screenshot from Hot Booties website
The latest news and information for entrepreneurs from across the web universe, brought to you by the Report on Small Business team. Follow us on Twitter @GlobeSmallBiz
Microwavable slippers: What will they think of next?
If you've been sitting on a business idea for a while now, too afraid to take the plunge, here's some inspiration from one of the latest products to hit the As Seen on TV shelves: microwaveable slippers.
Yes, much like their predecessors, Snuggie and Magic Bullet , these piping hot pantofles will make you wonder how you lived all these years without them. Available in daring colours such as pale pink for the ladies and navy blue for the guys, Hot Booties are "much, much more than slippers," so claims the company's website.
To soothe your barking dogs, simply pop a plushy pair in the microwave for a 60 seconds (much like you would a plate of nachos or a mug of chicken noodle soup) and poof: warm, squishy goodness enveloping your feet.
Though I haven't tried them out myself (confession: part of me is concerned with the safety of nukeable footwear), you don't have to take my word for it. Check out this infomercial where actors sprawled out in black leather recliners gush over the steamy slippers.
"I'm totally melting into them right now," says one deep-voiced woman.
"Oh my gosh, can I live in these?" says another.
So if you have ever thought to yourself: Gee, I really don't know if my idea will fly in the real world. Or, this is such a crazy concept it may be hard to customers to get on board, simply tell yourself: "If Hot Booties can do it, so can I!"
(Available for $19.99 plus shipping and handling and if you call now, get a second pair free!).
SpringTern bridges gap between students and businesses
Do you have a project that you can't find the time to get to? Or do you need a specific skill and don't want to pay by the hour? SpringTern, which went live this month, connects students and organizations to complete part-time volunteer projects.
How it works:
- A small business or non-profit organization posts a project on SpringTern. Each project will have a clear deliverable, timeline and outline the exact expectations.
- Once you’ve found a project that will give you the experience you want, you apply to the organization through the listings page.
- The organization selects someone and briefs them on the details of the project.
- You then complete the project based on the agreed deliverables and timelines.
How CES could change your business
If you're a small business owner, here are a few products unveiled this week in Vegas worth keeping an eye on:
- Sphero, created by Orbotix: the first robotic ball that you control with a tilt, touch, or swing from your smartphone or tablet.
- Solar Kindle cover from Solarmio and certified carbon neutral batteries by LEI Electronics
- MakerBot 3D printers for rapid prototyping and manufacturing
- Neat’s Receipt scanner: easy to use and lightweight
- Ultrabook roundup from Slashgear that includes LG, Lenovo and Acer
EVENTS AND KEY DATES
Analytics conference
On Wednesday, Jan.18 from 8am - 4:30pm discover the customer behind the data at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Creating innovation in the workplace
On Friday, Jan. 27 from 9am to 4pm, adopt new business practices and strategic project management that will move businesses in a new direction at the Halifax Shopping Centre.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
Do's and don'ts of producing a video
Here are tips on how to make the most of your effort to use video as part of your Web strategy
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
Happy Planet makes itself feel good
More than a million juices have been donated to schools and community groups.
Got a tip on news, events or other timely information related to the small-business community? E-mail us at yourbusiness@globeandmail.com
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Katherine Scarrow