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Making It In The Toy Industry is your secret weapon for showing up like a pro in the toy and game industry.

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Kickstarter Azhelle Wade Kickstarter Azhelle Wade

Episode #28: Playing The Kickstarter Long Game with Joe Slack

For many of us, this is "launch season" for our toy and game products. And even though this podcast has given plenty of valuable information about launching a successful crowdfunding campaign, there is always more to learn. So The Toy Coach is back at it, asking questions and getting answers about launching a product on Kickstarter, but this time...it's with a focus on games!

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Product Development Azhelle Wade Product Development Azhelle Wade

Episode #27: How Much Are Customers Willing to Pay For Your Toy?

When you first came up with your most recent toy idea, did you stop to consider what your target customer might think it's worth? Well, perceived value is extremely important to toy industry professionals when they are evaluating your toy product. The size of the package that holds your toy, the weight of it, and the price point are all data points swirling in the minds of your target customer as they evaluate your toy and define its value.

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Marketing Azhelle Wade Marketing Azhelle Wade

Episode #26: The Growing Importance Of Social Proof For Your Toy Ideas

It's no secret that the toy industry is heavily influenced by popular media. Many people in toys compare it to the fashion industry because both are all about fast-moving trends. Thanks to the growth of social media, and the disruption of the movie industry due to the coronavirus, the toy industry is seeing heavy influence arise from influencers on YouTube, Instagram, and streaming platform originals. So in today's episode, The Toy Coach addresses the growing importance of establishing a brand identity and connecting with your target audience online.

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Inventor Tips Azhelle Wade Inventor Tips Azhelle Wade

Episode #25: How A Fellow Inventor Turned A Holiday Gift Idea Into A Licensed Invention

Are you ready for an inventor story? My guest for today's episode is Karen Bonnici, creator of the Super Blanky® and the Super Towel®. This inventor mom joins Azhelle Wade on today's episode to talk about her journey inventing and licensing the popular product, currently sold at Target. This inspiring and lesson packed story starts at a sewing table and ends on the shelf! Karen shares with us the creative process she went through to conceptualize Super Blanky, her path to protecting her idea, and how she determined if she had a marketable concept in the first place!

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Specialty Market Azhelle Wade Specialty Market Azhelle Wade

Episode #24: Breaking Into The Specialty Toy Market with Kimberly Mosley CAE, the President of ASTRA

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association aka ASTRA was founded in 1992 by store owners who noticed the value in collaborating in the specialty toy space. A big part of an ASTRA membership is the open and supportive community that it provides. Within this community, you will find the opportunity to connect and learn from buyers, manufacturers, and sales reps through the specialty segment of the toy industry.

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