Feedback needed on potential business idea

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Feedback needed on potential business idea

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michaelweaver4

posts: 2

May 14, 2009 7:17 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I am new to SuN and am part of a start-up product development company. This post is unrelated to my product development company.

I saw an telecommunications commercial where there is a guy in Africa giving shoes away - because his footwear company has chosen to donate a pair of shoes for every one they sell. So an idea for a new business came to me - and it could start small / local. The mission of the consulting company would be to use / leverage charitable, brand-related programs to address business issues and increase consumer perception of brands and support the civic integrity of client companies.

The array of what I would call "humanitary" or "charitable" initiatives is almost endless. So developing the expertise around what charitable / humanitary resources are available in the community would be the first step I think. I think this could be a very valuable expertise. Many companies have these initiatives already in place, but I`m sure they could be improved or more brand-relevant.

I`ve always had a desire to do non-prof work, but I`m also very entrepreneurial and like to make money. So this could almost be a happy medium for me.

Keep in mind this thought came to me about 2 days ago - the very day my company downsized significantly and I lost my job. So I haven`t had a change to put much energy into this thought as I`ve been job searching. What you all think!?

CraigL

posts: 9051

May 15, 2009 3:03 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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So essentially, your new idea is "Buy one, Get one Free?"

michaelweaver4

posts: 2

May 15, 2009 10:59 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Apologies for the vagueness of my initial post and for the length of this post. I`ll tell you a bit about my background real quick.

I come from a global branding organization. So, from my experience, I have learned that there are a number of different ways to answer fundamental business questions (e.g. How do I get more people to shop my store? How do I get more people to listen to what I have to say? How do I become more relevant to the people who matter to me? etc.) Adding to that, I`ve always been service oriented as I enjoy helping people. IDEA: mesh brand consulting with helping people.

Branding agencies are consultants. Companies hire them because they have expertise and know-how when it comes to figuring out what the company`s next moves should be (e.g. new logo, new store design, different merchandising, new tagline, etc.)

With the business I`m proposing - I`d be a consultant. With expertise and knowledge around answering fundamental business questions via "charitable" (that might not be the right word, but until I think of something better....yeah) programs.

I`ll take a stab at Biziness`s suggestions:

What specific problem are you trying to solve?

As with any company or brand, an ongoing challenge is positive consumer perception - whether it`s a global brand or a small business trying to grow within a community.
A second problem is awareness - how well is your consumer base aware of your product or service offering?
So the problem / challenge that I am trying to solve is - How does a company increase their awareness (or, effectively utilize charitable acts or programs to their benefit - to increase consumer perception and increase awareness?

What is the product/service your company will offer?
Recommending, mobilizing, and executing charitable programs.

Research and Recommend - use survey research to determine what the most effective program might be for that particular brand
Mobilize - Coordinate resources, facilities, media, etc. Whatever would be required logistically
Execute - Ensure the program is executed according to plan.
Post-Research - I suppose there could also be some post-program research that would validate the program for future use and so forth.

How will your product/service solve that problem?

My product or service is just a different form of advertising. And in today`s economic environment - unique approaches are appreciated and they are winning.

SO, my company would answer fundamental business questions:

How do I increase awareness - so more customers know what I have to offer?
How can I make people think I am doing good for the community?

I know it`s a stretch if you even understand my long-winded explanation. Sorry if i lost you.

patentandtrademark

posts: 1332

May 16, 2009 1:58 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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uh, not sure about the question or concept.

-------------------------

James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com

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