Advertisement
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum
Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.
Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.
Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026
I have a new business idea - would like feedback from some of the experienced folks
-
09-06-2017 11:37AM#1Apologies in advance for the ramble:
A number of years ago I posted a thread on this very forum. It was my idea for an 'explainer video' production website. I received some savage feedback and loads of ideas and criticism from business owners who actually know what it means to run an SME in Ireland.
On the back of that the site went on to do quite well. I was still in a Business degree at the time (2014). I wound up having to teach myself motion graphic software, video production, web design and more. After some traction on Reddit I had quite a few hair-raising moments where the site made more in a weekend than I'd make in two or three months in my retail job.
It eventually wound down due to the market changing and me having to finish my degree, thesis etc... But I was very grateful to those who originally helped out on here.
After I finished my BA I got a 'real job' etc... I hated it after six months. The 'new' challenge was gone and I was essentially an office worker with only middle management to look forward to. I spent my weekends playing with Wordpress sites and ideas. I saved up while teaching myself basic programming (Javascript mostly) and quit my job.
I went back to college and did a one year ICT converstion (Computer Science) course. Undoubtedly the worst year of my life. Not because of the course. Because of being constantly broke, stressed and watching my peers collect decent salaries and the live single graduate lifestyle that comes along with it. Anyone whose ever stepped 'backwards' on the career ladder and back into education will know what I mean.
Anyways. Finished top of my class. Actually re-did the video site as my final project and automated some of it. It was cool. Got a paid internship. Remained at the company for a year. Left to do freelance work (while retaining previous employer as a client) and set up an Ltd for these gigs. Since then I've been working on systems for companies in finance and the eHealth fields (mostly Python, Java for Android and Angular for web apps if any devs are reading).
My Idea
Anyways. Backstory over. I've recently wanted to build specialized 'off-the-shelf' systems for small niche industries that are 'behind' on tech. Most of these industries get by with Wordpress websites.
My first 'test' is going to be a website and backend system for vehicle recovery companies which takes a customers GPS location when they request a truck.
Flow would be:
Customer breaks down and pulls out smartphone to get a tow truck -> Goes onto website via Google Search -> Presses 'Request a Tow Truck' button -> Fills out basic form (name, number, vehicle type) and hits 'Submit' -> Their GPS location is also requested at this time and they accept (pretty standard "Chrome would like to know your location" request these days)
At this point, three things happen in the space of a few seconds:
-> SMS goes to customer to assure them their request has been received
-> SMS goes to Tow Truck driver/company alerting them a new job has come in
-> Email goes to driver/company with customer details and a Google Maps link. Details also available on site admin panel.
Research so far:
Yesterday I rang ten tow truck companies around the country and spoke to the owners. All were very receptive to the call but a common theme was not knowing much about IT. Some do compete heavily on Adwords (it's crucial to be on page 1 results to get any work in that industry it seems).
Barriers to Sales identified:
-> Many expressed the view that they 'already have a website - 'tis grand as it is'
-> Others don't invest in Google/online at all and are happy with contract work, garage work, work off local Garda station etc...
-> Don't understand GPS, system, Internet etc...
-> Interested but reluctant to make a purchase/part with cash (understandable, I guess)
Common Business Problems Identified:
-> Many drivers said they often struggle to actually locate a customer on the road. They're often lost, in an unfamiliar area, no major landmarks etc...
-> Lots of people actually ring multiple tow trucks and make them 'race' to them :eek:. It'd be like ordering three taxis to your house and jumping in the first one that arrives.
-> Missing phone calls and hence the job. I was surprised to see how these guys operate. Often the sole traders run 24/7. If the phone rings at 3am they're out of bed and into the truck. These are also usually the guys pushing hard on Google too.
Something else I picked up on is that they're all mad for their trucks. They love posting pictures, looking for new trucks on Done Deal all the time, bragging a little etc... Some even give them names
So I think a fleet gallery on the site would be a good idea.
My Plan:
Yesterday I kind of realised cold calling will only get me so far. I'm essentially a bloke with a fuzzy idea calling some very busy small business owners. I know I'll also struggle to actually bag sales. I'm not a natural sales person although I have no problem meeting/calling people etc... it's just not something I particularly relish spending my time doing.
Step 1: Validate
I'm going to make a basic marketing site, video and product description over the weekend. I haven't the time to drive traffic to a landing page organically. Nor is there much online buzz to be made about vehicle recovery. So I'm going to outsource sales calls to an agency and have them pitch, explain and gauge interest. I'd like some form of qualification here too - a definite 'I'm very interested' or a 'Nope, not for us'. This should build a decent list of prospects I think
Step 2: Build Prototype:
I could easily build this system in a week. Maybe a little more if I have to divert attention to my other work which happens sometimes on short notice. I have a base Content Management System that I use anyways for my personal projects.
Step 3: Launch Demo site and Recruit Guinea Pig
Maybe guinea pig isn't the right phrase. Beta Tester perhaps :P Maybe offer a site for free or heavily discounted to one of the top Google adwords buyers. Let it run for a month and make any changes needed.
Step 4: Selling
This is my main problem (I think). It's convincing a small business to part with X amount of cash for a new website/system. Even if they see the value in it I know small businesses are often trying to keep their head above water for next week, not looking at potential value generated over 6 months. Any thoughts or ideas about selling this kind of thing to small businesses?
Additionally, any ideas or feedback or holes you see in my system/approach/idea would be much appreciated.
Cheers Guys,
Dean1
Comments
-
Apologies in advance for the ramble:
A number of years ago I posted a thread on this very forum. It was my idea for an 'explainer video' production website. I received some savage feedback and loads of ideas and criticism from business owners who actually know what it means to run an SME in Ireland.
On the back of that the site went on to do quite well. I was still in a Business degree at the time (2014). I wound up having to teach myself motion graphic software, video production, web design and more. After some traction on Reddit I had quite a few hair-raising moments where the site made more in a weekend than I'd make in two or three months in my retail job.
It eventually wound down due to the market changing and me having to finish my degree, thesis etc... But I was very grateful to those who originally helped out on here.
After I finished my BA I got a 'real job' etc... I hated it after six months. The 'new' challenge was gone and I was essentially an office worker with only middle management to look forward to. I spent my weekends playing with Wordpress sites and ideas. I saved up while teaching myself basic programming (Javascript mostly) and quit my job.
I went back to college and did a one year ICT converstion (Computer Science) course. Undoubtedly the worst year of my life. Not because of the course. Because of being constantly broke, stressed and watching my peers collect decent salaries and the live single graduate lifestyle that comes along with it. Anyone whose ever stepped 'backwards' on the career ladder and back into education will know what I mean.
Anyways. Finished top of my class. Actually re-did the video site as my final project and automated some of it. It was cool. Got a paid internship. Remained at the company for a year. Left to do freelance work (while retaining previous employer as a client) and set up an Ltd for these gigs. Since then I've been working on systems for companies in finance and the eHealth fields (mostly Python, Java for Android and Angular for web apps if any devs are reading).
My Idea
Anyways. Backstory over. I've recently wanted to build specialized 'off-the-shelf' systems for small niche industries that are 'behind' on tech. Most of these industries get by with Wordpress websites.
My first 'test' is going to be a website and backend system for vehicle recovery companies which takes a customers GPS location when they request a truck.
Flow would be:
Customer breaks down and pulls out smartphone to get a tow truck -> Goes onto website via Google Search -> Presses 'Request a Tow Truck' button -> Fills out basic form (name, number, vehicle type) and hits 'Submit' -> Their GPS location is also requested at this time and they accept (pretty standard "Chrome would like to know your location" request these days)
At this point, three things happen in the space of a few seconds:
-> SMS goes to customer to assure them their request has been received
-> SMS goes to Tow Truck driver/company alerting them a new job has come in
-> Email goes to driver/company with customer details and a Google Maps link. Details also available on site admin panel.
Research so far:
Yesterday I rang ten tow truck companies around the country and spoke to the owners. All were very receptive to the call but a common theme was not knowing much about IT. Some do compete heavily on Adwords (it's crucial to be on page 1 results to get any work in that industry it seems).
Barriers to Sales identified:
-> Many expressed the view that they 'already have a website - 'tis grand as it is'
-> Others don't invest in Google/online at all and are happy with contract work, garage work, work off local Garda station etc...
-> Don't understand GPS, system, Internet etc...
-> Interested but reluctant to make a purchase/part with cash (understandable, I guess)
Common Business Problems Identified:
-> Many drivers said they often struggle to actually locate a customer on the road. They're often lost, in an unfamiliar area, no major landmarks etc...
-> Lots of people actually ring multiple tow trucks and make them 'race' to them :eek:. It'd be like ordering three taxis to your house and jumping in the first one that arrives.
-> Missing phone calls and hence the job. I was surprised to see how these guys operate. Often the sole traders run 24/7. If the phone rings at 3am they're out of bed and into the truck. These are also usually the guys pushing hard on Google too.
Something else I picked up on is that they're all mad for their trucks. They love posting pictures, looking for new trucks on Done Deal all the time, bragging a little etc... Some even give them names So I think a fleet gallery on the site would be a good idea.
My Plan:
Yesterday I kind of realised cold calling will only get me so far. I'm essentially a bloke with a fuzzy idea calling some very busy small business owners. I know I'll also struggle to actually bag sales. I'm not a natural sales person although I have no problem meeting/calling people etc... it's just not something I particularly relish spending my time doing.
Step 1: Validate
I'm going to make a basic marketing site, video and product description over the weekend. I haven't the time to drive traffic to a landing page organically. Nor is there much online buzz to be made about vehicle recovery. So I'm going to outsource sales calls to an agency and have them pitch, explain and gauge interest. I'd like some form of qualification here too - a definite 'I'm very interested' or a 'Nope, not for us'. This should build a decent list of prospects I think
Step 2: Build Prototype:
I could easily build this system in a week. Maybe a little more if I have to divert attention to my other work which happens sometimes on short notice. I have a base Content Management System that I use anyways for my personal projects.
Step 3: Launch Demo site and Recruit Guinea Pig
Maybe guinea pig isn't the right phrase. Beta Tester perhaps :P Maybe offer a site for free or heavily discounted to one of the top Google adwords buyers. Let it run for a month and make any changes needed.
Step 4: Selling
This is my main problem (I think). It's convincing a small business to part with X amount of cash for a new website/system. Even if they see the value in it I know small businesses are often trying to keep their head above water for next week, not looking at potential value generated over 6 months. Any thoughts or ideas about selling this kind of thing to small businesses?
Additionally, any ideas or feedback or holes you see in my system/approach/idea would be much appreciated.
Cheers Guys,
Dean
Congrats on graduating top of your class - that's no mean feat.
With these ideas and many others, it's actually all about the sales and marketing, not the tech or even the idea itself.
So I see a potential flaw or challenge here:
Customer breaks down and pulls out smartphone to get a tow truck -> Goes onto website via Google Search ->
How do you plan on getting traffic to your website in the first place? If you use AdWords, you will be competing with some of the very companies you are hoping to attract.
Ultimately for something like this to succeed, you will be betting on the tow truck guys being willing to pay you more for leads than you spend on sales and marketing.0 -
-
-
-
-
Advertisement
-
CeilingFly wrote: »The flaws
2 - Most people have breakdown cover either as a direct member of the AA or via their insurance or if they have business credit cards, as part of that package.
Good idea, but I can't see a market for it.
This is more an issue for the tow truck companies. They currently have websites and the ones I spoke to all seem pretty busy from direct call outs. I would have thought the AA, AXA etc... had the market sown up but it doesn't seem to be the case. However, the market does seem quite diversified and maybe my solution isn't a good fit.Could you tailor it to insurance companies who use a call centre for their breakdown service?
I think tha'd be too much work. I also imagine they already have their own systemsGood idea and I considered it myself before. Few things I learned:- The likes of the AA and similar have extensive integration now for breakdown. Its all built into their own App. Their AA App delivers me their breakdown service along with a host of extras like route planning and rewards. I'm fairly sure AXA and some others are not far behind. Its like Uber, you can even see the van coming towards you. I also note they have branched into 'Home Rescue' and repairs, that to me would indicate the breakdown industry for cars is declining as they are diversifying.
- Mechanics in Ireland are very low tech for the most part. A lot of them who have breakdown trucks are connected to the larger insurance players who all centralise their breakdown and accident recovery to a single point of contact (MAPPA? Or something like that?) Look at the likes of Kellys in Kilmacanogue, a massive firm with deals with the M50 and the Gardai. The smaller guys are low tech, they get a text or a call and go out to collect the client. The payout is fixed, they rarely if ever respond to a random person. Its always via the insurance company as if they don't, they can loose the call the next time e.g. Too many missed calls and they stop calling you. Hence its in their interest for a person to ring their insurer and for the insurer to ring them to collect them. Guaranteed payment.
- You would be dependent on someone using your App versus calling their insurer. Which would be the first response of most people, remembering nearly every decent policy has breakdown assist and most people are clueless of cars. Yes, you'll have those that will want a local guy to come pick them up but your market will be tiny and no garage will entertain you for subscription without solid 'sales' figures which will take a small fortune in advertising to ascertain.
I agree with all your points. Particularly the 'low tech' one. It might be one of those problems where people just prefer to make phone calls. Mechanics/recovery industry is also pretty stuck in its ways outside of the big brand names.
My main idea is basically to build websites for companies which solve very industry-specific problems. These problems are very hard to solve with a Wordpress website and a handful of plugins. The problem arises when I try to find industries that would be receptive to having such websites.
I'm trying to figure out how I could sell websites to SMEs which go a step beyond the usual ecommerce 'add to cart' solution and actually help their business processes.
I could even frame this as a more general marketing question as to how I should approach medium-sized businesses with this kind of product or service... As I said I have lots of ideas for web-based systems which could solve business problems. I'm in no way married to the vehicle recovery industry. 0 - The likes of the AA and similar have extensive integration now for breakdown. Its all built into their own App. Their AA App delivers me their breakdown service along with a host of extras like route planning and rewards. I'm fairly sure AXA and some others are not far behind. Its like Uber, you can even see the van coming towards you. I also note they have branched into 'Home Rescue' and repairs, that to me would indicate the breakdown industry for cars is declining as they are diversifying.
-
-
-
-
-
Advertisement
-
This really is a sales issue.
You have to quantify just how many rescue truck operators are taking direct calls from stranded customers who found them via Google. Then you've got to make an informed call on how many of them are doing the volume that would merit a system upgrade.
If what you say about Google Adwords is right, then there can't be more than a handful of companies in the mix - especially if users almost always search via a smaller smartphone screen.
The alternative model signing up and integrating into your business as many operators as you can, and then fight for Google space in your own right, has more potential business. Google is a bitch though - and rife with rivals clicking on your ads until your daily budget is gone. It's very easy to haemorrhage cash.
Lastly be wary of enthusiastic responses from potential customers. A good proportion of people will just say nice things but have no intention of putting their money where their mouth is.
I think you've hit the nail on the head. The two truck business might indeed be a bad market to target for the reasons you pointed out, but your last post I think hits home.
I've often gotten emails and genuine interest from small business owners. Often they'd actually contact me first. Genuine interest, multiple phone calls, meetings and then they kick the can down the road once or twice and it becomes apparent that they've no intention of ever pulling the trigger. I've no idea how some people have the time to kick tyres like this when they're supposed to be running a business but anyhow...
I usually like having two or three 'serious' clients who know what they want and pull zero punches. I have that at present and it's great. But this idea of building website systems which I can sell multiple times as a form of near-passive income plagues me
However perhaps the kind of industries I was targeting just aren't a good fit and would be more trouble than they're worth anyhow.0 -
If you have the skill to build a system like that, great. There's no doubt an industry there in need of something similar... it's a matter of finding the right one with the big market. Keep thinking!But this idea of building website systems which I can sell multiple times as a form of near-passive income plagues me
However perhaps the kind of industries I was targeting just aren't a good fit and would be more trouble than they're worth anyhow.0 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Dean you are a solution looking for a problem to solve. I was one of your first explainer customers, so I know you have great "go" in you. The real dough in towing is 120KPH zoned motorway breakdowns and as I understand it, only contracted operators can lift cars/vans/truck on these roads, juicy charges apply!
Your challenge is to find a nice problem to solve or the new niche to create. Either must have a clear ability to create a decent revenue stream.
Are you sure you have exhausted the explainer potential?
I think I'm going to find another problem to solve! :P The towing industry was just one example. But I definitely need to think bigger.
The expainer videos started doing pretty good but I was soon swamped. Particularly when one or two clients shared it on Reddit which caused an influx of orders. My relatively 'manual' method of processing orders was overwhelmed.
It's actually what pushed me into software development. I was running VF off a Wordpress site and was getting used to hacking away at it. I wanted to build a system to automate much of the admin/order processing which I did for my final project in college.
The market soon became quite saturated with copycats and soon people doing it even better than me.
It still has potential. And I'm actively working on something which will offer a new level of service which none of the other competitors do. However it's very slow going - it involves Machine Learning which I'm kind of learning on the fly in order to build it :eek:
But for now my days are filled with regular old web development work and related project ideas 0 -
Advertisement
-
StupidLikeAFox wrote: »Have you heard of the lean startup? You might find it interesting:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_startup
I have and it's definitely a methodology I should embrace more often. I tend to go down the damn rabbit hole and wind up building massive systems for weeks on end without ever even showing a potential customer
0 -
-
-
-
Advertisement