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Permalink Reply by Nastassia Ikasovic on July 5, 2009 at 6:16pm

Hello Diane. Thank you for your letter and for wanting to make a difference in life. There is a place and a necessity for every product, especially those that facilliate the difficult passages of life, we will all someday go through. Having looked at your site, I can offer this one observation: packaging is everything. People like to have even their most primal needs, packaged in a softer, less confronting way and if you are intent on marketing this product, it will have to be made to suit the sensory perceptions of those you would lile to appeal to. I would like to say, "just be in their faces." but after twenty years of wholesale and retailing beautiful, luxury items, I know what sells. Human beings, even the most infantile of us are drawn to beautiful colours and beautiful things. You have a good product that is well endorsed, but to reach the women and men you would like to sell this product to (If selling is what you'd like to do) then you will have to create an impression that makes people think about the necessity, yet not feel repulsed by the reality. Babies burp clothes are such a reality, yet they are purchased for their cute factor. Pull-ups for kids serve a functional reality, yet are marketted in a subtle and light, happy way. There is not a focus on the ugly reality of what the pull-ups will contain. I hope I have not spoken too frankly, but i would love to see you succeed at something you clearly are passionate about. Regards, Nastassia

Permalink Reply by Diane Poole on July 5, 2009 at 11:32pm

Nastassia,
You can't speak too frankly about this subject- it is an in your face subject. My background is better home furnishings with great packaging. So far, without exception the private label customers wanted a 5x7 folded information pamplet in a clear open top 2mil plastic bag with handles- focus on the actual product with their embroidered logo featured. The durable medical equipment private label wanted a large black and white in your face medical in appearance insert /plastic bag heat sealed shut. They say the medical customer is not trusting of non-medical looking products or packaging.

I am walking a fine line. I do not plan to sell this product line directly, all will be private label. That may change- chasing recievables is a nightmare. The comment I have heard is the product is far better than any photo file I have used. Even the companion pet products are targeted for distribution through veterinarian offices since the product is for animal oncology and soft tissue surgery. Sadly- 25% of all younger companion pets die of cancer, this is the fastest growing specialty in veterinarian business. I have previewed this line in several vet offices, they want 1 color ( black or blue) and a simple brochure/order form. I feel good about this segment because the profit/proceeds will be used for the spay/abandoned fund.
You have a gift with words-" facilliate the difficult passages of life" I will use in meetings. The baby comments you made are great. On the website is a bedding slide with a pink camo pad- that's for young girls starting their periods. Another tough subject- any ideas? Thank you, Diane

Permalink Reply by Lisa Anguilla on August 6, 2009 at 6:16pm

Hi Diane,
I just joined this group and since the name of my endeavor is WomenHelpingWomen, I'd love to offer you my impressions of your work/website as well.
I was very touched by your note here which compelled me to look at your site. After reading through it, my first reaction is that the site is very somber. Even if you're working with medical people (mentioned in your response to Natassia) I'd like to have the tone of your website reflect the gentle compassion I heard in your words here. I'm no expert, it's just a thought.
Hang in there - you're on the right track.
Lisa

Permalink Reply by Diane Poole on August 10, 2009 at 8:58am

Thank you Lisa for reviewing and commenting on the web site.

What did you think was somber? The music, the slide content or the text? I have on my advisory board a PhD Nurse Educator/Susan Conrad and a Board Certified Hospice/Palliative Care Physician/Dr. Richard Cunningham. Their direction is to exibit reality and cleary demonstrate what the products do in an infection control / medical capacity. There is a new national movement within the medical community to address the caregiver. One less load of laundry every other day or not changing the bed daily is a measurable improvement.

I took a look at your website. It's fun. Are you developing it as sales/marketing?
Again, Thank You for taking the time to review and comment, Diane

Permalink Reply by Nastassia Ikasovic on August 22, 2009 at 7:19pm

Hello Diana,

I know it is disheartening to develope something intrinsic and perhaps even life-transforming and to not have it received in an immediate and responsive way. My son is a film-maker and though his craft I have learned about the art of illusion. People need to have these products, but they need the illusion that they serve a "beautiful purpose." Softer hues, more inspirational images and packaging always attract people. As for the young girls, this is a sensitive time and they want that fact disguised as much as possible. Again, it is all in the presentation and packaging. Sanitary pads are sensitive, yet many companies package them in alight-hearted, flirty way that draws one to the package. Look at blogs at packaging, in stores at what sells. Use "the collective wisdom of those who have gone before you." This is an expensive lesson I learned, but it pays off in the end. Design beautiful images, use softer colours and make the outside sell, the inside.

Hang in there! Regards, Nastassia

Permalink Reply by Diane Poole on August 22, 2009 at 8:27pm

Natassia- Thank you for your latest response. I have been meeting with PhD/ academic chairs of finance, marketing and communication within a major Boston, MA business school. The project may be worked on by this years PhD program/students. They see this as a major social issue to help keep our aging in place at home while reducing the carbon foot print of medical waste/disposables. As for packaging- they see this as a "green" product with companion recycled/paper packaging. I do plan to work with the Girl Scouts (hdqtr's in NYC) and American Girl /NYC on a product for young girls. I will pass on your information. Your son has chosen a tough field. At some point we will make a series of videos for home care demonstrating the versitility of our products. I don't even want to think about it!.
Again- thank you for getting back to me. Diane