Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

:-) That`s the one thing that`s missing---the follow-up from people, to see what eventually happened with their idea. I think all of us here in the community would love to hear the ongoing story of how things are progressing. 

I think we need more than follow up. If can help anyone along the way to building their business they are free to contact me and we can speak on a one to one bases.

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Best Regards, Howard Lee CIO Wirehead Technology Tel:773-944-1365 Email:wireheadtec@gmail.com Web: www.wireheadtec.com

i need some input. I want to possible add something to my store for example:  I would sell cd`s, instruments and have a part of it a cafe or something. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what the Something could be?

A "jam session studio."

Musicians come in, and there`s always that one that just HAS to play "Stairway to Heaven," to impress the customers standing around. So you have a sound room, available on a first-come basis. People can try out your instruments, and get an impromptu jam session going.

For a small fee, they can record a session, say 30 minutes. Then they can pay for a CD of the jam.

This would be a loss-leader, and open the doorway into a possible studio later. Nowadays, home studios are hurting the pro studios big-time, but this would be like those photograph kiosks in the 60s. You might possibly have to hire people who also know how to set up the basic board, but that wouldn`t be hard. Plus, some of the buyers would likely know.

At the end, they walk out with either some music, an instrument, or a CD of whatever the heck they thought they were playing. If you hear something noticeable, you could then hook up with a manager or agent, and see about getting a finder`s fee.

That`s good idea here`s another I am a member of meetup.com in my city. I part of several groups that meets in cafes or resturants on certain days of the month. Most owners like because on a slow day his place filled. We do all the adversting to members or propective members about the location. If all the members like the location it`s become part of our regular meeting. Try something like that there over 12,000 groups list I am sure there are some music groups.

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Best Regards, Howard Lee CIO Wirehead Technology Tel:773-944-1365 Email:wireheadtec@gmail.com Web: www.wireheadtec.com

And another idea: Bands looking for players.

It used to be I`d use the Chicago Sun classified section to find sidemen. It was filled with bass players, drummers, singers, even keyboard players or horn people. Simple. Now it`s all gone away. Nobody reads newspapers much, and IN THEORY, the Web was supposed to handle all that. It doesn`t.

Maybe have a coffee or tea thing, but a couple of vending machines would do just as well. However, put the word out that if you`re looking to hook up, player-to-player, this music shop is the "Place What Ate," where it`s at. :-) to use some 60s colloquialisms.

There`s still a need for musicians to find other musicians, talk, and hear each other play. With MADD and the IRS having wiped out the live music scene, where do they go? What`s useful about a "rave," or whatever they`re called?

The only thing remaining is music stores and schools. Anybody can "say" they can play, but until someone can hear them, how would anyone know? And where would that audition type jam take place? Nobody knows.

Craig,  do you live in Chicago. I do too. Still I thnk that a good idea.  He could apply for a grant if he wants to teach music to schools. I am working with two non profit clients now looking to put a course together on fine arts. Maybe you join in

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Best Regards, Howard Lee CIO Wirehead Technology Tel:773-944-1365 Email:wireheadtec@gmail.com Web: www.wireheadtec.com

I can`t tell where you live by looking at your profile, but there is a great music store, Dusty Groove, in Chicago.  They also have an on-line store with an incredible selection of music (they sell vinyl).  I have been in their store with my son, who is in his late 20`s.  My son asked me when he was in his teens "Why do you have a record player"?.  Told him it was a turntable and it played LP`s.  He didn`t get it then- but now he owns his own "record player" and buys only LP`s.  So you should do some research if you are thinking about selling music.  Sign up for their newsletter at Dusty Groove, do some digging around. I think you have a good idea that could be great if you define what it is you want to do. 

 http://www.dustygroove.com/

Thanks onthebeach

this is what i have so far as of a visual idea of a store

I will have a stage for local bands to play and have a cafe so people can have a beverage and listen to bands. I will sell cd`s, LP`s, and instruments. Like craig suggested have a redording studio for people to record music they make (for a fee) or to try out a instrument.

if anyone can think of anything else that i can incorporate in to my idea let me know. The more i can offer the more likely i am to succed. thank you all for your support.

Sounds like a very interesting type of store! If you can get the funding, I`d say go for it the way you`ve outlined above. You`ll want to take some business courses, develop a good business plan, and understand the mechanics of running a business. Then, either run it yourself or hire someone to manage the business end.

Many businesses have two people, where one is the "idea person," the other is the manager. You don`t necessarily have to do it all completely on your own. Y`know? As long as you have a trustworthy manager. ;-)