I'm banging my head - can you help please

[Mr-X]

Hi All UKBF Members,

Quite simply over the last few years I have been lucky to have the privilege to look after one of my family members whilst giving me the opportunity to create an awesome marketing platform. My platforms offers more features in one localtion compared to any other site to help businesses generate new sales opportunity and for a fair price.

To be honest, I am in now the brown stuff as I have basically run our of cash. My last bit of money I had I have used to pay for one more months hosting.

The problem I have is that I am not able to attract paying business customers because I don't have any non business members using my site and I can't attract non business members to the site as I have not raised any monies from business advertisers.

I have lost count of the number of times I have heard from businesses how they would join when people are using my site and when I tried to explain without their initial support I can't produce the material needed to get the ball rolling. All I get back is just sorry.

So I am going to use UKBF platform to see if anyone would consider helping me get my business off the ground by providing me with a small loan. I only need to raise around £800 to get the site launched and once I can show people all the benefits of my site, they will want to signup.

The other thing I will promote, to encourage people to use the site is that the more people the sites recruits, the more business will want to use my platform to promote their goods and services. This in return will enable my business to make money of which I will set aside 60% of the profits to help people who have no food, eletricity, need clothing for their children or are homeless and just need the break to get off the streets.

I know there have been several people on this site saying how they have the next big thing or a definate cert, but to be totally honest, my business concept is so simple, I'm supporised no one has done it.

So the bottom line:
If anyone on here can help me get my business off the ground by lending me £10 or £20, I promise to pay that back as soon as I start recruiting business clients. Plus though I may not operate in your area (at the moment), I will promote your business on my service for life and for free.

I will also promise that I will keep this business path as I described and help people who are in trouble. It really upsets me when I read stories about how children are hungry, oap's are dying and people don't get the chance to improve their situation. When I get off the ground, I will work hard to help as many of these people as possible.

I would like to thank UKBF and its' users in advance and hope that you can help me to help others.

Yours

GEW
07941 665 001

 

[The Byre]

1. What do you need the £800 for?

2. Giving to charity is a fine thing, but if just £800 is all that stands between you and success, may I suggest that charity begins at home.

3. Just because you have had a good idea, does not mean that it is a good idea. I have loads of good ideas, but that does not mean that they all will fly!

 

[fisicx]

...the opportunity to create an awesome marketing platform.

...and I can't attract non business members to the site as I have not raised any monies from business advertisers.

So maybe not so awesome after all.

Whatever is is you have got isn't anything people are interested in otherwise it would be earning you money. £800 isn't going to achieve anything.

 

[Mr-X]

Hi Byre

1. What do you need the £800 for?

The £800 is to create my initial marketing material plus I will need to pay for for the next three months and upgrade my hosting solution.

Giving to charity is a fine thing, but if just £800 is all that stands between you and success, may I suggest that charity begins at home.

I have already thought of this, sadly my family and close friends lives on a low fixed income, asking for them to give £10 to £20 is a massive dent in their budgets. My biggest asset is my knowledge in this sector which I'm launching in

3. Just because you have had a good idea, does not mean that it is a good idea. I have loads of good ideas, but that does not mean that they all will fly!

This is true, but I have carried out market research on this business and people would use what I have created.

One of my biggest hurdle is getting people to sign up. To achieve this, I will produce a 12 page newspaper which will demonstrate some of the sites features (bit like an instruction guide).

 

[tony84]

I think you would be better trying to find someone into marketing to partner up with, make it more exicting, attractive, engaging...
I have had a look at your site (found it by putting in your phone number on google).

I dont think the idea is necessarily a bad one (I would not go as far as to say its amazing though). The problem you have is the site is not attractive, its not inviting, its not showing me any real benefits.

the other thing is you are advertising a 118 thing...I think. It seems like its you are trying to make money out of people another way.

The site is probably what is letting you down.

 

[fisicx]

This is true, but I have carried out market research on this business and people would use what I have created.

But they aren't signing up. Which means they either don't want it or don't like it.

One of my biggest hurdle is getting people to sign up. To achieve this, I will produce a 12 page newspaper which will demonstrate some of the sites features (bit like an instruction guide).

If it takes 12 pages to demonstrate the features you have lost already. Everything they need to know should be on the website. Usage should be intuitive, there shouldn't be a need for a user guide.

 

[Mr-X]

Hi Fisicx

So maybe not so awesome after all.

Whatever is is you have got isn't anything people are interested in otherwise it would be earning you money. £800 isn't going to achieve anything.

Sadly I can't go into how my business will stand out from the rest in open forum because being first to market can make the difference between success or not.

The £800 will enable me to demonstrate how what I have created is better than what's already out there. I have been very lucky to have the time creating a platform which gives the user a far superior expierence.

I now just need the support to prove what I am stating.

 

[fisicx]

I dont think the idea is necessarily a bad one....

I do. The promise of thousands of people hearing my message is not credible. And because it's untargeted the chances of conversion are viturally zero.

I can see now why you are struggling to attract sign-ups. It's just not an attractive proposition.

I have been very lucky to have the time creating a platform which gives the user a far superior expierence..

I disagree - I think the user experience is very poor. Especially as I can find what I want using a search engine, I can't remember the lat time I used a 0118 service, especially as BT do it for free.

 

[Mr-X]

But they aren't signing up. Which means they either don't want it or don't like it.

I've not launched it as with my current hosting facility, when it takes off, I need to ensure that the platform can handle the traffic.

If it takes 12 pages to demonstrate the features you have lost already. Everything they need to know should be on the website. Usage should be intuitive, there shouldn't be a need for a user guide.

Some of the pages will show some of the functionallity of the site but it is fairly idiot proof. The publication will also demonstrate how I intend to use the profits to not only help people in need but to start a movement to get people involved in their communities.

My business is not just about making money to help poeple, but to create a business that will get people to help each other.

 

[fisicx]

Over the years many people have tried and failed to launch sites similar to yours. There is nothing new or unique about anything on offer. Yes you have collected together a number of features but they aren't anything people will want to use. Why would I want to use your site in preference to AutoTrader or your site in preference to Facebook.

I understand your enthusiasm for the venture but it's not viable. Sorry to be all doom and gloom but that's the harsh reality. £800/month might give you some traction but I very much doubt it.

 

[Mr-X]

I do. The promise of thousands of people hearing my message is not credible. And because it's untargeted the chances of conversion are viturally zero.

I can see now why you are struggling to attract sign-ups. It's just not an attractive proposition.

I could have come on here saying a load of bull on how I will make people thousands of pounds in profits or come up with some crap or another. That's not me.

I'm hoping that people will take a punt and help me create a business which will potentially make a difference to the situations of local people.

I hate it seeing so many people suffering on my doorstep and not being able to do something about it. This is why I am going cap in hand to people on UKBF to see if they can help me start making a difference.

The main reason why this business will take off is that I care about them. I want to help people and through what I have created, businesses will eventually want to use my business because they will be directly help people on their doorstep.

All I can say is if you or anyone on UKBF could helpm I will prove those critics wrong

 

[Mr-X]

Why would I want to use your site in preference to AutoTrader or your site in preference to Facebook.

Quite simply because they will see how by using my site they will be part of a big machine which can help people they know or even themselves.

Sites like Facebook, Twitter even auto trade, don't give anything back to the user. I will change this and use the site to promote whats important to poeple and do something about it.

 

[tony84]

Your site helps people? I genuinely did not know.
I thought it was basically a directory with feeds to facebook and twitter.

This site will not take off in its current format. Im not entirely sure it will take off at all but as it stands I think you need to knock it on the head or go back to the drawing board.

 

[The Byre]

I too have now had a look and, well, what can I say?

A sentence with the words 'cat' and 'hell' springs immediately to mind!

Firstly, you still have not explained what the £800 is for. A website costs almost nothing nowadays. Like $5 a month for the hosting and I absolutely expect that somebody running a website to be able to design and code the thing.

And as Fisicx has stated, hardly a day goes past, without somebody trying to launch something very similar.

I hate it seeing so many people suffering on my doorstep and not being able to do something about it.

So do I. But launching yet another portal site ain't gonna do anything to help.

 

[OvcaX]

Mr-x get in touch via private msg.
Maybe we can get anything done with our hosting platform.

 

[Mr-X]

Your site helps people? I genuinely did not know.
I thought it was basically a directory with feeds to facebook and twitter.

This site will not take off in its current format. Im not entirely sure it will take off at all but as it stands I think you need to knock it on the head or go back to the drawing board.

No it not just a business directory, its a community. The ethos of the site is about using people power to help each other. I know that sounds naff especially these days, but I remember what it used to be like back in the 80's and 90s and how we used to help each other out.

The site has been created to make it easy to use, fun and ultimately help users. Its hard to go into the whole thing without giving too much away.

 

[fisicx]

Quite simply because they will see how by using my site they will be part of a big machine which can help people they know or even themselves.

Nope. If I want to sell my car I will use a site that delivers. If I advertised my car on your site the chances of a sale would be zero.

Your dream whilst admirable is just not going to work. To be a success you will need tens of thousands of visitors every day. To get those visitors you need something better than all the alternatives. And without a huge investment that's not possible.

If the site is easy to use as you suggest, why do you need a 12 page newspaper?

I'm willing to help you (without charge) but you need to rethink your business plan if you want to achieve anything

 

[Mr-X]

Mr-x get in touch via private msg.
Maybe we can get anything done with our hosting platform.

Hi my friend, I have sent you my landline number to give you the opportunity to chat.

Thank you

 

[ls0709]

I think the issues lies in that you claim to offer a platform that allows businesses to generate more sales than anywhere else can yet you can't sell it to anyone.

 

[Mr-X]

Nope. If I want to sell my car I will use a site that delivers. If I advertised my car on your site the chances of a sale would be zero.

Users will be able to advertise one car per month for FREE, no matter the value of the car but they can upgrade their listings by adding content, sending messages, etc and earn points to buy the feature and pay no cash.

Your dream whilst admirable is just not going to work. To be a success you will need tens of thousands of visitors every day. To get those visitors you need something better than all the alternatives. And without a huge investment that's not possible.

Yes I know the site will need thousands of visitors, but this can be achieved without the need of expensive marketing. Remember when Facebook launched in the US. They kept it simple. I'm going to sell the idea that by using my service will enable the business to help people.

If the site is easy to use as you suggest, why do you need a 12 page newspaper?

It is to demonstrate how easy it is to use. People tend to be scared of new things, this publication will enable me to show that my site offers an easy to use platform plus the user will help create a business which cares about it users.

I'm willing to help you (without charge) but you need to rethink your business plan if you want to achieve anything

Thank you for your offer, I will consider it. To be honest, I have had my plan looked over my a friend who works with the Prince's Trust and he feels this is a good business idea - simple but good. He also said that if I was younger, I would have manage to get a loan through the Trust, but sadly I'm too old.

 

[Mr-X]

I think the issues lies in that you claim to offer a platform that allows businesses to generate more sales than anywhere else can yet you can't sell it to anyone.

This is because I have created several ways which will allow users to find a business goods and or services. People will be eventually able to find goods and services by visiting the site, by text message and over the phone.

 

[Pish_Pash]

Hi All UKBF Members,

Quite simply over the last few years I have been lucky to have the privilege to look after one of my family members whilst giving me the opportunity to create an awesome marketing platform.

You've been going a few years, you've got anyone on board & you think lobbing £800 will save the day.....??

That's a hard pitch....

 

[Mr-X]

You've been going a few years, you've got anyone on board & you think lobbing £800 will save the day.....??

That's a hard pitch....

I'm not asking for £800 from a single person, I was hoping to get several people helping with small amounts.

I've been working on the site for several years whilst looking after my family member who passed away. Whilst looking after my loved one, I spent 24/7 providing their care and could not leave to get this off the ground.

 

[MidlandFoodService]

I admire your dedication to this project but remember that nobody will share the confidence that you have in your site. Think to yourself, if somebody else set up this site and you didn't know them from adam, what would attract you to it and would you honestly use it.

And dont just say yes, have a real good think about it before you make a decision to continue.

But nonetheless, best of luck.

 

[ethical PR]

Hello

Whilst I admire you wanting to give back something to your local community, there are a number of major flaws with your concept which I think will make it difficult to get your site off the ground.

1. You don't have a proven concept.

2. You don't have the funds to develop your site even if the concept had been proven. What market research do you have to show that businesses will buy into your concept. What does that research show you about the best way to get businesses to buy into your concept and drive the public to your site?

3. You state that you don't need to invest in marketing to make your concept work - I am sorry but this is a little naive. Just because Facebook started up with little money - doesn't mean anyone can. Your concept is very different from theirs. You would have to have substantial marketing budget, a product for which there is a proven demand, a clear understanding of your target audiences and how to reach them and tangible benefits which your market research shows your customers and the public want and need.

4. You can't use 118 to promote your phone line - they would sue you

5. You state that you will develop your concept as a social enterprise and give 60% of profits to supporting local people. A social enterprise invests 100% profits for social/economic/environmental good. If you are saying you are going to run your business as a social enterprise you need to understand how they work.

I am not sure why you have decided that a 12 page publication is the best way to reach business customers but as others have mentioned this wouldn't be a good use of your marketing budget.

You should be able to clearly articulate your concept in a few bullet points with additional information to highlight benefits, costs and highlight how you will be driving the public to your site/product. A business isn't going to read a twelve page publication - it will be a waste of your money and isn't a relevant channel to use to reach your target audiences.

I would definitely take Fiscix up on his extremely kind offer to help you understand how you can improve your site.

Now you are no longer a carer, if you are not already in employment, then this should be your priority and will provide you with the best opportunity to secure the funding you are looking for. However please use it on developing your site and concept not a twelve page publication not appropriate for your target market.

Helen

 

[fisicx]

This is because I have created several ways which will allow users to find a business goods and or services.

No, all you have done is collect together various ways to find goods and services, you haven't created anything. Anyone with an internet connection has a huge range of ways to find things. People don't go to single source sites anymore, they use a variety of platforms to do different things. This is why your concept is flawed, you have built a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

 

[MOIC]

The major flaw is that you feel that £800 is going to save the day.

You need to add 2 zeros to that figure for a realistic marketing budget to promote and drive people to the site.

£800 will last you a week.

Do you have business experience?

As Helen has said, why not get a temporary job and earn the money you feel is required?

 

[Andrew Scarre]

What about a crowd funding website? Like kickstarter? There are hundreds of success stories come from things like that!

 

[fisicx]

And there are thousands of unsuccessful submissions.

Crowd funding isn't going to work in this case.