RISE Speaking Event – Bryan Daigle’s “Launch Your Consumer Product in 90 Days, with Less Risk” Presentation

Bryan Daigle, founder of Long Tail Products – the company behind the awesome bottleBOSS, Headset Buddy, and BraLadder products – gave another one of his highly-praised speeches last month at the Acton School of Business. Daigle gave his “Launch Your Consumer Product in 90 Days, with Less Risk” presentation. As a founder of four successful companies in the last five years, it’s easy to see why Daigle’s know-how is highly prized and sought-after by entrepreneurs.

“Launch Your Consumer Product in 90 Days, with Less Risk” presentation

“Launch Your Consumer Product in 90 Days, with Less Risk” Video of the Presentation

Daigle presented his lecture at RISE Global in Austin – Relationship & Information Series for Entrepreneurs. RISE is a nonprofit organization that orchestrates the annual series of talks and presentations because they are dedicated to the empowerment of entrepreneurs. They use free, crowd-sourced and decentralized conferences where successful, established entrepreneurs make connections and exchange development ideas aimed at “inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit.” RISE was founded by business owners in Austin, Texas in 2007, and has since evolved into an ongoing, annual program that provides valuable business services to thousands of up-and-coming entrepreneurs. The RISE Series is high-energy and hand’s on, so attendees and presenters alike are prepared for intensive work.

Forbes recently named RISE one of the “Must-Attend 2013 Conferences for Entrepreneurs.” So Daigle and his presentation exist in rarified air. His presentation this year was highly attended and celebrated. To know why it was so successful, one only needs to know Daigle’s personality. Daigle’s life goal is world improvement via the creation of top-line products, and entrepreneurial assistance in bringing products to market. Long Tail Products has been instrumental in launching over 30 products and Long Tail saturates their chosen target markets with niche marketing strategies and superior customer service. Daigle has also been involved in early-stage investments for startups and with licensing inventors’ products. In the long-term, Daigle aims to create a professional network that includes both Austin entrepreneurs representing consumer products and vehicles for investment that will fund various startups.

Daigle’s specialties include consumer products, product development, entrepreneurship, e-commerce, online marketing, leadership, and search engine optimization (SEO). Thus, his “Launch Your Consumer Product in 90 Days, with Less Risk” presentation focused on the topics of bootstrapping, small business, and start-ups. The three stages he took his audience through were: business plan development, ideation, and launch. The audience consisted of people who wanted to know how to save time and money when launching their consumer products.

Bryan’s secret, low-risk method has led to his 30+ product success with Long Tail Products, and he was happy to share the process with new and aspiring entrepreneurs. For information on session host and attendee registration for next year, visit the RISE website. Other inquiries can be answered by contacting RISE global directly. The future of business in America was on display at RISE; Bryan Daigle of Long Tail Products was there to help lead the way.

 

Headset Buddy on E3 Expo 2013

The Los Angeles Convention Center will be jam-packed this week (June 11-13) for the E3 Expo, the most well-known and widely-attended video and computer entertainment trade show in America. Headset Buddy is excited about E3 because we’re obviously into video games. That’s why we have several adapters that allow gamers to connect their super-high-tech auditory equipment to current-generation video gaming consoles. Not a day goes by when Headset Buddy isn’t actively enabling our customers’ gaming habits. E3 is the best chance we get to see what major trends will be blasting through Headset Buddy ear buds for the coming year, and for us to get our newest products ready for the next generation of hardware that’s just around the corner!

As it is every year, the 2013 E3 Expo is put on by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). The ESA self-describes itself as “dedicated to serving the business and public affairs needs of companies, publishing interactive games for video game consoles, handheld devices, personal computers and the Internet.” More information on the ESA is available at  www.E3Expo.com and www.TheESA.com.

As it does every year, the E3 conference will bring thousands upon thousands of video game/electronic arts professionals to Los Angeles. Just like us at Headset Buddy, these gaming folks base their professional lives on the future of interactive entertainment. There’s a ton of brainpower attending events like these at convention centers these days – even the most cutting-edge innovators are excited to see what new technologies and games will be revealed at this year’s expo.

E3 2013 will welcome software developers, buyers and retailers, programmers, distributors, entertainment industry representatives, financiers and venture capitalists, importers and exporters, manufacturers, resellers, researchers, educators, financial and industry analysts and worldwide electronic and print media. – E3Expo.com

There are several big stories at this year’s Expo. Gaming giants Microsoft and Sony will both be showcasing their groundbreaking new consoles. Microsoft will be featuring the Xbox One - an interactive, all-inclusive entertainment system. And Sony will have their Playstation 4. Get a sneak peak of the PS4 and leave the page open to watch the PS4 Press Conference, live from E3, at 6 PM PDT/8 PM CDT!

Along with new consoles there will be a myriad of popular games released this year. Among the biggest game titles at the Expo are Dark Souls II, a role-playing, action “open world” video game available on both Xbox and PS3; Killer is Dead, a James Bond inspired game; Shin Megami Tensei IV, the latest in the long-running franchise; and NHL 14, which should be one of the year’s biggest sports titles. And, we expect gamers would be at Headset Buddy’s throat if we didn’t mention Final Fantasy XIV. This legendary, ultra-popular franchise continues on with a new massively multiplayer game for PS3, PC, and Mac. Beta registration is currently  available. 

Electronic Arts, Activision, Blizzard, Deep Silver, Konami, Capcom and many more of the big names in game development will also be in attendance. Headset Buddy will sure be on the wire before, during, and after E3 this year. We’ll be part of the conversations involved in planning and showcasing everything this year’s convention has in store. And, afterward, we’ll enjoy, along with millions of others, the fruits of the labor in the gaming industry represented at E3 2013.

 

Headset Buddy…as Used by NBC

We at Headset Buddy would like to talk about our pride in partnering with the legendary American broadcast company NBC for headset communication streamlining.  Headset Buddy’s products are used by the National Broadcasting Company’s many on-screen and behind-the-scenes employees. Whether it’s news shows, control rooms, conferences – Headset Buddy is there for NBC.  We’re happy that our headset modifiers and other communication products are continuing to help NBC on a daily basis.

NBC PeacockFamously headquartered in the General Electric (GE) Building in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, NBC was originally founded in 1926 by RCA (the Radio Corporation of America), making it the United States’ oldest broadcast network. David Sarnoff, the famed mogul pioneer in radio and television and one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Important People of the 20 Century”, was RCA’s head at this momentous time. After the ’26 founding of NBC, Sarnoff’s reign became so celebrated that he eventually came to be known to industry insiders as “The General.”

The famous “Peacock” logo, which is one of the most recognizable TV logos in existence, was originally designed for NBC’s color broadcasts. It’s probably hard for many of Headset Buddy’s clients to remember that there was a time when TV was in black and white, but NBC was there in those early days writing the rules that broadcasts now live and die by. GE acquired NBC when the multinational conglomerate bought RCA in 1986. In 1988, the RCA Building became the GE Building, the moniker by which it is still known today. In more recent years NBC joined the media company NBCUniversal, which is a subsidiary of Comcast.  In its present state, there are 10 owned-and-operated stations (as well as nearly 200 affiliate stations) under NBC’s umbrella. Comcast’s current chief executive is Steve Burke.

NBC’s rich history is available online through the NBCUniversal Archives. We’re eager to point out that the Headset Buddy is involved in the formation of the Archives as the content is being planned and created; and then, of course, we also enhance the NBC fan’s viewing experience on computers, iPads, iPhones, and other devices on which the Archives can be viewed.

The Golden Globe Awards are broadcast on NBC, and we expect there are a few Headset Buddies behind the scenes on those broadcasts as well. Most recently, NBC Sports’ entire field of operations (except for Football Night in America) relocated to new facilities in Stamford, Connecticut.

This product information has been shared before, but Headset Buddy believes this is a prime spot to place some reminders. NBC has taken advantage of this information, and you can too!

A quick look at Headset Buddy’s website shows the full range of products. Smartphone technology like iPhone, iPad, Tablet, Blackberry, Android and more are covered. For the home, the Buddy can hook up with GE, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Uniden and V-tech telephones. Aviation, Mac Computers, PC Computers and a list of office services too large to list here also work with the Headset Buddy. With its many different models, Headset Buddy has a very affordable price range ($25 – $80).

Headset Buddy loves to serve clients both big and small. We’ll give you the same fine service and product line the big folks at NBC get. We have headset adapters for, literally, everyone. So go to the Heasdset Buddy website and find one that fits you or your company’s needs today.

The Headset Buddy for Austin Joggers

Among the many things Austin is known for (live music, Tex-Mex, BBQ, technology, and football, to name a few), physical fitness is one the city takes a lot of pride in. Continually seen as one of the fittest cities in Texas (if not America), Austin is a town filled with folks looking to keep in shape. Headset Buddy is totally in sync with this metropolitan personality trait, which is why we are happy to help any Austin jogger who runs while listening to music.

David Gerstein Jog Woman Run Female Metal Art Marathon Jogging Runner SculptureHeadset Buddy can make it easier than ever to hook music into a runner’s ears before hitting the trail. But, what if someone calls in the middle of the run? Well, we’ve got you covered! No more stopping and switching devices and throwing off your momentum. No, with a Headset Buddy a runner can continue running because the Buddy consolidates all headset-applicable devices.

There are tons of places in Austin for a jogger to check out. The Town Lake Metropolitan Park, in Austin’s 78701 zip code, is one of the most famous. With its location right in the “heart” of the city, Town Lake is something like the quintessential Austin jogging space. The dirt trail is, for many, a more satisfying jogging experience than concrete pathways. Also pleasing is the beautiful view of Town Lake and Downtown that greets all runners. The running trail is also spotted with distance markers to help runners keep track of how far they’ve gone. Additionally, construction near the Congress Bridge will update the area. There is also a boardwalk being completed on the east end of the trail which will change the path so that it no longer goes by the traffic on Riverside Drive.

Another top Austin jogging space is the Barton Creek Greenbelt at 2201 Barton Springs Road. This space is used equally for jogging and hiking, and the cliff wall is frequently used by climbing enthusiasts.  Mountain bikers in Austin flock to the Barton Creek Greenbelt because of its lush backdrop and smooth straightaways. When Austin gets rain, Barton Creek gets beautiful pools in its “Upper – ” and “Twin Falls,” which are great to take a dip in after an invigorating run.

This greenbelt falls in line with Austin’s counter-culture side, and many Austin citizens (and visitors) enjoy the vibrant and diverse culture that attends the area. Going further into that counter culture (if you live in Austin you know this is par for the course) is the Thong Jog. Yes, you read that right. According to the Thong Jog authorities, this is “an Austin original road race where participants can walk one mile or run a 5k in a thong. Wear your skivvies or brave a thong if you dare.” This event is still on the horizon, with the date officially listed as “coming soon,” so you still have time to sign up! The Thong Jog exemplifies the liberating and rich jogging culture in Austin, so join in!

Austin has lots of great places for fitness enthusiasts and casual strollers to enjoy. With Headset Buddy you can bring your favorite music to complete the experience. Check out Headset Buddy’s Catalog today if you’re exercising is being weighed down by cumbersome headphones and devices!

 

Xbox One and Other Video Game News

Headset Buddies are invaluable accessories in the office, but have you ever considered using them for video games?  Wii have! Serious and amateur gamers everywhere regularly invest big bucks in the highest quality audio gear.  And with the new Xbox One coming out, wouldn’t it be great to use your audio investment with all of your gaming and entertainment systems?  We think so! Headset Buddy aims to accommodate all of your auditory needs.

Xbox One

Xbox OneMicrosoft just released some exciting info.  The Xbox One, the first Microsoft gaming console to be released since 2005, will be available for purchase later in the year.  This new system will appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike.  For both groups, the system will offer a unprecedented entertainment experience.  You’ll be able to switch between games, music, Skype, movies, and web browsing in a flash.  When you walk into your living room, you can say, “Xbox on!” and it will turn the TV on (you heard right), and bring up your favorite everythings.  All of this is definitely exciting, but does this remind anyone else of iRobot?  No?  Just us?  Well, either way, we think it’s worth a look-see.

New Video Games

Namco Bandai has announced a new Pac-Man title for the fall of 2013.  The title of the game is Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures.  In the game, the peace of Pac-World been shattered and Pac-Man must fight off the Netherworld ghost invaders.  The story is the same as in the Disney animated television series.  The game will be available for the Xbox 360, 3DS, PS3, and Nintendo Wii U consoles.  Apparently the classic Pac-Man chomping interface will be interspersed with platforming sequences.  The 3DS will receive its own special side-scrolling version of the game.

According to a GameSpot article, Rayman Legends (Ubisoft) is the subject of a new cross-promotion deal involving console-specific preorder bonuses:

“Wii U owners will get a skin of Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation‘s Aveline De Grandpré for Rayman Legends co-star Barbara. PlayStation 3 owners will get to fashion Rayman in the garb of Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag protagonist Edward Kenway, and Xbox 360 owners will get to dress their Rayman as if he wasSplinter Cell‘s Sam Fisher, complete with iconic night vision goggles. The preorder skins will be available exclusively from GameStop in the US, and Game in the UK.”

Rayman Legends was originally expected in February of this year, but the release was postponed until September to make the title available on Xbox 360 and PS3 as well as Wii U (the original planned console).  Ubisoft said the delay gave them enough time to add 30 additional levels to the game.  So call it a blessing in disguise.

GameStop News

Steve Nix,  general manager of digital distribution for GameStop, has resigned from his post to pursue new projects.  While Nix is not leaving the gaming industry completely – he teased that he has a “few projects” that everyone will find out about “soon” in the official press release – he is switching majors, so to speak.  Nix will now hold a position at Dallas Venture Partners.  Despite the loss, GameStop’s business is booming right now.  Their online sales saw a more than 50% improvement in the last quarter.

Headset Buddy is very excited about the Xbox One console and all the new video games that are coming out.  Check out the Headset Buddy site for all your all your adapter needs!

Technology News: Dell-Enstratius Merger

On Monday, May 7th, Austin tech giant Dell Computer Corporation announced that it had acquired the internet-based company Enstratius, a worldwide provider of management software and services.  Although details about the acquisition are not yet widely available, Headset Buddy will be watching and reporting on future developments in the Dell-Enstratius deal.

Dell and Enstratius MergerEnstratius was originally founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2008.  Its stated mission is to assist organizations and businesses in the management of applications across public, private, and hybrid cloud hosting services.  For those unfamiliar with this new method of storage, “cloud computing” is a term that refers to the ability to share computerized, hard/software resources in a “cloud” (an online storage space) rather than in an in-company computer server.  Among the many platforms supported by Enstratius are VMware, Windows Azure, Rackspace, OpenStack, and Amazon Web Services.  Actually, cloud storage enthusiasts will be excited to know that Enstratius products can run on just about any type of infrastructure.

Tom Kendra, vice president and general manager of systems management for Dell Software, shared this sentiment in an official press release:

“As enterprises increase their use of public, private and hybrid clouds, the need for controls, security, governance and automation becomes more critical. Dell, together with Enstratius, is uniquely positioned to deliver differentiated, complete cloud-management solutions to enterprise customers, large and small, empowering them with the efficiency and flexibility in the allocation and use of resources.”

For three decades, Dell has been one of America’s leading technology and computer companies.  Dell is renowned for its achievements in the international technology industry and its superior customer service, as well as the successful Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of impoverished urban children around the globe.

Although there’s been a lot of recent grumbling about Dell’s decision to go private, it’s hardly the only major news the company has put out in this year.  In groundbreaking news earlier in the year, CEO Michael Dell partnered with globally-known tech investment collective Silver Lake to privatize Dell Inc.  The company also acquired the award-winning high-profile data protection solutions company Credant Technologies before securing Enstratius under its belt as well.

With Enstratius on board, the professionals at Dell will definitely be adapting to some new technologies, service interfaces, and consumer questions.  And, as their customer service call centers, already reputable for their attentiveness, accessibility, and effectiveness with customers, rely heavily on the use of headset communication devices, nobody understands their growing pains and needs more than those of us here at Headset Buddy.  Congratulations to Dell on its latest victory; Headset Buddy is here to help out in any way possible.

The Headset Buddy: Communication Accessory of the 21st Century.

In the 21st Century, daily life is filled with constant interaction with electronic devices. It is uncommon, therefore, for anybody to go more than a few hours without needing to use earphones or a headset. Whether you’re listening to music, interacting with family and friends or working, private earbuds have become an essential tool. The Headset Buddy simplifies your auditory hardware needs to a mere afterthought, making it the perfect communications product for 2013 and beyond.

With our Headset Buddy adaptors, people can use their smartphones, telephones, headsets and PC ear phones with a comprehensive selection of modern devices. That means saying goodbye forever to the inconvenience of purchasing a variety of headsets and telephones. Think of the possibilities: 2.5mm cell phone headsets can be paired with your smartphone; iPhone headsets work with your personal computer; your telecommunications can all be integrated! Time to stop rustling for different components in drawers and boxes – a Headset Buddy gets you working, talking and listening right away.

Our Headset Buddies are manufactured above the typical electronic adaptor/phone accessory industry standards and they are used by some of America’s largest firms and companies. Because of 100% satisfaction-guaranteed craftsmanship, Headset Buddies are regularly present on ABC, Fox News and NBC broadcasts. Headset Buddies have also increased efficiency and production at call centers all over the world.

A quick look at our website shows the full range of products. Smartphone technology like iPhone, iPad, Tablet, Blackberry, Android and more are covered. For the home, the Buddy can hook up with GE, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Uniden and V-tech, Mac Computers, PC Computers, and others. While in the office, the Headset Buddy can be paired with an extensive array of office services; and despite the Headset Buddy’s many applications, it has a very affordable price range: $20 – $80.

Lets take a closer look at some of our “Featured Products.” The PC Headset to Telephone, Office, or Home PhoneRJ9/RJ10/RJ22 Headset Plug Adapter is five inches long and converts 3.5 mm mic/audio plugins (standard headsets) to RJ9, RJ10 or RJ22 headset plug (standard). This adapter will enable you, for instance, to connect a computer or laptop headset to an IP phone. The Headset Plug Adapter is designed to be used with 3.5 mm plug-applied headsets; one is used for the microphone and the other is used for headphones or earpieces. Binaural sound is output for stereo headsets using the adapter (i.e. hearing sound with both ears). Originally priced at $39.97, it’s now just $19.97. This Headset Buddy is a low cost accessory that can update office phone systems and significantly increase users’ comfort levels.

Another top product is the Binaural Noise Canceling Call Center Headset with Quick Disconnect Cables. I’d like to bring your attention to our Call Center Headset’s comfort, compatibility, clarity and durability. The headset is adjustable and weighs little, making it perfect for all day use. The quick disconnect cables work easily and allow the wearer to leave their station without removing their headphones. This is useful if the wearer is relocating to a different workstation and wants to use their own headphones. Users will also notice a significant increase in clarity during conversations, due to the ultra-noise canceling microphone, which is ideal for a busy call center. Finally, the rubber boom mic is flexible and the ear pad is replaceable, making the $70 investment necessary only once. The headset can be purchased either by itself (if the customer already has a QD adapter that works with their phone) or in a set with the phone-compatible adapter included. This is a must-get for call centers and telemarketing outfits.

Our third hot item is the Agent Buddy Training Switch Adapter for RJ9/RJ10/RJ22 connections.  This Switch Adapter allows for dual control. It has two mute buttons, duel volume controls, listen-in only or train/take over call functions, and it works with wired and wireless headsets. You can use it with Headset Buddy, Agent, Jabra, Plantronics, GN Netcom and Sennheiser headsets and it is compatibility with most telephones with an RJ9 connection. It is well known that side-by-side training is essential for any training program that supports call centers. The Agent Buddy Training Switch Adapter is $24.99, and allows for quick and efficient employee training.

These are just three of the many excellent products we offer on HeadsetBuddy.com. All of our products are EU RoHS Compliant and “Making the day easier” is just one of Headset Buddy’s many charms. A more dynamic and focused communication and work lifestyle awaits; just make friends with a Headset Buddy!

 

Shop Our New Line of Call Center Products!

Professional Call Center Products

Now Available from The Headset Buddy

Our new call center products and accessories is now available to the general public. Our first line includes a high-quality call center headset with quick connect/disconnect technology that adapts to numerous RJ9 telephones. In addition to our new professional headset, we’ve also designed and released the Agent Buddy, a headset adaption device designed for training telephone professionals. The Agent Buddy products allow seasoned call center and sales pros to train new and veteran staff alike. This device allows two headset users to be on one call simultaneously with dual mute buttons. We designed this line of products because we received numerous requests from customers to fill the void in products aimed at call center and telephone applications. Since releasing them, we’ve had nothing but positive feedback from our customers. Be sure to shop our line of call center products today!

New Products!! 2.5mm Phone to RJ9 (Cisco/Aastra) Adapters

So, we just launched some NEW products and are very excited to be able to provide this option to our customers!

FINAL

Among these new products is an adapter which will allow you use your 2.5mm headset with your office phone. This adapter will save you both time and money. Just think, would you want to buy another expensive headset to use at the office, when you already have a perfectly good one that you use with your phone? NO! Just take a look at the Headset Buddy adapter instead!

Click the link to purchase your own 2.5mm Headset to RJ9 Adapter!

There are a few different models, such as one to work with Cisco phones, and another with Aastra, Avaya, and Nortel phones, so please check your phone’s specifications.

PC Headset to USB Adapter

PC Headset to USB AdapterWe’ve all had computers break on us before, and one common component that can break is the microphone or headphones jack on your PC. Well instead of spending hundreds to replace your sound board, you can buy our PC Headset to USB adapter instead!

But this adapter isn’t limited to those of us with broken sound boards, it also works if you want to use your PC headset with Macs, or if you want to use it as a PS3 USB headset adapter.

PS3 Headset Adapter

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