New Unique idea for Content Delivery! Advice Needed.

[JamesRad]

Hi

I am in the process of developing a new idea of delivering content to customers, I haven't seen this being done by any of the 50-60 IMers that I subscribe to or purchase from and I need help to work out the best way of delivering this concept with out losing my unique idea to the Big Guys.

So what is it?

I can't tell you that, but it’s not an Ebook, Video, Audio, Software, Mindmap, Webinar, Conference call or membership site.

How can it be used?

It has the potential to be used in every step of the sales funnel from Free content to gain opt-ins to the higher end packed full of content. It also has the ability to link out of the product to either other products or free content.

How is it delivered?

It is mainly an online product which once developed could be used across multi platform e.g pc, mobile, iphone etc.

What's the Big Plan?

My aim is to develop a backend system to enable other IMers to create their own "" and help them market it through their own systems and have a central hosting facility with a community front end. You could market it as free content, paid content or even subscription possibilities.

What's the potential?

I may be biased but I believe that this would appeal to just about every IMer out there and be able to be used across every niche.

The stage I am at !

I have researched the possibilities and I am currently working on a Prototype to be able to show it to the right people by the end of the month.

So why not do it Yourself?

In an ideal world I would just hire a team of experts and have the system created for me all bells and whistles. But unfortunately I haven't the funds to set a team of developers on with it.

So what am I after from Warrior Members?

General advice and people's past experiences if they have been in a similar situation. Look I honestly believe this could be beneficial for IMers across the world from newbie's to the Top Guys like Frank Kern etc.

It will also provide a good way of learning for the end customer.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[JamesRad]

Just read the post and its making me cringe, everyone reading this is going to be thinking long and hard on what is it.

Please no direct Questions asking me to tell you what it is.

Thanks James

[marciayudkin]

Most people can't - and don't want to - give you advice when you tease them like that. In my opinion, it's pretty useless to ask for help in a forum when you hold back on the specifics.

Your best option is to do a private consultation with someone you trust and who you believe can point you to the answer.

Marcia Yudkin

[JamesRad]

Originally Posted by marciayudkin

Most people can't - and don't want to - give you advice when you tease them like that. In my opinion, it's pretty useless to ask for help in a forum when you hold back on the specifics.

Your best option is to do a private consultation with someone you trust and who you believe can point you to the answer.

Marcia Yudkin

Sorry Marcia I didn't mean it as a tease, I can only release certain information on the forum.

I am just after general advice on getting through to the right people that can help me. Like you suggest give me a private consultation.

The way IM is I have worked by myself for the past year so I don't know anybody that is in that position.

I have tried to give as much info as poss thats why I have done it that way.

Sorry

James

[designfuschion]

sorry i can't offer any advice. But i must say,i'm definitely intrigued by what this could be.

I had an idea for a 'tool' of sorts for im'ers and webmasters but those more adept at coding once they know the idea would whip it up themselves. Hopefully no one beats me to it. I even came up with a name for it and registered the domain.

Have you named it/registered domain? It's probably not too important right now..but if you have a cool name now..it would suck if it was taken by the time you want to register it.

Anyway, I wish you luck and success! Can't wait to see it!


PS: nope,the idea i have in the works is in no way competition to you(in case your wondering). my idea has no competition also.

PPS: which then brings up the question i think for both of us,and hopefully some warriors can answer here....what to price 'software tools' that have no competition?


edit: ok, i thought i was first to post..i'm too slow!
I can understand why you need to be tight lipped on details. If there truly is no competition,it can be hard to find trustworthy and right people to guide you and help.

[George Wright]

I know how you feel.

When I had an idea that had to be done "first" to protect myself, I went to a friend and spelled out my entire plan to him. I was prepared for a negotiation and he surprised me by handing me his Credit Card as he said, "Do It." So I know it can happen.

You might want to take this to a trusted friend or relative off line.

George Wright

[Louise Evans]

If you're sure it's never been done before and could make you a very wealthy person, invest in a patent.. I know it takes time but it could save you a lot of headaches later on.

[JamesRad]

Originally Posted by designfuschion

Have you named it/registered domain? It's probably not too important right now..but if you have a cool name now..it would suck if it was taken by the time you want to register it.

Thanks for the advice I haven't named it yet, trying to come up with a unique name.

Originally Posted by George Wright

I know how you feel.

When I had an idea that had to be done "first" to protect myself, I went to a friend and spelled out my entire plan to him. I was prepared for a negotiation and he surprised me by handing me his Credit Card as he said, "Do It." So I know it can happen.

You might want to take this to a trusted friend or relative off line.

George Wright

Excellent advice George, if only I had such good friends or relatives who had the credit to invest.

Originally Posted by Lovelylou

If you're sure it's never been done before and could make you a very wealthy person, invest in a patent.. I know it takes time but it could save you a lot of headaches later on.

I had though about this route but after discussions with a friend who's just secured a patent an a physical product I soon relised that it would be vary difficult and extremely costly to go down this route. Not to mention the time scale of the patent process.

I have come to realise after writing this thread and reading your advice, that being concerned about other people stealling my idea isn't such a problem as long as I develop the system 1st and ensure I make it as good as possible.

I am sure that whatever you do in IM somebody will copy you, I guess I need to just get on with it and release it the best I can.

Had thought about approaching one of the Guru's to try and pitch the idea to ensuring they have signed a disclosure agreement 1st of course. But I am sure its going to be difficult to get past there "Gate Keeper".

Thanks

James

[iblbuilder]

So what is it then?

[Val.S.]

iblbuilder: Read his lips...

Please no direct Questions asking me to tell you what it is.

[Andyhenry]

That's funny - I could use your post word for word to describe a project I'm working on right now too

[designfuschion]

james,

I just had an idea. LOL. It's the same 'game plan' i've had. Although i've pretty much been stuck in a rut and havent gone anywhere with my plans(changing that though!)

Anyhoo,enough of my rambling..i'll get to the point.

Instead of disclosing your idea to 'guru's' or relying on patent's etc..Is there anyway you could raise the money first? -It sounds like money is a limiting factor.

Are you coding this up yourself,or do you need to outsource it?
If your doing this yourself all you really need is the time and just start hammering out the code. I came up with my product idea in dec last year-researched all my options that was feasible for me at the time.
I guess it depends on what your prepared to risk or not risk.
I promised myself i couldn't risk disclosing it to anyone-which means ultimately,if i want to see this project completed i'll have to learn the coding languages and code it myself. (luckily now i'm in process of doing a web design course where i'm learning to code) By coding it myself,it will also mean i can bootstrap.
Another benefit,is i can build up lists,and other revenue sources first so worst case if it flops i'll still have income and learn from the failure(if it applies).
I had actually almost given up ever actually starting it. Originally i had 4 domains reg'd for it,let 3 expire. I had the .com .net .org and .mobi . I now only have the .com .

Hopefully the mobi will still be available if i do go ahead. I recommend at least reg a .com.

Another option,if/when you have enough money is create a small company/incorporation.-has various benefits which i don't think i'd need to go into.

Also by building up lists,even if its months before launch day,is you can build anticipation to the launch,build trust with your subscribers so at launch day you'd see some success. Even offer free trial to the 'beta'.and later a discounted price.

Draw up a business plan. I searched online for business plans. There was 1 i found out there and just adapted it. This is important if you seek funding from a bank or seed investor or even to guide your decision making. I wrote mine for my eyes only.

Another option for coding(if your not coding)-
I had considered at one point..and i'm not sure how feasible it is. Depends on coding languages i used i guess. I got interested in learning ruby on rails. I tossed up whether to code the project in php or rails. So it was while going through some tuts online and learning about github/subversion etc..i realised maybe split the project up and outsource the coding of the project in parts..and then just put it all together.
That kinda protects the 'idea',as its split up. -It seems there are many web apps coding from people all over world. Unless i'm barking up the wrong tree?

Also,
Have you done thorough research on all the app sites that there is no competitor with a similar product?
feedmyapp.com has a huge list of web apps available searchable by category. One problem i had was my web app doesn't fit into any one particular category. When i started my research,i came up with about 5 categories it could possibly fit into and searched everywhere i could everyday for hours. I bookmarked sites that i considered to be competitors (even though they are indirect competitors). Doing this before starting anything,will save problems down the track.

Who knows,you might find some app that does one aspect of what your trying to create. You can then analyse what that business is doing,and better it. [user interface features etc]. You can then create a marketing plan.



lol,and to think i didn't have much to say earlier on this.
Hope its given you some ideas.

oops,just reread your first post..from looks of it your coding it. I'll keep my post as is..it might help others?!

[scrofford]

Originally Posted by JamesRad

Just read the post and its making me cringe, everyone reading this is going to be thinking long and hard on what is it.

Please no direct Questions asking me to tell you what it is.

Thanks James

How can we help you if we have no idea what it might be? I could guess until the cows come home but if you don't give me some kind of idea, then it will do you no good.

[gjabiz]

There ARE many product IDEA review specialists, I'm one of them. We operate under NON compete and NON disclosure agreements. We have no interest in "stealing" your product and depending on the market analysis, may have some limited interest in investing in the project, or we know of others who would be more suited for that kind of investment.

The problem isn't theft, it is control. IF you go with outside capital, and it is unsecured, as it appears in your case, you'll be hard pressed finding OUTside investors who would take a small piece of the pie. They do, but it is rare.

What you need (after a professional evaluation) is what George spoke of...these are called Angel Investors. Angels usually KNOW you, or know your family or a friend.

The are often good for up to 25,000 bux or more, sometimes they operate as a group, with each person putting in a chunk of change and they let a managing partner "manage" the moeny and invest it in start-ups and new IDEAS.

Your best bet to find an Angel in your area is to consult with CPA and general business accountants and also small business attornies (established ones).

IF you don't have a letter of introduction or can't get one, you send them a letter which says basically what you did in your post. Also, if you have a local chapter of the SBA. there could be a S.C.O.R.E. office near you. They, at least, will put you in contact with business people who can help evaluate your project, although this takes several months.

I just met a person in your situation, sort of, they have the idea fully fleshed out, have sourced the final product, they just need ADVERTISING in a large budget format to get it launched. He will be knocked off, and so will you if what you have is anything of value.

It is the Times We Live In. You have to establish a proprietary postiong, build up a wall of defense, have some trade secrets but most importantly, you have to make the first and biggest splash in the market...so your name, your product is the first one thought of when people look for this type of thing.

Trust me, money is the least of your worries, there is a lot of money for development. The important issue for hard nosed investors is risk. The angel investor will probably seek some security or they will spread the risk to a small group.

Here is what you need to know and have written down when approaching anyone.

What exactly is the product (or service)?
How much will it cost the end user?
How much TIME is needed to fully develop a prototype and at what cost?
What is the market? What else do they buy? Why would they buy this product?

How will you penetrate the market? How will you market? Product Launch Formula? Is there an affiliate part to this? Who would be potential buyers? Would Google want to buy this from you for a cool 100 million once it has been out there for a year or two?

What are the back ends or bounce backs? What upgrades will have to be made?

It really is all about answering questions, which can't be done a general fashion.

You need to talk to someone in confidence about your idea, but it shouldn't be your favorite Uncle George who knows nothing about Internet Marketing.

So find some one who can give you some direction for the best help you really need.

Solve your problems in the direction of your goals.

So, you had better have your goals firmly in mind when talking to people.

gjabiz

[JamesRad]

Originally Posted by designfuschion

james,


Also,
Have you done thorough research on all the app sites that there is no competitor with a similar product?
feedmyapp.com has a huge list of web apps available searchable by category. One problem i had was my web app doesn't fit into any one particular category. When i started my research,i came up with about 5 categories it could possibly fit into and searched everywhere i could everyday for hours. I bookmarked sites that i considered to be competitors (even though they are indirect competitors). Doing this before starting anything,will save problems down the track.

Who knows,you might find some app that does one aspect of what your trying to create. You can then analyse what that business is doing,and better it. [user interface features etc]. You can then create a marketing plan.

Many thanks for all your advice it sounds like there are many people going throught the same issues we are.

James

[JamesRad]

Originally Posted by gjabiz

The problem isn't theft, it is control. IF you go with outside capital, and it is unsecured, as it appears in your case, you'll be hard pressed finding OUTside investors who would take a small piece of the pie. They do, but it is rare.

Here is what you need to know and have written down when approaching anyone.

What exactly is the product (or service)?
How much will it cost the end user?
How much TIME is needed to fully develop a prototype and at what cost?
What is the market? What else do they buy? Why would they buy this product?

How will you penetrate the market? How will you market? Product Launch Formula? Is there an affiliate part to this? Who would be potential buyers? Would Google want to buy this from you for a cool 100 million once it has been out there for a year or two?

What are the back ends or bounce backs? What upgrades will have to be made?

It really is all about answering questions, which can't be done a general fashion.

You need to talk to someone in confidence about your idea, but it shouldn't be your favorite Uncle George who knows nothing about Internet Marketing.

So find some one who can give you some direction for the best help you really need.

Solve your problems in the direction of your goals.

So, you had better have your goals firmly in mind when talking to people.

gjabiz

Many thanks for your excellent advice, I have studied what you have to say and found it very useful. The tips you give at the end of your post are brilliant, its good to get advice from the other side of the fence and to know what I need to prepare before I approach anybody.

This is exactly why I posted this thread.

Many Thanks

James

P.S will PM you when I get things in place.

[JamesRad]

Originally Posted by Andyhenry

That's funny - I could use your post word for word to describe a project I'm working on right now too

Hopefully this thread has been useful for you, how are you finding the process of building your project up.

Originally Posted by Val.S.

iblbuilder: Read his lips...

Many Thanks Val.

Cheers
James

[Andyhenry]

Originally Posted by JamesRad

Hopefully this thread has been useful for you, how are you finding the process of building your project up.

Cheers
James

Actually I'm not looking for funding, I'm just doing the project at the pace I can get it done with the resources I have and the other projects I have going on.

I'm pretty much completely focused on viral marketing and word of mouth marketing for building the business and not looking to do a big product launch, but start small and keep building the business based on user feedback.

I know that's not normal for IM, but I don't care about that. I'm much more interested in doing it right for the users and not rushing things just to try and make money.

I do sometimes do things for short term profits, but this is one of my slow burning projects designed for long term revenue.

Good luck with yours.

Andy