. This being said because they wonder WHY you’ve changed.
  5. If you make it right the first time, you save yourself a lot of trouble. Minor changes can come later and it’s not so significant.
There’s lots more thoughts but tonight is the night for a few pointers.
Posted in General Business, Inventions, Marketing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment