Jean Newell is an adrenaline- high entrepreneur who has appeared on QVC several times with her Love My Pup bags.
Picture and Videos on Diva Maverick Mavens courtesy of Jean Newell.
You've said you were a real estate agent. How has this job prepared you for what you do now?
Jean Newell
A Real Estate agent is considered an independent contractor so we were basically running our own small businesses . We had to do all of our own marketing and sales.
What challenges did you face as a young entrepreneur marketing your new product? And getting funding?
Jean Newell
Thank you for the "young" I was 57 when I started but as a "new" entrepreneur you'll find even with all of the business books and magazines they don't really prepare you for where your road will take you. As far a funding, that is a challenge. I suggest to aspiring entrepreneurs that they look into all types of funding available before they need it. If they are still employed, they need to look into loans while they can qualify for them. Most banks what at least 3 years in the business.
What piece of advice can you offer to people who have an invention they want to market?
Jean Newell
Make sure there is a market for your invention. Have focus groups of people who would be potential clients look at a prototype or explain the concept with them. Always protect yourself with confidentiality agreements.
What characteristics do you require to make your product a success? Please elaborate as much as possible with an example?
Jean Newell
Ironic that you would ask fo that as I just sent the same information to my local newspaper for an article.
Ifeel there are 6 traits all successful Entrepreneurs should have:
1) The Strong believe in self
2) Drive and a "can do" attitude
3) Leadership qualities
4) Quick thinker and a multi-tasker
5) Able to delegate when necessary
6) The will to survive. "No" can not be in your vocabulary
What has been the biggest obstacles to your success?
Jean Newell
Not having a formal education in business, marketing, finance, manufacturing and distribution. I have proven it can be done without this education, but it's much more difficult to be learning as you go along. When you're forced to learn something fast it's amazing what you can accomplish.
How did you land QVC?
Jean Newell
I tried unsuccessfully to summit my product The PUP (personal utility pouch) 5 times through HSN and was turned down all 5 times. Yet the independent agents for HSN all thought it was a perfect product. I then got an agent for QVC and they accepted it immediately. Which should prove the point not to give up if some people don't see your vision. Should be 5 times through HSN. Sorry I have a little Dyslexia.
Your doing great. What is the best and worst part of being a entrepreneur?
Jean Newell
I have to laugh when people say, "Oh you can make your own hours". That's true I'm just trying to figure out how to get 27 hours into a 24 hour day. As a entrepreneur you will work longer, harder and for a lot less income then you ever did before. However that old expression - if you do something you like you'll never work a day in your life- couldn't be truer. If you believe your product, service or business will truly be a benefit to society, you won't be watching the clock. The worst part of being an entrepreneur is "the road less traveled". You really don't know if you're doing the correct things at the right time for your business. You just have to rely on your gut feelings and go with it.
For women entrepreneurs that suffer from Dyslexia, what advice can you give to them?
Jean Newell
Make sure you have a good spell and grammar check installed on your computer. I don't think Skype has that ability so I'm a little nervous.
Tell me about the PUP?
Jean Newell
The PUP is an acronym for Personal Utility Pouch. The PUP is a unisex designed, wearable organizer for travel, work or play. It measures about 6x9 inches and can be worn around the waist, over the shoulder or across the body. I created it while I was still working as a real estate agent to hold all of our little electronic devices in one place. Necessity was certainly the mother of invention as I was tired of calling my own misplaced cell phone to find its whereabouts. I soon discovered it wasn't just me but all of the associates in my office were misplacing either their cell phone or palm pilot, digital camera, pen etc. The PUP was our professional tool belt.
Do you have any parting advice you want to give to women? Anything else you would like to say that wasn't previously covered?
Jean Newell
Don't let anyone tell you "you're crazy" for wanting to pursue your dreams. Now that's not to say you shouldn't do your homework and make sure your idea has merit but friends and especially family may not be encouraging. They are only trying to protect you from failure. Go to the Small Business Administration in your area. They have free courses on marketing, starting a business, computer skills, etc. They have free mentoring programs too. Take advantage of all of the Women's Business Centers. You need to be around other people who will encourage you as well as tell you the truth. Family may not be the best source for that.
Contact info?
Jean Newel
For free business tips and audio links for aspiring entrepreneurs www.newcomarketing.com; for product information on the PUP or giZmo bag www.lovemypup.com. My business phone number is 321 751-4537.
Parting advice...
Jean Newell
Just remember it's all very simple.....just not easy!
Angelia Miller is the founder of Diva Maverick Mavens www.divamaverickmavens.com a new bread of feisty, non-conformist adventure loving adrenaline-high entrepreneur. The tag line is: Empowering Women by Interviewing Empowered Women...Inspiring "You" to Take ACTION! Casting exceptional dynamic talent for fresh content is the mission of Diva Maverick Mavens. The interview is in the original transcript form with minimal editing to preserve the integrity of the content.
