[Crysco]

I have been getting a lot of positive feedback on a project of mine. I'd like to hear what everyones thoughts are.

I am promoting some driving events in the New England area. I will be starting with crash prevention programs (for young drivers), then moving on to autocross, drifting, motorsports shows, and more...

Getting started, I am looking to build a website with a listing from business's who support our cause. In the long run we are going to be building a new facility for performance driving.

Aside from major sponsors, I want to give local small automotive business's a chance to get involved. Business's will be able to register to our listings/search directory where drivers from our events will find them. We will charge $25 a month and the money from the directory will be used to host new events. Its advertising for less than a dollar a day, and the money goes towards a cause.

I know it will take some time to market this, but do think it will be a hard sell?

[clabrat]

I think that's a great idea and a nice niche you've found. Just a quick thought, but were you able to do some research as far as demographics and demand for your business? Good luck in your venture and do keep us posted when your site goes live.

[Crysco]

I have not taken the time to research demographics for this business. Some of the issues I am approaching are at the National Level...

On the crash prevention side alone, 43% of first year drivers crash, 37% of those will have a second crash.
Car Crashes are the #1 unnatural cause of death at any age
Also the #1 Killer for anyone under the age of 45

Three of the events I'm working on have either not been tried on the East Coast or have been unsuccesful. I have been making contacts with other people in the industry including people building new tracks. I have support from people who brought some of these new events to the US on a competition level.

I am already working with a crash prevention program because I'm not waiting to save peoples lives. I will be starting a pilot program through their company to try to hit the ground running. I have been looking for a partner/web developer, but it has been more of a headache than anything. I am just going to make some extra income now and pay a developer to do it instead.

My goal is to make a permanent location for training like this, and to help reduce the costs for drivers to attend all future events.

Most of the tracks around here are scheduled atleast a year in advance and the insurance is almost un-attainable for new events.

I think this is going to be a great opportunity for buiness's to get in front of everyday drivers, as well as the performance driving community while we expand into motorsports events.

[krasalexander]

I think it is a good idea. I think it would be great if you ask local small automotive business's boss about their potential interest in this type of advertisements. It can help you a lot.

P.S. If you need the website, I can help you to do the great looking and working website for good price.

Good luck!

[Crysco]

I have been coming up with even more ideas that would benefit a web developer as I have been interveiwing.

I am interested to hear about what people think about the marketability of this idea? Have you seen/done anything like it?

P.S. The postion is still open, but I am talking to a few interested developers daily.

[nonrate]

Hi Crysco,

I am in Boston and could probably help you with your web development. PM me if you're interested in having a conversation.

I am not an expert at marketing, but I believe the concept is definitely marketable because of the changing dynamic in the advertising sphere. A lot of the traditional marketing models seem to be evolving into something else. Your method has something a more tangible value attached to it than just platering a name to be seen somewhere.

With your website, I advise whoever you work with that you make sure you have a specification, design (visual), and application workflow ready before you begin to develop. If you've never done something like this before, you basically want to be in a position where you don't have to make changes once you finish the design, both visual and technical. Web work is not like legos; it's not always easy to change this or move that once it's been developed. So make sure you have your web design and workflow right on paper, because making changes along the way will add to the cost and time-to-delivery.

Best of luck on your project.

[TrafficVault]

I'd caution you to be honest about the viability of your revenue streams. If you intend the directory of small businesses that support your cause to make up a large percentage of your income- I'd rethink your strategy. Or at least acknowledge that fact.

Focus on making your events successful. If you provide a good product to your end user- that will shine through to all other aspects of your business.

Give small business a chance to collaborate- as they see fit. Be adaptable b/c they may surprise you!

[EntJai]

It is a very good idea, you will get lot of support from local businesses, and social organizations to help sponsor your events.

To market your idea, you should start from high school students. Every year there are thousands of students get license just around 16 years of age and most parents will be albe to spend for young drivers in their home.

To get sponsors, you need to prove your training program will really help people and covers which is not in normal driving schools. Eventually, you should license your training program so that even insurance companies will buy in your program to offer discounts.

[Crysco]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

I am working on getting teens through the crash prevention program as a seperate project from my automotive events right now. I am a field sales rep for NH at In Control, they have a good system down. Check out In Control Advanced Driver Training to see what I do part of my normal week aside from test driving cars. We already can prove the success of the program and insurance companies offer discounts already, some national providers too.

My first event is set for Friday, June 12th, I have another coming up June 26th. I have been working very hard on this, the website development is where I am lacking. Without a developer its hard to make progress. I have a second phone meeting tomorrow with a guy who really seems to get it.

I have a few strategies aside from what I have posted. I will inform you guys how well it works when I get it moving. I don't share everything right away, I want to know that people are for real when I talk to them. If I posted everything on here why would you need to talk to me? There is a lot behind what I am doing here and a lot of support.

[EntJai]

Technology has Zero value these days in any of the startup projects, execution is 100%. Still if you think technology is important and you are at the stage you need technoligy to support your execution plan? there are many scripts out there with c-GNU licenses.

Within few weeks your site will be up and running. I know pretty good pre-built CMS softwares including events and groups/forums. You will need to buy a license to host and pay hosting charges, that's it!.

[Crysco]

Yeah my biggest challenge is definitely going to be execution. Even though I have events I am hosting. It helps to have technology to back you up. Anyone can build a website, it takes hard work to build a community.

[dmdelectronics]

Hmmm it's really hard to say without trying. Good luck to you

[Desert_Star_Systems]

There is a similar course in West Virginia.

I took this course when I was in high-school, for free. It was a lot of fun and very informative. Google: BSR SUMMIT POINT

Click: Recreational & Safety then Accident Avoidance


Website stuff: Usually you can pick someone off of Craigslist at a high-school or college, who just wants the experience. I am not sure if you have looked into that yet, but it is an option...

[Crysco]

This project is a go! I finally found a good web developer who was interested in partnership.

I will post the link when the site is up, and hopefully get some feedback.

Thank you all for your support, and responses!

[BALLERMODE]

Good for you! Let us know when it's up, I'd like to see it!