Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609

Murphy Underwear Engages dP Design to Create Graphic Art for Spring-2012 Brand Launch

Premium Underwear Features MX-P Anti-Microbial Moisture Barrier Technology for Extra Confidence

Hattiesburg, MS  Boyd Murphy, creator of Murphy Underwear announced today that his Company has engaged the services of Cincinnati-based dP Design to create the visual Branding elements for the upcoming retail introduction of his line of luxury men’s briefs and boxer briefs enhanced with MX-P Anti-Microbial Moisture Barrier Technology.

“We reviewed many options presented by our Managing Consulting firm Duquesa Marketing”, said Mr. Murphy. “dP Design stood apart as a Graphics Arts firm with a unique understanding of our product and the fashion market we will be entering. We are excited to be working with Diana Puppin and her group”.

“My firm has worked on a number of luxury product launches with Duquesa Marketing”, said Diana Puppin, Pres. of dP Design.“When the Murphy Underwear project was presented by Nancy and Geoff Ficke we recognized that this product was so much more than just another men’s underwear item, but a real breakthrough in comfort and new barrier technologies”.

Murphy Underwear, featuring MX-P Anti-Microbial Moisture Barrier Technology will be introduced to better retailers and haberdasheries during Spring-2012. A complete menu of launch activities, trade shows, sales promotions and special value packaging is being finalized and will be unveiled shortly.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

January 12, 2012

Contact:  Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609

Duquesa Marketing Appoints Defined by Design to Develop Graphic Art for Pedi-Protexx Cosmetic Accessory

Packaging, Display, Branding, Web-Site and Trade Show Visuals To Be Produced to Support International Product Launch in Spring-2012

Florence, KY     Nancy Ficke, General Manager of International award winning Branding and Consumer Product Design and Development firm Duquesa Marketing announced today the her group has appointed Melbourne, FL based Defined by Design to create Graphic Art elements for the launch of Cosmetic Accessory Pedi-Protexx.

“As Managing Consultants for the Pedi-Protexx project we reviewed a number of candidates to assist us in creating the visual Branding elements we will need to take the line to market”, said Mrs. Ficke. “We were most impressed by the vision Linda Walding and her firm Defined by Design brought to the project”.

“Dr. Barbara von Mettenheim, founder of BvonM LLC and creator of Pedi-Protexx has crafted a wonderful, simple, elegant solution to a problem that many women experience”, said Alexis Bruning, VP of New Business Development for Duquesa Marketing. “The Graphic Art element for this project is crucial to ultimate success and Defined by Design is proving to be a wise creative choice”.

Duquesa Marketing will be announcing shortly an aggressive launch calendar for the Pedi-Protexx line of Cosmetic Accessories. The Brand will be introduced in an international venue and will enjoy excellent sales promotional support. The Business Plan is for a Spring-2012 roll-out.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609

Dr. Nemi Rx Appoints dP Design to Create Branding Graphic Art Elements for Spring-2012 Launch

Medical Aesthetic Skin and Under-Eye Therapy Regimen to Be Introduced at Prestigious COSMOPROF Bologna March 9-12, 2012

Atlanta, GA      Dr. Ajit Nemi, developer of Dr. Nemi Rx™, announced today the appointment of Cincinnati-based dP Design to create the visual graphic art Branding elements for the March launch of his range of breakthrough Skin and Under-Eye Therapy products. The line will be introduced to the world’s largest International Cosmetic and Beauty trade show, COSMOPROF Bologna.

“After reviewing a host of candidates with Duquesa Marketing, our Managing Consultants, we found it to be an easy decision to contract the services of dP Design,” said Dr. Nemi.
“Diana Puppin’s group has extensive experience and creativity in crafting excellent Branding visuals for high-end fashion products.”

“Dr. Nemi Rx™ presents an interesting creative conundrum,” said Nancy Ficke, General  Manager of Florence, KY based Duquesa Marketing. “The treatments he has developed are used in his practice to treat patients. So the Branding must support a luxury, topical Skin Care strategy blended with a serious Medical Aesthetic provenance. This requires a deft graphic touch to achieve our goal.”

“I am thrilled to have been chosen by Dr. Nemi and Duquesa Marketing to manage the creative Branding design elements for the Dr. Nemi Rx™ project,” said Diana Puppin, President
of dP Design. “The international launch of the brand to the most sophisticated beauty merchants in the world simply adds to the luster we need to build into the graphic design package.”

Duquesa Marketing
www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

January 11, 2012

Contact:  Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609

Duquesa Marketing Announces Visual Branding Partner For Launch of Medical Aesthetic Skin Care Line

dP Design to Create Graphic Art and Design for Packaging and Sales Collateral for Spring-2012 Launch of Dr. Nemi Rx™

Florence, KY    Nancy Ficke, General Manager of award winning international Branding and Consumer Product Development firm Duquesa Marketing announced today that her
consultancy, acting as Managing Consultants for Dr. Nemi Rx, has engaged the services of Cincinnati-based dP Design to develop graphic art elements for a Spring-2012 launch of this
Medical Aesthetic Skin Care Therapy.

“We manage a lot of high-end, luxury goods projects in jewelry, cosmetics, skin care and fashion”, said Mrs. Ficke. “It is most important that the Branding and visual design elements support the exclusivity we require when entering couture. dP Design always provides us, and our clients with an elegant end-design”.

“Dr. Nemi Rx is a bit unusual in that unlike most Skin Care lines, his is a Medical Aesthetic regimen developed from treatments he uses to care for patients in his practice in Atlanta”, said Alexis Bruning, V.P. of New Product Development for Duquesa Marketing. “Design cues must be upscale and fashionable, but serious as well, to reflect the medical heritage of Dr. Nemi Rx products”.

“We have used dP Design often for fashion projects and have always received excellent creative production”, said Geoff Ficke, President of Duquesa Marketing. “The Dr. Nemi Rx line will be unveiled at the most prestigious Beauty Expo in the world, COSMOPROF Bologna, so we must have the best possible visuals and sales collateral for this sophisticated international buyer”.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

January 2, 2012

Contact:  Geoff Ficke

gficke@msn.com

Murphy Underwear Retail Launch Set for Upcoming Magic Show in Las Vegas February 13-15, 2012

Unique Advance in Comfort and Confidence Features MX-P Anti-Microbial Moisture Barrier Technology

Hattiesburg, MS    Boyd Murphy, creator of Murphy Underwear announced today that his line of luxury men’s briefs and boxer briefs will be introduced at the Magic Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, February 13-15, 2012. Magic Show is the premiere trade expo for male fashion and accessory products.

“Murphy Underwear is excited to announce that our advanced comfort and confidence inspired products will be launched at this February’s Magic Show”, said Mr. Murphy. “As designers of a true luxury product we wanted to launch at a show known for presenting the finest in male fashion and grooming products and that defines what the Magic Show is all about”.

“We advised our client Murphy Underwear that the Magic Show was the best possible American venue for introducing their line”, said Geoff Ficke, President of Florence, KY based Duquesa Marketing, managing consultants for the Murphy Underwear project. “The products have so many upscale comfort, design, and new barrier technologies that we are confident the discriminating Magic Show attendees will recognize these unique features and benefits and offer Murphy Underwear to their customers”.

Murphy Underwear features their proprietary MX-P Anti-Microbial Moisture Barrier Technology. Pricing, sales promotion and value sets will be announced at the Magic Show. The product will be available in three designer colors, and two styles: briefs and boxer briefs. The Company is in the process of assembling Manufacturers Rep sales coverage on an exclusive territorial basis.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

December 31, 2011

Contact:  Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609

Duquesa Marketing Announces Appointment of Mumbai Agent to Co-ordinate Skin Care Client’s Asian Launch

3 Sisters Restorasis® Hydro-BioMimetic Skin Care Regimen to Be Introduced by Market Makers to India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

Florence, KY  Alexis Bruning, V.P. of Product Development for award winning international Branding and Consumer Product Marketing Consulting group
Duquesa marketing announced today that her firm has teamed with Mumbai, India based Market Makers to co-ordinate the 2012 launch of 3 Sisters Restorasis in the
key south Asian markets of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

“The logistics and bureaucracy that must be negotiated to successfully distribute luxury skin care products in some Asian markets requires someone to be in-country
looking out for our clients interest at all times”, said Mrs. Bruning. “Rajesh Iyer and his Market Makers group have great experience in pioneering and growing luxuryproducts and we are excited to announce this collaboration”.

“We met the Duquesa Marketing and 3 Sisters Restorasis group at COSMOPROF Hong Kong last month”, said Rajesh Iyer, Principal of Market Makers. “Market
Makers was specifically searching for an upscale Skin Care brand with strong science and clinical support, an exciting marketing strategy and a unique
proprietary technology, all of which Restorasis possesses in great abundance”.

“We reviewed all distribution options for India most carefully with our managing consultants Duquesa Marketing“, said Dr. Jeanne O’Connell founder of the famous Frederick,
MD based Sylvana Institute and developer of 3 Sisters Restorasis. ‘The decision to utilize Market Makers to pioneer our technology in these key markets became
much easier after we weighed the many options we had at hand”.

Duquesa Marketing

Press Release
For Immediate Release

Contact Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609

December 29, 2011
gficke@msn.com

3 Sisters Restorasis® Appoints Mumbai based Market Makers to Co-ordinate 2012 Asian Product Introduction

Hydro-BioMimetic Skin Repair Complex Developed for Consumer Use at the Sylvana Institute after Amazing Patient Healing
Successes

Frederick, MD,     Dr. Jeanne O’Connell, founder of the famous Sylvana Institute Wellness Clinic and developer of the Hydro-BioMimetic 3 Sisters Restorasis Skin Care Complex anounced today that her advanced Anti-Aging product line will be introduced in the rapidly growing Southern Asia marketplace by a joint collaboration between
Duquesa Marketing and Market Makers.

“The development of the Restorasis retail program has been managed by Duquesa Marketing, and we introduced the brand with them at the recent Hong
Kong COSMOPROF”, said Dr. O’Connell. “The response to the products, technology and performance demonstration was gratifying and though we had numerous
options, it was an easy choice to utilize the services of Market Makers”.

“3 Sisters Restorasis stood out to our group as being the most serious, advanced and demonstrable Skin Care Brand we viewed at the huge COSMOPROF Hong
Kong”, said Rajesh Iyer, Managing Partner of Mumbai India based Market Makers. “India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are becoming serious Skin Care
consuming markets and we are excited to pioneer this launch in 2012”.

“The logistics of doing business in these countries can be daunting for new companies”, said Geoff Ficke, President of Florence, KY based Duquesa
Marketing. “Rajesh Iyer’s team at Market Makers understands luxury, upscale products and how to negotiate the nooks and crannies of the bureaucracies to ensure
that distribution can develop in a fruitful fashion. We are very excited about the future in these growing markets under Mr. Iyer’s steady hand”.

by: Geoff Ficke

The Most Under-Utilized Resource Entrepreneurs Neglect to Take Advantage of Is Local Universities 

Inventors, Entrepreneurs, Artisans and Small Businesses are very often bereft of funds needed to secure professional help that would be beneficial in leveraging their projects to success. Lawyers, Engineers, Graphic Artists, Logistics Specialists, Packaging Designers, Web-site Masters, Marketing Consultants and many other qualified experts are much needed but difficult to afford for those starting a new enterprise. This is understandable but there are other sources for obtaining qualified help. 

We refer many under-funded prospective Entrepreneur’s to the nearest major University. Colleges are places of learning, often fully funded by taxpayers. There are many areas of study in each university’s core curriculum. Business schools, Design colleges, art programs, marketing majors, Engineering departments, etc. house a motivated, ambitious horde of students seeking to gain practical experience in their field of study. 

College Deans and Professors are often a wonderful source of inspiration when approached by small businesses and inventors seeking guidance. They will often assign a student, or team of students to assist on a project. Not only is this resume building experience invaluable for the undergraduate but it often leads to internships or post-graduate employment for those who successfully complete the assigned project. 

Many Universities have become very active in a commercialization process that they call “Technology Transfer”. When a school discovers a new technology, product or science that can be perfected in their facilities, they are being very aggressive in commercializing the process and attempting to create recurring income streams. We are currently involved with several major Universities in this type of product development and the concept is growing rapidly as colleges seek to leverage the invaluable resources that are housed in their intellectual property facilities. Technology Transfer can work for many more inventors. 

One of the fastest growing areas of study in Business Schools is Entrepreneurship. I have been a mentor, lecturer and Fellow at several colleges in this program. At some schools the course in Entrepreneurial Studies has become a capstone course, essential to complete before becoming eligible for receipt of a degree. These courses are often available as laboratories for inventors and small businesses wishing to perfect a Business Plan, create a Sales Model, customize a Marketing Strategy or design a Production Quality Prototype.   

These courses can be very useful. They are free for those willing to pursue the assets they can offer. Actually, most Professors love to match students with real world projects as opposed to an abstract fantasy project that the student designs on their own. 

On any number of occasions my Consumer Product Development and Marketing Consulting firm has mated entrepreneurial projects with students eager to obtain real world experience. We have done this with Gourmet Food (Nutrition Science), Footwear (Fashion Design), Skin Care and Aromatherapy (Marketing and Chemistry), DIY Product (Engineering), Packaging (Graphic Arts) and more. 

Obviously, it is preferable to utilize the most qualified, experienced talent available if it can be afforded. Students do not have an extensive body of work that can be tapped to quickly solve problems. However, what they lack in experience, they can make up for in energy and hunger. 

The job of a professional consultant or service provider is to save the client time, money and mistakes. If the client has limited monies available pursuit of assistance from a motivated student can provide a reasonable alternative. Many Small Business people often root for the local schools sports teams. It can be much more satisfying to use the college academic departments as part of your own team.

by: Geoff Ficke

What Is 3-F Funding and Why Do Entrepreneurs Need to Understand the Vetting Process for Securing Funding? 

Many years ago, when I was a young, ambitious, aspiring entrepreneur I was imbued with the conceit that venture capitalists, investment banks or angel investors would fall over themselves to invest in my first project. I was passionate about my product. I quickly discovered that investors were decidedly not.  

Though disappointed at my lack of success in securing the sought after funding, I was able to learn a lesson that has been a truism in my entrepreneurial career, and one I share frequently with prospective clients in my Consumer Product Branding, Product Development, Marketing and Funding Consulting group. Simply stated the lesson is this: Start-up funding for almost all enterprises is 3-F funding. It comes from Friends, Family or Fools. 

I am approached almost daily by aspiring Inventors and Entrepreneurs seeking a funding round for their proposed new project. They ask and I respond that this type of funding, and in the relatively small amounts requested, comes from Friends, Family or Fools. This adage is to Venture Capital as “Going, Going, Gone” is to baseball or “Hooah” is the 82^nd Airborne Dvision. 

Most start-up business opportunities do not qualify for an initial investment round because they cannot stand the vetting process applied by sophisticated investors. There are many reasons for this barrier to entry. The amount that can be justified by the Business Plan is too small for consideration. The plan itself is not compelling. The inventor or entrepreneur is not compelling owing to their background or history. There is a lack of due diligence that is easily recognized in the strategy proposed. 

I regularly find myself counseling prospective small business owners that if failure to secure a funding round will kill their project, then the project probably should die. It is the successful entrepreneur’s responsibility to find a way to overcome every obstacle placed in their path, including raising seed money from unorthodox sources. If this roadblock proves fatal, then the owner is not driven, passionate, creative or clever enough to succeed in the endeavor. 

Are their funding alternatives? Yes. Many projects can be bootstrapped utilizing very limited funds and a great deal of leverage. Strategic alliances can be developed for many projects. Many projects are proposed on large scale launch and distribution strategies that can be downsized, localized and then regionalized as sales traction occurs. Money is always available for funding projects that demonstrate sales traction, and, most crucially, re-orders! Receivable funding and factoring are methods we utilize often to finance client growth.

Recently I consulted with a young man who was developing a juvenile Toy product line. He presented me with a plan that was built on a $750,000 funding requirement. As I vetted his Business Plan assumptions, I deduced, and he agreed, that he really needed about $100,000 to develop, Brand and Pre-Sell the line. I laid out a Gantt Chart for the project and detailed how this could happen and options for funding, after he had received orders from retailers. He had never considered Pre-Selling. We always consider a Pre-Sell strategy for new product launches. 

The $100,000 stumped my Toy entrepreneur. He did not want to ask Friends or Family for support. This is understandable. He did not want to take equity out of his home, also understandable. He wanted me to reach out to my investment sources. I replied, “Why would a stranger invest in the product if you are not willing to invest in yourself, and Family or Friends do not believe in the Toys and you”? I received no response.

 Starting a business or launching a new product or service has never been easy. It is not meant to be. The successful entrepreneur is a valued minority. Most prospective entrepreneurs do not have the ability to overcome obstacles that the markets place in the way of their progress. This culling of the herd, or “Survival of the Fittest”, is the reason that so many people want to operate a small business but so few actually accomplish the feat. Funding, or lack thereof, is the canard that most failed entrepreneurs posit as the reason they are held back. Sourcing seed money from Friends, Family or Fools must be considered as the “alpha” resource to go to first.