Gang - If you were given a grant or came into venture capitol but could only invest in the business only (advertising/marketing/promotion/equipment/self-help/education/clothing or attire), how would you? For discussion, let's say you were given $25k. What would you spend on and why? How would you break it down? For me, I would do some market research and see how I can better serve my target market and invest in marketing and branding (media/print/online) depending on outcome of the study. Self help and improvement. Followed by upgraded and extra gear to cover events that are difficult now. Some new threads.
How would you spend (invest) a lump of cash in your business?
- Thread starter Ed Witles
- Start date
there are a couple local marketing opportunities I would take advantage of which I can't afford to do right now......then I would invest on getting my lighting rig the way I want it to (new lighting truss plus some new controllers), and finally, I would invest in a new system, one JBL SRX sub and a pair of SRX tops with a crown Itec amp and a driverack.
I'd spend it in this order:
1.) Studio/Office - A physical presence in a high-traffic location would give me more credibility and allow me to better display some of the things I offer.
2.) Lounge Furniture - because it's the next big trend at weddings.
3.) Speaker Upgrades - My Bose system is great for weddings, but it would be nice to have something that's more versatile for other events.
1.) Studio/Office - A physical presence in a high-traffic location would give me more credibility and allow me to better display some of the things I offer.
2.) Lounge Furniture - because it's the next big trend at weddings.
3.) Speaker Upgrades - My Bose system is great for weddings, but it would be nice to have something that's more versatile for other events.
i'd invest in a vehicle. i can't fit everything into the vehicle i have now.
followed by marketing, marketing, and more marketing. i get nice high-visibility gigs (like my "music in the park" series every sunday night this summer downtown), and i'd like to capitalize on them.
followed by marketing, marketing, and more marketing. i get nice high-visibility gigs (like my "music in the park" series every sunday night this summer downtown), and i'd like to capitalize on them.
I'd like to get into rentals more .. maybe $20K worth of rental stock (mostly speaker on a stick) and some advertising.
So $25k....I would likely break that down like this:
1) "Big Stuff" (~$10k)
Trailer (7x14...ish) (Or maybe a reasonable used box truck.)
Pad & cover behind fence to park trailer
2) "Misc Stuff" (~$2k)
New Road cases on wheels for EVERYTHING (If it don't roll....it don't go!)
[I would build my own...so this is just wood, parts & paint.]
3) "Lighting & Atmosphere Stuff" (~$8k)
Uplights with controller (something like 4 dozen lights...enough to "cover" a 15ksqft (200ft x 75ft) room)
Pipe & drape (100ft x 14-18ft drape in black and white)
4) "DJ Sound Stuff" (~$5k)
2 new DJ boards (e.g. Denon X900)
2 more wireless mics (EV RE2 N7 handheld & beltpack)
3rd "backup" laptop
"Roll in" DJ rack that was pre-configured (I would build this too.)
1) "Big Stuff" (~$10k)
Trailer (7x14...ish) (Or maybe a reasonable used box truck.)
Pad & cover behind fence to park trailer
2) "Misc Stuff" (~$2k)
New Road cases on wheels for EVERYTHING (If it don't roll....it don't go!)
[I would build my own...so this is just wood, parts & paint.]
3) "Lighting & Atmosphere Stuff" (~$8k)
Uplights with controller (something like 4 dozen lights...enough to "cover" a 15ksqft (200ft x 75ft) room)
Pipe & drape (100ft x 14-18ft drape in black and white)
4) "DJ Sound Stuff" (~$5k)
2 new DJ boards (e.g. Denon X900)
2 more wireless mics (EV RE2 N7 handheld & beltpack)
3rd "backup" laptop
"Roll in" DJ rack that was pre-configured (I would build this too.)
As long as it is for my business I will put on a Production at a rented venue hall and more than likely triple my money. Then I would do it again and again until I can buy a venue of my own.
I'd do it like I normally do it. I'd look into buying equipment I can make a quick return on.
For example, photobooths and uplighting. But I wouldn't buy it until I needed it. I'd source it and find out how long it will take and know what my expenditure will be. Then I'd start selling it. For uplighting, I had several booked before I bought them. Now, I've added a few more options, but wont' purchase any more until they sell. Sometimes you can have it paid for before you need to purchase it.
Nothing bothers me more than having expensive equipment collecting dust on my shelves.
For example, photobooths and uplighting. But I wouldn't buy it until I needed it. I'd source it and find out how long it will take and know what my expenditure will be. Then I'd start selling it. For uplighting, I had several booked before I bought them. Now, I've added a few more options, but wont' purchase any more until they sell. Sometimes you can have it paid for before you need to purchase it.
Nothing bothers me more than having expensive equipment collecting dust on my shelves.
I would look towards the right place to advertise our business online. That's getting better marketing. A backup laptop and controller. Them more lights including uplighting with a controller. Or better yet a program that will run off a laptop to control the lights with lighting truss.
Ok, let's raise the stakes a bit... what if the person(s) providing the cash infusion wanted some assurance their generosity was not in vain? In other words, while no real strings attached, you needed to show just cause for each item(s) and how it would further grow your business besides just padding your garage? 
I do like the idea of putting on one heckuva shindig and possibility of either partnering/buying a business (for noble reasons).
I do like the idea of putting on one heckuva shindig and possibility of either partnering/buying a business (for noble reasons).
Dropping 25k in my business would be a bad investment. If I get any busier I'd be a multiop and I've been there done that, no thanks. I own more equipment than I need and my vehicle is paid for so the 25k would be best invested elsewhere.
GEEZ ED!
I didnt get to answer the first part, and now you go and change the rules!
I'd probably invest half in marketing and advertising.
Enough to make sure I was the only guy people heard of, if only for a little moment in time.
The other half would be equipment upgrades, a vehicle, and maybe a few additional gear things.
I didnt get to answer the first part, and now you go and change the rules!
I'd probably invest half in marketing and advertising.
Enough to make sure I was the only guy people heard of, if only for a little moment in time.
The other half would be equipment upgrades, a vehicle, and maybe a few additional gear things.
I could easily drop $10,000 in advertising
We have a few equipment 'wants' I guess. A few more wireless mics may be in order, possibly a couple more projectors, a few wireless comm packs, possibly a crapload of uplights, then not enough left there for my new lightboard ($8,000).
We have a few equipment 'wants' I guess. A few more wireless mics may be in order, possibly a couple more projectors, a few wireless comm packs, possibly a crapload of uplights, then not enough left there for my new lightboard ($8,000).
I can show a business plan for each entry....I know my market pretty well.
Oh I forgot....maybe a few more stage decks.
Oh I forgot....maybe a few more stage decks.