Kim's BizBlog

In case you don't know, my team and I have been working on a web series called Project Peekaboo for the past two years.  The first series finally launced over the summer. 

I love the production process.  I have a degree in Broadcast Journalism.  But, this task has been difficult.  Being on camera as a business owner feels weird and narcissistic.  But, more than anything, the extra work that producing this series entails is overwhelming.  On top of my day-to-day business, I now have to act as writer, producer and production asssistant arranging every detail of each series.  I'm lucky to have the assistance of a great team and production company, Crew Media.  And, my duties won't be permanant, but it's true for now.  So why are we doing this?  Because it's necessary to survive, that's why.  As much work as it's adding to my plate, I know it's the right move based on the market.

For years I brokered air for television networks.  I would never sell any other form of ad space because I believe in TV.  I believe in the power of signt, sound and motion to create emotion and evoke a sale.  It works.  If you can pinpoint your target audience with little waste, I think it's the most efficient form of advertising you can purchse.

Problem?  Because of the nature of my business, the medium is not the most efficient form of advertising for Peekaboo Design Group.

Solution?  Anyone can now harness the power of TV (to steal a catch phrase from GE) due to the internet.  And, that's just what we're doing.  The intent is to show our audience exactly how we've defined the new concept of baby planning using our signature service of the surprise baby nursery as a feature.  The result we want is to add value to our service so that potential clients feel comfortable with our team and our processes making us the first ones they think of calling when they find out they're expecting baby. 

If you have a business or you're thinking of starting a business, you must be thinking in moving pictures, that's video friends!  Online video in business has gained momentum in the last few years but, I predict, it's about to sky rocket.   You don't have to produce a full-blown web series as we've done.  Perhaps just a simple welcome video or vignettes outlining your most popular products/services.  How-to's are also extremely popular.

I'm calling the web series appraoch, alternative online marketing.  Alternative programming is a term used by networks to define reality programming.  We're just bringing that to the web and putting a business spin on it.  This method of reaching your target market through online entertainment has now sparked interest in the business community.  We're now packaging the idea so that we can help other small business owners.  If you'd like to learn more for your company, please e-mail us at:  alternativemarketing@projectpeekaboo.com.

The day that we've been working towards for almost two years on is now here!  It will be a soft launch, but the first episode in our very first Project Peekaboo web reality series, will be published today.

That's another thing I've learned in my business.  If you think it will take a month, go ahead and give yourself three.  If you think it will take a year, give yourself two!  Things always seem to take longer, but I digress.

I have to give a huge shout out to the people who put in tireless hours working on this project and who really did a nice job in tolerating my endless quests, input and nit picking! (in alphabetical order) Bruce, Becky, Evan, Heather, Jim, Jimmy, Paige, Renee, Samantha and especially, Scott.  The entire team would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors who will be listed, linked and tweeted on all things Project Peekaboo, so please go support them! 

It's now 3am and I probably won't be able to sleep.  Any feedback on this project, would be greatly appreciated.

Now, on to the next, guys!  Nice job.

See a few pics from one of our tapings on Facebook here.

Keep watching!

Recently I caught an old Seinfeld episode that featured Babu, the struggling restaurateur.

The image that struck me was Babu standing in front of his restaurant with a little sign and a big smile...just hoping one person would come in and enjoy his cuisine.  His entire demeanor reeked of pitiful desperation.

I have to believe that this image has to strike a different feeling in a person who's started their own business than it does in someone who has not.  I have seen this episode probably 10 times in the past, but now, after struggling with my own business, it almost brought tears to my eyes.  I have been Babu.  Hell, I am Babu!! 

Could it be that no matter how successful your business becomes, there is always a little Babu in you?  Does Steve Jobs still feel like Babu, holding a little sign, smiling friendly and desperate for people to buy the new iPad? Given the time and money put into creating the thing...he probably does!  It's just at a different level.

If there's one thing I've learned, and am kind of still learning, it's that you always hope for the best and expect the worst.  I can't tell you how many times I've overbought inventory or over printed brochures because I just knew people would be lined up...beating down the doors to get what I had to offer.  It's never happened.  Not yet, anyhow. 

I've said it about a new concept, but it's probably true for any new business, sometimes marketing a business feels like being a mute person speaking to a blind crowd.  I just can't seem to get the point across.

Last year, I'd had it.  I saw other businesses like mine pop up and almost as quickly go under.  I knew exactly why and was determined not to follow suit. 

This year, I'm going all out with, what I think, is a revolutionary new marketing concept.  If I do say so myself.  The thing about revolutionary new marketing concepts is that I'm now finding myself marketing my ingenius new marketing!  Hello again, Babu.

Please note the thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are based on the experiences of the author.  The information contained in this blog is in no way meant to take the place of professional advice.  It is only meant as insight into the world of a small business owner.   As always, thank you for visiting and feel free to share your own experiences or conerns by leaving a comment