1) If You Build It, They Won’t Come

Thousands of start-ups you’ve never heard of sink all of their time and money into development and reserve none for the marketing plan that oh wait – they don’t have. You can have the best product in the world but if you don’t have users, you don’t have a business, end of story.

2) Reward Your Early Adopters

Your first users and customers will do a better job of marketing your business than you ever will. Talk to them, reward them, help them, love them. If you make using your product or service an amazing experience for them personally, they will turn into an army of evangelists for your brand.

3) Online Marketing Rules

If you’re selling a web-based product or service, guess what: your market is already online. You will get a better ROI for a well-designed online marketing campaign than you will for traditional print and media, especially if you are at the low-spend end of the spectrum.

4) Social Media Marketing is Bad

Social media marketing is a misnomer. Companies that attempt to sell or market in spaces that are by definition social stick out like sore thumbs and look like clueless idiots. Don’t be that clueless idiot.

5) Social Media is Good

The big tip-off is in the name. Use social spaces like Twitter, blogs, or (God forbid) MySpace and Bebo to hang out with your users. Talk to them. Interact with them. Use these platforms to build real relationships and develop a community around your brand. If you cannot do this authentically, then don’t go there.

These are five great tips you should read and re-read every time you come up with a new business idea. I’ve only met Sabrina about four times now and already she has saved me lots of Euros and lots of time. One of her clients is currently up for WON Best Commercial Website at the Irish Digital Media Awards. Best of luck to Sabrina and the team at Curious Wines.

[Update: A page dedicated to people that help me with the weekly Five Things is here.]

1. You are not a unique snowflake. Your story is not the most important thing ever. Now go and sell it.

2. People people people. It’s who you know. It’s who knows you. Get to be known, get to know.

3. Counter-culture works. Balance in the media means finding someone that disagrees with a news item. Being contrarian can work but not always.

4. Never ever ever turn down anyone for an interview. The college campus radio researcher in March can be the Last Word researcher in October.

5. Getting in the media is the needs fulfilment business. It’s not your need you’re fulfilling. It’s not your clients. It’s the media’s need. Know what they want even when they don’t.

Some great tips there Damien. Thanks a lot helping me realise how useful twitter / blogging / social networking etc are for getting the name out there, and for getting to know people. Best of luck with Mulley Communications in 2009 and beyond.

[Update: A page dedicated to people that help me with the weekly Five Things is here.]

Have a business that users need, NOT a business that needs users.

It makes perfect sense and may have saved me a lot of money.

One of my ideas was a pared down version of pigsback.com
Users answer simple sponsored questions and get entered into draws for prizes.
There were some more complex things going on also but it’s a classic needs users business model. I had purchased the domain name and even have the twitter account! Littlequiz (.com) is firmly parked for now. I may revamp the idea look into it in the future.

I have one or two new ideas to be looking into for now. I have just recently had my UCC contract extended so I have some extra time to be thinking.

If there’s anyone out there with some ideas, feel free to contact me to discuss, but do try to remember the line “A business that users need!”

1. The consumer controls the message of your brand more then ever (see twitter)

2. The gate keepers of content have officially lost their control (see youtube, ustream, blogs, podcasts)

3. Endorsements are flying at top social media personalities (see twitterholic and look at the top 50, these peeps are getting offers)

4. Old media can be smart ..Finally (See HULU.com)

5. Everything I just said above will be even more obvious and powerful in 2011.

The big message here is: Take care of you consumer and get into social media.
This is great information to have from someone at the top of his game. Best of luck for the future Gary.

[Update: A page dedicated to people that help me with the weekly Five Things is here.]

The Idea

Problem solving business
The “Wouldn’t it be good if …….” idea.
Wouldn’t it be good if there was an automated BUT CHEAP process in place that 100% ensured I go to the gym every second day. (I’m already expecting plenty smartass emails on this “idea”. IT’S JUST AN EXAMPLE!)

Copycat Idea
Copying an existing model, improve it and put my own spin on it.
The huge benefit of going in this direction is that it can be very easy to see what mistakes are being made others. There have been many recently blogged cases of poor customer service at restaurants. There may be a market (even in these tough times) for a nice restaurant with standard food and a good customer service. People DEAL with PLEASANT people. I have seen the dragons often make comments like “I’m not a huge fan of the IDEA, but I really like the PERSON” and they end up doing business. The copy cat idea is the one that makes most appeal to me right now. I WILL NOT BE OPENING A RESTAURANT.

The genuine innovation
This is where I go for long walks waiting for that EUREKA moment to pop into my brain. Myself and Fred once came up with the fantastic idea of a pill that a man could take in the morn that would include breakfast and a shave. Thankfully we decided not to invest too much money into chemistry sets.

I’ll be thinking away. If there’s anyone out there with a fantastic idea but no one to turn to, give me a shout.

Specifically The Barriers that prevent us from starting that business:

I don’t have the time
Lose the TV. If you really want to start a business you will find the time.

I don’t have any money
Sell your stuff on eBay. Start with the TV!
Also keep start up costs to a minimum (Fail fast – Fail small)

I can’t afford a drop in salary
Start saving now: Move as much of your monthly salary away from current account into a savings account. Reduce your outgoings: Get rid of Sky sports. Rent out a room. Go without: Skip a few seasons of fashion. Give up/reduce cigs and drinking.

I can’t risk throwing away my career
Is your current job really THAT secure? Try to keep the door open to return if things go pear-shaped.

My partner doesn’t support me
They may have a valid point but do try the “If I don’t try it now I’ll always regret it”. Otherwise if you really believe in your idea lose ‘em.

I don’t have the experience
Who does have all the experience at the early stage? You have to START somewhere.

I don’t have the qualifications
How many “I left school when I was 14..15..16.. etc” millionaires are out there. (Hint: LOTS)

*I have mentioned Dragons Den before. Watching programs like DD and The Apprentice is a great way of helping avoid many pitfalls out there.