I have the product and I think it's a pretty good one. I can't really talk about its purpose since I'm in it with a partner we've both promised to be hush hush about it for now. But I'm no guru with the marketing/business aspects of this. What would be some initial steps I should take to get this thing out there?

I've looked into different distribution channels, but most firms won't take on a small startup with no real serious financial backing to help with the distribution. What kind of marketing tips would you guys give? Money is not exactly a huge problem, there is probably around 10 to 20k that we can allocate for such purposes, I just sort of want to know where to start.

The product is aimed mostly at home users.

 

Start by reading: "A Good Hard Kick in the Ass" this book will teach you lots about what you need to know and about getting started, work from there when your done.

 

you might be able to get advice from the SBA they have lots of resources for helping small companies start off.

 

Develop a cult following for the product.

Can you do some trade shows? Maybe give it away free for a little while there until it catches on?

Send a demo to the different computer magazines?

If it would be useful to students, give it away FREE to students at a particular university to get the word out.

Buy a 1 second superbowl ad. $120,000.00

Talk to some venture capital people.

 

Before you do anything, you need to validate the market. Nobody will talk to you without validation, this comes way before you think about a business plan or approaching a VC or company to work with.

 

Pshhhh, details...

 

We're in the process of finding VCs right now. I have a bachelors (lol practically useless) in business and compsci. I've done consulting work, but things just seem harder when you are trying to do something for yourself.

I've never actually heard of SBA until now, I'll definitely check that out. Oh and great advice stogie; trade shows seem like a pretty good venue. We're currently being reviewed by CNET and PC World so I'll have to wait and see how that goes. If it falls through favorably, then it'll give us more leverage with VC and our ability to increase distribution channels.

 

may we ask what line will the software be in? word processing, video/graphic editing, internet use?

 

It deals largely with internet security. We've managed to do some things that other companies haven't done yet...that we know of anyway; we'll still doing a lot of work trying to make sure we aren't violating any patents.

 

I can't stress this enough but read the book I suggested, I'm about 3/4 of the way through, and IMO it addresses everything you need to know. It's aimed at software types like yourself.

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Hard-Kick...3213753&sr=8-1

Seriously BUY IT.

 

Most of your posts are never serious and I thought you kidding, LOL. It looks good and I've been buying/reading a ton of books lately. I'll add it to my collection, thanks.

While we're on the subject of good books, "The Black Swan" is also a great book for anyone in the finance industry.

 

The title does not help the appearance of seriousness

I've added that book to my wish list, it's getting mighty long . I'm actually planning on starting "the wealth of nations" soon, the thing is so damn big it's intimidating, but it's fundamentals are so important I can't not read it.

 

OK, I'll the evil pessimist.

Another internet security option? from an unknown source? sorry dude, it will be very hard to even to get noticed.

If you security app will involve heavy encrypting of ALL TCP, I'll be interested. Will your app be designed around learning it's user's habits? <- Biggest fail of current apps...

Good Luck!

 

Agree with Techno, sounds like your best opportunity to make $$$ is to find an established security SW or SW consulting partner and leverage their name.

 

You should talk to an actual patent lawyer - you don't necessarily want to know about patents that might touch on your product. "Willful infringement" is way worse than vanilla infringement, when it comes to damages.

You should also talk to a lawyer about setting up a limited liability entity and formalizing the ownership interests with your "partner".

 

 

Make sure you copyright your idea too so none of these people you give it to take it and run with it.

 

:thief:

 

Stay as far away from the SBA as you can. Seriously... for the most part they do more harm then good.

Raise your own capital, bring in investors, but do not use the SBA unless you absolutely have to. Otherwise they will be tied into your business and if you fail... you will owe them.



As someone mentioned, get a patent lawyer or firm to do the search. It will cost some money, but how bad would it suck to get the ball rolling only to find out you're trying to re-invent the wheel?

Pay someone who knows what they're doing to do a thorough search for you so you will know for sure