Those of you who follow @Stacey_Childs on twitter would have seen lately I have been tweeting about a mysterious new business venture, and I thought I would take a moment to explain the plan for the next year, it is very exciting as you will see.
Background: I had one of those lightening bolt ideas while visiting a website about three weeks ago. The site is very popular and has a great web presence, but I wondered why we didn’t do the same thing in a New Zealand context. Which led me to mentioning the idea that wouldn’t go away, to a trusted supplier who then put me in touch with a guy who she thought could help.
Long story short: yes he thought it was a great idea, and with our combined powers it would be easy enough to get off the ground. Which we have began to do. Already we have a name and branding concept, and he is working on the website while I am creating the marketing mix, business strategy and exploring the branding further. I should be able to share the site with you within six months.
Then he mentioned this other HUGE and brilliant idea he had, which he could never get off the ground because he lacked visibility and networks with investors (which are needed because this is a very big idea, think around 1/2 million site development). Which is where I come in. I have access to the AUT Innovation Centre through my MBA programme.
We pitched yesterday, have been accepted and are entering pre-incubation at the start of January. Which means that as part of my study I will do 360 degree research on all aspects of the idea, checking feasibility and the revenue model. If we come through this process with positive results, we have the credibility of having made it through pre-incubation, and have AUT as an associate brand with which to approach potential investors to begin the next stage of developing the actual business.
So 2010 is going to be awesome. This is the kind of stuff I live for and love getting my teeth sunk into.
2010 will still see Online INsight operating, helping businesses with online/offline communications projects and publishing disco underworld and the Gold Edition. My new business partner also has his own business which will continue to operate separately too, but we will create a new partnership company which will specialise in creating really great web businesses. Two of which I have outlined above.
This is all pretty exciting stuff! I will keep you all updated as I progress. For sure there will be one new venture launched by mid-2010, and fingers crossed we might get the go ahead for a 2nd, but that will probably not exist for another year if it actually makes it out of pre-incubation.
** AUT = The Auckland University of Technology
*** The AUT Business Innovation Centre
Amazing blogpost, I did not thought this was going to be so cool when I saw your url.
still a bit cryptic, but exciting nonetheless. can’t wait to see what you’re working on!!! you inspire me with your energy and enthusiasm!!!
xox,
/j
I got excited for you just reading this. you’re in an awesome position having AUT hub at your disposal.. I’d love to see your research in 6 months for this. really interesting, I hope this idea turns into an awesome business!
It definitely sounds exciting! We want to know more though!
It sounds BIG, but I always knew you’d make it big!
Thats really exciting stacey, let me know if i can support in anyway, good luck!
Stacey,
As we say here in Canada, “chapeau” to your entrepreneurial efforts. Here’s wishing you and your partner that all works out over the coming year.
Love you enthusiasm! It’s contagious.
Pierre
yes….very mysterious…(even more so for me as i don’t speak your lingo)
it sounds like a wonderful thing.
*proud*
Thanks guys! So supportive, I love it. I will update as we go on, hopefully all good news!
Once again, everything you touch turns to gold
Go you!!
I know it’ll all happen and it’ll all be successful because, well… because you’re doing it.