FREE Ideas & Advice

Hi,

They recently started broadcasting The American Inventor on a local channel and I was surprised at how much people have sacrificed to invent something that is just so stupid, yet, they think it's amazing and everybody will use it.

I, myself, have an idea, it's an idea of a website, it's not original, but it provides services that other websites don't offer, with big ambitions and goals that could make computers really cheap in the future (too ambitious?).

I don't want to explain the whole idea here 'cause that will take some time.

My question is: Should I take the risk, forget about my studies and other projects that I'm working on and focus on this one? Or should I not go for it since it's not _that_ original?

Personally, I think it'll work, but, after what I've seen on the show, I'm starting to doubt myself, what if it's just a stupid idea? What if it's only me?

Thanks
----
Laith Juwaidah
http://www.ljuwaidah.org/
http://ljuwaidah.blogspot.com

Doug,

My wife and I live in Los Angeles, but are originally from Iowa. We're both professional writers and performers, who have concentrated on film and theatre. We have an opportunity to take a show from Los Angeles to Iowa, with the hope of the show being picked up for longer runs at other venues around the state. It may seem like a long shot, but there is a precedent for this type of show -- one recent show sold nearly $2 million in tickets...for 10 consecutive years.

In order to get the show seen by the people who book venues throughout the state (and to avoid huge up-front costs), we're trying to set up the show as a fundraiser for a large community theatre and for a political organization. We intend to recoup the travel costs for our small cast and crew while generating goodwill by making a lot of money for our chosen beneficiaries. The main marketing costs will also be picked up by the organizations receiving donations.

Some things you should know about the show:
* It follows a standard formula of successful shows in the Midwest -- clean and funny, with elements of music and audience participation.
* It caters to hometown pride -- it's written with a narrow focus, specifically about Iowa.
* It's unique -- Right now there is nothing like our show. We will be competing against old standbys such as Annie and Our Town, while our show is original, fresh, and unique.
* It's professional -- My wife and I have been professional writers for several years, and our cast will include professional actors from Los Angeles with Iowa ties.

My question is this: "How can we create supplemental marketing to enhance the chances of a sellout audience for the fundraisers, thereby helping us get long-term booking in other venues?"

We intend to give away tickets to the people who book shows at venues around the state, and to certain members of large, professional groups (who we hope will pass positive on positive word-of-mouth to others in their organizations).

What else can we do to set ourselves apart?

Dear Dough,

I am writing from China. Your brainbrew show had inspired me to start something part time, on top of my daily office job.

I had seen some locally handmade gadgets to trap insects here at the roadside and rubbish dump. A simple but effective tool with no sophisticated features.

And I thought of commercialise the idea by manufacturing the products and sell them to the mass market, locally and overseas. Since manufacturing cost in China is among the lowest in the world, might as well capitalise on it.

I had had the design ready, and am now at the stage of negotiating with manufacturer for mass production in Oct'07.

Problem is, I am not a marketing man. I am not sure how do I identify my market.

You mentioned about overt benefit. Though my product is effective, but it's of commodity category and the strategy should be of volume based. Cause if you ask me, the main dramatic difference I could offer is price, or value for money.

Apart from setting up a webpage and wait, I wish to be more proactive in selling my products.

I thought of sending samples to distributors around Asia and maybe further but that could be too costly for me considering the odds of them being interested. Distributors are, afterall, not the ultimate users who would appreciate the benefits. But if i am to approach the ultimate users directly, it would surely bankcrupt me!

What do you think should be my first approach to introduce/bring my products to the market?

Thank you

ky

Hello Doug,
My Utility Application has been submitted to the uspto for about a month now.
Recently, I made a change to the my products design and added a new ingredient to it. My Mfg. who wants to produce, market and sell the item felt it had a much better chance in its market if it were reusable. I found a way to do that and were moving forward. Can I make an ammendment to my application that will allow the new changes?
Thank you.
Gene

Hello,

My name is Karen and I've been involved in the modeling and acting business for over 25 years, as a runway model, commercial print model, TV commercials and more. I have expanded upon my experiences and have been working with my own modeing agency for the past 12 years, helping new model candidates get their start in the industry.

There is always a need for new people - children, teens, and adults of all ages and ethnicities. But most people don't know how to get started or what's involved.

I love the business and helping people. That's why I've developed my "Dare to dream" workshops and individual coaching. I am caring and compassionate for those starting out.

This information that I teach them could easily save them thousands of dollars and hundreds of wasted hours false starting their dreams.

After spending a single session with me they will have all the information they need to decide if this is the right direction and/or time for them or their children.

My question is how do I get the word out about my workshops. I currently have 2 websites, one for the clients wanting to book models and the other for new model candidates wanting to know how they can get started and to be represented by an agency. I would ilke to see the model worksops develop more as I see the potential to expand upon the idea, just not sure of a good marketing system.

Thank you,
Karen

Doug, I'm a fan from the show. I have an idea. I don't have money to put into it as I have debt for school, the house and car. I want to know if you would be interested in hearing my idea. If you like it.... then I would split the profits, in your favor as I don't have the money to invest. I really do think it is good. I just need someone to give me a chance. I have a background in retail management at a large retailer. I see what sales. Please let me know if you are interested. Thank you for your time.