Hello All!
Just wanted to let you know I am working on a few things behind the scenes, and I have been kept very busy with them. I am looking at getting things set up shortly online, so I will be letting you know when things are happening.
Thank you for your continued support!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
So maybe things aren't so bleak...
Hey all!
Thanks for sticking by me. I know my last few posts have been downers.
Anyways, I was getting some scrap metal out from the neighbor's with the help of some guys, and even though I had permission, the word didn't get through to all the persons that were involved. So I was confronted by the son-in-law of one of the people that I was taking the metal from. Once he saw it was me, there were no more problems. Minor misunderstanding on a few person's part, mine included.
We talked for a bit, and he asked if I was still going to school for programming. I said no, but because of a few reasons, which I explained, and he completely understood them. He then asked what languages I knew, I listed them off, C++, some Java, Python. He thought for a moment, and then asked if I was looking for some work doing coding. I said, 'I wouldn't mind, but I didn't have a firm grasp on the languages.' He said that was fine. I had some working knowledge, and that's what he wanted. He had a lot of coding to do, and had no one to do it.
He said to get a hold of him and he handed me his card. I took it and said I would consider his offer, and that I would get back to him.
I emailed him. I gave him a low price, enough for me to live on, but does not break his bank. I haven't heard back from him, but I didn't expect him to get back to me right away.
Now, "What the hell does this have to do with the store?" is probably close to what you're thinking. Everything. Coding is not 'hard'. While I'm working on the coding, I can also start the business. On-line. Not exactly the avenue I was thinking of going right away, as I had mentioned in a response to a comment of a previous post. BUT, it would give me a bit more flexibility. And a way to build both money and customers.
Thanks for sticking by me. I know my last few posts have been downers.
Anyways, I was getting some scrap metal out from the neighbor's with the help of some guys, and even though I had permission, the word didn't get through to all the persons that were involved. So I was confronted by the son-in-law of one of the people that I was taking the metal from. Once he saw it was me, there were no more problems. Minor misunderstanding on a few person's part, mine included.
We talked for a bit, and he asked if I was still going to school for programming. I said no, but because of a few reasons, which I explained, and he completely understood them. He then asked what languages I knew, I listed them off, C++, some Java, Python. He thought for a moment, and then asked if I was looking for some work doing coding. I said, 'I wouldn't mind, but I didn't have a firm grasp on the languages.' He said that was fine. I had some working knowledge, and that's what he wanted. He had a lot of coding to do, and had no one to do it.
He said to get a hold of him and he handed me his card. I took it and said I would consider his offer, and that I would get back to him.
I emailed him. I gave him a low price, enough for me to live on, but does not break his bank. I haven't heard back from him, but I didn't expect him to get back to me right away.
Now, "What the hell does this have to do with the store?" is probably close to what you're thinking. Everything. Coding is not 'hard'. While I'm working on the coding, I can also start the business. On-line. Not exactly the avenue I was thinking of going right away, as I had mentioned in a response to a comment of a previous post. BUT, it would give me a bit more flexibility. And a way to build both money and customers.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Here's where I'm at....
I am having serious doubts about the store and here's why. I have no money.
Now, I wouldn't expect to be able to pay for everything out of pocket. This being due to everything that I need for the store.
Ok, so I would need to get loans. Great Idea! I have no assets for collateral.
Raising money in some way. I have nothing to offer in exchange.
I mean heck, I don't even have a logo. I know exactly what I want, but I don't have the skills to be able to make the logo and to make it look good. Or what program to use. Yeah, I could pay something...
So yeah, that's where I'm at. I'm honestly thinking that this is only ever going to be a dream of mine.
Have a safe and happy holiday. I'll be having a blast with my $1.15.
Now, I wouldn't expect to be able to pay for everything out of pocket. This being due to everything that I need for the store.
Ok, so I would need to get loans. Great Idea! I have no assets for collateral.
Raising money in some way. I have nothing to offer in exchange.
I mean heck, I don't even have a logo. I know exactly what I want, but I don't have the skills to be able to make the logo and to make it look good. Or what program to use. Yeah, I could pay something...
So yeah, that's where I'm at. I'm honestly thinking that this is only ever going to be a dream of mine.
Have a safe and happy holiday. I'll be having a blast with my $1.15.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Rethinking things
So, today I made a few phone calls. One to a company for hosting and other technical related things, and another to unemployment. The first was very positive. The second, not so positive.
Basically, I was looking to be able to spend my time getting things in order, with out the weight of job search/working over me. But, as I was officially denied benefits from unemployment today, it looks as though I will have to be looking for a job and also getting things together for the business at the same time. So I am unsure of where I am right now.
I would still love to be able to do this, but there are other factors in this whole thing, and I'm not too confident in the outcome of them either. So, as of now, I will be (most likely) be slowing down a bit on the store idea, and revamping my plans and overall thinking of this plan.
Thank you for the support. It is appreciated.
Basically, I was looking to be able to spend my time getting things in order, with out the weight of job search/working over me. But, as I was officially denied benefits from unemployment today, it looks as though I will have to be looking for a job and also getting things together for the business at the same time. So I am unsure of where I am right now.
I would still love to be able to do this, but there are other factors in this whole thing, and I'm not too confident in the outcome of them either. So, as of now, I will be (most likely) be slowing down a bit on the store idea, and revamping my plans and overall thinking of this plan.
Thank you for the support. It is appreciated.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Store Plan - Part 2
*I was looking over my last blog, and I realized that I had left out a few key parts of the store that I was planning.*
Each month I will be looking to donate money to different organizations in my area. Some thoughts of the types of the places I would like to donate to are: Wounded Warriors, Regional Food Banks, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Beast Cancer Cure Research and other places like the ones mentioned.
I would also like to offer the
Each month I will be looking to donate money to different organizations in my area. Some thoughts of the types of the places I would like to donate to are: Wounded Warriors, Regional Food Banks, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Beast Cancer Cure Research and other places like the ones mentioned.
I would also like to offer the
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Store Plan
Hello All!
If you are reading this, thank you. I haven't said much about the store and what it will have in it. Until now.
Here is my thoughts of what I would like to have in the store.
I would like to offer video games there. They will include everything from the Atari 2600 consoles/games and early systems like that, all the way up to the latest systems/games, which include Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii & Playstation 3 with the latest additions (Kinect, Move). I will also be going into computer software and hardware. I will be offering an upgrade service on-site, for those that would like to be able to drop off their computers and pick them up at the end of the day. There will also be offering of an on-site LAN/gaming area. But this is not all I will be offering.
For some of the geeks that are not into computer/video gaming I would like to offer a selection for table top gaming. Dice, books, rule books, cards for a variety of different games and board games also. I haven't looked too much into this area, as this was not in my original plan, so if you have any games that you like (mostly board games) please list them in the comment section.
Now I know not everyone is into games. So I will be looking to get comics/manga in the store as well. Also offer a selection of Animes and products associated with them.
There will also be a section for clothing. And not just wizard hats and robes. I'm talking about geek & gaming clothing. Like you would see on TeeLance.com and Jinx.com or other sites like that.
In addition to everything I have stated, I would like to offer products from LuxuryLaneSoap.com and GeekyClean.com There are a few other soap makers out there but I have not spoken to them yet.
Also in my offerings, I would like to have products by Craftsquatch who offers some very unique pillows.
There are a few other products that I have not mentioned here, but they will come when I get closer to the opening. I figured I would give a shout out to some of the companies that I am looking to support and have spoken to as of right now.
I hope you like what I am planning.
If you are reading this, thank you. I haven't said much about the store and what it will have in it. Until now.
Here is my thoughts of what I would like to have in the store.
I would like to offer video games there. They will include everything from the Atari 2600 consoles/games and early systems like that, all the way up to the latest systems/games, which include Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii & Playstation 3 with the latest additions (Kinect, Move). I will also be going into computer software and hardware. I will be offering an upgrade service on-site, for those that would like to be able to drop off their computers and pick them up at the end of the day. There will also be offering of an on-site LAN/gaming area. But this is not all I will be offering.
For some of the geeks that are not into computer/video gaming I would like to offer a selection for table top gaming. Dice, books, rule books, cards for a variety of different games and board games also. I haven't looked too much into this area, as this was not in my original plan, so if you have any games that you like (mostly board games) please list them in the comment section.
Now I know not everyone is into games. So I will be looking to get comics/manga in the store as well. Also offer a selection of Animes and products associated with them.
There will also be a section for clothing. And not just wizard hats and robes. I'm talking about geek & gaming clothing. Like you would see on TeeLance.com and Jinx.com or other sites like that.
In addition to everything I have stated, I would like to offer products from LuxuryLaneSoap.com and GeekyClean.com There are a few other soap makers out there but I have not spoken to them yet.
Also in my offerings, I would like to have products by Craftsquatch who offers some very unique pillows.
There are a few other products that I have not mentioned here, but they will come when I get closer to the opening. I figured I would give a shout out to some of the companies that I am looking to support and have spoken to as of right now.
I hope you like what I am planning.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thinkings
Sitting, waiting for my car to get done at the shop (oil change & tires) and thinking about what is going on with the store.
My thoughts are as follows:
- Money is an issue. Always has been, always will be. This is one of the reasons I am looking to start this store.
- Some of the actual product I will be selling is hard to sell in a web store. I am considering products from sellers that have a decent customer base, and I’m not looking to take away from them, but looking to get things going for myself. Also, the LANs and the upgrade service are impossible to do on the web. Although, now I am thinking about some aspects of this that might not be as impossible (This thought of the web store is based on the fact of web commerce has had the largest growth in sales over the last year.)
- All things associated with a web-based store are money dependent.
- Whereas I feel I have decent support for the idea, most of it is on the web, with some limited support in real life. Real-life support is real, but I don’t feel as the real support is supportive. I feel it could be slightly more.
- Getting the information together for the different aspects of the store (on-line or 'real') together is rather difficult. Mainly, because I’m doing this solo. Without doing something like this before. I have a few people that I can speak with to get answers, but no ‘decent’ answers. When I say decent, I mean I have people that I can speak with, but no one that has any knowledge of running a business of this aspect.
- Am I doing this for the right reasons?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Product Review: 'Jack' Scented Conditioner from LuxuryLaneSoap.com
There was a posting by @KyleeLane on twitter, stating that she wanted to send out samples for her new conditioner that she was testing out. Being someone that uses conditioner, I figured, "Why not?". I'm also a guy that has long hair, and it is hard to find conditioner with a 'guy scent'. So here is my review.
I jumped into the shower, and washed my hair. I then opened the pouch of conditioner that I received in the mail the day before. A bit hard with wet fingers, but teeth work in a pinch. It's also just a sample, so I expect the final packaging will be different. No big deal.
Once I got it opened, I was surrounded with a very masculine smell, the closest thing being that I can think of is an old time barber shop from the 50's. Very clean and manly. It was a surprise too. I didn't smell flowers. Always a plus! So immediately I was liking the conditioner so far.
Reading the instructions, I started from the tips of my hair, and worked my way to my scalp. I got most of the way up, but with the length of my hair and other factors, mainly my hair being damaged, I was running thin on conditioner by the time I got to my scalp. Not an issue, as I know my hair hasn't been taken care of as well as it should have been. I try, but there is not enough male focused products out there that smell good.
I let it sit in my hair for a few minutes as per the directions, and then washed it out. I used warm water, and not cool as stated in the directions, but I was in the shower. I finished up, got out and dried off. After I got out of the bathroom, I could still smell the scent of the conditioner in my hair. It is very nice to not smell like flowers or fruit for once!
I dried off my hair, and got it so I could brush it. As a ran my brush through my hair, I didn't snag it on any knots or tangles. Excellent! Afterward, my hair seemed lighter and somewhat smoother then it had before using my previous conditioner. Still smells good too!
So overall, I LOVE the conditioner! Great smell, works great, handmade, and an awesome person that makes/sells this. Thank you Kylee for letting me try this out! I look forward to buying this from you in the future!
Links:
Luxury Lane Soap
Kylee Lane on twitter
I jumped into the shower, and washed my hair. I then opened the pouch of conditioner that I received in the mail the day before. A bit hard with wet fingers, but teeth work in a pinch. It's also just a sample, so I expect the final packaging will be different. No big deal.
Once I got it opened, I was surrounded with a very masculine smell, the closest thing being that I can think of is an old time barber shop from the 50's. Very clean and manly. It was a surprise too. I didn't smell flowers. Always a plus! So immediately I was liking the conditioner so far.
Reading the instructions, I started from the tips of my hair, and worked my way to my scalp. I got most of the way up, but with the length of my hair and other factors, mainly my hair being damaged, I was running thin on conditioner by the time I got to my scalp. Not an issue, as I know my hair hasn't been taken care of as well as it should have been. I try, but there is not enough male focused products out there that smell good.
I let it sit in my hair for a few minutes as per the directions, and then washed it out. I used warm water, and not cool as stated in the directions, but I was in the shower. I finished up, got out and dried off. After I got out of the bathroom, I could still smell the scent of the conditioner in my hair. It is very nice to not smell like flowers or fruit for once!
I dried off my hair, and got it so I could brush it. As a ran my brush through my hair, I didn't snag it on any knots or tangles. Excellent! Afterward, my hair seemed lighter and somewhat smoother then it had before using my previous conditioner. Still smells good too!
So overall, I LOVE the conditioner! Great smell, works great, handmade, and an awesome person that makes/sells this. Thank you Kylee for letting me try this out! I look forward to buying this from you in the future!
Links:
Luxury Lane Soap
Kylee Lane on twitter
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Some new happenings with the store.
So you don't know much about the person behind the store, and I have reasons for that. I'm not hideous or a complete moron, but I have my reasons. There was a picture of me that I posted of myself, but it has been since taken down. For those that saw it, I'm sure you can agree with the first of the two statements. Even if I'm not your type.
Anyways, One of the factors about me is that I am unemployed. This is partly due to the economy, and partly to do with my personality. The economy is not something I can control, but my personality is. But the one factor in my personality is the need for personal freedom. In which having a boss does not go well. In turn, going with the economy, I am looking to get assistance from as many places as I can.
I had a meeting with the Department of Labor (DoL) yesterday and they have a few programs to help with getting some businesses off the ground when someone is on unemployment. Basically as long as you are accepted into the program, you may work on getting the business together, as long as you meet with people so they can see your progress. Not a bad deal in my opinion.
Let's see, what else is going on with the store? Still trying to make contacts for products, I have a decent list so far, and looking at more companies. Obviously I have not placed an order with any of them, but that will come.
Thanks.
Anyways, One of the factors about me is that I am unemployed. This is partly due to the economy, and partly to do with my personality. The economy is not something I can control, but my personality is. But the one factor in my personality is the need for personal freedom. In which having a boss does not go well. In turn, going with the economy, I am looking to get assistance from as many places as I can.
I had a meeting with the Department of Labor (DoL) yesterday and they have a few programs to help with getting some businesses off the ground when someone is on unemployment. Basically as long as you are accepted into the program, you may work on getting the business together, as long as you meet with people so they can see your progress. Not a bad deal in my opinion.
Let's see, what else is going on with the store? Still trying to make contacts for products, I have a decent list so far, and looking at more companies. Obviously I have not placed an order with any of them, but that will come.
Thanks.
Monday, November 8, 2010
On to Phase 1.5!
Wow. Major step forward with the store last night. I was in talks with bookraiser.com, and they offered to host a project on there for me, to raise funds by having people donate books. I know it sounds a little weird which is what I was thinking too. Basically, in a nutshell, people go to the site to donate books, Bookraiser sells the books, and gives the money raised to the project that brought in the books. I might have that slightly mixed-up, but the site explains it a bit better. The books are reused, people get rid of books they don't want, and the project owner gets money. I think it's a good deal all around.
I think the thing that got me hooked last night, was the fact of they are a newer company, trying to get going. Very much like myself. Now, from what I understand, the owner of the site has been in the new/used book business for a while. But the fund raising part is a new thing. I was comfortable with the setup of the project, no personal information was involved, and I don't feel I was pressured into anything. And honestly, I think people should help out people. This goes back to the community, gets everyone involved and helps everyone out. Good deal all around.
Now, if you are looking to donate books (money accepted too, via PayPal) you can go to the side bar --> and there is a widget linked to my project on the side. Or you can go to the site and see what other projects are available. Or, you can go to the site, and start your own project.
Thank you in advance for your donations!
I think the thing that got me hooked last night, was the fact of they are a newer company, trying to get going. Very much like myself. Now, from what I understand, the owner of the site has been in the new/used book business for a while. But the fund raising part is a new thing. I was comfortable with the setup of the project, no personal information was involved, and I don't feel I was pressured into anything. And honestly, I think people should help out people. This goes back to the community, gets everyone involved and helps everyone out. Good deal all around.
Now, if you are looking to donate books (money accepted too, via PayPal) you can go to the side bar --> and there is a widget linked to my project on the side. Or you can go to the site and see what other projects are available. Or, you can go to the site, and start your own project.
Thank you in advance for your donations!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Err... Sorry about that!
So, uh, yeah...
It looks as though when I was trying to add some advertisements to the blog, the ad blocker was still turned on. So I didn't realize how MANY ads were on the blog. Sorry about that for those that checked out my blog and just saw a ton of ads. It's been fixed now. There are a few advertisements on the blog now, but not anywhere NEAR what had been on there.
Wow. I feel dumb. Technology is a great tool, but always remember that you have to be smarter then the technology that you are using...I have learned my lesson.
It looks as though when I was trying to add some advertisements to the blog, the ad blocker was still turned on. So I didn't realize how MANY ads were on the blog. Sorry about that for those that checked out my blog and just saw a ton of ads. It's been fixed now. There are a few advertisements on the blog now, but not anywhere NEAR what had been on there.
Wow. I feel dumb. Technology is a great tool, but always remember that you have to be smarter then the technology that you are using...I have learned my lesson.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I want to thank my supporters!
Hello all of you! When I signed on this morning, and checked my followers and my hits, I was very surprised! I picked up 2 followers over night, and broke 200 hits on here. In less than a month! I started this on 42 day (10/10/10) and it's been less then a month since then. Wow. I must be doing SOMETHING right! THANK YOU ALL!
I know I haven't gone much into detail about what exactly the store will be, but I have been honestly been reworking my idea (slightly, no MAJOR changes) as I've gone. And people have seemed to have reacted positively to the general idea of this store. This is a work in progress, so this may still transform (slightly) before the opening.
Now with this all being said, I am not too sure I will be able to secure a traditional loan from a bank or the like. I will try (money is money after all!) to get the loans, but I feel I will get a better return if I turn to all of you. I will be doing fund raising online, and all I ask from you is to pass along the link. That is all. I am not asking for money right now, but if you want to send me money, I'm not going to turn you down. LOL! Just contact me in the comments or something.
I just want to thank you all again for the support and love you have all shown me in less then a month. It REALLY made my day!
I know I haven't gone much into detail about what exactly the store will be, but I have been honestly been reworking my idea (slightly, no MAJOR changes) as I've gone. And people have seemed to have reacted positively to the general idea of this store. This is a work in progress, so this may still transform (slightly) before the opening.
Now with this all being said, I am not too sure I will be able to secure a traditional loan from a bank or the like. I will try (money is money after all!) to get the loans, but I feel I will get a better return if I turn to all of you. I will be doing fund raising online, and all I ask from you is to pass along the link. That is all. I am not asking for money right now, but if you want to send me money, I'm not going to turn you down. LOL! Just contact me in the comments or something.
I just want to thank you all again for the support and love you have all shown me in less then a month. It REALLY made my day!
Monday, November 1, 2010
I don't understand some companies...
So I was looking in the store's twitter feed, and I came across a tweet from UberDorkGirlie (Natali) in which her sister had a rather upsetting encounter at a hobby supply store in her area while shopping there. She blogs about it in her blog here. Now just for a quick overview, her sister when into the store and while in there, went to use the restroom. She walked into the restroom where there was a male employee using the woman's restroom. She came out and spoke to a manager, stating that there was a male employee in there, using the clearly marked WOMAN'S restroom with the stall unlocked. This was mentioned all the way up to corporate headquarters, but no disciplinary action will be taken.
I personally found this to be very disturbing from the view point of a potential customer, and as a soon to be owner of a retail store myself. This is NOT something I would tolerate from one of my employees, and I would personally taken the necessary steps into solving this issue in an appropriate manner. Even if it included the firing of the employee. I know if this ever happened in my store, keeping a customer is more important then keeping an employee.
Your first priority as a business owner is the customer. Not the product. I think we can all think about a mediocre product that we keep going back for due to excellent customer service. If the customer is not happy with the service they receive, they will talk down about the company. I know I have. In my opinion you can change the product if it's not something that is selling. But you can also do something about the staff if they are chasing your customers away. I think one staff is easier to replace then one product line. The customer can also mention it to a lot more people on the internet then they can in the 'real world'. I think this one occurrence was mentioned to 3000+ people... Very bad publicity in my opinion.
I do not understand how the management at this store found there to be no issue with this occurrence. It boggles my mind. I can't believe that this company has kept a customer after this. And whereas I might not be in the area, I do have friends who are crafters that live in the area. Yes, I'm talking about you Liz, aka Natura Pluma Designs! I'm not sure this is something the store would want other customers to know about.
I personally found this to be very disturbing from the view point of a potential customer, and as a soon to be owner of a retail store myself. This is NOT something I would tolerate from one of my employees, and I would personally taken the necessary steps into solving this issue in an appropriate manner. Even if it included the firing of the employee. I know if this ever happened in my store, keeping a customer is more important then keeping an employee.
Your first priority as a business owner is the customer. Not the product. I think we can all think about a mediocre product that we keep going back for due to excellent customer service. If the customer is not happy with the service they receive, they will talk down about the company. I know I have. In my opinion you can change the product if it's not something that is selling. But you can also do something about the staff if they are chasing your customers away. I think one staff is easier to replace then one product line. The customer can also mention it to a lot more people on the internet then they can in the 'real world'. I think this one occurrence was mentioned to 3000+ people... Very bad publicity in my opinion.
I do not understand how the management at this store found there to be no issue with this occurrence. It boggles my mind. I can't believe that this company has kept a customer after this. And whereas I might not be in the area, I do have friends who are crafters that live in the area. Yes, I'm talking about you Liz, aka Natura Pluma Designs! I'm not sure this is something the store would want other customers to know about.
Naked gnome race?!?!
HAHA! I was directed to this video because a close friend of mine was in it. Look for a bear with a gnome on the bridge running on the side of the bridge. (About 2:35 or so) Enjoy!
(I do not own this video, I am just sharing it. If the owner has any issues with my using the video, please contact me.)
(I do not own this video, I am just sharing it. If the owner has any issues with my using the video, please contact me.)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween everyone!
I just would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween. I know the store is not open right now, But I am already planning for next Halloween, maybe by having an in store gaming party connected to people across the world via the internet. It's something that I would like to look into, and can plan on doing in the future. I'll have to check on retro gaming possibilities with that. Difficult to do with the actual retro gaming consoles, but it is something that can be fixed with the current technology that we have in place now.
Again, thanks for reading, and I thank you all for your support!
Again, thanks for reading, and I thank you all for your support!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
One issue I'm having with the start-up phase
So I've talked to a few people about getting my business going and one of the things they have mentioned is figuring out the demographics out for the store. Well, yeah I have a decent idea about that. But the issue I'm having is where to find out if my target demographic is in the area that I'm looking to open up the store. Now there are a few things in my favor to that goal, due to the other stores in my area, the colleges, and the other economic factors in my area.
But I still don't know where to find the hard facts and figures for the exact information that I need for my business plan. And also where to find business information (e.g. market for products in my store) that I need to get my business plan together. I've been told, "Get your business plan together, and then you can figure out everything else from there.". But if I need the facts and figures for the plan, how do I get the plan together? Kinda of a catch-22. Welcome to my life.
Thanks for reading!
But I still don't know where to find the hard facts and figures for the exact information that I need for my business plan. And also where to find business information (e.g. market for products in my store) that I need to get my business plan together. I've been told, "Get your business plan together, and then you can figure out everything else from there.". But if I need the facts and figures for the plan, how do I get the plan together? Kinda of a catch-22. Welcome to my life.
Thanks for reading!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Made a few more contacts.
I've come to realize, someone's brand is only as strong as the people they are connected with. So in the interest of making my brand stronger, I have teamed up with GamerProNation. They are a new site looking to post reviews, hints, tips of different games that are coming out. They also have a twitter page (Link: here ). They are a new site looking to get their name out there for themselves. Give them a chance, everything has to start somewhere, and it needs support to get somewhere. They also have forums on the site, which at this point seem rather empty, but the only way to fill them up is to have members. So why don't you swing over to their site, get some conversation going, and help the site grow!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Some movement in the plan for the store!
Alright! I had a meeting today with SCORE, which is a mentoring service for people that are looking to start a business. The meeting was useful, but they didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. But they see a lot of people, so it's understandable that they treat everyone the same. I guess I was just expecting them to not hold my hand as much as they seemed to be, and listen a bit more to what I had already done. Also, I wish they were a bit more up on more current fund raising options. They seemed to be 'business as usual'. Get a business plan together, get funding from a traditional source, start small, build slow and steady. The only thing I agree with them on is 'Get a business plan together'.
I can't wait around after I open to get business coming in. I have to get business in there fast! The reason why is because I will have a lot of stock that has to move. I'm not just dealing with one or two types of products. Off the top of my head, I'm going to be having 6-8 different types of products. Probably more. Now, I know what you're thinking, "6-8 different types of products? That's not a lot..." I'm calling the consoles and games one. I'm calling anything computer related another one. Clothing another. And so on and so forth. So there are a lot of products, but just in general categories.
So yeah, I'm working on things, but I'm not sure if the direction that I'm going with getting things going is the best option for me. I know people mean well, but I'm just not seeing the benefit of going the route that I'm going.
I can't wait around after I open to get business coming in. I have to get business in there fast! The reason why is because I will have a lot of stock that has to move. I'm not just dealing with one or two types of products. Off the top of my head, I'm going to be having 6-8 different types of products. Probably more. Now, I know what you're thinking, "6-8 different types of products? That's not a lot..." I'm calling the consoles and games one. I'm calling anything computer related another one. Clothing another. And so on and so forth. So there are a lot of products, but just in general categories.
So yeah, I'm working on things, but I'm not sure if the direction that I'm going with getting things going is the best option for me. I know people mean well, but I'm just not seeing the benefit of going the route that I'm going.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Here's an update!
So, things are still in the planning stages, but I am making some decent moves in the right direction! I also would like to know if there is anything out there that you would like to see in a "Geek and Gamer Utopia". Leave a comment, and some links to the product if you have one available.
I recently had an interview a a new and used game store, and I am trying to get a more senior position in the store. That would help me learn how to run a (gaming) store. Or how to NOT run it. But this is a national chain, so it must be doing something right.
Also, I made a contact with a gentleman that has a degree in business management. He offered his assistance with any of the phases of the store. I was more then appreciative of his offer.
I have reached out to various companies that specialize in geek and gaming products and have (for the most part) gotten a positive response. I am getting the numbers and figures together, so I can see how much this is going to cost me altogether. I know this is not going to be a small venture. I have to go full speed ahead, because I have to make a name for myself straight out of the gate. This idea can't just coast for a little bit.
Don't forget to give me your input down below! Thank you! You are the ones I am doing this for, and when this takes off, you might be seeing a 8 to Infinity Bit Gaming store in a location near you! You never know!
I recently had an interview a a new and used game store, and I am trying to get a more senior position in the store. That would help me learn how to run a (gaming) store. Or how to NOT run it. But this is a national chain, so it must be doing something right.
Also, I made a contact with a gentleman that has a degree in business management. He offered his assistance with any of the phases of the store. I was more then appreciative of his offer.
I have reached out to various companies that specialize in geek and gaming products and have (for the most part) gotten a positive response. I am getting the numbers and figures together, so I can see how much this is going to cost me altogether. I know this is not going to be a small venture. I have to go full speed ahead, because I have to make a name for myself straight out of the gate. This idea can't just coast for a little bit.
Don't forget to give me your input down below! Thank you! You are the ones I am doing this for, and when this takes off, you might be seeing a 8 to Infinity Bit Gaming store in a location near you! You never know!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Let's get things started!
I figured this was a great day to start this blog as it is 42 day. Or 10/10/10, but you already knew what I meant.
Also, you come across me out here in the interwebs at the right time! I'm glad you did! You will also be glad that you did. Trust me. You have gotten in on the starting phases of a new store. You will get to watch it grow from an idea, to an actual store. Now, what this store will be is your one stop shopping for ALL of your geeky needs! I when I say ALL, I mean ALL! Gaming, computer, gadgets, shows and you can't forget unstinkify-ing . And inventing of new words. See? I'm awesome already!
Now, I'll give you some insight on how this idea came about. I was dating a girl who had a friend that was starting a 'total geek store'. I thought that was an awesome idea. So I asked if he was going to have computer games and parts there too, as this idea was mainly a used video game store. He said 'No, just used video games, music and comics.' Ah! Hmm. Not a 'total geek store' in my eyes. More like a lack of vision on his part.
So I had the idea of a used video game store and a computer game/upgrade store all in one. But that's not where the idea stopped. I then thought of having LAN parties onsite, and not just a console video game competition once a month. That's a great thought right there, in my opinion. But it didn't stop there. I thought, 'Hmm, well there is clothing out there with gamer themes on them. Why not add that?'. No, it didn't stop there either. 'Well what about all those cool little geeky gadgets?' Damn. When is this going to stop? 'Well, there are other geeky stuff out there that isn't covered in the things I thought of already...' So as you can see, this idea is morphing into something that won't be able to be stopped. Uber-Geeky Gamer Utopia.
See, I told you that you found me at the right time. You'll be hearing more about this in the future. Get in, sit down, strap in, while I own your face.
Also, you come across me out here in the interwebs at the right time! I'm glad you did! You will also be glad that you did. Trust me. You have gotten in on the starting phases of a new store. You will get to watch it grow from an idea, to an actual store. Now, what this store will be is your one stop shopping for ALL of your geeky needs! I when I say ALL, I mean ALL! Gaming, computer, gadgets, shows and you can't forget unstinkify-ing . And inventing of new words. See? I'm awesome already!
Now, I'll give you some insight on how this idea came about. I was dating a girl who had a friend that was starting a 'total geek store'. I thought that was an awesome idea. So I asked if he was going to have computer games and parts there too, as this idea was mainly a used video game store. He said 'No, just used video games, music and comics.' Ah! Hmm. Not a 'total geek store' in my eyes. More like a lack of vision on his part.
So I had the idea of a used video game store and a computer game/upgrade store all in one. But that's not where the idea stopped. I then thought of having LAN parties onsite, and not just a console video game competition once a month. That's a great thought right there, in my opinion. But it didn't stop there. I thought, 'Hmm, well there is clothing out there with gamer themes on them. Why not add that?'. No, it didn't stop there either. 'Well what about all those cool little geeky gadgets?' Damn. When is this going to stop? 'Well, there are other geeky stuff out there that isn't covered in the things I thought of already...' So as you can see, this idea is morphing into something that won't be able to be stopped. Uber-Geeky Gamer Utopia.
See, I told you that you found me at the right time. You'll be hearing more about this in the future. Get in, sit down, strap in, while I own your face.
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