StartupNation Blogs

Just learned about EveryBlock, is a new way to keep track of what’s happening on your block, in your neighborhood and all over. You can choose your city and get a citywide overview of news by category. I might never eat in my own neighborhood again given the amount of violations reported….
The site is one [...]

It’s possible if you manufacture or sell products for children under 12 years old.  The phrase “National Bankruptcy Day” was coined by toy manufacturer Rick Woldenberg, President/CEO of Learning Resources, in reference to the new CPSIA legislation that passed on October 18, 2008.  The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is a direct response to [...]

Once you land an account with a large retailer you’ll soon be setting sail into a sea of acronyms and numbers that could make any sane person’s head spin.  Fear not!  Let me take you step-by-step through the process of developing your UPCs, registering your barcodes with the retailer, and becoming EDI compliant.  Let’s get [...]

I just returned from the ABC Kids Expo in Vegas this past week.  The show is a children’s industry tradeshow that connects children’s manufacturers with buyers from specialty boutiques, department stores, and chains.  Buyer traffic was down as the case with most shows; however, I couldn’t help but notice a reoccurring theme throughout the five [...]

I’ve been appearing here and there on The Big Idea with Donny recently. Thought you might get a kick out of how the show comes together and the role of so-called experts (yours truly included) who are invited on the show.
Below are the emailed questions I received from the producers in advance of my most [...]

When I first decided to start a clothing line I thought I would be able to do the designing, technical specs, patterns, samples, marketing and business administration all myself.  Now that I am a few months into it I am realizing that if I want to have a viable business that makes a profit I [...]

More from Suzy Batiz, StartupNation community success story. She made over $1 million in first year revenue for her Poo-Pourri product line.  Read what Suzy shares below in Part 4 of her advice to fellow entrepreneurs who want to break a new product onto the market. In Suzy’s words:
How can you grow without an influx [...]

As I indicated in Part 1 of this series of blog entries, Suzy Batiz, founder of Poo-Pourri, shared her advice, further proving what a true shining star she is, right here, living and working among us in the StartupNation community. What a role model!
Below Suzy provides more of her advice.
In Suzy Batiz’s Words:
COVER YOUR BASES/PROTECT YOURSELF
Only once [...]

Sounds like a dream come true has occurred among us. Through the winning combo of tenacity, a great idea, having access to the right information and support network here at StartupNation, Suzy Batiz made over $1 million in first-year revenue selling her novel toilet scent spray product line called, “PooPourri.” Yes, you read that correctly.
You [...]

…and it is not a good feeling. A month ago I received a letter in the mail from one of our manufacturing partners that informed me that they have decided to resign our account. The letter went on to give us 90 days to find and move to a new facility. It turns out that [...]