April 17th, 2012
Duquesa Marketing
www.duquesamarketing.com
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Geoff Ficke
859-567-1609
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.
Posted in Business Model, Business Plans, Entrepreneurialism, Innovative Products, Launching new products, Manufacturing and Production, Marketing, Marketing Consulting, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Marketing Product Development, Press Releases, Product Design, Product Development, Small Business, Talk radio interviews
April 17th, 2012
Duquesa Marketing
www.duquesamarketing.com
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Geoff Ficke
859-567-1609
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.
Posted in Business Model, Entrepreneurialism, Innovative Products, Launching new products, Manufacturing and Production, Marketing, Marketing Consulting, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Marketing Product Development, Press Releases, Product Development, Small Business
April 11th, 2012
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.
Posted in Economics, Entrepreneurialism, Innovation, Launching new products, Licensing Products, Manufacturing and Production, Marketing, Marketing Consulting, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Marketing Product Development, Press Releases, Product Development, Talk radio interviews
April 11th, 2012
Geoff Ficke Discusses Five Personality Traits to Success!
Expert explains if idea is a good one and if you have what it takes-
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.
Posted in Business Model, Business Operations, Business Plans, Entrepreneurialism, Launching new products, Marketing, Marketing Consulting, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Marketing Product Development, Press Releases, Product Design, Product Development, Success, Talk radio interviews
April 11th, 2012
by: Geoff Ficke
Consumer Product Market Penetration is Much Easier If Exclusivity Is Key to the Lines Branding Strategy
Recently I had the opportunity to visit and work several Trade Shows while on an extended business trip through Europe. One was a huge Beauty Product expo in Italy, another a jewelry fair in Switzerland, and a Gourmet Food Show in England completed the itinerary. Each of the venues would be considered apex convocations within their industry space. Each offered a range of products touching many price points.
As any consumer of economic news knows, today Europe is struggling and in a severe commercial downturn. Consumers are caught in a severe pinch between sky high government taxes and budget deficits, slowing growth, job losses and a real decline in personal incomes. The fear is palpable in many obvious ways, even to a foreign traveler.
And yet, the Trade Shows I attended were each doing their most brisk commerce in the categories that offered the more expensive, exclusive product offerings. I queried any number of vendors from across a broad range of retail price positions. Inevitably the higher end products on offer reported that they were doing well. The mid-market brands seemed to be suffering most. The mass market lines were of course also doing well as many middle class shoppers were trading down in these uncertain times, although many mentioned that they were cutting margins to maintain market share.
It is a fact that in many product categories, exclusivity as a marketing strategy can be an easier route to store shelves than almost any other model. In higher-end markets there is less pricing resistance, and thus greater opportunities to enjoy fatter profit margins. Competition can be much less severe. Obstacles to gaining distribution are much less in specialty
stores and boutiques than exist in chains and mass market discounters.
Pet products that cater to passionate owners often seem eccentric. Jewelry, cashmere sweaters for dogs, Halloween outfits for cats and luxury pet beds seem extreme. But, they sell. A visit to any Pet industry Trade Show will confirm this fact.
Cosmetics, Jewelry, Couture Fashion, Footwear, Automobiles, Gourmet Foods and Drinks, Electronics, Luggage, and many other product categories that provide exclusive brands are booming. Brands in the mid-market range are being squeezed. Private label offerings are picking up market share, though margins are squeezed in order to lower and hit needed price points.
The market for Skin Care products priced over $100 per ounce is sizzling. Gourmet Food brands are enjoying a golden age thanks to the popularity of celebrity chefs and food networks. Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, among other show designers, have elevated more than the heels on their products. An order for a new Ferrari or McLaren sport car, paid up-front with cash, will earn the buyer a spot on a waiting list with a 2-year wait for delivery of their vehicle. Every Hermes Birkin bag is pre-sold each season before the purses ever hit store shelves. The valet parking concession at Harrods and Harvey Nichols in London is constantly backed up with a constant cue of chauffeur driven Rolls Royce and Bentley automobiles.
Launching Consumer Products with an Exclusivity distribution Marketing Strategy and Sales Model is a course we often we choose for client projects. Once a market has been penetrated, and consumer demand is stimulated for a product it is always an option to replicate the item in a lower price point presentation. You can always come down in price.
Posted in Branding, Business Model, Cosmetics, Entrepreneurialism, Footwear products, Hunting Products, Innovative Products, Jewelry Accessory Products, Launching Menswear Products, Launching new products, Licensing Products, Manufacturing and Production, Marketing, Marketing Consulting, Marketing Cosmetic Accessories, Marketing Cosmetics, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Marketing Product Development, Marketing Skincare Products, Pedicure Products, Pet Products, Product Design, Product Development, Skincare Product Development, Skincare Product Launches, Toy Products
April 9th, 2012
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.
Posted in Business Model, Business Plans, Entrepreneurialism, Innovation, Launching new products, Manufacturing and Production, Marketing, Marketing Consulting, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Marketing Product Development, Press Releases, Product Development
April 5th, 2012
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DUQUESA MARKETING NEWSLETTER April 2012
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| For Successful Entrepreneurs Job One is Getting Started – Not Getting It Perfect |
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| Duquesa Quote of the Month: |
“Most success comes from ignoring the obvious”
- Trevor Holdsworth
British Businessman |
| Tip of the Month: |
The great University of Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp conducted all practices in silence.
No one could speak unless they could improve on that silence. |
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The times are obviously difficult economically for many people, companies and organizations. There is uncertainty about what the future holds. Many of us are worried about the “new normal” and exactly where we fit into these norms, if we could define them. There is a certain paralysis of action that accompanies change and uncertainty. This is to be understood.
For entrepreneurs, however, nothing much ever changes. The optimism that must be hard wired into their constitutions is omnipresent. Real entrepreneurs, those that “do”, not just dream, see opportunity behind every tree and under every rock. Most importantly, they act while others strategize, stargaze and pontificate.
We review hundreds of entrepreneurial opportunities every year in our marketing consulting business. But only a hand-full of these ever become functioning commercial entities. At the end of each calendar year, we review every presentation file we analyzed over the previous 12 months. We are always struck by how many excellent consumer products, concepts or services we saw and how few actually move beyond the talking, dreamy, gauzy muddle of the old Texas axiom, “all hat and no cattle”.
The most distinguishing factor we see that separates a successful entrepreneur from the dreamer is the ability to simply get started. I see much better than I hear. Words are cheap. Action is dear. The “do’er” is driven to get started in pursuit of their goals and aspirations. The time is always fine for them to get into gear and move their project ahead.
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Posted in Entrepreneurialism, Launching new products, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Newsletters, Uncategorized
April 2nd, 2012
Duquesa Marketing
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.
Posted in Entrepreneurialism, Launching new products, Marketing, Marketing Consulting, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Marketing Product Development, Press Releases, Product Development, Success
March 26th, 2012
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DUQUESA MARKETING NEWSLETTER March 2012
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| How To Start a Gourmet Food Product Business (or Any Product) on a Budget |
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| Duquesa Quote of the Month: |
“When work is a pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is a slavery”.
Maksim Gorky
Russian Writer |
| Tip of the Month: |
Learn the difference between convergent and divergent products. One can fill a small niche, the other will create
new markets. |
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The first issue we see nascent entrepreneurs almost universally attempt to address is the perceived need for working capital. When we ask how much investment they believe is required to get their product to market, they never can justify what they identify as their magic number. I have yet to read a business plan that can justify the assumptions that are utilized to support the capital investment being sought, ever, and I read dozens of business plans each month.
My consulting firm reviews hundreds of new product ideas every year. Many have wonderful commercial prospects. However, almost none of the entrepreneurs offering these opportunities for funding have considered all of the possible avenues available to launch their idea. Funding is the “Holy Grail” in the eye of most entrepreneurs, and yet, a capital raise is the single hardest route they can attempt to utilize.
Investors, unless family or friends, demand a very high level of due diligence before they will stage a capital investment. Strong management, a clearly identifiable Unique Selling Proposition (USP), first mover advantage and a 35% return on invested capital kicking in between months 24 and 36 of operation are the basic guidelines typically utilized when underwriting opportunities. These are standards that very few entrepreneurs and inventors can achieve.
There are many ways to “bootstrap” new products or services before seeking a financing round. They are not glamorous, more like the old parable of the tortoise and hare. These strategies require the oldest trait known to inventive man: simple hard work!
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Posted in Newsletters
March 20th, 2012
Duquesa Marketing
www.DuquesaMarketing.com
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Geoff Ficke
859-567-1609
gficke@msn.com
Duquesa Marketing Client Pedi-Protexx™ Launches at COSMOPROF Bologna to Great Acclaim
Retailers and Distributors from Over 60 Counties Flock to Secure Licensing opportunities to Secure Perfect Pedicure Protection
Florence, KY Nancy Ficke, co-founder and General Manager of international, award winning Consumer Product Development and Branding consultancy Duquesa Marketing, announced today that over 60 major international distributors and retailers have approached her firm to secure distribution rights to Pedi-Protexx, a novel new pedicure accessory beauty product after viewing the line at COSMOPROF Bologna.
“We were overwhelmed at the rousing response to our client’s product and the unique features of the Pedi-Protexx”, said Ms. Ficke. “COSMOPROF Bologna is the largest, most prestigious beauty product show in the world, and the performance of Pedi-Protexx made it a standout in this mega-competitive milieu”.
“The interest in a simple, elegant product which aids in the application of a pedicure treatment was amazing”, said Alexis Bruning, V.P. of New Product Development for Duquesa
Marketing. “We were continually told that Pedi-Protexx was one of the most original, different products at COSMOPROF.
“In coming weeks we will be making a series of announcements as each country’s specific distribution deal is concluded”, said Nancy Ficke. “The interest in distributing this unique pedicure accessory is growing exponentially as a result of the impact the Pedi-Protexx generated last week at the Bologna show”.
Posted in Entrepreneurialism, Fashion Design, Footwear products, Launching new products, Licensing Products, Manufacturing and Production, Marketing, Marketing Consulting, Marketing New Products or Ideas, Marketing Product Development, Pedicure Products, Press Releases, Product Design, Product Development, Salon Products, Shoe Products
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