Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609
gficke@msn.com

Duquesa Marketing Client Invited to Enter Products in ICMAD International Product Design Competition

3 Sisters Restorasis™ Skin Therapy to Contend for Prestigious Cosmetic Industry Award to Be Announced in New York City, June 20, 2012

Florence, KY   Geoff Ficke, President of international award winning Consumer Product Development and Branding Consulting firm Duquesa Marketing announced today that his group has been advised by the Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors (ICMAD) that 3 Sisters Restorasis has been selected to participate in the trade associations
prestigious International Product Design Competition.

“3 Sisters Restorasis is an example of a serious Medical Aesthetic skin therapy regimen that blends stunning product performance with elegantly simple packaging”, said Mr. Ficke. “The ICMAD award competition is so very selective so it is always a thrill to have your work recognized by peers”.

“Duquesa Marketing has done a very professional, innovative job of creating a product design that co-mingles the advanced science of 3 Sisters Restorasis and a sleek, contemporary visual presentation that supports the brand”, said Jeanne O’Connell MD, founder and President of Frederick, MD based Restorasis Essentials LLC. “We are thrilled with the market response to the products performance and the Branding visuals”.

“ICMAD is a trade association which represents and supports the hundreds of independent Beauty product marketers that provide so much of the creativity endemic in the Cosmetic
and Toiletry industry world-wide”, said Alexis Bruning, V.P. of New Product Development for Duquesa Marketing. “Their annual product design competition is an apex event in the cosmetic world”.

by: Geoff Ficke

The 5 Absolutely Essential Personal Traits Needed to Become a Successful Entrepreneur

I am often asked by media interviewers, prospective entrepreneurs and college students I mentor to identify the most important qualities that are present in successful small business start-up owners and innovators. Obviously there are many personality traits that contribute to success in every sort of endeavor. Honesty, hard work, creativity and a positive mental attitude are only a few. However, I think that there are five traits that are essential keys to achieving entrepreneurial success. These are present in every successful entrepreneur I have ever worked with.

Passion

High achieving entrepreneurs have an unrestrained passion for their business or concept. This is not to be confused with cheerleading or hype. Their passion is born of a confidence that their project will help and provide real benefits to people, clients and customers. Of course, they hope to prosper financially from their work, but they really and truly are passionate that they can make a difference. The passion that Emeril Legasse exudes when he speaks about Food and Cooking, or that displayed by Tory Burch when she describes her Fashion Designs are obvious examples.

Drive

Successful entrepreneurs will not be stopped. They quickly come to understand that they will consistently hear the word “no”. To these driven people “no” simply means not today. They are driven to succeed and always find a way to overcome the “no” obstacles that the marketplace places in their path. Vidal Sassoon, born to poverty in East London, created one of the world’s great Beauty and Cosmetic empires through his sheer drive. Famous Amos overcame huge personal obstacles before he pioneered the creation and commercialize of the designer Cookie category.

Focus

By their very nature entrepreneurs are creative. This creativity, however, often results in lack of focus. Ideas seem to come in waves. The project at hand is undone by a bigger, grander idea, then another. Successful entrepreneurs are solely and totally focused on their Business Plan, executing their strategy and getting to market with a first mover advantage in hand.

Bernie Marcus, Ken Langone and Arthur Blank launched the Home Depot with a single store in Atlanta. They overcame numerous hurdles to perfect the DIY concept that is ubiquitous today by staying focused on the perfection of their business model in one location before they considered expansion. Levi Strauss built his eponymous denim work and Sportswear business from a base that was focused on the mine workers that were pouring into the California Gold Rush country in the mid-18^th century.

Discipline

The ability to discipline ones emotional urges and stick with the plan when things seem bleakest is so important. The discipline to work though problems that seem too vexing is something that many people lack. Work ethic that demonstrates the ability to overcome problems is essential.

Thomas Edison famously conducted over 1000 experiments before perfecting the incandescent light bulb. Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds were aspiring young actors in the 1950’s in Hollywood. Both were fired by their studio on the same day and told they had no future in the movies. The same happened to a young singer named Elvis Presley at the Grand Ol’ Opry in 1954. None quit. They had the self-confidence and discipline to keep pushing until they achieved their goals.

Courage

To me, this is the Number 1, most essential, but also rare trait that successful entrepreneurs possess. I do not believe that courage can be taught. The courage to commit fully to a project is what separates commercially successful entrepreneurs from dreamers and failures. Fear of failure chokes courage. Fear of hearing “no” again and again smothers courage. Risk aversion today runs deep in contemporary society where security is prized above anything posing  uncertainty and has become the norm.

Successful entrepreneurs fall early and often, but have the unique ability to get up and go back into action. Helena Rubenstein built one of the earliest international Cosmetic empires though she grew up impoverished in 19^th century Poland. She scratched against huge odds and continually bet every asset she possessed on her products, and herself.

My Branding and Consumer Product Development Consulting firm is fortunate to have met hundreds of wonderful entrepreneurs. Unfortunately we have met many thousands more who expressed aspirations, but could not muster one or more of these five essential success traits. This is most disappointing because many of their products and concepts possessed excellent commercial appeal. Creating personal success, when starting with little or nothing, is never easy. If it was everybody would be doing it and they are not.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609

gficke@msn.com

3  Sisters Restorasis™ Announces Participation in Upcoming HBA Splash Beauty Product Show

Hydro-BioMimetic Skin Repair Complex to Be Displayed for First Time in USA at Stand 1556-CB, Javits Center, June 19-21, 2012

Frederick, MD Jeanne O’Connell MD announced today that her Medical Aesthetic Skin Repair Complex, 3 Sisters Restorasis, will be presented in the American market for the first time at the upcoming HBA Splash Cosmetic Industry trade show in New York City.

“We introduced 3 Sisters Restorasis in October 2011 at Cosmoprof Hong Kong and were gratified with the response the line received from international distributors”, said Dr. ’Connell. “Based on our initial success we are eager to present this Medical Aesthetic line to the North American market”.

“Dr. O’Connell and her sisters Meg Comer and Kateri Delaney developed the Skin Repair Complex at their very popular Wellness Clinic”, said Nancy Ficke, General Manager of Florence, KY based DuquesaMarketing, managing consultants for the project. “This is serious dermal care that has been perfected after being used to treat hundreds of their patients with amazing results”.

“3 Sisters Restorasis is a breakthrough Hydro-BioMimetic technology that creates a self-sterilizing lipid complex”, said Kateri Delaney RN. “The formulary represents a revolutionary co-mingling of natural elements and cutting edge science that provides a 100% organic solution that addresses a wide range of dermal maladies”.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609
gficke@msn.com

Lori Leigh Designs™ to Introduce Earring Chalet Organizer at JCK Jewelry Show, Stand 2408

Popular Jewelry Industry Trade Expo to Be Held at Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel, Las Vegas, June 1-4, 2012

Whittier, CA  Lori Torline, Founder and President of accessory jewelry product development firm Lori Leigh Designs LLC, announced today that her group will unveil their novel,
fashionable earring organization system product line at the upcoming JCK Jewelry Expo in Las Vegas, NV.

“We will be attending and demonstrating the Earring Chalet at a number of jewelry and gift trade shows throughout the rest of 2012”, said Mrs. Torline. “Our research indicates that JCK is a premiere show for presenting new lines like ours and we have already begun the process of making USA and international retailers and distributors aware of our participation in JCK”.

“Every woman loves her earrings, and every woman experiences the frustration of organizing and protecting their collection”, said Nancy Ficke, General Manager of Florence, KY based Duquesa Marketing, managing consultants for the development of the Earring Chalet project. “Lori  has perfected a truly fashionable, easy to use organizer that will be must-have on every vanity table”.

We will offer the Earring Chalet in two formats a Vanity Box holding 75+ pairs of earrings, and a Traveler holding up to 15 pairs”, said Mrs. Torline. “The units will be presented in designer color options, and we will announce pricing for USA retailers and international distributors at JCK”.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Geoff Ficke
859-567-1609

gficke@msn.com

Geoff Ficke to Be Interviewed on The Morning Show with Host Jae Nash on May 9th at 11:15 am CT

Duquesa Marketing Founder and Expert to Discuss 5 Personality Traits to Success

Florence, KY  Nancy Ficke, General Manager, announced today that her Branding and Product Development firm Duquesa Marketing has scheduled another in a series of national radio interviews for Company President and Founder Geoff Ficke.

“Geoff Ficke will appear on The Morning Show with Host Jae Nash May 9th at 11:15 am CT”, said Mrs Ficke. “The discussion will be about the 5 Personality Traits to Success. Mr. Ficke will explain if your idea or business is a good one and if you have what it takes to succeed. Do you have a product idea but just aren’t sure where to start? Is your business ready to move to the next level, but you don’t have the connections to make that happen? Geoff Ficke has been helping hundreds of people make their business dreams come true.

Through his 40 years of practical experience Geoff has been mentoring, teaching and consulting with small and micro-businesses, entrepreneurs and inventors to enable them to turn dreams and ideas into products and successful commercial opportunities. Geoff and his team have worked with products from skin care to cupcakes to health supplements and more.

Duquesa Marketing has assisted numerous individuals and enterprises start and expand Consumer Product opportunities over the past four decades. The award winning firm
has vast experience in all Sales and distribution channels in the United States and internationally.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Geoff Ficke
859-567-1609

gficke@msn.com

Geoff Ficke to Be Interviewed on Blog Talk Radio Successipes Show on April 25th at 3:30 PT

Duquesa Marketing Founder and Expert to Discuss 5 Personality Traits to Success

Florence, KY  Nancy Ficke, General Manager, announced today that her Branding and Product Development firm Duquesa Marketing has scheduled another in a series of national radio interviews for Company President and Founder Geoff Ficke.

“Geoff Ficke will appear on Successipes Show with Host Lori Wilk April 25th at 3:30 pm PT”, said Mrs Ficke. “The discussion will be about the 5 Personality Traits to Success. Mr. Ficke will explain if your idea or business is a good one and if you have what it takes to succeed. Do you have a product idea but just aren’t sure where to start? Is your business ready to move to the next level, but you don’t have the connections to make that happen? Geoff Ficke has been helping hundreds of people make their business dreams come true.

Through his 40 years of practical experience Geoff has been mentoring, teaching and consulting with small and micro-businesses, entrepreneurs and inventors to enable them to turn dreams and ideas into products and successful commercial opportunities. Geoff and his team have worked with products from skin care to cupcakes to health supplements and more.

Duquesa Marketing has assisted numerous individuals and enterprises start and expand Consumer Product opportunities over the past four decades. The award winning firm
has vast experience in all Sales and distribution channels in the United States and internationally.

Duquesa Marketing

www.DuquesaMarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609
gficke@msn.com

Geoff Ficke to Be Interviewed on The Buzz on Z Talk Radio on April 16th at 8:30 CT

Duquesa Marketing Founder and Expert to Discuss Best Jobs for the Future – Create Your Own!

Florence, KY  Nancy Ficke, General Manager, announced today that her Branding and Product Development firm Duquesa Marketing has scheduled another in a series of national radio interviews for Company President and Founder Geoff Ficke.

“Geoff Ficke will appear on The Buzz with Hosts Scott Rorek and Zita Ost April 16th  at 8:30 am CT / 9:30 ET on Z Talk Radio (www.ztalkradio.com)”, said Mrs Ficke. “The discussion will be about the opportunity to take hold of your life and career options by exploring Entrepreneurial opportunities that people find around themselves in their hobbies, homes or jobs”.

“We work with hundreds of inventors, small and micro-businesses and entrepreneurs every year”, said Alexis Bruning, V.P. of New Business Development at Duquesa Marketing. “Many of these people carve out successful enterprises by capitalizing on things they experience in their environment. This is a topic that Geoff is passionate about and is always happy to share with an audience”.

Duquesa Marketing has assisted numerous individuals and enterprises start and expand Consumer Product opportunities over the past four decades. The award winning firm has vast experience in all Sales and distribution channels in the United States and internationally.

Geoff Ficke Discusses Five Personality Traits to Success!

See if Your Idea makes the cut…

Do you have a product idea but just aren’t sure where to start?  Is your business ready to move to the next level, but you don’t have the connections to make that happen? Geoff Ficke has been helping hundreds of people make their business dreams come true!

Through his 40 years of practical experience Geoff has been  mentoring, teaching and consulting with small and micro-businesses, entrepreneurs and inventors to enable them to turn dreams and ideas into products and successful commercial opportunities. Some of his Consumer Product Clients include some of the world’s most recognized companies.  He’s worked with products from skin care to cupcakes to health supplements and more. And he’ll share his wisdom with your listeners!

Phones will light up about with listeners calling in with their questions on this hot topic!

Let Geoff Ficke answer their questions about how to get their business idea to market

Suggested Show Topics for Geoff Ficke:

• How to get funding for your business idea
• What makes a product or business idea successful
• How to get your product or business idea to market

Questions for Geoff Ficke:

1.   Is now the best time to start a new business?

2.   How do I find funding?

3.   Do I really need a business plan?

4.   Where do I go to get a prototype of my product made?

5.   Can I sell or license my business idea?

6.   Should I go to one of those invention services advertised on television?

7.   Where can I find manufacturers for my product?

8.   Do I have to patent my idea? How much does that cost and what do I do?

9.   What 5 personal traits are essential for achieving entrepreneurial success?

10. Can I bootstrap my way to success?

11. Tell us some of your success stories.

12. I’m ready! How do I get a hold of you to help me make my business idea happen?!

Geoff Ficke and his consulting firm, Duquesa Marketing,  (www.duquesamarketing.com) has assisted businesses large and small, domestic and international, entrepreneurs, inventors,  students in new product development, capital formation, licensing, marketing, sales and business plans and successful implementation of his customized strategies. He is a Senior Fellow at the Page Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Business School, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Contact Alexis Bruning to schedule an interview with Geoff Ficke at 513-602-9040.

by: Geoff Ficke

Consumer Product Marketing Success Depends Much More on Being First and Executing than Simply Being First

Recently I had the opportunity to review a new beverage concept submitted for consideration by an entrepreneur. This young chap had collected reams of information, concrete data on his drink’s wellness benefits, packaging renderings and marketing trend information on the mass market soft drink category. His due diligence was impressive and seemed indicative of a driven, passionate innovator.

My staff came away from the meeting impressed on every level. We had spent several hours advising on the various options and strategies that could possibly be utilized to fully  commercialize the drink. The beverage was in concept form, so a turn-key product development menu of work elements needed to be detailed. The entrepreneur taped the meeting and took copious notes as we essentially provided him with an oral business model and a rudimentary business plan.

Before the initial meeting we had not seen or been appraised the content of the proposed beverages unique selling proposition. Once unveiled, we immediately searched the internet to discover competitors. We found only one direct competitor.

In a category as wide and deep as drinks, to find but one direct competitor in a space is unusual. The normal rule for seizing and commercializing a Unique Selling Proposition is that we look for an identifiable niche in a broad category. Even though the concept we were reviewing had an existing competitive brand, we could easily customize a strategy to potentially command this niche.

As we reviewed the competitive brand we had discovered, one thing became immediately apparent; the owner of the existing drink had gotten to market first, but had not executed any type of strategy that was leading to sales success. Our Consumer Product Development and Marketing Consulting firm uses a proprietary system to analyze the commercial
viability of concepts and small and micro-brands. When we applied these key measurements to the extant beverage brand we saw error after error in marketing execution working to the detriment of the product.

The information we had gathered convinced us that our prospective client had an excellent opportunity to seize the space if he executed a disciplined, customized Marketing and Branding strategy. Every year new waters, soft drink, energy, teas, coffees, juices and wellness drink brands are launched and find varying levels of success. Though the category would seem to be saturated, the actuality is that there are always new entrants and stores are always seeking the next new and fresh thing. The missing element for those that fail is always
the failure to properly execute.

This applies to every consumer product category in which we work. From Pet Products, to Cosmetics, to Jewelry, to Giftware, to Sporting Goods and many others, the market craves novel products that offer fresh features and benefits. The key to success in Marketing Consumer Products is to get to market as quickly as possible AND execute a strategy that supports the Business and Sales Model.

We see many entrepreneurs confuse the importance of being first (and it is important) with the more crucial goal of being first and executing on strategy. One without the other is like a beautiful sports car without access to fuel. Neither goes very far.

Duquesa Marketing

www.duquesamarketing.com

Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Geoff Ficke

859-567-1609

gficke@msn.com

Geoff Ficke to Be Interviewed on KWYR 1260 AM The Focus 1260 Show on April 2nd at 11:15 CT

Duquesa Marketing Founder and Expert to Discuss Personality Traits to Success

Florence, KY  Nancy Ficke, General Manager, announced today that her Branding and Product Development firm Duquesa Marketing has scheduled another in a series of national radio interviews for Company President and Founder Geoff Ficke.

“Geoff Ficke will appear on The Focus 1260 Show with Host Marsha Raye April 2nd at 11:15 am CT”, said Mrs Ficke. “The discussion will be about the opportunity to take hold of your life and career options by exploring Entrepreneurial opportunities that people find around themselves in their hobbies, homes or jobs”.

“We work with hundreds of inventors, small and micro-businesses and entrepreneurs every year”, said Alexis Bruning, V.P. of New Business Development at Duquesa Marketing. “Many of these people carve out successful enterprises by capitalizing on things they experience in their environment. This is a topic that Geoff is passionate about and is always happy to share with an audience”.

Duquesa Marketing has assisted numerous individuals and enterprises start and expand Consumer Product opportunities over the past four decades. The award winning firm
has vast experience in all Sales and distribution channels in the United States and internationally.