Cyberspace was pulsating with live tweets and exclusive photos posted on Facebook at then end of each day by many of the toy booths. Technology added an extra layer of thrill to the goings-on. Mommy Bloggers were there in force –more on their influence in my next blog.

What I loved about this year’s NYTF:

I ‘m so happy to see the girls’ area expand with more dolls and girl-oriented products. This year the traditional doll companies like Mattel and MGA have great new doll lines. But new companies are breaking into the doll market with some innovative and interesting product.

I loved the beautiful La Dee Da doll from Spin Master.  Jada has the fun Cute Pop doll. Just Play’s Doc McStuffins doll line is tied to the new Disney show. The Bridge has a magical small doll line.  Even Razor, a boy-oriented company with their fantastic scooters, has Pony Royal, a wonderful small doll pony line for girls.  All of these will bring lots of excitement to the girls’ doll aisle.

The importance of social media was front and center at NYTF. Please stay in touch and shoot us an email if you are ready to boost your business through social media. We’re here at INFO@DDW.US.COM. Dynamic Designworks is here to help you transform your concept into reality.

Are you stumped by hashtags? Unsure on what to post on Facebook?

Join me at my seminar at Toy Fair to learn the basic tools that marketers need when planning a marketing strategy for their product lines. In my “10 Tools for Social Media Success” presentation, I will teach you the steps to succeed at marketing your product line in this new digital age.

I will discuss social engagement, online advertising, as well as many analytical tools that will help you to better analyze your social media campaigns. I will dig into the importance of brand ambassador partnerships, interactive online promotions, and branding.

Cutting Edge Trends in Today’s Toys
WHEN: February 13th 2012 9:00am – 12:00pm
WHERE: Javits Room #1E04
My Presentation kicks off at 10:00 AM:
Social Networking and Toy Trends: 10 Tools for Social Media Success

RSVP: info@ddw.us.com

RSVP on Facebook

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was so much sensory overload that it took me a few days to process what I had seen (and to soak my achin’ feet!)  That “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” cliché has been hauled out plenty in regards to this show, but I have to say there are some goodies that I sincerely hope make it beyond the convention floor.

I really, really, really do want the new 55” Crystal LED Sony flat screen. Who cares if it’s a prototype? It was just awesome.  Then, of course you need the surround sound to go with it . . . But, alas, my pocketbook brings me back to reality and no new flat screen is really needed;   it was just fun to dream for a few days.

I loved the DOT 360 camera (http://kogeto.com/dot.php).  Just add it to your IPhone and take photos that you can view 360 degree–very cool.

The Vinci Touch Screen Learning System has a tablet designed for infants and toddlers with a bump-resistant frame that’s easy for little hands to use.

My favorite software is from Shoddog. You will be able to move your videos from smart phone to tablet and then to any TV and pick up right where you were watching. Lots of fun–makes TV or video-watching very mobile!

Please stay in touch and shoot us an email if you are ready to make your boost your business through social media. We’re here at INFO@DDW.US.COM. Dynamic Designworks is here to help you transform your concept into reality.

Thank goodness I wore my walking shoes because being surrounded by all the latest electronics made me feel like a kid in a candy store and I wanted to see everything! Attendance at CES this year was back to pre-economic downturn levels, so it was busy, crowded, exciting, exhausting, and incredibly fun.

I spent January 11-13 walking, talking, being bedazzled and delighted by the latest in consumer techno-wizardry, joyfully exploring every nook and cranny of the big show.  But even with so much to see and do there is one trend that stands out which I believe will have a far-reaching impact on the toy industry.

It’s a deceptively simple observation.

The way we watch television is going to change. In fact, it’s already changing, and these changes will require our industry to be nimble in finding new ways to reach consumers.

Just as phones are totally mobile, watching your entertainment is also headed that way. Most people already DVR their favorite shows. I don’t know about you, but the only live TV I watch at the moment is sports and news. All my shows are recorded and I fast forward through commercials. Even with live TV I pause the show so I can skip the ads. With Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube people are choosing the entertainment they want to watch, when they want to watch it and on what platform . . . smart phone, tablet or TV.  People will be watching even less live TV.

At CES all the TVs had wireless connections and integrated with smart phones and tablets as the TV remote. Basically the TV screen will be a large computer screen to play games on, watch favorite shows and surf the net.

How does this affect the toy industry? Well, if people are watching less live TV–and I do believe this will be happening more and more over the next few years– how does toy advertising reach the consumer? If everyone can easily zap through your commercials, how will they see what you have to sell?

This means that manufacturers will have to change where they are advertising and look at new options like Facebook, product placement on apps, and other social media to reach their markets.  This will require some adventurous due diligence to find the best and most effective social media opportunities to connect with consumers.

As a savvy business owner, you know that you need to be ahead of the curve when it comes to getting your product in front of buyers. The survival of your business depends on it. Remember my New Year’s blog? You don’t have to do this all yourself; in fact, getting expert advice or finding strategic partners is one of the smartest things you can do.

Know that you can pick up the phone and dial 562.981.8501 and Dynamic Designworks will get you on track with your social media! Of course you can also email us at info@ddw.us.com.  We are ready to help you transform your concept into reality.

Last week my business coach Lorenda Phillips held her Dream Big event here in Los Angeles. This was a real kick start for me to revisit my goals and see where I am. I’m not doing too badly this year, but I tell you I do need reminding about what my goals are so I can take action.

Here’s what I want to share with you:

• Remind yourself what your goals are so that you can take action. Dream Big gave me that kick in the pants to start up new the next day. If you’re off track don’t beat yourself up or just throw in the towel—make the next step you take be toward that goal.
• The most important thing I took away from Dream Big is that you can’t go at it alone. Support is key to making things happen.
• Getting expert advice or finding strategic partners is also important. But here’s the Big Takeaway: You don’t have to do it all yourself.

The evening was fantastic. I came away feeling connected to people, inspired and energized with renewed passion to tackle my objectives. I am sharing this with you to help you look at ways to keep yourself on track and reach your goals.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to finally implement that social media campaign and it’s a month into 2012 and you haven’t started anything, don’t beat yourself up. Remember, you don’t have to do it all yourself. Know that you can pick up the phone and dial 562.981.8501 and Dynamic Designworks will get you on track with your social media! Of course you can also email us at info@ddw.us.com. We are ready to help you transform your concept into reality.

BlogWorld offered businesses a place to learn about the tools to succeed in marketing your business online and offline. The expo floor gave attendees an insider’s look into the newest technologies and software to help build your online presence and successfully measure social media campaigns. Brands like Ford, Southwest Airlines, and Century 21 had a major presence at the conference. Ford exemplified its efforts to connect with the new generation of bloggers by highlighting the newest features in their cars for 2012. Southwest had an interactive lounge where bloggers could relive the Southwest in-flight experience and go into the photo booth where the photos could be instantly sent to their social media profile. Century 21 offered live demos of their new mobile app that helps make the experience of buying a home easier.

I did not see any toy companies and entertainment brands at BlogWorld this year. Even though mom-centric brands were not at BlogWorld, it would have been advantageous for the toy and entertainment industry to be at this conference in the new transmedia world. I want to emphasize the importance of connecting with your customers on a deeper level and identifying key influencers to partner with online. BlogWorld gave my agency the tools we need to truly enhance our client’s social networks.

Key takeaways to remember when launching a social media campaign for your business:

1. New expectations: We are the change agents for the next generation. We need to get comfortable with the fluidity of change and understand that the new media will continuously evolve.
2. Create your own rule book: There is no rule book to follow that works for every industry. Create your own rule book and you will learn what works and what doesn’t work. As social media advocates, we need to remind ourselves that we don’t have all the answers. It’s all about trial and error.
3. Be a wayfarer: “This is not the era of the experts, it’s the era of the curious”, explained Keynote speaker Amber Naslund. Think of yourself as a philosopher and look at the old way you do marketing and adjust accordingly, to help engage with your customers in this new media world.
4. Be a builder: Create different strategies & marketing plans and navigate through the digital age to discover the best ways your brand can succeed online.
5. Stay brave: Online marketing campaigns take time to mature. It could take anywhere from 12-24 months for your social media fan base to get to that maturity stage. You can be a little scared, even when the future looks foggy, but don’t give up, because social media is here to stay.

Suzanne will be offering a series of educational blog posts from BlogWorld over the next few weeks.

Please stay in touch and if you have any questions about social media you can always email us at INFO@DDW.US.COM.

Designers, marketers and executives from Los Angeles based toy manufacturers including Jakks Pacific, Educational Insights, Counterpoint Systems, The Express Line, Buymeatoy.com, Kid Toyology, McHale Design, Playmates Toys, Santaw Design, DDW, and many other toy companies gathered together to hear about TIA’s latest initiatives as well as to learn about how to successfully market your brand online and offline using Social Media. Suzanne Mills-Winkler, President and CEO of Dynamic Designworks Inc. (DDW) and Victoria Cushey, DDW’s VP of Marketing and Business Development, offered an insightful presentation where they shared their best strategies for social networking. Joan Luks, President of Women in Toys, traveled all the way from New York to attend the event! She announced the upcoming Women in Toys awards dinner, Wonder Women in Toys, which will take place at New York Toy Fair on February 12th 2012. “Through this dinner, WIT grants scholarships to undergraduate students who are participating in toy development programs, and these students are the future of our industry”, quotes Joan.

During the event, Joe Gregorich, Director of State Government Affairs from the Toy Industry Association (TIA), spoke about the TIA’s new initiatives supporting toy manufacturers in the United States. The TIA’s responsibility is to make aware all public policies that might affect the toy industry positively and negatively, and to make sure our voice is heard. On a daily basis, the TIA represents American toy companies in front of state capitals. This year alone, the TIA has identified and lobbied over 113 priority bills in 32 states. Joe also shared the success of this year’s California Toy Day, a series of meetings and small group discussions that brought toy company representatives together with the State’s most influential decision-makers to discuss our industry’s key issues and concerns, on June 7th and 8th in Sacramento, California. On California Toy Day, the TIA brought in over thirty toy company representatives and held private meetings with the state legislature and the department of toxic substances and control. This week, in Washington DC, TIA will be hosting the DC Fly In, in which members of the toy industry are invited to meet with members of the White House. Joe is also very excited for New York Toy fair, as the show is already 7% ahead on registered exhibitors and 9% ahead on exhibit space!

Best Steps for Building a Successful Online Marketing Strategy:

When using Social Media, Suzanne explained, make sure you plan quarterly content strategies to research & discover new ways to reach your target audience. Stay relevant with the trends of your industry and focus on regular, consistent content. Visuals are the best ways to attract customers to click on content produced by your brand.

Engagement is also very important in social media analytics and when acquiring new customers. Your feedback is essential to win over your customer’s loyalty to your brand. You can do this by ‘liking’ your commenters, and replying to important customer questions and concerns on your company’s Facebook page wall.

Offer all of your Facebook fans monthly contests to encourage interaction and social sharing with their friends. The more incentives your audience sees to ‘like’ your page the better. Having a strong and persuading call to action will drive your fan base off the charts! If you have the budget, allot a decent amount of products to be used for giveaway and promotional purposes on each of your social media accounts. Reach out to bloggers and other key influencers in your industry to make sure they hear about your new product launches. You can partner with them to spread the word about your giveaways and other happenings occurring on your Facebook page.

Ask your graphic designer create a custom landing page on your Facebook. With landing pages, your Facebook grows on average 44% faster. Also, try selling your products on your Facebook. Brands selling on Facebook have reported an increase in sales by offering an easy way for customers to view their product offering from their Facebook page. 35% of online shoppers said they would be likely to make a purchase through Facebook.
Key takeaways to remember are to offer a humanizing voice behind your brand and don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. Customers love a brand that thinks ‘out of the box’ and encourages customers to interact with you, which will ultimately help your brand succeed at being the ‘go to’ Facebook page where your customers can socialize online.

Big Thanks to our event sponsors: Toy Association of Southern California (TASC), Toy Industry Association (TIA), Women in Toys (WIT), Dynamic Designworks Inc. (DDW), Global Toy News, and Otis College of Art and Design.

The Dallas Toy Preview has always been a great trade show for small and large toy brands to come together and preview their upcoming products to buyers from Target, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, and many other retailers. This year, the show was very busy and every booth I visited was filled with numerous buyers during the entire show. I noticed an assortment of innovative products for 2012 and I enjoyed various meetings to discuss our new inventions.

I just returned from Dallas this month and the majority of corporate toy companies did not exhibit in Dallas. You have to ask yourself “Why?” Five major toy companies changed their schedules to show, instead, in Los Angeles close to each of their headquarters. Los Angeles based manufacturers Spin Master, Bandai, Jakk’s Pacific, Playmates, and Mattel all chose not to exhibit in Dallas. I met with these retailers the week following Toy Preview and realized Dallas isn’t such a popular meeting place anymore. Los Angeles has sparked a new unofficial toy preview in its place and many buyers are traveling to the West coast for sales meetings to meet with our Los Angeles-based manufacturers. I thought to myself, why Dallas? Is Dallas really the perfect meeting place for West coast and East coast companies to show their products? Why not Las Vegas? Or how about Los Angeles? In my opinion staying local is far more convenient. So I pose this question to you, Dallas or Los Angeles for your toy preview?

Please help answer my question by answering this poll and I’ll be happy to share my results with you in an upcoming blog:

As I was struggling to jog in the sand and trying not be the last person in the Beach Palooza Race, it hit me, many people approach social media the way I approached this race. It would be easy to hire a 20 something employee to set up your Facebook & Twitter, make a few posts and consider that all will be well, that you don’t need help, and you have it all covered. If you just add some social media to your marketing plan, how hard could it be?

If your fan base doesn’t increase, people don’t share your posts, and you are not reaching new and old customers, what went wrong? Why does a fan page like Zappos acquire over 168,000 fans and you only 200? How can you keep up with all the updates and changes on Facebook? It feels like running in sand everything is twice as hard as you thought, and once you feel you are on solid ground, things change again!

In training for a half-marathon or a beach race on the sand, it is important that you work with a personal trainer or fitness expert to help you succeed. In marketing look for someone to help you create a strategic social media plan that will increase your brand’s engagement and exceed your customers’ expectations. Figure out what your customer wants and what you can supply to them using social media. Social media is a great way to get MORE customers so make sure your existing customers are happy so they will refer their friends.

Write the plan down, and then make sure the plan is executed. Monitor results weekly, if it is not working change it…social media is a fluid medium and change is good. If things are working stick to it and do more of what works.

Consistency is extremely important. If you post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, don’t skip a week. It takes time to create interest in your fan page, ask questions, conduct polls, and provide valuable content for your customers online.

Keep going and if the going gets rough, seek help. Work with someone who knows and understands the medium and will guide you to create the brand image that you want for your product both in the present and the future. Do not let the ever changing medium of social media become the shifting sand beneath your feet.

1. When handling your social media accounts, make sure to resolve any conflict online within 24 hours. It is necessary to manage your social media pages on a daily basis and watch out for any negative feedback from customers. Whether it is a comment about unfulfilled orders, false data about the company, or a nasty complaint, your social media manager must come up with a solution.

2. Tell the customer what you can do. Take action by offering a resolution in regards to the problem and create a plan that will make the customer feel respected and happy.

3. If you are offering a discount to the customer, send them a private email to work out a negotiation. But if it starts on the public Facebook wall, resolve it on the wall. Reply with your direct customer service phone number and email address as well.

4. Always apologize to the customer because the customer is always right. Do not over apologize though, just empathize with the customer when conflict arises and make them feel happy that they are supporting your product or service.

5. Never argue with the customer. Also, never write in capital letters no matter what form of communication you are using. It is bad-mannered and the customer will probably not come back.

6. Building a long-lasting relationship with your customers and maintaining their brand loyalty is essential for any company, big or small. Keeping that in mind will increase your brand’s image in the mind of the consumer, leading to enduring success.