#86: Building Communities Through Board Games

In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we sit down with Loren, the founder and CEO of Catalyst Game Labs. With a strong presence in the hobby game industry, Loren shares his fascinating journey from being a Navy veteran and novelist to managing iconic game properties like BattleTech and Shadowrun. He delves into how his love for storytelling keeps these classic games relevant, the challenges and strategies behind launching successful Kickstarter campaigns, and his unique perspective as both a publisher and retailer. From the intricacies of licensing to tips for newcomers in the toy and game industry, there's a wealth of insights packed into this engaging conversation. Tune in to learn how passion and persistence can lead to incredible success in the world of toys and games. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In this webinar, we dive deep into holiday prep, specifically for Q4, the most competitive quarter of the year. While our focus is the toys and games industry, these digital marketing strategies are applicable to any category. We're here to equip you with a clear roadmap, practical strategies, and actionable steps to ensure a successful Q4. From multi-channel marketing on and off Amazon to social media ads, emails, and logistics prep, we cover it all. We also share insights from the toys and games industry, including the seasonal spikes in sales and consumer behaviors. Our journey began in 2013 motivated by personal reasons and has grown to managing 35 brands. Conversion optimization, profit optimization, and ongoing adjustments are key to our strategy. Discover why early planning is crucial, and gain insights into Amazon’s seasonal keywords, social media, email, and SMS marketing campaigns tailored for the holiday season. We discuss leveraging influencers and PR outreaches, optimizing inventory and logistics, and creating engaging holiday campaigns. Finally, get a sneak peek into our specific Q4 strategy and advertisements on Amazon, and learn how to manage influencers effectively. Our ultimate goal is to help you maximize your holiday success and build brand loyalty beyond Q4. Enjoy the session and prepare to thrive this holiday season! -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In this episode of Toy Business Unbox, we are joined by Neil, the founder of NRP Games and a visionary board game designer. Neil shares his journey from storytelling to game design, detailing how personal experiences and strategic insights shaped his creations. He reflects on the pivotal moment when simplifying his game design led to broader appeal and discusses his unique approach to self-publishing. Neil offers a behind-the-scenes look at organizing board game tournaments, from building a loyal community to handling the complexities of gameplay and scoring. He shares valuable tips for aspiring game designers and provides a candid look at the challenges and rewards of being a solo publisher. Join us to learn more about Neil’s innovative strategies and get inspired to bring your own game ideas to life. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we delve into the incredible journey of Paola, the founder of Dr. Zigs. Paola shares how her passion for bubbles, inspired by her son Ziggy, led her to create a sustainable toy company. From a small kitchen experiment to a global brand, Dr. Zigs is now recognized for its eco-friendly, innovative bubbles. Paola discusses the importance of sustainability in the toy industry, the unique plant-based and biodegradable formula of her bubble mix, and how her products even aid in pollination. We also explore her impactful initiative 'Bubbles Not Bombs,' which brings joy to children in crisis zones. Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the power of play, creativity, and responsibility towards our planet. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we welcome Steve and Tessa, the creators of Taji Toys. Their unique 3D toy, inspired by the yin and yang symbol, encourages free play, creativity, and skill development for kids and adults alike. Steve shares the long journey from a sketch in his college notebook to a vibrant, multicolored collection now produced in Texas. Learn how Taji Toys promote social and physical growth through open play and the innovative marketing strategies being used to introduce this novel product to the world. Don't miss out on insights about the importance of balance, determination, and passion in the toy industry. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

Join us as we explore how toys and music can harmonize to create a brighter educational future! In this episode, we dive into the fascinating fusion of toys and musical education with Michael John Wiley, a world-renowned composer, musician, and educator. Michael shares his inspiring journey from an engineering background to creating the 'Musical Color' system—a unique method that uses color to teach music and inspire creativity. We explore how this innovative system helps everyone from children to special needs learners grasp music theory in a fun, engaging way. We also discuss his vision for revolutionizing music education and hear about his experiences teaching in China. Whether you’re a toy enthusiast, educator, or a music lover, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we interviews Andres, the innovative creator of HexPath, a board game that's redefining creativity and gameplay. Andres shares his journey from a passion for technical drafting and civil engineering to the invention of HexPath. Inspired initially by patterns observed in tiles and later by his pet ferret Ted, Andres transformed his early experiments into an award-winning game. The discussion delves into his challenges in bringing the game to life, including difficulties with fabrication and the evolution from wooden tiles to plastic 3D-printed parts. Andres emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in the toy industry. Listeners will also learn about HexPath's unique features, such as rotating tiles, and the game’s success in achieving MESH accreditation for promoting mental, emotional, and social health. The podcast concludes with Andres’s advice for aspiring toy and game creators, highlighting the necessity of continuous innovation and resilience. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

Join us in our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, where we delves into the toy industry with Adam, the visionary behind Adam's Apple Games. Discover the journey from hobbyist to game designer and publisher, as Adam shares insights on creativity, crowdfunding challenges, and balancing gameplay. Learn about his inspirations, the creation of Bruin USA, and the shift from digital apps to tabletop games. Explore the nuances of marketing, Amazon strategies, localization, and the crucial role of play testing in creating balanced, engaging games. Whether you're a budding game designer or a toy enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable tips and inspiring stories. -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

In our episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we dive into the fascinating world of AI-powered toys with Robin Raskin, a trailblazer in tech journalism and event creation. Robin shares her unique insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of children's toys, education, and play. Listen in as we discuss the exciting potentials and the challenges of integrating AI into toys, and how it influences the next generation's development. From chatbots to AI-enhanced learning tools, we explore the digital first world our children are growing up in. Robin also sheds light on the critical skills parents and educators should help nurture in kids to thrive in this rapidly evolving tech-driven environment. Don't miss our engaging conversation about the future of tech in toys and the responsibilities that come with it! -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy

Join us in our webinar talking about the transformative power of AI and automation for toy and game brands. Jason Hsieh shares how AI can be leveraged to enhance marketing strategies, boost customer engagement, and streamline workflows. Discover various AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Descript, and their applications in content creation, SEO, email marketing, and advertising. Whether you're in the toy industry or another vertical, this episode offers valuable insights on working smarter with AI to achieve business success. ⭐Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to AI and Automation for Toys and Game Brands 01:23 Meet Jason Hsieh: Entrepreneur and Advocate 02:21 The Journey of LakiKid and Toy Launch 04:27 Leveraging AI in Business Operations 05:47 Effective AI Prompt Writing 06:25 AI Applications in the Toys and Game Industry 11:03 AI Tools for Content Creation 13:25 AI for Customer Support and SEO 20:57 AI in Amazon Advertising 25:49 Leveraging AI for Podcast Content Creation 27:01 Exploring Descript's Advanced Features 27:44 AI Tools for Video Content: Opus Clip and BigVu 29:17 Creating AI Avatars with HeyGen and Descript 29:47 In-House Digital Marketing Tool: Toy Marketing Hub 30:18 Optimizing Blog Posts with AI 32:32 Custom GPTs for Business Applications 33:37 Q&A Session: AI Tools and Strategies 40:03 TikTok Marketing Strategies 45:26 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks -------------This episode is brought to you by www.toy-launch.comBook a call to discuss your toy business marketing strategy