Join Me in Palm Springs for HSCG!

It's November, and I'm already looking forward to May 2009 when I'll be speaking at the Handmade Soapmakers Guild Conference in Palm Springs, California. Held May 12 - 14 at the Miramonte Resort and Spa, the conference draws bath and body companies from all over the U.S. together for lectures, classes, workshops and networking. I will be speaking on "Differentiating Yourself in the Market" which, of course, is vital for any business.

The keynote speaker for the 2009 Annual Conference will be well-known environmentalist and award-winner, Erin Brockovich. I'm looking forward to meeting Ms. Brockovich. She is a mover and shaker, which I admire. I'm thrilled to see she is currently working on bringing out the truth about Gardasil. It is shocking to me that 16 million doses of Gardasil have been administered nationwide. Apparantly parents across the U.S. are simply saying "Yes" to physicians without researching the cons to this vaccine. There is simply not enough information on long-term effects and more for me to give my 14 year old daughter's physician the nod in giving this vaccine. (Note: I'm digressing and will save this for another blog.)



Back to the HSCG Conference and the bath and body industry. Within the past three years the soapmaking industry has become a highly competitive market. Companies selling "just another bar of soap" are suffering from decreased sales. Attendees will learn how to increase sales by targeting niche and vertical markets. I'm presenting several interesting case studies - businesses who have focused on these niche opportunities and as a result have increased profitability. I'll also share my tricks and tips on developing an "eye" for demands and trends in other industries to stay ahead of the competition.

In addition to owning Back Porch Soap Company, this year I celebrate my 20th year as a business consultant and market research analyst. I have been consulting for companies of all sizes in the area of market opportunity, product development and positioning, as well as sales and marketing. My clients range from large companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Apple, Canon, IBM, and Xerox as well as small businesses. Contact me for more information on how I can help your company strategize and increase sales.

So, the HSCG conference looks fabulous and I'm looking forward to meeting up with industry colleagues. I've already check out the spa menu, and am putting in a reservation for Suprema Experienza - a 90 minute massage of choice, followed by a 45 minute bath, a 45 minute scrub, finished with a 90 minute Action Sublime Facial.

Hope to see you in Palm Springs!