VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

They didn't even get their doors open.

Frank F · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 1:55 pm Post subject:

Too bad, so sad... I am sorry, I don't mean to sound "that way", but it does not surprise me....

F2
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Yoda117 · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 1:57 pm Post subject:

...we hardly knew ye
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SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 1:58 pm Post subject:

Well, at least they had the integrity to close it down rather than do a shoddy job.
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Why the tone, Frank? My dealings with Ryan were rather productive. He was very responsive to suggestions and the site seemed almost finished. To me, this is rather odd.

bobsouer · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 2:19 pm Post subject:

I'm sorry to see what might have been another avenue for work go away, but I agree with Elaine. Better to close now than do a shoddy job for a while and close down anyway.

Dan, like you, all of my interaction with Ryan was very pleasant. I wish him well.
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allensco · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject:

I have talked with Ryan a few times as well Dan-O. I thought he was doing well with it and I was looking forward to having another avenue to get some work.

I did notice a couple days ago that the Feb 07 open date had been shifted back a month to March 07.

Frank F · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 3:33 pm Post subject:

Not negative - per se, it's just that there are sooooooooo many sites trying to do the same thing. I would rather see one shut down, than "do a shoddy job".

Some people are honest with themselves, and to that extent - I salute Ryan. Other are not honest in their dealings and continue on - without realizing how much they hurt the market.

I have seen so many things like the VO Marketplaces come and go. It does not surprise me when one stops.

If I may be so bold as to quote Al Ries and Jack Trout, 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, "The Law of Category: If you can't be first in a category, set up a new category you can be first in".

There are more than 120 online talent marketplaces, Ryan's choice - for him, was the right one. If he wanted to continue, Ryan should create a new category of Online Talent Marketplaces - one which acts similar to terrestrial companies... this would be a new unique category and Ryan would have been "first"; thereby garnering the 'lions share' of the marketplace in this category.

Toodles

Frank F
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audio'connell · Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:10 am Post subject:

Frank F · Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:45 am Post subject:

Peter, et al:

There is tons of information about 'intentions' in the world, but the one thing many fail to realize about their dream, is that one needs to investigate and research the market for your products or services.

A great business model or plan is only as good as the research that went into it. When I speak about 'branding' (and of course, LoveNotes), one major point is 'differentiation'. What makes your product or services unique when compared to your competition?

Being better is not the answer.

I believe you when speaking about Ryan, However, the work to brand his product and his standing in the category was already determined prior to his inception. Had there been something he offered that made him stand-out in the VO "cattle-call' industry - he would have been successful.

His image was tainted by the poor representation of the concept prior to his beginnings. Ryan or anyone interested in starting an online VO marketplace would need to re-educate people about the business, and create strong relationships with clients and talent alike. This takes time to produce results and time to create the passion about the particular version of the product or service.

Most businesses fail within the first year because of the lack of planning and research into the needs and desires of the customer. I am sorry to hear of Ryan's demise, but also need to point out that business is a very demanding mistress which needs lots of 'care' to be satisfied.

Toodles

Frank F
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