Loading...
Answers
MenuDoes this idea already exist?
A platform connecting inventors and SMEs to manufacturers that are able to prototype and manufacture their products on a smaller scale.
Aside from charging a % commission from each order placed what other adds on can I do to monetize the business?
Answers
If this idea already exists, who thinks exactly like you? There's only one of you. You can make a nice profit while helping others make their dreams come true. New companies are created everyday worldwide. Let's discuss this further on a call. If you do nothing, how are you impacting the world?
Don't let something already existing stop you from starting. If you look closely, it's extremely rare that the very first of any idea goes on to be the most successful company.
Google wasn't the first search engine. Facebook wasn't the first social media network. Amazon wasn't the first online store.
The winner is the company that does it best. It's all about execution.
If you believe in the idea, and you believe in yourself, then go for it.
The most important thing is to start.
The idea definitely does exist, and that's a good thing. It's much easier to start a service with a market that you know is there.
Rather than going commission-only, which puts all the risk on you, what if you were to help inventors and SMEs build a prototype and assess its market value.
Maybe they have an idea on a napkin, but have no way of knowing how to build it or why a manufacturer would invest in it.
Showing the path to market is very valuable for both the manufacturer and the inventor or SME.
Happy to explore this more, if you'd like to arrange a call with me.
Related Questions
-
What is the best way to capture and track referrals directed from a landing page?
There are a few ways to track things automatically, but they get complicated: - referral program software - Give your referrers special URL's with parameters that identify them as the referrer (like http://url.com/?referrer=JohnDoe), then push that value into a hidden form field - Create a separate landing page for each referrer I'd keep things much simpler to start. Just tell your social club that there's a referral program in place, then add a form field on your signup process asking who referred the new customer. If John Doe knows that there's a program in place, when he refers someone, he's likely to tell them "make sure you say I referred you". When the new customer joins, they'll likely remember to enter "John Doe" as the referrer. It's not bullet proof, but it's an easy way to start.Corey DilleyCD
-
How to approach business owners for an idea extraction?
I've done this in the past. I find the best way is to do it in person. I made a habit of walking on my downtown street between lunch and asking the local business owners about their challenges of their business. I don't know if there's a number...I think idea extraction should become a part of your daily routine. Here are some questions you can ask: So your business does X? What is your role in the business? What does a typical day look like for you? Can you walk me through the first couple hours of your day? What are the first few things you do each morning? How many customers are you working with a month right now? What’s been your best month? What’s been your worst? What are a couple activities you have in your day that you just don’t enjoy? Getting Deeper Thinking about the last couple days at work, what has been the most challenging part? What do you use excel for in your business?** What is the most expensive problem in your business? What’s a problem that you’ve tried to solve in the past but didn’t work for you? What would you like to do with you mobile phone, but can’t?Zain AbiddinZA
-
How can I go about finding a business partner for my startup?
Hello! Aside from the typical website platforms, I would recommend using Twitter's hashtags and user handles. Try following and using the ones that your potential prospect or otherwise ideal partners would be following and start sharing about your work, your progress, and outreach for a potential partner. If possible try to be local when doing so. But obviously, some to use include Startups.co, Basecamp, Inc 500, yesPHX, BetaBulls, MPV, Lean Startup, Lean Methodologies, TechCrunch, etc.Humberto Valle Texas Real Estate Investor, Wholesaler, & Airbnb SuperhostHV
-
How do we get our clients to give us a personal introduction to other people who are capable of becoming clients?
The one word answer is: ask! Make it a process to systematically ask every client for referrals. Referrals from happy customers are indeed one of the best ways to generate new business. When and how to ask is a matter of taste and practice. Let me give you two examples which apply to B2B. 1. Ask as soon as your prospect has made his buying decision. From Steli Efti, Startup Sales Guide - www.startupsalesguide.com "When a prospect has already made a buying decision, say: Great, but I can’t let you buy just yet. Right now, we are a startup. This means we focus all our energy, time and resources on delivering as much value as we can to our customers. We don’t have a big marketing budget. If you are happy with our product, please recommend us to others who you think might benefit from our solution as well.” 2. Ask when you are about 2/3 of a project, or when you have significantly progressed in the relationship with your buyer. Here is some great material by Alan Weiss: - Asking For Referrals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXJXukZB94s - How to maximize a referral: http://www.contrarianconsulting.com/how-to-maximize-a-referral/ Hope that helps. Put it into practice this week and let us know how it goes!Nicolas BrunetNB
-
How can I smoothly transition from full time worker to self-employment?
The ways I've done this in the past are 1) Find some customers that are willing to hire you (or your product) but know that you'll only be free nights & weekends to support/work with them. 2) Find a "partner" (co-founder or other) that's got a flexible schedule that can help build the business while you're at work. 3) Block out nights, mornings and weekends to build the business till you have enough orders to cover 50% of your salary. This might mean 7pm-11pm most nights, and 4 hours each day Sat & Sun. Make progress (sales $$$) and momentum. All that being said, it's risk reward. Sounds like you want to avoid taken the risk, and I get that .. but the upside is always smaller. Unless you put yourself in a position to have to succeed (ex: quitting your job) then you may never make the scary decisions that are required to build a company (like cold calling, going in debt, making a presentation, etc). I'm on company #5 with many other side projects started nights & weekends .. so I get it - but don't be afraid to bet on yourself and go all in.Dan MartellDM
the startups.com platform
Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.
