1. Big Problem Health professionals need their clients to follow through on being more active Andy comes to see Joe, a health professional, about helping him become more socially involved. Andy has a videogame addiction and no friends. Joe advises Andy to do try doing a team sport or join a club of some sort. Andy comes back for another visit and Joe finds out that Andy hasn’t taken any steps toward trying any new things. They both eventually find out they aren’t getting anywhere with this arrangement and Andy stops coming in for visits, unfulfilled. Joe has lost a client, and his reputation suffers because Andy didn’t listen to Joe and follow through with his advice.
2. Big Solution Giovanni Mannino Pastime Guru Mission: Introduce people to alternative hobbies. Vision: Be the Pastime Guru! Values: Community, Achievement, Fun, Originality Strategy: Determine desired company image Personal Image = Company Image Begin advertising campaign Approach community newsletters Research online marketing options Use customer feedback to improve image and services
3. Industry & Target Market Adventure Tourism Total expenditure on business tourism was $36.3 billion (1997); more recent info not available Target market would include those who have the financial means to afford our leisure services coaching
4. Competition & Competitive Advantage Competition Life coaches. Singles Event Planners Psychologists Travel Agencies Competitive Advantage We specialize in recommending leisure activities, allowing us to make our competition our partners
5. Demo Take out or recommend personalized activities for a few clients at no charge This will help them to understand the benefits first-hand
6. Marketing & Sales Attract referrers by attending trade seminars and shows Advertise in local trade publications Target event planners by approaching them at their events Become involved in competitive events (i.e. marathons) Approach individual shop owners of various activities (surfing, jet-skiing, gun range, rock climbing facility)
11. The Team The Owner/Pastime Guru Goes out on appointments with clients Responsible for management decisions such as marketing strategy and finances Pastime Gurus Responsible for company image and fulfilling customer appointments Assistant Responsible for office duties and organizing appointments
12. Operations & Milestones Research New Customers Directly Contact Customers (Marketing) Provide Service 1 Week 1 Week Immediate Research Methods of Contacting Referrers Contact Referrers (Marketing) Customers Contact Us Provide Service Refresh Relationships with Current Referrers 1 Week 1 Week Immediate 1 – 3 Weeks 1 Day, Once Monthly
13. What I Learned Easier to conceptualize a business idea when it’s down in front of you, like in the case of this power point Everything is subjective to how you view your business model, from what market you want to tackle (regarding identifying a relevant industry and market segment) to how to categorize an expense The business you start today will evolve based on new technological developments, so you have to evolve with it The idea of an exit strategy was foreign and even felt wrong when I first read of it in this course. I now see why it’s important for all stakeholders in regards to dissolution, merger, and other possible exit strategies.
14. Call to Action Visit GoManInc.com! Take a business card If you find yourself having a lack o’ fun, remember the GoMan! Follow me on Twitter!
15. Primary Research When introduced to the idea of personal advising, people seemed to be receptive to the idea of focusing their effort on how to have different kinds of fun. Some people expressed interest in having a personal advisor tag along to introduce them to an activity.
16. What Can Be Done Today Approach web-designer Question individuals and families as to whether they feel they would like a change in what they do in their free time. Question the same individuals and families as to whether they would pay someone to introduce them to different types of activities to determine feasibility. Draw up lists of different types of activities (extreme, relaxing, or family-oriented for example). Consult friends in consulting business for recommendations on hourly rates, as well as for knowledge of expenses to consider, and ideas regarding advertising.
17. How to Sell the Service Target referrers for the services that GoMan Inc. offers Lessens the need to find customers directly Customers come already qualified for the service; we don’t need to “sell” our services because they are pre-sold by a third party Referrers would benefit by being able to provide for a service they otherwise wouldn’t have had the benefit of providing
18. Competitive Advantage Develop relationship with competition by making them customers GoMan Inc’s position wouldn’t necessarily need to be against the competition. For instance, a singles event coordinator could come to GoMan Inc. new ideas to give their program variety. Logo is on slide 3
