Episode #148: Answering Your Questions About Toy Creators Academy
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Have you been considering joining Toy Creators Academy to develop your toy or game idea? Do you still have a few questions about how the program works, when it starts, or what it covers? This episode is perfect for you! In today’s podcast episode, The Toy Coach addresses the most frequently asked questions about this 12 week group coaching program.
If you have questions on whether this program is right for you, wondering when the class will reopen, or if you can take the program on your own time, this is the episode for you. The most comprehensive toy business program for developing, prototyping, and pitching your most toyetic ideas yet. Toy Creators Academy is the only toy education and implementation program of its kind that not only shows you how to fully develop your toy or game idea like a pro — but also how to properly pitch that idea to buyers and toy companies. Are you ready to bring your toy and game ideas to life? Make it happen with the guidance and support provided by Toy Creators Academy.
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This episode is brought to you by www.thetoycoach.com
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[00:00:00] Azhelle Wade: You are listening to making it in the toy industry episode number 148.
[00:00:04] Hey there toy people, Azhelle Wade here. And welcome back to another episode of The Toy Coach Podcast, Making It In The Toy Industry. This is a weekly podcast, brought to you by thetoycoach.com. In 2020, I accepted the first cohort of aspiring toy and game creators into my signature program, Toy Creators Academy. Two years later, many of these emerging inventors and entrepreneurs have made names for themselves in the toy industry.
[00:00:45] We have alumni who've been nominated for toy of the year. Alumni whose product is featured in stores like Barnes and noble and camp. We have alumni who have reduced the manufacturing costs of their product. Thanks to the contacts they've made through the program. And we've introduced dozens of promising new inventors to top toy companies like Hasbro Mattel, spin, master jazz wears crazy errands and so many more companies, large and small.
[00:01:14] When I first started this program, all I really expected to share, all I intended to share was the knowledge that I'd gained from working in the toy industry over the past 10 years. But I found myself in a unique position to share valuable connections as That's where the idea of creating the TCA virtual pitch event came into play. This virtual pitch event was the first of its kind in the toy industry. It allowed people from across the globe to pitch to toy companies. They otherwise would never have been able to.
[00:01:44] Because I know how powerful this program can be. If you dive in and give it your all. I want to make sure that every aspiring toy or game creator listening to this podcast has all the information they need to make an informed decision about whether or not they should move forward with this program. So that's why today I'm going to focus on answering all of the questions I've gotten about toy creators academy over these past few weeks. As you're listening to this episode, if a question crosses your mind, I want you to send it my way. Instagram is the best way to reach out to me.
[00:02:17] Or you can send a message to my chat via the chat bot on my site. If you need any of those links, you can't find them head over to the toy. coach.com. Forward slash 1, 4, 8. And we'll have links to my Instagram and to my chatbot waiting for you there. Okay. So to keep things organized, I'm going to split these Q and A's into the various parts of the program. So first we'll cover part one, which is the course, then part two, which is the community after that part three, which covers toys, support, coaching, what that is. And finally, part four, the bonuses.
[00:02:51] To help me out with the episode today, we have Kenny the audio editor of most of my podcast episodes when I get them out on time.
[00:02:59]
[00:03:00] Azhelle Wade: And he will be reading the question. So it's not just me talking to myself. Okay. Are you ready to hear answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about TCA? let's dive in.
[00:03:11] Kenny Maness: What is the start and end date of Toy Creators Academy?
[00:03:16] Azhelle Wade: Well, the first module releases Monday, October 31st, which marks the start of the course. The last module will be released on Monday, January 16th, 2023. Every prerecorded module releases at 12:00 AM Eastern on Mondays. Modules hold anywhere from five to 10 lessons within them. And the lessons themselves range from about, 10 minutes to 15 minutes. On average, you can watch the modules and lessons that release whenever you'd like, they never expire. You'll get notified via email every time a new module is available.
[00:03:53] Kenny Maness: Is it good for someone who has already made a prototype?
[00:03:57] Azhelle Wade: Yes. Even if you've already done a prototype, this course can help you pitch that idea. Also, if you have more ideas in the future, this course will help you develop them better and faster.
[00:04:10] Kenny Maness: Does Toy Creators Academy explain how to deal with the toy companies during the pitch process?
[00:04:15] Azhelle Wade: Yes, there is a module that explains how to find toy company contacts and how to speak to them and engage with them throughout the entire pitch process.
[00:04:24] Kenny Maness: Is enrollment open once a year? When will you open this class again?
[00:04:27] Azhelle Wade: So enrollment of toy creators academy typically opens twice a year. Typically we open the doors every six months, but I have to say this combination of price point and the bonuses being offered in the program right now will not return the next time the course opens.
[00:04:47] Kenny Maness: Is there a certificate of completion?
[00:04:49] Azhelle Wade: Yes. There is a certificate of completion. You'll get it delivered to you digitally at the end of the program. It's not an accredited course. So if that's what you're looking for, we don't have that for you. But we will give you a digital certificate of completion.
[00:05:04] Kenny Maness: Will this program cover developing toy ideas from scratch if you're brand new to toy creating?
[00:05:10] Azhelle Wade: Yup. One of the hardest parts of coming up with a toy idea is making it Toyetic. So I'll introduce you to the creative formulas. That I've used since beginning my toy career in 2010 to come up with product ideas, packaging ideas, and product names, helping people unlock their creativity is one of my super powers. So if you don't have an idea yet, or you have an idea that needs some tweaking, I've got you covered in this program.
[00:05:36] Kenny Maness: Does TCA give any recommendations for specific factories for manufacturing?
[00:05:41] Azhelle Wade: Yes we do. In this course, we have a factory resource list that if you're developing a new item will be your new best friend.
[00:05:47] Kenny Maness: Would this be a good source for a professional already working in product design? Who is looking to pivot into toys?
[00:05:54] Azhelle Wade: Yes. And you would not be the first, my friend now sometimes jumping into the mind of a toy designer is a big and sometimes awkward leap for most, any other type of designer. You've got to put on a bunch of different thinking caps that don't necessarily fit the way you might be used to working as an industrial designer. So if you're a product designer looking to break into the world of toys, the process techniques, considerations, and contacts to the toy industry will be your biggest support and differentiator inside this program. While you might have the product development side, all figured out, I'll introduce you to toy industry standards and show you the marketing side of the toy business to fill any gaps you might have as you transition to toys.
[00:06:36] Kenny Maness: What if I suddenly find myself swamped at work and can't continue to the group coaching sessions,
[00:06:41] Azhelle Wade: Well, if you find yourself swamped while working. You luckily have lifetime access to the program so you can pick back up any time and lifetime access means as long as this program is available, you will maintain your access. So you can look back at the resources any time. Additionally as an alumni, you'll be invited to rejoin the group coaching experience for a discounted rate and you'll get that invitation each year. When we open up.
[00:07:08] Kenny Maness: Will I really have time to develop my toy idea in this course?
[00:07:12] Azhelle Wade: Well, the fact is, if you think you're too busy to take this course, I might have to say you might be too busy not to take it. Here's why. If you really want to make your toy idea real, why waste the few precious hours you have each week on research and preparation? When what you could be doing is actually doing the work. So two, I creators academy was built with one thing in mind, getting things done. So I've laid out the steps you need to move forward. So you don't have to worry about Googling what to do after or what to do when.
[00:07:42] All those things anymore. Instead, just block off a few hours each week, dive in and implement the detailed lesson guides and templates to develop and pitch your toy or and further, you are not expected to develop your entire product in 12 weeks. That would be near impossible, but you'll learn what you need to know to make it happen and can reference back as you go through your development process, which will likely take six months to a year. Depending on your product.
[00:08:12] Kenny Maness: Do some of the factories on your list create white label products so I don't have to make my own toys from scratch?
[00:08:18] Azhelle Wade: Yes. Okay. Great question. So white labeling, uh, it's also referred to as open market product in the toy industry. Where it's product that you just buy and you could change the packaging. So yes, we do have resources for that. You will hear it being called. Open market in the program. And those are all the questions for part one about the course. So let's move on to part two FAQ's about the community.
[00:08:42] Kenny Maness: Do we get access to a private Facebook group of course members?
[00:08:47] Azhelle Wade: Yes. You actually get access to a private Facebook group, of course, current members, but also alumni. So it's going to be a nice big group where you can connect with your cohort that you're currently with, but also learn from alumni that came before you and connect with me and the toy coach team inside of this Facebook group.
[00:09:06] Kenny Maness: Am I supposed to finish developing my toy in 12 weeks? What if I need more time?
[00:09:11] Azhelle Wade: So, as I mentioned earlier, that toy development process, when done correctly and carefully will take you six months to a year to complete. You are not expected to complete the entire process of developing your toy. In 12 weeks, you are meant to learn how to do it in 12 And if you're wondering, oh, but the pitch event, how can I pitch if I'm not completely done with my idea, you can pitch with things like illustrations and prototypes, and detailed explanation. So don't worry too much about that. Now, if you want to stay on with group coaching after the 12 weeks, cause maybe you love it and you don't want it to stop. You will be invited to join our alumni group after the program ends. So this is just the beginning of your toy journey. It's a 12 week intensive that focuses on you making a big impact on your toy goals.
[00:10:01] Kenny Maness: What happens to the Facebook community after the course ends?
[00:10:04] Azhelle Wade: Well, for now, we're keeping the Facebook community open to students and alumni, but there are a few cases in which that could change, for example, if the group gets too large to be a really great space to welcome new students. We might choose to open a separate group for just students or if Facebook changes the way that their platform works, we might have to move off of Facebook or if it just stops being a great primary place for people to connect, then we might need to move off of Facebook. So we do have a second option in place to keep you connected with others that have taken the program, just in case there's ever a switch over. We won't be completely in the dark without connection to our toy people. So you'll get access to our membership directory, which you can use to find yourself a toy coaching. Buddy, if you need one at any point in the program or beyond the program.
[00:10:55] Kenny Maness: My privacy is important to me. What if I don't wanna join the Facebook group, or I don't wanna put my information in the membership directory?
[00:11:02] Azhelle Wade: Well, you don't have to do either. Since we use email and zoom meetings as our primary form of communication through this program, you will be notified of every meeting and upcoming event via email. You do not have to join the Facebook group and you are not required to submit your information to the membership directory.
[00:11:23] Okay, those are all our questions for part two. Let's move on to part three. FAQ's about toys, support, coaching.
[00:11:31] Kenny Maness: Where can we ask questions?
[00:11:33] Azhelle Wade: Well, we have a zoom group coaching call every Thursday for one hour. We do skip a week, this cohort of the program for the holiday weekend, but you don't lose any time. We just pick up the next week. So technically the program will be 13 weeks long, but we will have a week where nothing's happening in the program. Nothing's released. No coaching calls. Now you can submit questions at any time before the coaching call to be answered during that meeting and the meetings are recorded. So you can view them later.
[00:12:05] Kenny Maness: What time are the toy support calls?
[00:12:08] Azhelle Wade: So the toy support coaching calls alternate between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Eastern time starting November 3rd. And the start time on November 3rd is 6:00 PM. And the call times alternate from there.
[00:12:21] Kenny Maness: I can't make the toy support calls at that time. Will I be able to watch a replay of the call somewhere?
[00:12:26] Azhelle Wade: Yes, they are all recorded and uploaded to the course platform for viewing a long with transcripts.
[00:12:33] Kenny Maness: Can I learn by just re-watching videos if my time zone is an issue?
[00:12:37] Azhelle Wade: Yes. The core program is all prerecorded and the group coaching calls are recorded as well and uploaded to the course platform. So yes, rewatching is possible encouraged. You'll have access to those toys, support recordings for one year.
[00:12:53] Okay. That's it for questions in FAQ's about toy support coaching. So let's move on to part four. FAQ's about Toy Creators Academy bonuses.
[00:13:04] Kenny Maness: I keep hearing you talk about the TCA Virtual Pitch Event. How does it work?
[00:13:09] Azhelle Wade: Okay. I love this question. I hope that now I answering it on the podcast. I'll get fewer questions about it. So here we go. Usually twice a year, I host the TCA Virtual Pitch Event, which is, often the first time introduction of new toy creators to major companies in the toy industry. Now all alumni of TCA are invited to apply for this pitch event. If your pitch is ready and up to the standards of what toy companies expect, which we'll learn to execute in the program, then you will be accepted to pitch in this event.
[00:13:42] If your pitch isn't ready yet, you will get feedback and have time to make adjustments and corrections to your pitch. Now after the cutoff date, that will be determined depending on the pitch event. We'll decide if your pitch is ready or not, and you may be invited to pitch or not, depending on the quality of your pitch and the preparedness of your concept. Now, if you're accepted, you will be matched with a company or companies to pitch to. At a predetermined time and date. During your pitch, I will be present to coach you and guide you along the way, keep time also.
[00:14:18] And if a company is interested in your product or continuing to work with you, the toy coach team will connect you with that company after the pitch. At the end of every TCA pitch event, I prepare notes and lessons learned, which you'll have access to as well. Now the TCA virtual pitch event does have an application fee associated with it since the experience is so hands on in coaching. However, when you join this version, TCA 5.0 toy craters academy, 5.0, you get to skip the application fee for your first pitch event.
[00:14:54] Kenny Maness: Why should I join today and not wait until October 30th?
[00:14:57] Azhelle Wade: Well, there is a little pre-chorus recommended reading and two dues waiting for you in the course platform. So if you are like me and you are an overachiever, you're going to want to get signed up ASAP so you can get through all of the welcome module pre-course training. Before we begin the full program on October 31st.
[00:15:18] Kenny Maness: What's included in the bronze bonus bundle?
[00:15:21] Azhelle Wade: If you join the course today or before enrollment closes, what you get is access to the bronze bonus bundle. Aside from the core 12 week group coaching program, there are a few extra bonuses that you'll get by signing up today. That's all included in this bronze bonus bundle. So those bonuses include. Access to toy support, which includes 12 live group coaching sessions and a one-on-one coaching session with me. Then you also get invitation to apply to my next TCA virtual pitch event. And your application fee waived. You also get a game design masterclass, the four S's of party game design with Eric Slauson. And then finally, you're going to get your hands on media breakthrough, eight tips to perfect. Your toy press pitch. A presentation created by an editor at a major toy magazine. So that's everything that you get included with this bronze bonus bundle.
[00:16:20] Kenny Maness: The one on one coaching session with you sounds awesome, but what is the best way to use it? And can we get more coaching sessions?
[00:16:27] Azhelle Wade: Okay, great questions. The best way to use the one-on-one coaching session is to give me a quick five minute download on what you've already accomplished as far as your toy goals. So what have you done with your toy idea already? Also, it's great for me to get a quick overview of what your strengths are, what profession you work in, maybe what creative abilities you have, that way I can analyze what you've done and analyze what you can do and tell you what gaps you should fill as you work through the modules. And we can even work out your own personal checklist as areas to focus on as each module unlocks.
[00:17:02] Alternatively, you may choose to use this time just to get my feedback and opinion on your concepts. If you need it, or you're feeling unsure about which direction to take something. Okay, that was our last and final question about toy creators academy. I hope your question was answered today. Those questions were so great, but if you have any other questions, again, reach out to me on Instagram or head over to my website, the toy coach.com. There's a little chat box in the lower right-hand corner. You can talk to me there. Those notifications do go to my cell phone. It might take me a minute to respond because we all have a ton of notifications, but I will respond. So you can talk to me there.
[00:17:40] To wrap up today's episode. I want to focus on what some TCA alumni have accomplished after this program. So let's do a listener spotlight on a few TCA success stories. First up, let's talk about TCA, alumni, Kesha who won the licensing you competition this year for her unique cartoon Catoms. At our graduation ceremony for the program, Kesha said, quote, I just spent almost a hundred thousand dollars on my MBA degree. And I feel like a lot of the stuff I learned there, I learned in toy creator's academy and quote, thank you so much for that Kesha.
[00:18:15] Now alumni, Christie plays her games in Barnes and noble. Thanks to a contact she made at the TCA virtual pitch event. And later she went on to get her own placement in camp stores for her product. Congratulations, Chrissy. She is also currently up for a major toy industry award called the taggy award. If you haven't voted for a rising star of the year yet for the taggies vote Chrissy Fagerholt. Now, Julie Dini is an alumni and a child psychologist that says in toy creator's academy, she quote, learned about gameplay toy design manufacturing, costing. Her course is just jam packed with valuable content. And quote, thank you so much for that, Julie.
[00:19:00] Now after toy creator's academy, I often ask some alumni how they've increased their toy company contact list because of the program and our TCA alumni, Andrew, who was already an accomplished inventor outside of the toy industry. When he joined the program, he has increased his toy company contact list, 50% adding 50 more toy industry contacts to it as a result of taking this program. And last, but certainly not least TCA alumni Kenesha had a fear of being ripped off.
[00:19:31] But because of toy creators academy, she has hurt Daisy, the clown named trademarked in the toy category. And she's working on releasing a few other exciting products under that name. Now to wrap up the key parts of what we learned today, I'm going to do it in three parts. One toy creator's academy is the most comprehensive toy business program for developing prototyping and pitching your most toyetic ideas yet, I would love for you to join this program and continue your toy journey with me as your coach to TCA is open for enrollment until 11:59 PM on October 30th.
[00:20:10] So by. October 31st, the doors are closed. I hope to meet you inside the program. And finally, if you enroll today, you'll be joining TCA 5.0 and gain access to the bronze bonus bundle, which we talked about earlier, which includes tips for pitching your toy to media. So what's your action item to do for this week? Well, I actually want to invite you to a party. Yup. The toy creators academy launch party. If you have an idea for a toy or game, please let me be the first to welcome you into the toy industry. During this toy, aspirational and educational live event.
[00:20:47] If you are listening to this episode, the day it drops, the launch party is happening today. Wednesday, October 26, 4:00 PM. Pacific 7:00 PM. Eastern it's a one-time only event where you will learn three lessons that help new toy makers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Turn their toy game ideas into profitable play products. All of that while we pop balloons in celebration of going after your toy dreams. So you want to bring a pen, a notebook, a mocktail, or champagne to toast you for taking the final step toward your toy dreams you should attend.
[00:21:22] If you are an aspiring toy or game creator, who is just interested in learning more about the toy industry and toy creators academy, or if you are a newly enrolled student of TCA, you'll see why when you get there to sign up for the launch party. Visit learn.thetoycoach.com/invitation. If you can't remember all that head over to thetoycoach.com/148, where we will have the link for you to register there. If you're listening to this episode after the 26th or after 7:00 PM Eastern, don't worry. There is a replay. So you can send me an email and ask me for the link to that replay. It will be up just for a few days.
[00:22:04] As always, thank you so much for spending this time with me today. I know your time is valuable and that there are a ton of podcasts out there. So it truly means the world to me that you tune into this one. Until next week. I'll see you later toy people.
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🎓Learn more about how you can develop and pitch your toy idea with Toy Creators Academy® by clicking here to visit toycreatorsacademy.com and join the waitlist.
Not ready for the Toy Creators Academy online course? Start by connecting with fellow toy creators inside our online community. Click here to join.