What's the best thing to do with web idea which could be an international hit? (I won't sell it.)
I'm developing a highly original web concept site about UK tourism which will allow advertisers to post links to their own accommodation & entertainment websites on it. Without giving too much away, I'm highly confident that this idea will become successful because no one has thought of the 'Unique Selling Point' I have (& it's very clever & no - no one is already doing what I have in mind!)
I do not want to sell the website to a big company as I'd be selling the 'goose that laid the golden egg' but it may become too big for me to handle alone. Do you think I should out source the maintenance of the website & keep control myself or perhaps franchise it internationally? (How?) I plan to duplicate the site in other countries where tourism is popular (before anyone else copies it!) so I'd need to act pretty quickly. Should I team up with a bigger institution by a partnership? What are the alternatives if I don't want to loose control & ownership to someone else? Any advice gratefully received especially from experienced people. Thank You!
2 Answers
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Hi Paul,
My honest answer would be not to worry about any of this until it becomes a problem. Until the concept is successful, worry about nothing but making it a success. Then it’s no longer a concept. It’s a business. Regardless of whether no one has done it before, or how clever it is, its worthless until someone wants to buy it for more than it costs you to make it.
If that business becomes so successful that it needs more than just you to make it work, then you can find a solution to that problem. (like paying someone else to do maintenance).
As for control, the only way to keep complete control is to do it all and own it all yourself. As soon as you start to accept funds from outside investors the priorities shift from being what you and your customers want to what your investors want.
Should you franchise? Franchises start life as successful, viable standalone businesses. Cross that bridge when you come to it.
I’d highly recommend attending one of the School for Startups “Start here!” days. Doug’s much better at expressing all this stuff than me!
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Hi Paul,
As it's an international niche, you could consider offering cheap international calls on the side. A bit like http://www.cherry-call.co.uk
I can get hold of some access numbers for you for free and the revenue is very impressive.
Let me know if you want some details. alex@planet-numbers or 0844 811 8355
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