Service Based Muses

[geekbehindthecurtain]

My industry background is a mixed bag of high geekery, marketing, performing arts, supplemental nutrition and real estate. I'm stumped trying to think of something to sell in these niches, but I can blaze up a bazillion ideas on how to make their lives easier with online services. I was curious if anyone has had success with an automated subscription service based muse. Specifically something along the lines of software as a service, Basecamp from 37signals is a prime example of the model I'd like to follow.

[Susanna]

I don't know what Basecamp is, sorry, but I think you could do a service if you had a good coder. Look into membership websites as well. There's loads of info on the web about all that. Just be careful that the service is AUTOMATED, meaning the client buys and you do not need to be present. So, it could be an online software program, or an online tutorial with lessons sent out daily/weekly/monthly, or perhaps an info-based website with members-only access requiring a small monthly fee.

I once heard of a guy who has figured out how to capture energy and send it BACK to the power company through his home wiring, thus creating a deficit and causing the power company to owe him money. He writes an online e-newsletter and charges $1000/mo for a subscription. How is that for bizarre?

Then again, maybe you have a creative solution for a nagging problem someone has and can't solve, like the guy who spent a couple of months trying to keep squirrels out of his bird feeders, got a method down pat, and then wrote an ebook about it, posting it on the web for $7/copy. He made a million dollars in under a week. Apparently, this was a very common problem.

Good Luck,
Susanna

[geekbehindthecurtain]

Fascinating about the squirrels. Where I grew up, we really didn't care if they got in the bird feeders. It's always so amazing to see where you've been will lead you where you go. The $1k newsletter is a bit surreal. I guess it's true, there's a market for anything at any price.

The service I'm considering will be completely automated, self-contained and very much hands off. The CS operations will be outsourced as well as extra development after the initial build. I'm a bit cash strapped else I'd farm out the initial development. Thankfully I've got the coding kung-fu to pull it off. The research and testing were done last year. Before I could finish it then, I got hit with the "reality" bus and went moping back into moderate complacency with a semi-crappy day job.

Thanks for your perspective on this. I was afraid what I was considering would be met with, "You're bat-s#&$ crazy!".

[Susanna]

Lol...I think we all have that fear. I seem to be an excellent muse cheerleader. Perhaps I have a new profession here.

Yes, I recently went moping back to 9-5 in a roach infested money churning office as well and am working on the courage to do something DIFFERENT. I tried being a bodyworker but found the hours almost as grueling as a desk job. Back to square one, but with a LOT more knowledge.

It sounds like your service is a go, let us know when it's up and running. Can't wait to see your success!

[jonparker83]

I was curious if anyone has had success with an automated subscription service based muse

Well I don't have experience with subscription based revenue model but a website of mine is pay-as-you-use

It's a ticket site where promoters can add their even tickets for sale.

For each ticket that is sold, they are charged a small fee which is payable by them before they can download their guestlist.

This is all totally automated (apart from the customer service but looking to improve the automation of that too soon)

Give me a shout if you think I may know anything of use to you

Cheers

Jon :)