HB_News_XIV-1 - Helen Brett Enterprises

Volume XIV, Issue 1
HelenBrett.com
\ A Publication of Helen Brett Enterprises, Inc.
SHOW
UPDATE
Scentsy
Laura Goodwin’s Scented Journey
B. Jaxx
It’s All in the Family!
Publisher’s Update
Boot Camp Certification Program
Start your year off with a bling at the
Helen Brett Gift and Jewelry Shows.
New Orleans – January 17-20
Memphis – February 8-10
Publisher
Update
by Robert & Brett Kolinek
Small Business
Marketing
Connect Online to
Convert Offline
Competing Against
Bigger Stores
Maintaining Margins
While Offering
Competitive Pricing
2 \ Helen Brett Show Update
A very happy New Year to you! It’s been an
exciting fall for us as we gear up for a betterthan-ever year in attendance and show
growth. To jump-start that objective, we’re
kicking off a new initiative that will help our
exhibitors and buyers increase business
growth. I’m very proud to introduce our
new “Small Business Revenue Generator
Boot Camp Certification Program”.
Here at Helen Brett we understand that small to medium sized businesses are being particularly challenged by the economy right now. That’s
why we geared our certification program specifically to assist those
businesses in retaining and increasing revenue. Our program includes
four sessions. All four sessions will be presented at the New Orleans
Gift & Jewelry Show on January 18, 2013 and during our Memphis Gift
& Jewelry Show on February 8, 2013.
The four boot camp sessions will help you learn how to increase your
revenues and profits by explaining how to market and sell both faceto-face and over the Internet, how to compete with bigger stores, and
how to increase per piece margins. This day’s worth of sessions will
arm you with tools to increase your sales immediately upon returning
to your store!
It’s important to us that your business is successful. After all, we’re all
connected so your success is our success. That’s why we’ve made admittance to all four boot camps free for all of our Gold Card holders, buyers
and approved store owners. Each 45-minute session will take place on
the show floor in a theatre specially designed for this educational program. Although some of our topics may evolve after publication of this
newsletter, we’re currently appraising the following four agenda topics:
Small Business Marketing
The essence of a small business marketing strategy is defining how to
meet the needs of your customers. If you’re not taking advantage of
the latest low cost tools and techniques, then you’re putting yourself
at a competitive disadvantage! This session will give you tips on how
to enhance your marketing through social media, the Internet, and direct marketing so you’re better able to reach, engage and retain new
prospects and loyal customers.
Connect ONLINE to Convert OFFLINE
Are you using outdated methods to engage with customers and clients about buying your products and services?
So how’s that going? Less effective than you’d like? That’s
because the marketplace has changed and it’s not about
selling, but about connecting using powerful channels and
convergence strategies that build the bridge to real relationships. These relationships are vital to attaining real
profits! We’ll provide five key initiatives you can do using
online and offline strategies that will position you as the
celebrity authority in your competitive marketplace.
How to Compete Against Bigger Stores
One of the biggest challenges facing small and medium
sized businesses is competing with large retailers. Today’s
economic environment makes it even more of a challenge.
Yet there are several shops who separate themselves from
the thundering herds of “me too” retailers. The key is to
understand the power and influence of three strategic factors: Distinction, Excellence and Service. When these three
elements are applied to your organization and practiced
every day, you can compete with anyone - including the
“Big Box” stores!
How to Retain Margins while Offering
Competitive Pricing
Pricing is always a major question for the small business
owner. When pricing stock to remain competitive, profit
margins still must be created and maintained. After all, while
you may be frugal yourself and have a tendency to price
close to your costs, remember that the products you sell are
valuable to your customer. How do you keep that balance?
All four of these sessions are packed with innovative
methods that will help you implement a productive
marketing and business strategy. I’m really looking forward
to seeing you at our upcoming boot camp! Please take
a moment and pre-register at bootcamp.helenbrett.com
to guarantee your seat in all four sessions of the bootcamp
today. On-site registration is still required to gain access
to the show floor.
In addition to our certification program, we’re also working on
several other initiatives to improve the Helen Brett experience
for both our exhibitors and our attendees. I’ll be revealing
more exciting new plans in upcoming correspondence, so
keep checking your email for our informative updates. And
don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook!
Here’s to a New Year filled with happiness, growth and prosperity for all of us!
New Orleans: Booths 1457-1458
Helen Brett Show Update \ 3
SHOW INFO
NEW ORLEANS, LA
MEMPHIS, TN
NEW ORLEANS GIFT & JEWELRY SHOW
January 17-20, 2013 (Thursday Opening)
15,000 Buyers & 700 Booths
August 23-26, 2013 (Friday Opening)
20,000 Buyers & 700 Booths
New Orleans Morial Convention Center
MID-SOUTH JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES FAIR
April 19-21, 2013 (Friday Opening)
7,000 Buyers & 275 Booths
November 22-25, 2013 (Friday Opening)
10,000 Buyers & 450 Booths
Memphis-Cook Convention Center
MEMPHIS, TN
NEW ORLEANS, LA
Memphis Gift & Jewelry Show
February 8-10, 2013 (Friday Opening)
8,000 Buyers & 300 Booths
August 17-19, 2013 (Saturday Opening)
10,000 Buyers & 350 Booths
Memphis-Cook Convention Center
INTERNATIONAL JEWELRY FAIR/GENERAL
MERCHANDISE SHOW
May 16-19, 2013 (Thursday Opening)
20,000 Buyers & 700 Booths
November 2-5, 2013 (Saturday Opening)
30,000 Buyers & 1,110 Booths
New Orleans Morial Convention Center
No children under the age of 16 permitted on the show floor.
Only one guest per qualified buyer. No wheeled carts of any
kind or strollers will be permitted on the show floor. Infants in
front packs are the only exception. An area for you to check
your cart/stroller will be provided. Wheelchairs are permitted.
Please visit www.helenbrett.com for additional show rules and
regulations.
BATON ROUGE, LA
BATON ROUGE JEWELRY & GENERAL
MERCHANDISE SHOW
December 13-15, 2013 (Friday Opening)
20,000 Buyers & 500 Booths
Baton Rouge River Center
Making Hotel Reservations
Has Never Been Easier!
Register online at www.helenbrett.com.
1. Select “Hotel Reservations” located on the top bar.
2. Select the show you are planning to attend.
3. Select “Make a Hotel Reservation.”
It’s that easy. You will receive immediate confirmation either
by e-mail, fax or U.S. mail and you can modify or cancel
your reservation at any time.
Register online at www.helenbrett.com
4 \ Helen Brett Show Update
TRAVEL INFO
New Orleans, LA
JANUARY 17-20, 2013
Memphis, TN
February 8-10, 2013
(Rates will increase after the cut-off date of 12/20/12.)
(Rates will increase after the cut-off date of 1/15/13.)
Marriott SpringHill Suites
Memphis Marriott Downtown
301 St. Joseph St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $133 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
250 N. Main St.
Memphis, TN 38103
Rate: $129 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
Holiday Inn New Orleans Westbank
275 Whitney Ave.
Gretna, LA 70053
Rate: $125 Single/Double
Hilton Garden Inn
1001 S. Peters St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $119 Single/Double, $139 Triple, $159 Quad
Hampton Inn Convention Center
1201 Convention Center
New Orleans, LA 70130
Rate: $159 Single/Double/Triple/Quad
All dates are subject to change without prior notice.
Please confirm the latest dates on our website before
making travel plans. All shows allow order writing and
immediate delivery. For more information on shows,
contact:
Helen Brett Enterprises, Inc.
5111 Academy Drive | Lisle, IL 60532-2171
Phone: 630.241.9865 | Fax: 630.241.9870
www.helenbrett.com
Helen Brett Show Update \ 5
The Subject was
Pomegranate
Orange
Laura Godwin’s Scented Journey
Laura Godwin will always remember the
unique Pomegranate Orange fragrance.
It’s the scent that launched her career
as an independent representative for
Scentsy Fragrances and helped position
her as a SuperStar Director out of more
than 300,000 representatives.
“Even though that fragrance is now retired,” explains Laura, “I’ll always
have a special place in my heart for Pomegranate Orange for sentimental reasons.” More than three years ago, Laura’s mother-in-law presented her with a Scentsy wickless candle system as a gift and it was love
at first sight. Laura couldn’t get enough of the creative and distinctive
fragrances such as Tingelo, Jumpin’ Jelly Bean, Beach, Central Park Pralines, Buckleberry, and many, many others. She developed a real love for
wickless candles and wanted to support her own habit.
“I didn’t know anyone locally who sold the product line,” said the perky
young mother. “I finally found a Texas representative and began purchasing the product from her.”
Scentsy’s key product is a wickless candle that uses a highly fragrant wax
bar that’s gently warmed to release the fragrance into the room. Unlike
a tradition candle, it emits no smoke, soot or lead into the environment.
“The ceramic warmer houses a low-watt light bulb,” says Laura. “There’s
no flame or danger of fire. It’s so safe that it’s the only product of its
kind that fire marshal’s allow in schools, government offices and daycare
centers.”
Before becoming an independent consultant for Scentsy, Laura was an
elementary school teacher and taught piano during the weekends. But,
she recognized Scentsy as an amazing business opportunity and decided to grab it.
6 \ Helen Brett Show Update
Her thinking was, “What do I have to lose by using the $99 starter sales kit?”
After all, she already had friends and family who loved the product. The $1/
year quota seemed like it would be a breeze!
“Within 6 months, I became a Director!” enthuses Laura gleefully. “It’s been
one of the craziest, wildest journeys ever!”
Not only has she been able to match her annual incomes from both her elementary school teaching and piano instruction, but she’s now exceeded them
without the incredible time commitment. “I now have time to home school
my child and make a huge impact on our home finances,” she emphasizes
proudly. “I learned to work smarter NOT harder … that’s what changed.”
When Laura was nine years old, her father’s work resulted in her immediate
family moving from the small suburb of Kettering (outside of Dayton, Ohio),
and relocating to Atmore, Alabama.
“On my father’s side of the family, we have generations of independent business owners. They strongly believed that you got a good idea, worked hard
and could take it all the way.” In this case, Laura didn’t need the good idea
because Scentsy already offered it. She simply needed to present the wickless candle.
“I was all prepared to put together an incredible business plan for my new
business as an independent Scentsy representative,” said Laura. “But I didn’t
have to! They do all the hard work for you!” Laura believes the product sells
itself and, with more than 90 different scents, she always has something new
to present at any given Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry Show. “My job wasn’t to
create these huge systems to market the business on-line,” she follows with
a laugh. “I just needed to let the product sell itself!”
Scentsy (http://scentsy.net) is a direct selling company headquartered in
Meridian, Idaho, which was started by Orville and Heidi Thompson in 2004.
Scentsy sells its wickless candle products through a fast-growing field sales
force of independent direct salespeople known as Independent Scentsy Consultants who market and sell Scentsy products through home parties.
Scentsy is not available through retail stores. While many independent representatives sell the product through home shows and fundraisers, Laura has
carved a niche by providing the product at the gift shows. She’s been representing the Scentsy product lines at Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry Shows for
more than two years and, while her booth size changes depending on the
time of the year, there’s one thing that remains the same: there’s always a line
of excited attendees viewing the newest in scents.
According to Laura, she likes the Helen Brett shows because of their reputation for quality products. “My customers put aside a whole weekend to
attend the show. They make it a weekend event. Many of them put aside an
expense fund just for the show.”
In addition to 90 different and ever-evolving scents, and more than a dozen
warmers, Scentsy has recently introduced their “Layers” line. Layers incorporates Scentsy’s terrific scents into everything and anything associated with
home and travel such as body sprays, lotions, body butter, shower gels, laundry dryer discs, washer whiffs, and much more. According to Laura, “It’s a
way you can ‘layer’ the scents into your life.”
As a SuperStar Director, Laura and her
team recently reached $80K wholesale
and $110K retail in annual sales. In addition to seeing her at Helen Brett gift
shows, Laura provides training and mentoring to new independent representatives. She currently has more than 1,040
sales people selling under her direction.
Popular fragrances are seasonal, and
Laura finds that Christmas Cottage is
very popular during the holidays, while
Clean Breeze may be more popular in the
spring. Her favorite scent? “my current
favorite is ‘Love Story.’ It’s a mixture of ingredients that include Pomegranate and
Dark Chocolate.”
What’s not for a girl to love? Visit Laura
and her incredible business scents at the
next Helen Brett Show and discover your
favorite scent.
For more information, contact:
Laura Godwin, Scentsy
Independent SuperStar Director
Phone: 251.294.2013
E-mail: [email protected]
Personal Site: www.NeedMoreScents.com
Memphis: Booth 658
New Orleans: Booth 870
Helen Brett Show Update \ 7
B. Jaxx takes the concept of “a family
business” to a new level, starting
with the company itself being named
after their first-born son, Jackson.
“We were originally a small manufacturing company that
specialized in monogrammed baby items,” explains Derek
Pace, co-founder of B. Jaxx along with his wife Paige
Pace. “Our inspiration for the company name came
from the name of our newborn son, Jackson.” Thus
it was that, in April of 1999, the company Baby Jaxx
was born. About a year later, they decided to shift
gears and focus on a small collection of women’s
handbags, which resulted in the company name
being abbreviated to “B. Jaxx”. Derek and Paige
successfully presented their newest product line
at Helen Brett Enterprise’s November 2000 Gift
& Jewelry Shows, in addition to several other
local shows.
Derek and Paige had both worked as sales
representatives in the gift industry before
deciding to strike out on their own. “I worked
for a plush company and would carry my
samples on the road in these gorgeous highfashion bags,” recalls Paige. “Everywhere I
went, my customers would ask me, “’Where
did you get those bags?’” Paige would
go home and share her enthusiasm with
her husband, Derek, and according to her,
“One day he finally listened to me and it all
took off from there!”
The couple focuses on the Dallas, Atlanta,
Memphis and New Orleans markets.
While the husband and wife team each
handle all aspects of the business, Derek
tends to gravitate to the design, ordering
and finance portion of the business. “My
wife really enjoys doing much of the sales
and marketing,” he added, explaining their
usual division of duties. They love spending
time together and you’ll often find them in
the warehouse together pulling orders for
customers and in the warehouse preparing for
an upcoming show.
Not only is the business named after their
rambunctious son but Paige’s sister, Kortnee, is
their operations manager and show manager, in
addition to handling B. Jaxx’s website. “We all wear many hats!” adds Paige
with a gentle laugh. Kortnee’s husband, Denny and Paige and Kortnee’s step
dad, Don assists with the often long lines you’ll find at any given show, while
Paige’s second sister, DeDee, assists Derek with fresh ideas in design.
“Even my father, Jon, comes to some of the shows and helps us with the
booth,” adds Derek. “Our business really does involve the entire family and
it’s successful because of everyone’s efforts.” While Paige is pleased with
the participation of her immediate family members, she notes that they are
extremely blessed with some talented employees who, though not biological
family members, are family of the heart. “We consider them all family,” adds
Paige firmly.
For more information, contact:
B. JAXX Wholesale
PO Box 6051
Texarkana, TX 75505
Phone: (870) 773-9717
Fax: (870) 773-9710
E-mail: [email protected]
www.bjaxx.com
Memphis: Booths 1252-1253
New Orleans: Booths 654-657
B. Jaxx has expanded far past their original line of handbags. They now design
and present a huge variety of gifts and jewelry including fashion tees, ladies
accessories, sunshades, diaper bags, travel mugs, hair accessories, eyewear,
tote bags, travel gear, stockings, and an entire line of monogrammed items,
plus much more.
Six years after they first formed this rapidly growing Christian based business,
they welcomed their baby daughter, Lilly Paige, into the family and into the
business. “We just had to do something based on her name,” said proud
mother Paige, “So she has her very own girly fashion line called, ‘Lilly Girl.’” The
line, which consists of bright colors and fashionable patterns, with a competitive
price point, has been quite successful. It’s attracted a loyal client base to Lilly
Girl. “You’ll find her name on a lot of items at the markets,” adds Derek.
Both of these creative entrepreneurs are particularly proud of keeping on
top of the latest in fashion while providing high quality merchandise at an
affordable price point. With many new trends emerging in the business, Paige
encourages attendees to check out some of their newest fashion tees and
personalized accessories at the next show. “And we’ve got some uniquely
beautiful handmade bracelets from Nepal,” adds Paige. “We always have
something that inspires!”
B. Jaxx is located in Texarkana, Arkansas. According to Derek, they live on
the Texas side of the border, but their office and warehouse are located on
the Arkansas side. But not everything is amiable between the members of the
family. “I’m an avid Arkansas Razorback fan,” states Paige emphatically. “But
Derek is a Texas Longhorn fan!”
After more than 12 years exhibiting at the Helen Brett Gift & Jewelry Shows,
Derek and Paige continue to be excited about the upcoming season. “We love
that Helen Brett gives us an opportunity to meet our customers face to face in
Memphis, New Orleans and Baton Rouge,” added Derek. “As well as picking
up new customers each and every time!”
In addition to their basic love for the fashion industry, Derek and Paige love
being able to work together every day, and they undeniably make a great
team. While in their spare time you might find them at Jackson’s football
games or Lilly’s dance recitals, rest assured that they definitely see a future that
involves new business lines. “You never know what new item you’ll discover at
B. Jaxx!” chuckles Paige invitingly. So when you’re at the next show, come on
by and visit with some of the B. Jaxx family!
Helen Brett Show Update \ 9
Put your marketing
dollars to good use!
Looking for the best way to communicate with your
customers? Why not send a postcard or flyer letting your
customers know:
•
•
•
•
where your store/business is located
the products you sell
the special promotions being offered
what tradeshow you will be at next
Whether you need RBK to print and mail your advertisement or you want to supply us with your already printed
piece to be mailed, RBK can handle it all.
Services we offer:
New Orleans
Booth 1150
•
•
•
•
•
Variable Data & Print On-Demand Digital Printing
Traditional Offset Printing
First Class Presort & Standard Mail
Ink Jet Imprinting
Data Management
RBK is the official printer & mailer for Helen Brett Enterprises.
1988 University Lane, Lisle, IL 60532
Ph. 630-241-9871 • Fax 630-241-9935
www.rbkmailing.com
10 \ Helen Brett Show Update
Memphis
new orleans
BOOTHS 713-715
BOOTHS 200-204,
1854-1856, 1903-1904
Helen Brett Show Update \ 11
Helen Brett Enterprises, Inc.
5111 Academy Drive
Lisle, IL 60532-2171
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Lisle, IL
Permit #928
NEW ORLEANS, LA
NEW ORLEANS GIFT & JEWELRY SHOW
January 17-20, 2013 (Thursday Opening)
August 23-26, 2013 (Friday Opening)
MEMPHIS, TN
MEMPHIS GIFT & JEWELRY SHOW
February 8-10, 2013 (Friday Opening)
August 17-19, 2013 (Saturday Opening)
MEMPHIS, TN
MID-SOUTH JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES FAIR
April 19-21, 2013 (Friday Opening)
November 22-25, 2013 (Friday Opening)
NEW ORLEANS, LA
INTERNATIONAL JEWELRY FAIR/
GENERAL MERCHANDISE SHOW
May 16-19, 2013 (Thursday Opening)
November 2-5, 2013 (Saturday Opening)
BATON ROUGE, LA
BATON ROUGE JEWELRY &
GENERAL MERCHANDISE SHOW
December 13-15, 2013 (Friday Opening)
Beauty Corner
We Sell Your Smell
12 \ Helen Brett Show Update
Specialists in locating hard-to-find products
Prompt, superb service
Let us fulfill your fragrance needs
New Orleans: Booths 108-110
11390 Harry Hines Blvd., Ste. B
Dallas, TX 75229
ph 972.247.6676
fax 972.247.4518
e-mail: [email protected]
www.beautycorneronline.com