Bob Castle could tell early on that keeping a girl like Lila Barlona happy was going to be a very daunting task. Lila was a solid 10 and Castle was a 5 at the best. When Castle & Lila first started dating, everyone thought that Lila had lost her mind. Lila was the most beautiful girl in Mayfield and she had a number of 'would be' suitors waiting to steal her away from Castle. Castle was well aware of this fact & did everything humanly possible to avoid this fate..Unfortunately, in the end, losing Lila was the only thing that was a 'given' for Castle.
"What do you mean? Your dumping me for Ricardo" Castle had finally gotten the news that he had been anticipating for quite some time. Lila was breaking-up with him, she had found a new boyfriend. "Why? All I ever did was try an make you happy..What's Ricardo got that I don't?" To this day, Castle wishes he would have never asked Lila that question. "For starters, he is smart, well-schooled, well-traveled, extremely handsome, rich, polite, sincere, thoughtful, kind, shall I go on? Basically Ricardo is everything that you aren't." Lila stated profoundly. "He won't love you like I do" Castle stated emphatically. Castle had been sensing this moment for quite some time and was having a hard time dealing with it.
"You act like I am a piece of your property, not to mention your broke. Honey you can't afford a girl like me. Don't take this the wrong way, I still care about you, but us being together is over!" Lila stated firmly. Castle had not been this verbally 'thrashed' in a long-time, but he deserved it. Lila was way out of his league and everyone knew it. "Please give me another chance! I promise I will change." Castle was now on his hands and knees begging Lila to reconsider her decision of dumping him.."You are so pathetic! It's over! Now get the hell out of here. Ricardo is coming over and I am making him dinner. Now leave and take your stupid dog with you." Castle had given Lila a miniature dachshund for Valentine's Day. It turned out that Lila was a cat person, but Castle was to self-centered to realize that.
That night Castle called his buddy Shorty Sanders to tell him what had happened.."Shorty, Lila dumped me. Where are you at?" Castle could hear girls giggling & Motley Crue music in the background. "I'm at the 'house of ill repute'..Why don't you come on down? It will make you feel better, don't worry about Lila, I can fix you up with one of my girls." Shorty Sanders was the 'stripper king' of Mayfield and he was at 'The House'. The House, was a strip joint/good-time girl/betting parlor kind of place located on the out-skirts of Mayfield. Shorty called the place home. Castle had been avoiding these kind of places ever since he hooked-up with Lila.."What the hell" Castle thought to himself.."Save me a spot! I will down their in 30 minutes." Castle was plenty upset about his break-up with Lila, but he was starting to get a tinging feeling that everything would be OK..
Confucius say:
"Man in doghouse soon find cathouse".
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Warren Buffett of Mayfield High
"I don't give a f@#@ what anyone says Collective Buying Power is not a freaking fad" Bob Castle was reading the latest addition of The Bloomberg News. He was paying particular notice to the article about Groupon & Goldman Sachs. Apparently, the CEO of Goldman Sachs was in Chicago pitching the idea of an IPO (Initial Public Offering) to Groupon. Why would Castle think this is big news? What is Collective Buying Power?
Bob Castle's alter ego Rob Astle:> has been paying a lot of attention to Groupon & the CBP process.
A brief synopsis of Groupon & the Collective Buying Power Process.
Groupon was created in November 2008. It started out as a 'call to action' site called the Point.com. These kind of sites were designed to bring attention to certain civic duties that were being neglected. EX: If there was graffiti on a public wall and it needed to be painted..A website like The Point would enable many people to call for the graffiti to be painted. Thus enabling a (VOLUME) approach to a civic duty by the government. Basically, there are 'power in numbers'. The Point was having such good luck with this strategy, a decision was made to apply the process to businesses in their local market (Chicago).
The timing for Groupon could not have been better (November 2008). The recession was just starting, businesses were exploring new ways to promote their products & services. Groupon had everything ready to go. The Groupon model was immensely successful in the initial target market, so they decided to open new portals, etc. etc. Groupon is now on the verge of becoming a 'behemoth' in the business world.
Bob Castle's alter ego Rob Astle:> has been paying a lot of attention to Groupon & the CBP process.
A brief synopsis of Groupon & the Collective Buying Power Process.
Groupon was created in November 2008. It started out as a 'call to action' site called the Point.com. These kind of sites were designed to bring attention to certain civic duties that were being neglected. EX: If there was graffiti on a public wall and it needed to be painted..A website like The Point would enable many people to call for the graffiti to be painted. Thus enabling a (VOLUME) approach to a civic duty by the government. Basically, there are 'power in numbers'. The Point was having such good luck with this strategy, a decision was made to apply the process to businesses in their local market (Chicago).
The timing for Groupon could not have been better (November 2008). The recession was just starting, businesses were exploring new ways to promote their products & services. Groupon had everything ready to go. The Groupon model was immensely successful in the initial target market, so they decided to open new portals, etc. etc. Groupon is now on the verge of becoming a 'behemoth' in the business world.
How do you make money using the Collective Buying Power process?
Groupon reportedly keeps up to 50% of all the revenue it generates. EX: I live in Las Vegas, one of my favorite bars in town was advertising a voucher on Groupon. They were offering a $50 voucher for $25. The deal lasted for 24 hours, and the bar sold 1320 vouchers. Do the math+++++
1320 (vouchers sold) * $25 (cost of a single voucher)= $33,000 (total revenue generated by deal)
Groupon uses an encrypted server, that means they collect all of the money up front. After the deal is complete, Groupon will keep its share (up to 50%) and distribute the remaining portion to the vendor. Do the math again++++
$33,000/2= $16,500 (Revenue entitled Groupon).
Remember! The $16,500 is just one deal, in one portal. Groupon offers a vast array of deals everyday through a number of portals.
How would you start a Collective Buying Power site?
First & foremost..A website supporting the CBP process must be created. I have consulted with a number of quality web designers & architects. Long story short, the technology and maintenance of a CBP site is not that big of deal..Of course you have to have people who know what they are doing..HINT>>HINT..Lots of quality web people looking for work..
How much will it cost to create the site?
This is the question I get asked most often..The cost will revolve around the scenario, I have a number of different estimates..One set of professionals was quoting 40-50k plus a monthly maintenance fee. I have also approached other 'would be' designers about a future equity stake versus a discount on up-front fees and maintenance. Creating the site will cost. How much ? It depends on the sort of people who get involved.
Where should a CBP site start? What should be the initial target market?
Economically distressed places tend to produce economically distressed businesses. CBP is a tool that serves as an effective "recession buster" if done correctly. Living in Las Vegas, I see a mammoth amount of potential customers for the service. Remember CBP done correctly is all about (VOLUME). A number of new businesses and ideas are going to use the CBP process in the future. Calling CBP a big part of the new 'sub economy' is appropriate. I like the idea of starting a CBP site in Las Vegas. Lots of quality people are looking for a new idea, recruiting people to help with the process is very doable.
Community is the other side of this argument, if a CBP site can be directed at a strong community. The chances of it being successful will increase. EX: Everyone knows about Face Book. It was started by a 'college community' and just kept growing. Imagine a CBP site that targets a community of that nature. Students, alumni, surrounding areas. Two of the great things about a well functioning 'community? Commonality & Cooperation.
One last thing! There are 29 million small businesses in the United States (The government classifies any business with 500 employees or less as a small business). LOTS OF ROOM FOR THE CBP PROCESS..
My next post will describe some 'gorilla marketing' techniques..I am not the only guy who is thinking about this..ALL FEEDBACK IS WELCOME..The 'key word' is COLLECTIVE. Thanks Rob Astle
I
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Rucker Park of Mayfield
The scene was Hoover's goal, the stakes were high. Bob Castle & Kenny Riggins were taking on Stoffo Artininelli & Garren Yoder in the finals of the Hoover Classic. The Hoover Classic was a 2-2 basketball tournament held every summer in Mayfield, all of Mayfield's finest b-ball players converged to the Classic. Winning the Hoover Classic was a big deal in Mayfield! It meant bragging rights for the year. Bob Castle, Kenny Riggins, Garren Yoder & Stoffo Artinelli were the best of friends in Mayfield, but when it came to playing b-ball 'all the rules got thrown out the window.' Castle had a further dilemma, he had promised Lila that he would take her to Las Vegas next week for some 'fun in the sun' The problem? He was broke:< Castle was thinking that him and Riggins might have an outside chance of winning the Classic, so he decided to place a wager with the town bookie. Riggins & Castle were an 8/1 underdog to win the Classic. Castle figured his proposed trip to Las Vegas with Lila would cost 8 bills, so he decided to wager $100 on him and Riggins winning it all.
"Ball! Ball! Ball" Riggins had Stoffo posted up and was calling for the entry pass. The score in the final match was tied at 10-10. The rules of the tournament were very simple, each basket counted as 1 point, the first team to 11 points won the match. There weren't any coaches, it was a 'mano y mano' event. The Hoover Classic was Mayfield's version of Rucker Park in NYC. The only thing it was missing was the elevation:> One more thing, the goal's were all lowered to 8ft, by doing this? It was now possible for Bob Castle to dunk a basketball, Castle couldn't touch the rim of a regulation size goal. The basketball played on the courts of Hoover Park was more akin to the 'European' style..aka..It was physical!!
Castle made the entry pass into Riggins. Riggins then made a drop-step to the basket, Stoffo had the inside position on Riggins. Riggins looked back at Castle and yelled "Make a move towards the rim!" at that moment Castle shoved Yoder out of the way & made a V-line towards the rim. Riggins lofted a picture perfect pass which Castle caught & jammed through the rim. Remember the goal at Hoover Park was only 8 ft. high:> Castle & Riggins were the Hoover Park champs! Not to mention, Castle was 800 dollars richer:>
"Thank-you very much" Castle stated as he was collecting his $800 from the town bookie. Castle had a new girlfriend that looked like Salma Hayek, and she was getting very expensive, but Castle was in love, so he was 'hustling' anyway he knew how. "Riggins, one of these days I am going to be in on something big, I still believe people would love the idea of Collective Buying Power! If I can just convince the right people on how it works." Castle felt strongly that Collective Buying Power (CBP) was in the infancy stage, and if he could convince the right people to help him, Maybe? himself and others would be able to profit from it? "I will see you later Riggins, I gotta tell Lila the good news about our Las Vegas trip..She has never been to Vegas." Castle stated. Castle was so relieved that he had the money for Lila and his trip to Vegas that he didn't want to think about anything else.
"Ball! Ball! Ball" Riggins had Stoffo posted up and was calling for the entry pass. The score in the final match was tied at 10-10. The rules of the tournament were very simple, each basket counted as 1 point, the first team to 11 points won the match. There weren't any coaches, it was a 'mano y mano' event. The Hoover Classic was Mayfield's version of Rucker Park in NYC. The only thing it was missing was the elevation:> One more thing, the goal's were all lowered to 8ft, by doing this? It was now possible for Bob Castle to dunk a basketball, Castle couldn't touch the rim of a regulation size goal. The basketball played on the courts of Hoover Park was more akin to the 'European' style..aka..It was physical!!
Castle made the entry pass into Riggins. Riggins then made a drop-step to the basket, Stoffo had the inside position on Riggins. Riggins looked back at Castle and yelled "Make a move towards the rim!" at that moment Castle shoved Yoder out of the way & made a V-line towards the rim. Riggins lofted a picture perfect pass which Castle caught & jammed through the rim. Remember the goal at Hoover Park was only 8 ft. high:> Castle & Riggins were the Hoover Park champs! Not to mention, Castle was 800 dollars richer:>
"Thank-you very much" Castle stated as he was collecting his $800 from the town bookie. Castle had a new girlfriend that looked like Salma Hayek, and she was getting very expensive, but Castle was in love, so he was 'hustling' anyway he knew how. "Riggins, one of these days I am going to be in on something big, I still believe people would love the idea of Collective Buying Power! If I can just convince the right people on how it works." Castle felt strongly that Collective Buying Power (CBP) was in the infancy stage, and if he could convince the right people to help him, Maybe? himself and others would be able to profit from it? "I will see you later Riggins, I gotta tell Lila the good news about our Las Vegas trip..She has never been to Vegas." Castle stated. Castle was so relieved that he had the money for Lila and his trip to Vegas that he didn't want to think about anything else.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The 'Reality TV' star of Mayfield
I want to pose a question to everyone reading my blog..Do you ever watch Reality television? The reason I ask? Las Vegas is turning into a hotbed for reality television. I was watching 'Pawn Stars' the other night, for those of you not familiar with 'Pawn Stars'. It's a reality television show based upon a family that runs a pawn shop in Las Vegas. It has turned out to be a very popular attraction for Las Vegas, and deservedly so. This is what I am thinking.
Create a viable product or service for distribution. I have been pressing the idea of a Collective Buying Power site for quite some time. A number of potential investor's for the idea have all been asking me the same question. How would you get traffic to the site? The obvious answers are impression spending, social media advertising, site content, etc. All these functions have to be done regardless..Reality video could be used to enhance and compliment everything else.
Organize a number of people in Las Vegas, have them go out and promote a new service or product (CBP). In the process of promoting that service or product a video documentary would be created..The plot line would revolve around the promotion of the business and the sales force promoting it. I want to ask everyone to use their imagination for a moment. This is the scenario I am picturing..
Las Vegas has a number of talented actors and models who are looking for work, a 'semi-scripted' platform would be created for them to follow. The goal would be to keep it as 'real' as possible with a few liberties for viewer enhancement. I had a potential investor ask me to give him an idea that was 'outside the box' on promoting a product or service. I don't know how much more 'outside the box' I can get? Pretend for a moment that everything is in place..Look at this scenario below
Collective Buying Power website + Reality video production promotion + models & actors + Las Vegas setting= ???..This idea might seem a little odd to the viewers of my blog. It's not the conservative approach that many of you might be accustomed too. Remember, I live in Las Vegas, so following the same 'old path' for promotion of a service or product doesn't work for me anymore. I hope everyone is getting off to a good start in 2011. If anyone has feedback.Please share it with me. Thanks Rob
Create a viable product or service for distribution. I have been pressing the idea of a Collective Buying Power site for quite some time. A number of potential investor's for the idea have all been asking me the same question. How would you get traffic to the site? The obvious answers are impression spending, social media advertising, site content, etc. All these functions have to be done regardless..Reality video could be used to enhance and compliment everything else.
Organize a number of people in Las Vegas, have them go out and promote a new service or product (CBP). In the process of promoting that service or product a video documentary would be created..The plot line would revolve around the promotion of the business and the sales force promoting it. I want to ask everyone to use their imagination for a moment. This is the scenario I am picturing..
Las Vegas has a number of talented actors and models who are looking for work, a 'semi-scripted' platform would be created for them to follow. The goal would be to keep it as 'real' as possible with a few liberties for viewer enhancement. I had a potential investor ask me to give him an idea that was 'outside the box' on promoting a product or service. I don't know how much more 'outside the box' I can get? Pretend for a moment that everything is in place..Look at this scenario below
Collective Buying Power website + Reality video production promotion + models & actors + Las Vegas setting= ???..This idea might seem a little odd to the viewers of my blog. It's not the conservative approach that many of you might be accustomed too. Remember, I live in Las Vegas, so following the same 'old path' for promotion of a service or product doesn't work for me anymore. I hope everyone is getting off to a good start in 2011. If anyone has feedback.Please share it with me. Thanks Rob
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