Unaddressed Business Opportunities?

Aging has its distractions. Here are a few:

·        Leaning down to read lower shelf labels, titles

·        Adjusting audio controls; focusing eyesight on tiny labels, symbols

·        Stooping to check cable connections, rearrange cables

·        Understanding electronic advancements, using them

·        More; much more!

I have experienced each of these. How else would I know them to list? So, what does this tell me about an unaddressed business opportunity? Read on.

Frustrated with my cable TV set up, wi-fi services and sound system adjustments, I finally went into Best Buy a couple of times and shared my needs. The point was to learn if anyone would come to my home and suggest improvements, adjustments and upgrades that make economic sense. The best they could do was sign me up to the Geek Squad. We did for $150; this allowed unlimited visits for $50 each to help us. We used them once in the first year so that visit cost $200. Renewal of Geek Squad was another $100 (I think) plus $50 per visit during that 12-month period. So we dropped them.

OK, Geek Squad is good and helped us out, but it is not cheap. I think there is room for competitive advantage here. That is business opportunity one.

The second business opportunity is more direct: a service to help senior citizens cut the cable TV cord with good streaming, recording and access to free TV programming. My wi-fi connection is part of my cable service now; how do I get strong wi-fi connection without using a cable company? The business opportunity would advise clients on alternatives and cost options, then help to implement the changes. A fee would be charged. Savings would pay for the fee from a few months of cable-free service! This business requires knowledgeable techies and young ones able to crawl around on the floor to reach cables, equipment, and such. They will also need patience to arrange return of cable equipment and installation of new items as needed.

A third business opportunity is broker cable services for the client. Everyone knows cable companies provide low introductory cable rates to new customers. Then 12 months later the rates rise at least 8%, maybe more. And annually thereafter. Customers can negotiate for a lower rate so the cable company can ‘retain’ customers. However, they make this a contest of time and patience. Rather, why not let someone else simply handle this onerous job and actually get the properly sized service package at a sustainable, affordable rate? In truth, why don't cable companies do this from the start? Oh, never mind; that's me being logical.

The fourth business opportunity is a large one. It will require an army of electronic engineers and software developers. It is simply this: Wireless home electronics. Everything communicates with a hub unit for TV, cable, DVR, CD player, audio system, surround sound, computers, Wi-Fi service, phones and all the rest. Appliances too? The mass of cords are horrendous. The dust and cobwebs are hideous. Changing any of them is beyond a hassle. Simply eliminate the cords and have each unit communicate with others as needed. 

Then invent a master remote control that works, easy to understand, and flexible. Perhaps voice activated? Business opportunity five?

March 1, 2021