Idea Napkin No.1

1.       You.

My family is originally from Colombia.  Although I was born in Bogota, Colombia, I was raised in the United States.  My background has provided me a unique perspective of two diverse yet remarkable cultures.  I am fluent in English and Spanish.  My exposure to each culture’s beliefs, values, and customs has shown me their various ways to communicate ideas and to create ventures.  I have a propensity to immerse myself in any culture that I experience while traveling.  I deeply respect the environment.  I believe that our natural resources are rare and wondrous and should be protected. 

2.     What are you offering to customers?

I would like to develop a business venture that improves people’s lives and protects the environment. I am interested in developing a tank that would be about 2 feet in diameter and 8 feet tall.  I would like to install this tank on the side of a home and attach it to the downspout drain of the gutter system.  During a rainstorm, as the water is channeled through the gutter system, it would be filtered, then collected into a tank and stored for later use at no additional cost to the consumer.  With the addition of a pressure valve, the homeowner could then use this pressurized water for a multitude of projects.

3.       Who are you offering it to?

Any individual, home, or business could benefit from having an external reservoir of free pressurized water at their disposal.  Anyone with a lawn, a pool, or a garden would find this product indispensable.  There are numerous applications for this product.  For example, a farmer could use a larger version of this tank to help with irrigation and livestock needs.  Business such as car washes and auto rental agencies use large amounts of water for maintenance and business operations. 

4.       Why do they care?

I believe that people would care about this idea because water usage impacts people in many significant ways.  People would benefit from finding an effective way to minimize water consumption and reduce costs.  We face many challenges regarding water usage including drought, climate change, regions that enforce water use restrictions, and the rising cost of water utilities. 

5.       What are your core competencies?

My cultural diversity, background in theatre, and interest in writing have shown me the importance of good communication skills.  It is not just a matter of communicating an idea, but it is about ensuring that the message is received clearly and is understood.  Marketing is after all, communication.  Rather than simply placing my product on the shelf of a retail store, I would find unique and various ways of relaying my product to potential customers.  For example, I plan marketing to home improvement stores and consumers directly.  I would promote to homeowners associations that already manage resources for their community.  I will offer educational seminars at home improvement stores.  I could find a way to provide financial incentives, for example, government rebates.  I would also like to explore the development of a product line, for example, organic, natural peppermint oil based insecticide as an additive that could be used in combination with the pressurized water tank.

The aspect of this business concept that seems to be weak is that there are existing water tanks on the market.  Although my idea includes a water pressurizing design and customizable accessories, there needs to be a plan to have this product stand out among the competition, and to be recognized for its benefits not just to the customer but for the environment as well.  I would need to find a way for potential customers to consider the various practical uses for this product that they may not have thought of before.