Ever wondered how to truly captivate buyers in the toy industry? Or why do some sales pitches fall flat even when the product is amazing?

In today’s episode, we will talk about the magic of storytelling in the toy industry! We’ll cover how sales reps and vendors approach things differently, plus the secrets to crafting pitches that go beyond a quick sale and build lasting customer relationships. Discover how storytelling can be the key to success in this highly competitive toy market.

Join us in this storytelling showdown with our guests, Tres Patton and Rachel Jones! Tres reveals techniques for crafting a compelling brand story, while Rachel discusses the importance of seeing through a child's eyes and building long-term relationships. Learn the art of maintaining passion, educating retail partners, and ensuring your product stands out. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in toy sales who’s ready to level up through the art of storytelling!

Listen For These Important Moments

• 02:26 The Storytelling Face-Off Begins
• 05:49 Defining Storytelling in Sales
• 06:53 Building Trust Through Product Experience
• 14:30 Adapting Storytelling for Tough Sales
• 18:26 Understanding the Roles: Vendor vs. Sales Rep
• 25:38 Rediscovering Passion in Sales
• 26:08 Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Sales
• 26:50 Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 28:42 The Importance of Flexibility in Sales
• 31:32 Building Relationships Through Storytelling
• 36:26 When Storytelling Falls Flat
• 41:32 Favorite Toys of Tres and Rachel

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Want to know how to ‘wow’ your way into the competitive toy industry?

In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade looks into Richard North's life, sharing how he went from a determined 19-year-old to a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Wow! Stuff. You will learn about his career’s turning points, such as being featured in Channel 4's Secret Millionaire TV Show, including the emotional inspirations behind the creation of Wow! Stuff and groundbreaking ideas that keep the company pushing forward.

Find out the importance of mentorship, early business ventures, and how innovation can stem from unexpected places like the novelty 'Butt Face' towel. Get ready to be inspired by Richard’s stories from personal heartbreaks to meeting scientists, forging a path toward tech-infused toys and revolutionary 'puppetronics.' Listen to this episode for expert insights and fascinating anecdotes that captivate and educate aspiring toy creators like you!

Listen For These Important Moments

• 01:17 Early Challenges in the Toy Industry
• 04:01 Building a Resilient Team
• 07:35 The Importance of Recruitment
• 09:40 Richard's Entrepreneurial Journey
• 21:20 The Psychology of Consumer Behavior
• 27:04 Why Richard Started Wow! Stuff
• 33:53 From Novelties to Toys
• 36:17 Innovating with Wow! Stuff
• 39:36 Collaborations and Future Plans
• 49:20 A Heartfelt Business Story
• 52:44 Childhood Toys and Final Thoughts

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Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<

Curious about what happens when major toy industry players team up?

In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade cracks open the toy box on the epic merger between The Toy Association and People of Play. You’ll hear straight from the toy legends — Mary Couzin and Greg Ahearn—as they give us backstage passes on their big plans for events like POP Week and ChiTAG, and how this merger is shaking things up for the toy industry. The guests shared what sparked this merger and the opportunities that await toy creators, inventors, and enthusiasts in the long run.

You’ll also get to hear solid tips on how to make the most of toy fairs and events like pitching, networking, and thriving in an industry that's always leveling up. Whether you're a toy biz vet or just starting to dip your toes in the toy industry, LISTEN to this episode because it is packed with everything you need to level up your toy game!

Listen For These Important Moments

• 01:36 The Major Merger: The Toy Association and People of Play
• 08:27 Maintaining the Spirit of POP
• 13:11 Immediate Changes and Future Plans
• 20:00 Nostalgic Toys and Their Comebacks
• 21:35 ChiTAG and POP Week: Coming this November 2024!
• 24:15 Young Inventor Challenge and Industry Opportunities
• 25:57 Networking Tips for New Inventors
• 29:52 How to Make the Most of ChiTAG and POP Week
• 32:55 Encouraging New Toy Inventors

Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!

Support the show

Popular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy Ideas
Your Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps
>> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass <<