So posts have been few and far between since I became unemployed. Part of this is lack of  inspiration; part of it is the necessity to pour resources into my next opportunity. There is a necessity in this blogging experience for me though; to share knowledge and enjoy what I’m passionate about business.

Did some thinking and tried to figure out how best to proceed doing what I love, and working it in with what I need to do. I came up with the idea that distracts a bit from the dullness of job-hunting, and it will be the focus of some new content that I’m going to be posting.

The idea: Layout business plans for markets I think would be interesting if I had seed money to do them. It’s fun, light hearted, and who knows could scare up some investors. So I hope you enjoy. Consider these posts a back of the napkin type of planning session, it wasn’t exhaustive, nor is it likely to be grammatically correct.

1^st Business Plan

The Market:

High unemployment rates, companies needing to stand out in the masses, and long term job searches for those hit hardest by economic downturn.

The Problem:

Employers – In the 90’s you’d have to throw a Jag at someone to land the best talent, now all you have to do is look through 10,000 resumes good luck with that.

Job seekers – It used to be you apply to a few opportunities and you’d have an interview. Now you’re having a hard time just getting through the pile of resumes and algorithms to even attract a hiring manager’s eye. Additionally, staring at never ending black and white way too long dissertations on the ideal job candidate avoiding the monotony and not dozing off has become the real challenge.

Proposed product solution:

Create a more exciting interaction point for candidate and employer. Focusing on humor, engaging open communication in a manageable amount of information sharing between prospect and prospector. Catch the buzz, become the type of company young people find cutting edge and willing to jump into. Similar to a Personal Ad providing key job requirements in a way that engages and is quick and to the point.

Primary Target Audiences:

Small businesses – typically harder to stand out in the crowd not able to attract the attention in the same way as market leaders and established players.

Young unemployed people – Huge market of the unemployed, like to do things a little different, often mistrusting of corporations.

Revenue streams:

Click based advertising – relevant ads, adsense etc.

Companies paying to post jobs – small businesses pay for serving jobs on the site.

Writing posts for companies – Helping companies adjust posts to fit with the audience they’re targeting “consulting”

Strengths: Completely unique way of looking at the hiring process, targeting segments that are not well served by competitors, cost, better job seeker experience.

Weaknesses: Going against the grain and traditional thinking. Have to be serious while still being hip and fun. Starting from zero. Many competitors who have better funding. No established relationship with companies who need service.

Opportunity: Small and innovative approach. Low start-up cost. Looking at a niche that is untapped currently. Is the type of product that plays well on Web 2.0 type of audience could make marketing and customer loyalty easier.

Threat: Key players like LinkedIn are quick to add to their service when an upstart comes along. Funding. Not being taken seriously. Backlash from core audience (they can be fickle).