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Ok sisters,
Sooo……….. I am moving down here to the marina! Has everyone googled it yet?? Willow Grove Marina (.com) It is on beautiful Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee (and some parts in Kentucky – but I am on the Tenn side!)I will be working full time in the office and I am excited to get back to a more tradional type job (Kim, I am refraining from saying REAL job!) (just for you)
However, I am a very enterprising type person and lets face it – I like to shop so I like ALOT of money…. I need to capitolize on the fact that I will be living right here… in a location where we have 300 + boat slips ranging from fishing boats to pontoons, ski boats, cruisers (like mine), house boats, etc.
From Spring through the end of Fall, there are literally thousands of people who move through here! I need to come up with a specialty service to office and take advantage of the customers we will be seeing through out the season! The marina, of course, has a store that offers all types of things, including a pizza shop! I need to come up with a business (or a product) that would interest our customers… which is virtually anyone out on a hot day on the lake who stops in for gas, beer, food items, pizza, misc. etc.
Zgirl had a thought and Heidi backed her up that I should become a party planner….. not a bad thought – I am good at it but not sure that is the best route to go – when I can think of other items to offer that may move quickly!
For example, a hot dog stand (or any other convenient food they can purchase and take out on the water)
A beer and cigar “cart”….
I have been considering becoming a Silpada jewelery representative as well. (google – they are awesome) and could even set up my own booth around here if I wanted to. That is the beauty of Darren’s parents owning the place! I can make it whatever I want to make it – I just need it to be the best quality of (whatever) and the best service provided!!
I have even thought of a House boat cleaning service…. where I could go get their houseboats in tip top shape before they get there, etc.
So, many ideas are better than just mine and Zgirl’s… although I think we are on to something. I DO have a little capitol to get started in case I need to fork out some cash to get started. I understand the whole “it takes cash to make cash” and luckily, I have some to get us started! I just need to figure out what would be the best idea!! Any thoughts, opinions, or suggestions are welcome! I soooo appreicate you!!!
Love,
SL
How about a boat and lake party planner. Say they could contact you if it’s someone’s b-day and you could decorate the boat or a spot on the shore as a surprise when they get there.
When we used to go to the lake all the time, we enjoyed burger and fries from a small kitchen attached to the little store. That’s always nice.
How about selling decorative coolers. Then there’s no confusing your cooler with someone elses. Are you artistic?
Cool cups are also a necessity to keep those beers and sodas cold.
This sounds like so much fun. And you sound so happy. I love it for you.
Much love, Claire
Seek out local artists, potters, crafters, jewelry makers, etc and have them put their stuff on display on consignment (they get paid when it sells) You get one third. No inventory cost for you
Dear SL,
This is such a GREAT idea on your part! Never again to make your life JUST about a man? Unfortunately…I am stumped on the ideas front but the concept is fabulous. I guess you need to think about how big or small you want to start out and go from there.When I think about what is on offer in many holiday locations…local crafts, local food items,local souveneirs (sp?), local activities, and local entertainment all spring to mind? May I just suggest that you choose something related to something you love or are passionate about. Ventures are usually more sucessful if they are driven by passion instead of simply monetary gain. You DO sound happy and I am SO happy for you! Karen xx
JoAnn…you are incredible. The live entertainment is a great idea because people on vacation love to have a few drinks and tap their toe and dance..well I do. 😉 Karen xx
There’s a place at Lake Lanier called the Lantern Inn. It’s a southern buffet, and they have Elvis and Patsy Cline impersonators performing on Friday and Saturday nights. Sounds perfect for Tennessee. People can “drive” their boats over.
I love the live music idea. You can find local bands for pretty cheap. Josh’s band (bluegrass) played to a sold out crowd of 1500 saturday night and they were paid $400 bucks. (crazy – as the cover charge was $7 – plus all those people bought food and drinks!). They don’t care – they want to play.
The boat cleaning idea is a good one. If it were me I would “connect” these services for a finders fee. less work. Make your own brochure for things like baby/pet sitting, boat cleaning, pedicures, etc. You set up the appointments.
I really like your jewelry idea, vacationers like to browse and pick up something pretty (at least I do!)
And what do you grab when you hop on the boat for a day or weekend? We have no stores, so I pack dips, sandwiches, cheese and crackers, cookies etc.
You could sell party packs to go, use all high quality pre-made stuff so it is less work for you. Just keep inventory. The sandwiches would be tricky. I could find you some really good Wisconsin cheese for decent prices!fun fun fun!
A ‘snack pack’ service do they don’t have to bring their own food. Pack up the snacks, food, drinks all in a one of those styrofoam coolers.
I think the hot dog stand is a great idea, hot dogs and the lake just go together. Plus you’d sell a lot of them and the overhead cost would be low. Adults and kids love them.
Whatever ideas you choose, keep it simple.
How about “Arrive and ride” service: cleaned boat, fresh fluffy towels, and a ‘snack pack’. Then have the hot dog stand on the dock. There you go.
So many good ideas! SOS does it all! SL, I’m going for a run, and that’s when I think the best. Hopefully, I’ll report back later! xoxo!!
(ps, maybe at some point we could all start a business together…I bet there’s some good we could do out there. Just sayin!!)
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