This post is brought to you by USA Network. All opinions are my own.
Have you ever had a big idea that could change your life? Joy Mangano did when she invented the Miracle Mop- and she spent years selling it herself at flea markets, one mop at a time. Finally she got her shot to showcase it on QVC- but it totally flopped because the presenter had no idea how it worked or what was so unique about it. Finally, Joy stepped in, showed off her Miracle Mop, and sold thousands of mops in a few minutes.
Joy’s amazing story doesn’t stop there. She has invented quite a few everyday objects that make life just a little bit easier for everyone- hangers that keep your clothes from slipping, a line of botanical cleaning products that are disinfecting but natural, and more.
Joy is currently in the middle of her biggest project yet- the TV show America’s Big Deal on USA Network! The show came about because of the pandemic, when Joy was considering how she could find a way to lift other inventors and help them have their big break, much like she did on QVC. She wanted something uplifting, knowing we could all use something positive, and so she created a show where inventors could be showcased and products could be launched, but in a positive way where everyone wins.
So how does the show work? This first of its kind, live shoppable show lets America vote for the winner each episode not by calling in or tweeting, but by actually purchasing the products showcased, which they then receive just a few days later.
Each episode, entrepreneurs showcase their products that are ready-to-ship and available for purchase. Viewers can buy the products, and if they do so during the show, then it counts as a vote for that invention. Each episode, the entrepreneur with the most sales wins a chance at a life-changing deal with either QVC and HSN, Lowe’s or Macy’s to help get their invention produced on a bigger scale!
Joy’s mission to empower and uplift other inventors and entrepreneurs doesn’t stop with the show {although that definitely goes a long way!} She also shares her experience and wisdom anytime she can, and was so generous as to speak with myself and a few other bloggers about the keys to success. Here’s her best advice for women entrepreneurs looking to make their mark:
During the pandemic, a lot of moms have started businesses? Do you have any advice for moms who might want to start their own business?
Joy: My advice is START. I always say if you don’t put one foot in front of the other or you don’t start, you have a 100% chance of failing. But if you keep going, your odds at least are better. If it’s a passion of yours, start.
Hearing you speak about being the only woman at the table in boardroom discussions – as a groundbreaking female entrepreneur, as we’re raising young women today, what skills do you think our daughters need so that they’re sitting at the table?
I do think the world is changing. I’m a positive person but I do see it- I’ll get on a network call and it’s all women. I believe that if you want to do something, you need to try to do that, and you should aspire to that. That can change along the way- I told my children, because of my experience, whatever you love to do- do it, try it. I didn’t define myself until I was in my 30’s when I stepped on stage at QVC and sold out the Miracle Mop. But there was no validity to what I was doing my whole life- I was blowing up toasters- and they just said, “What’s the matter with Joy?” not “She’s going to be an inventor.” With children today- if you excite them about learning and discovery- they WILL. They will discover, they will learn, they will create.
How do you keep yourself from getting burnt out?
My philosophy is you don’t have to do it all. When you take on something, like this show, there are certain things that I have to give up that I would do diligently or manically oversee in other areas. Even as a mom- so many moms have said to me, “How do you build a business, raise a family, do everything and not burn out?” I don’t do it all. You have to choose for your own well-being and your family’s well-being. Use your common sense- if it means mortgaging your house or putting your family in jeopardy- don’t do it that way, take it in slower steps.
Whether you’re dreaming of pitching your own product on live TV one day or you just want to support others who are making their dreams come true, you don’t want to miss America’s Big Deal!
Be sure to tune in to the finale of America’s Big Deal this Thursday, December 16th LIVE at 9pm ET/8pm CT on USA Network!
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