Know-How Exchange : Strategy

Instead of focusing on zip codes I would focus more on METRO AREAS. This way you can have 3-5 people serving a metro area instead of the 15-25+ individual zip codes in located within the metro area. This is also going to be easier for selling advertising etc...

Especially if you would like to target PAC's or other organizations. Knowing the types of people that make up a metro area is much easier to target than individual zip codes since zip codes can be spread out amongst several age, race, income, and political demographics.

Once you nail down the top 50 major metro areas across the country you can then branch off into tri-city areas for the smaller cities and townships. After your site takes off and dollars start rolling in you can become more specific with targeting individual cities.

Thank you jswinburn for your input. While the other two have some valid points, you actually answered the question I asked, while the other two answers were off topic.

I have had three MBA candidates and a Professor in a Graduate level Marketing program review the business plan, have received guidance from the US Chamber of Commerce, and the national office of the small business administration. We have done focus group studies in three states. While you do have some valid points, I am going to keep the zip code orientation.

The question as to why someone would advertise here rather than existing media is best answered by the focus of the site - community service. The zip code managers will be selected based on their emphasis on community service, and will receive a manual emphasising the sites goal of serving the community first and making money second. For example, when approaching a home-town business they are to focus on how the site an help the business. "Press releases" written by local business will gladly be accepted.

The site will not focus strictly on the number on football player on the High School team, but managers will be asked to interview the third string players who stick it out because they love the game.

This is what will separate the site from existing media...

Greetings,

How did you come up with this, "Sorry, you don't think my or jcasalou's comments have any validity..." I did not disrespect you by saying that your opinions were without value. To the contrary I said that you raised some good points. HOWEVER, you did answer the question a question I did not ask, and did not answer the question I asked. jswinburn answered the question I asked and so that is where I awarded the points.

Your implication that I am entering this project blindly is unfounded. This project has been in the works for " a long time". You comment that "Ah, but I didn't see a mention of anyone with entrepreneurial experience in your list of advisors/reviewers. :)". Does traveling to D.C. to meet with US Chamber of Commerce and SBA not count as "entrepreneurial". I have also relied on the presidents/owners or ceo's of 6 businesses, each with over $500,000,000 / year in business. I have met with my states director of business development...

I do not want to sound hostile - that is not my nature. I did not ask a question here on the business plan or the validity because this is not a business forum. it is a marketing forum.

Peace???

If it is such a bad idea (in your humble experience/opinion), why did a major Internet company (I agreed not to say who because their offer is still on the table) offer a 7-figure purchase price for the concept?

This is my 6th startup. The first 5 I developed and sold. I have not yet had a "failure to thrive" and sincerely doubt that this one will.

You make an assumption about those who are giving me guidance. A very close friend stated a cooperative serving small retail stores. His startup is now 15 years old and is projected to gross $950,000,000 this year. Once a month we sit down and discuss progress and pitfalls.

The small business administration knows nothing about startups? Really???

The US Chamber of Commerce knows nothing about getting business up and running????

You are free to have your opinion, and I respect your openness, but like I said... this is a marketing forum, not a business forum.

Bye...