Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Innovation Challenge Video Tips topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
VoluSh video guide advises contestants to lead with story and show traction; Herbtastic used as example
Summary
A VoluSh tutorial video lays out tips for innovation-challenge submissions: show your personality, explain the problem with a personal story, describe the product simply, present market data and milestones. The video highlights Kendall Buck’s Herbtastic as a model entry.
The video presenter for the VoluSh innovation challenge released a short tutorial advising prospective contestants to make their personality and problem framing central to a submission. “The main thing to remember is that judges will be watching this video to get to know you better,” the presenter said.
The presenter said contestants should connect their product to a personal story that explains the problem and then briefly describe the solution or prototype. Using a submitted entry as an example, contestant Kendall Buck explained the problem she addressed: “My dad Gordon was a chef for 14 years… A few years ago, my dad passed away and I was discouraged from cooking. Until my mom pushed me to get back in the kitchen to stay connected with my dad.” Buck introduced her product by name: “My name is Kendall Buck, and the first product that I have designed is Herbtastic. HerbTastic is an easy to use kitchen tool that makes cooking fun and efficient.”
The presenter recommended focusing on a few clear metrics rather than exhaustive detail. The video cites two market figures to illustrate how entrants can show opportunity: “more than $4,000,000,000 spent every year on fresh herbs” and “82% of Americans are regularly preparing home cooked meals.” Buck’s entry also demonstrates showcasing concrete milestones: “At this point, I'm currently selling in 7 brick and mortar stores throughout Florida and Arizona, along with selling on my own website, theherbtastic.com and on Amazon.” The presenter noted that contestants should pick the most powerful indicators of traction for their product.
The tutorial says contestants should state their goals and intended scale. Buck told viewers she aims to expand Herbtastic into more brick-and-mortar stores to reach a broader target market. The entry also used a customer testimonial as a way to show both traction and mission: Buck quoted one customer who said using Herbtastic “changed her relationship with cilantro,” and Buck said she hopes to “encourage people to cook healthy meals with Herbtastic.”
The presenter closed by reminding applicants to explain their mission and why they are excited about bringing their idea to market and added a brief encouragement: “I wish you success with this video application.”
