March 04, 2016

Someone To WatchOver Me

For the anxious parent of a wandering child, out of sight and earshot can quickly mean out of mind with worry. And whilst the world just might be a safer place these days, it often doesn't feel that way, with all the apparent dangers, real and imagined that might befall the vulnerable child.

So what's a parent to do? Deny their child the freedom of the neighbourhood or park, or worry sick each time they set off solo on an adventure?

No Worries, Help Is On Hand

Fiona O'Connor, our featured guest on Kickstart Your Business, is part of a family with both young children and a vulnerable grandparent, any of whom are prone to wander. She and her siblings tried a number of locator-devices without success, and then decided to develop WatchOvers,  a simple device - two-way phone and support app in a watch - that lets children and the elderly enjoy their independence, whilst always being within easy reach of the family.

The Wandering Star

So what did George and I make of Fiona's WatchOvers business?

George wistfully recalled his own days as an errant father and wished his own children had enjoyed the protection of this ingenious device. His memories of arriving late to the school gate to pick up his own son will have struck a chord with many listeners, including myself.

For my part, I admired the very effective image that Fiona has selected to illustrate how WatchOvers works (picture above left), but suggested that she, like many salespeople, is too reluctant to ask for the sale. The eager buyer is obliged to scroll down past a lot of background detail before being able to click to buy; this can be easily addressed by including a Buy Now button at both top and foot of any description.

A Two Way Conversation

What do you suggest that Fiona might do to make sure that help is on hand for anxious families everywhere?

Listen back to Fiona on Kickstart Your Business (with thanks to Energia), and tell us what you think? We'd love to hear from you.

Kickstart Your Business is broadcast on The Right Hook on Newstalk every Thursday around 6.25pm, and is available for playback immediately afterwards at Newstalk. com.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

We were delighted to have the opportunity to spread the word about our Liberty Watch Phone with you and George on 'Kick Start Your Business'. The reality of all our busy lives in todays world leaves us with less and less time to focus on the little things which suddenly become the big things when something happens and makes you stop and think. You can have as many watches on the app as you wish, allowing you the ability to be available to those you love in case of an emergency. Children crave that little bit more independence and lots of parents are too nervous to give kids that little bit more freedom in fear of what may happen. Wearing a watch gives a child a little more freedom and the parent peace of mind. Even if you are a concerned parent and only want your child to walk from home to school, why not set a safezone on the app, once your child goes further than that you will automatically be notified and can call them immediately. Elderly people don't like to be labeled as old and sometimes safety devices with large buttons and big screens scream 'OLD', with the Liberty it is discreet and nobody is aware of its capability. Getting old is difficult and the last thing we want for our parents is for them to lose independence and be afraid to venture out and do the things they always did in the past. This gives them peace of mind and confidence to continue doing all the things they enjoy doing on a daily basis.