business idea and dont know what to do

pete428

I have a business idea that I would like push, but I dont know how to make contact with the people to explain it.

My target customers would be the emergency services ie, psni, nifrs, and ni ambulance service. Its a product that I know is great and would be of great benefit to the emergency services. I'm afraid to email as I would imagine they would think its spam, or a scam. To call up direct is too much of a cold call and prob wouldn't be given the chance to explain, and to post a letter out, would it actually get to the right person or thrown in the bin.
what do you think would be the best way to touch base so I could explain and offer to demonstrate the product.

ohreally

I would suspect you will need to be listed on a preferred contractors/ suppliers list before getting anywhere. Not sure how this would be implemented in NI, sorry.

rs65

Try the Central Procurement Directorate

http://www.dfpni.gov.uk/index/procurement-2/cpd/cpd-suppliers.htm

pete428

I have the product and the equipment to carry out the job along with transport to travel to each location no bother, so its not someone to help finance the idea koss, thanks though.

ohreally, I have been checking it out and your right (at least with nifrs) they have a list contractors on there website and look for people to tender for when they are looking work done. But I am 99% certain that they do not use the product I am offering, tbh I doubt if they have ever thought of it, or heard of it. Thats why I feel I only have one shot of offering this without it getting dismissed. So I want to give myself the best possible chance of at least meeting the right person face to face and showing them the product.

ohreally

Don't you no any members of staff who could point in the right direction?

pete428

I do know a guy that could (I hope) help me, it would be a case of seeing him at the right time in the right place. My plan would be to chat with him, and even demonstrate the product to him, but then it would be a case of how bothered would he be in asking further up the line.

agrinnall

I would suggest that you need to get your product/service evaluated by one service in one location, that way you'll be able to demonstrate its effectiveness to other potential users in the future. Perhaps pick one service local to you and put your efforts into finding the right person in that organisation to speak to. If you can get your foot in the door then it would hopefully be easier to get the next opportunity.

Or apply to go on Dragon's Den!

getmore4less

First think how you protect your idea from competition.

Probably worth doing a business plan so you can pitch the pricing right to actually make money.

If it also involves people how does it scale is successful.

If it is something that once one area takes it up the others will follow focus on the first take up once they show interest.

Transformers

This is a great event but you've missed out for this year:

http://www.securityandpolicing.co.uk

paddyrg

I'd go to your local fire station and see if you can get some honest responses on the ground. If they're interested, they'll make introductions for you and you can go with some references. It's a slower build, but it's a chance to make sure your pitch is nicely tuned as you work your way up the tree.

pete428

thanks for your replies. I have had this idea for about a year, I've thought long and hard about it, weighed up the pro's and cons, and really cannot fault it, i may be looking through rose tinted glasses about it. its cheap, provides an element of safety, and can potentially save money. I do know a guy at my local fire station who I plan to ask but I have a question mark over putting this onto a fire engine without proper permission, but I would put in onto his car and he could decided whether its good or bad. At the same time I don't want to go and seem like a plonker in front of him, maybe its more of a confidence issue with myself thats holding me back..