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S

Steve Lynch

DJ
Nov 23, 2006
343
21
52
Atlanta, ga.
www.extremeentertainmentrocks.com
Hey guys! maybe more specifically, hey john !

I have a serious question, I'm not being sarcastic, or a wise ass, I'm dead serious.... I'm asking nicely, and seriously here.... Due to the nature of the question, and the inherent simplicity of the concept, it may appear that I'm trying to be a weenie, but I'm gonna' assume that you're not that fragile, so here I go..... :)

I've done bubble parties in the past, as well as foam parties, blacklight parties, etc...

I grew up with my mother doing at home daycare, so by the time I was all grown up and moved out, I had all sorts of kiddy experience.... You might say I'm a kid party master.. I mean kids are the easiest customers.. they're not critical, and they're easy to get motivated...

my question is this....

I had been advertising this as well as other add ons for a couple years... I always thought it was a great idea... when someone finally bit, I just bought a couple of dj bubble machines, some battery powered battery bubble guns from walmart, and some giant bubble wands... Bubble supplies at the dollar store are well... a dollar....... for a 2 liter jug of bubble solution.... I did two parties at my daughter's after school care place to try it out... then started doing it regularly at pool parties even for adults... hell, I even did it at lakewood ampitheatre for a Jimmy Buffett tailgating party..

anyhow, I know how to market, I know how to do kids games, as I do children's parties all the time.. I know what music to play for kids, I know kids games, and I know how to make bubbles....

not to be an ass, as I stated, this is a legitimate question....

What can you possibly tell me about this that makes this worth $99.00?

Give me a good answer, show me the worth, and I'll buy it... I mean my buddy bought it, and we just were discussing this this past weekend.. I was considering buying it, but am a bit apprehensive.... this is why...

I mean it seems to me that this is the type of thing we normally would discuss on the boards, as this is a sharing community... I mean, are we no longer allowed to discuss children's parties that involve bubbles now, because someone wants to sell a package? It seems to me that where someone would normally just come out on a board and say "hey guys, here's a great idea to try" someone is saying I have a great idea, for $99.00 I'll tell you.

I don't know john, nor am I saying anything negative, I'm just wondering what all the fuss is about? I've been doing basically the same thing for years... Is there some revolutionary new angle that I'm missing, or did you guys who bought it just look at it and go "duh" i already knew this....

please advise..
 
Steve....I know this isn't a question to me, but I have a couple thoughts.

I think your question is very legitimate.
I was wondering the same thing. Then I got to thinking...
"What is it I already know about bubbles to pull this off? What unique experience with bubbles and kids from my past points me in the direction to do this?"

I figured out real quick that I'm not that creative. I think information for sale like this will help people like me get to sleep at night. Quite literally, if I had bubble machines at the house and a party in two weeks, I'd be scratching my head trying to figure out what games I could play with the kids.
1 game? 2? None? Those were my options....I think kids running around sounds fun. I think eating the most bubbles would be fun (or genetically altering)

Here's the best part: I'm an elementary school music teacher.
The school district spent $4000.00 on my room alone for books and materials to teach the kids with.

Because of my unique experience in music, I'm good at Dj'ing music.
I'm good at playing and reading music. I'm good with kids.

I have no experience in bubbles however.

I think your experience home with mom and the kiddos growing up and the fact you've pulled off bubble gigs in the past gives you a unique experience that doesn't require purchasing a guide from an expert.

By the way, I haven't bought it either, but I've considered it.

Any kind of guide that can take a seemingly simple idea and make it power packed for a 2 hour event will ensure word of mouth bookings and gauranteed saturday morning bookings. It seems successful and worth a read at least in my book. I'm wondering if anything physical comes with the book....such as flyer templates etc.....


Steve, I like your post man.....good read
 
Steve:

Is there a reason Dale Earnhardt, Jr. should buy a book detailing how someone can be a successful NASCAR driver?

I am quite sure Michael Jordan never bought any of the basketball instructional videos that Magic Johnson sells.

My point is that it sounds like you're already very knowledgeable in this field. There may not be much my business plan could help you with. There's no shame in that on my end. As we are fond of saying, "not everyone is your customer." Were you a novice, or looking to expand your business into this genre, I think my business plan has a lot to share.

If you did something very well and were successful at it, and you found yourself fielding a couple of inquiries a day from people seeking to duplicate your venture for themselves, wouldn't a marketing opportunity be presenting itself on a silver platter?

I have written what I believe to be a concise, easy-to-read business plan for people looking to break into preschool/daycare entertainment. I am selling it for what I believe to be a fair price for both myself and the buyer. I've had some people tell me I should be selling this for at least twice the amount, but the price point is sufficient enough for me to make some money as the seller and to be worth the purchase price to the buyer.

You have a unique history, in that your mother had a home daycare in which you grew up. You are currently doing a number of kids parties. Again, not everyone can make that claim.

Steve, I wish you continued success with your kids parties and should anyone wish to learn about the success I had in growing my business, earning some extra money during midweek mornings and generally presiding over gigs that were incredibly fun and rewarding, please consider purchasing my business plan and following it to what will hopefully be the same level of success I and others have enjoyed.
 
Very diplomatic answer, John...

Kudos for your well thought out responses. I'm going to make my comments, hoping you can answer me with the same eloquence.

I too am going to get into the bubble parties, but I questioned the price of the package. I was a D.A.R.E. officer for five years, and my wife is a toddler teacher, so we both know how to control and entertain kids.

My hesitation in purchasing the "Plan", has to do with the amount of time an effort I put into my DMX book. I've just raised the price to $14.95 for my extensive Plan (that took me 8 months to complete). I'm not sure I see the justification in $139. If you can convince me, I'd consider it... but, what am I missing here?

While I'm not making the assertion that you didn't put in the same amount of time and effort, I'm wondering if you had a lower price tag, you'd probably sell a lot more books. Is it simply that I'm not very good at marketing and should I be raising the price of my DMX book?

Now, I don't want to put you in a "defensive" posture here, but I'd bet you'd sell a lot more with a lower price. I am currently looking for marketing material (graphics, logos and pictures), that I'm sure to have after I complete my first few parties, but, I'm not sure I want to spend that much for a couple of photos to use on my web site.

I also had some great ideas about bubble games, and music, that I now fear I shouldn't share with other members because of your Plan and sponsorship. I don't desire to take away from what you're trying to sell, by giving it away free on the boards. There is the dilemma.
 
Tyrone Blue said:
Kudos for your well thought out responses. I'm going to make my comments, hoping you can answer me with the same eloquence.

I too am going to get into the bubble parties, but I questioned the price of the package. I was a D.A.R.E. officer for five years, and my wife is a toddler teacher, so we both know how to control and entertain kids.

My hesitation in purchasing the "Plan", has to do with the amount of time an effort I put into my DMX book. I've just raised the price to $14.95 for my extensive Plan (that took me 8 months to complete). I'm not sure I see the justification in $139. If you can convince me, I'd consider it... but, what am I missing here?

While I'm not making the assertion that you didn't put in the same amount of time and effort, I'm wondering if you had a lower price tag, you'd probably sell a lot more books. Is it simply that I'm not very good at marketing and should I be raising the price of my DMX book?

Now, I don't want to put you in a "defensive" posture here, but I'd bet you'd sell a lot more with a lower price. I am currently looking for marketing material (graphics, logos and pictures), that I'm sure to have after I complete my first few parties, but, I'm not sure I want to spend that much for a couple of photos to use on my web site.

I also had some great ideas about bubble games, and music, that I now fear I shouldn't share with other members because of your Plan and sponsorship. I don't desire to take away from what you're trying to sell, by giving it away free on the boards. There is the dilemma.
Click to expand...


Heu, I want John to make some nice change, too, with his venture... but let's not encourage too much competition for old Papa, eh? :sqeek: :sqlaugh:
 
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I'm kinda interested in the idea that we can no longer discuss what we discover about bubble parties. That sounds kinda weird to me.

I have researched quite a bit about bubbles on my own and have compiled quite a bit of interesting information and ideas. I am pretty sure that some of this is probably discussed in Johns book.

Does this mean that I cannot discuss the same information I found on my own? Maybe some of this info isnt in Johns book and it would make a great addition. I dont know cuz I dont know anyone that has purchased the book.

What I do know is, that I work with a couple of people who own daycares and they were immediately interested in what I described to them. They thought the idea and concept I described would definately work and they are waiting for me to actually start my bubble parties.

Just my 2 cents. I wish John the best in his book and whatever he does. If I feel there is more I can do with these bubble parties and they become profitable maybe I will purchase it.

-Puma-

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Never ceases to amaze me...and it will never end...whether it's Peter Merry or John Allo...if you have a unique approach at doing something and you want to make money off of it - there's something wrong with you and you shouldn't be doing it. :sqconfused:
 
djdawg said:
Never ceases to amaze me...and it will never end...whether it's Peter Merry or John Allo...if you have a unique approach at doing something and you want to make money off of it - there's something wrong with you and you shouldn't be doing it. :sqconfused:
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You're right Kevin. It's selfish and wrong. In defense, it's kind of human nature.

I think there's a market for everything. Peter, John and anyone else reserve the right to profit from their experience.

The thing is, that there are different (and somewhat self righteous)opinions on the matter. I'm guilty of behaving badly and just as guilty of enjoying it.

Sorry for that.

I'll admit that as someone (like John & Peter) who is highly advanced in "resourcefulness" and "creativity" , it's easy to get perplexed by those who aren't. Sometimes the "duh" factor comes into play and it's hard to remember that not everyone has "the gift". I think if you can sell what you know, then why not? It's just not for me. For me, it just feels wrong. Like "Hey, wanna be like me? Then, cough up some dough!"

I know it's not like that, but that's how it makes me feel.

I've shared plenty of my knowledge with people throughout my life, for free. Some were able to tap into their hidden talents and others....well, they just don't have it.

I (me, myself) just don't want people to "gamble" on my advice. Would an author refund the cost of the book to everyone that couldn't pull off their suggestions?

If I knew that "everyone" could benefit from my advice, then I guess it would seem worth selling to me. Since I don't feel that way, I stick to selling the services of my talents. That way, I know the client is in fact getting what they paid for.

Bad Hank does rare his head once in a while. I don't like it, but it does happen.
 
In this case John Allo has a specific business plan that he is "franchising". The information contained in that busiess plan is proprietary to John.

I have just purchased it and will be the first in Maryland.

Maybe it is time for a Bubble Board for those of us that have bought into this. It, of course, would be a private board.
 
Google search words: "marketing seminars." First result:

Fundamentals of Marketing: Your Action Plan for Success by American Management Association. Description: Understand how to use powerful basic marketing techniques to set yourself apart from the competition.

How You Will Benefit

* Acquire the basic marketing skills, tools and techniques to identify, evaluate and solve problems
* Recognize the importance of strategy and learn to develop an effective basic marketing plan
* Gain expertise at evaluating pricing strategies, collecting vital competitive intelligence and researching new markets
* Learn the components of an effective marketing communications mix
* Explore the benefits of e-marketing
* Enhance your knowledge of marketing segmentation, life cycle extensions, product positioning and more
* Learn how to maximize sales force and distributor relationships

Sounds like info that ought to be shared for free. Uh oh:

Registration Fee:
AMA Members $1,595 / Nonmembers $1,795

=====================================

"if you have a unique approach at doing something and you want to make money off of it - there's something wrong with you and you shouldn't be doing it"
 
I'm sitting here feeling sorta bad...

I feel a little bit guilty for saying what I did. I understand the concept of trying to make a buck on your ideas (after all, I am trying to make a buck for giving instructions in my DMX book). And, feeling this way, then considering that someone else is giving away DMX instructions in my own forum. Where do we draw the line?

The idea of teaching someone something and charging for it is another example of capitalism at it's best. Get an education and pay for it, is a pretty normal concept. How do we "share" and learn in a DJ forum, if all of our secrets are kept from everyone else? That's what I'm struggling with.

I've shared ideas and pictures of stuff I'd built and designed, and posted them on these boards, for the education of others. Now, I wonder if I shouldn't had done this... or asked for a few bucks to anyone who profited from my pictures or ideas.

I feel bad that I had some ideas about bubble parties and don't think I should share them for fear they might already be in John's book. And, if the ideas are original and good, will these ideas wind up in someone else's book?

Now, I'm not so sure I feel justified in selling my DMX information. And, I'm not sure how to feel about the whole thing. Anyone understand where I'm coming from?

So, here come all the newbies craving for information, and I say... "OK, I'll tell you what to buy from your local dealer, and how to hook it up, and which songs to play when, but you'll have to send me $19,95 first". I'm not sure how that sits with me. Is this whole forum idea a "for profit" concept? I have to go sit down for a minute... I'll be back after we get a few more posts.
 
To enter my already hijacked thread, :sqerr: , there is a HUGE difference between John and Peter..... John actually likes us even if we are part timers. He gives freely as well.
 
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I have no problem with anyone trying to make a buck. Hey thats what everyone is trying to do.

I congratulate John on being a risk taker and diving into the market that isnt known to be a mainstream money maker and making it work for him. I am in no way coming down on John in the post I wrote.

My question was and still is this........ If I post about ideas I researched and found very interesting, will somebody else come forth and say " hey thats in Johns book and your messin things up for him" ???

I have never spoke to anyone who has read his book, but I have instead went out on my own and researched this bubble party idea and have come up with some really great ideas of " my own" I dont know if they are my own ideas, they might already be in Johns book or somebody elses book somewhere else in the world.

Either way I have some pretty cool ideas that I shared with daycare owners and they love the ideas. They are just waiting for me to start this up and arrange some dates with them. I am looking to just tidy up my actual business plan and approach on this type of party.

I plan on donating my first party, except costs of materials. Plus I have an extra option I have available for the parents that I can make extra $$$ with. The extra idea is the idea that the daycare owners just love. When I get it formatted just right I will start marketing these parties.

My question still remains, that if we openly discuss topics relating to these parties will we be frowned upon? And then others that have purchased the book cannot participate in the information sharing because they have bought their info.

That is all I was addressing.

-Puma-

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Sponsorship is great.....as long as it doesn't impede the free flow of ideas & speech.

That said.....MUST.....BUY.......BOSE!!! Can anyone offer me a deal on a used bubble machine??? And don't forget my favorite: "HOME OF THE MP3 GOAT" (lol)
 
Puma,

It's a thin line to walk, personally, I've never seen John's business plan so I'm not in the position to judge if someone posted part of John's plan. Discuss bubble parties or any other event as you please but if you've bought the plan, keep in mind not to share John's plan with the general public.

A couple of weeks ago a member posted a thread and realized after the fact that it contained a process written in Peter Merry's book and asked me to remove the thread. I did because Peter like John, and Tyrone took the time and effort to hammer it all out on paper and wrap it in a nice bow for your consumption.

The being said, I feel anyone has the right to profit off of their hard work. Some of information may be available from other sources in part or whole but John, like Peter and Tyrone took the time to compile the information, lay it out, along with sharing their personal experiences.

Here at ODJT, we have standing custom of not shutting someone up because they mention some who sells the same type of product as our sponsors, you don't see us nixing VDJ or OTS threads because Rick is an advertiser here. The same goes for informational products.
 
Papa Deuce said:
To enter my already hijacked thread, :sqerr: , there is a HUGE difference between John and Peter..... John actually likes us even if we are part timers. He gives freely as well.
Click to expand...


Exactly what I was gonna say although John does hate me though. :sqconfused:
 
HiDefDJ said:
Exactly what I was gonna say although John does hate me though. :sqconfused:
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mlb_lovers.jpg
 
Thanks Dan... nicely put...

The dilemma I face is the thought that I was hoping for a "Bubble Party" thread. Herein lies the problem.

I know that there is a member posting DMX instructions in my lighting forum. JTV and I discussed it, and I really don't have a problem with that (any more). The free posted information is "the members" choice. What is acceptable and what is not? It doesn't really copy my information, but it's close... How can we all share bubble party ideas, and not step on John's toes. You're right, its a fine line.

Let's say that I have this great idea of a game... then come to find out that it's the same idea John already had in his Plan. Are all the folks who paid for the "Plan" now going to be irritated that what they paid for was posted for free? Do you see where I'm coming from. This isn't like selling a tangible product, like a light or fixture. More than one of us has already thought of most of the party ideas already... but didn't write a book.

Puma'a post is exactly what I've been thinking. And if all of us share some really great ideas, can someone grab all of the information and make their own book. Is a DJ forum intended to teach beginners a craft or idea, without cost? I equate this with the magic journals that highlight a trick, then ask you to pay to learn how to perform it. You're paying for the "secret".

There seems to be some sort of ethical issue here. Can we start a bubble party idea forum... or are we going to be bruising egos and giving information that aught to be available for free anyhow? I'm not sure which side of the fence to stand on.

I've got this really great innovative way to mount a moving head up in the air... send me $4.95, and I'll show you how. Oops, I already posted a picture of it... damn, I just lost some money... sorry for the sarcasm.
 
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