Please Help Me Get My Idea Off Of The Ground!!!

in Forum: Business planning
Oct. 09 2008 at 1:37 AM
No Photo Posted by: jsiegel

I have an idea detailed below that thanks to feedback from all of you members I am passionately pursuing. I was hesitant at first, but my wife just battled CANCER and won, and taught me that yourself and your dreams are worth fighting for, and most importantly, worth living for. Here is my idea:

An advertising website for apartment complexes and residential rentals (similar to apartments.com), but my unique selling proposition that highlights our website is that each apartment complex (and amenities including clubhouse, pool, fitness and business center, etc), apartment unit/models within the complexes and residential rentals will all have a video that will be streamlined that highlights all of the features. The videos will be guided by a host as if you were at an open house being shown in person. Also, we will have a video that displays the town or city the complex or rental is located in, with detailed information about the community (schools grades, population, median income, ethnic breakdown). The point I am addressing is providing the apartment/rental shopper the ability to clearly see the unit to see if it is a possibility without having to drive to the residence, which is costly with gas and time consuming.
 
I am passionate about this idea, because when I was shopping for an apartment, it would of provided great leverage in allowing me to make a decision, because my days where filled traveling to rentals that had great pictures but looked otherwise when I got there. And I am writing this post because honestly, I have no business experience. I have been a salesman in the finance industry for 5 years and I am 24, and that is all I know. So please, if any of you can help me with advice, guidance or both on how to turn this idea until a reality I would be thrilled. And I am also willing to partner up, if thats a great idea for both parties. I thank you all and look forward to your posts!


Edited by: jsiegel - Oct. 09 2008 at 1:41 AM
Oct. 09 2008 at 2:05 AM
CraigL Posted by: CraigL
So basically, you'd be putting together a sort of directoy of infommercials focused on apartment complexes.

I like it. The key would be the level of professionalism in the videos. If you offered the filming and scripting as a service, you could charge for a full package. You come in, develop the script, use either their spokesperson or better, a pro. Walk the place, shoot and edit, the upload the video.

Services would be based on run-length of the commercials. Each business would get it's own page, with a URL that could be included in their own marketing materials.

So the way I see this, you're not offering a directory of apartment rentals. Instead, you're offering an infommercial company that also happens to own a distribution network.
Craig Landes
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Defining the undefinable. "There are 10 kinds of people in the world---those who understand binary numbers and those who don't." - Unknown

International Society of Curmudgeons
Oct. 09 2008 at 1:22 PM
No Photo Posted by: jsiegel
Craig,
 
Thank you for such an uplifting response. I did not percieve my idea in that fashion, but I am excited by your thoughts! Any ideas on how to get this off of the ground? Thanks.
Oct. 10 2008 at 2:49 PM
CraigL Posted by: CraigL
Hmm...I think in this situation, it's all about how you phrase your question. By that, I mean how we form a plan based on a question. "How can I fix my roof?" "What's the best way to introduce personal computers to the world?"

What I'm thinking is that instead of asking how you can promote apartment complex rentals, you'd be better off asking, "How can I develop an online video infommercial company."

Do you have any background or experience in the film industry? Any contacts or personal network?
Craig Landes
---
Defining the undefinable. "There are 10 kinds of people in the world---those who understand binary numbers and those who don't." - Unknown

International Society of Curmudgeons


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