Entrepreneur People Real Stories

#157 Ken Price of Shop, Watch, Buy part two

In this second half of the interview with Ken Price, we continue the conversation about the use of video as a means of promoting and selling products. Ken offers several useful tips on how to create video and some resources and services for video production.

(02:00) What are some options to consider to make easy and inexpensive videos?

(04:17) Is there a magic length for videos that promote a product or service? Explain some of the strategies to consider in producing the video.

(10:35) Loading video, adding text, etc. talk to this point in placing video for sites to find on Shop, Watch, Buy and elsewhere.

(11:40) Can you recommend some sites that help with production of video?

(14:18) How do you use social media for your business?

(18:00) What kind of marketing works for you to promote Shop, Watch Buy?

(20:34) What have you learned about yourself from running a business?

(24:24) Share a success story that sticks out in your mind.

(26:03) What keeps you going?

 

#156 Ken Price of Shop, Watch, Buy part one

I was extremely excited (perhaps even a little over-giddy) to talk with Ken Price of Shop, Watch, Buy because he is a wonderful storyteller and offered up loads of useful information about his own entrepreneurial journey. He talked about outsourcing, technology and ideas, and the use of video as a sales tool. This is a great conversation to get you thinking about how to use video for your own business.

(01:24) Explain what Shop, Watch, Buy is all about.

(03:46) Video is exploding for use in business?

(05:00) How do they find you?

(05:17) What is your background that led to creating Shop, Watch, Buy?

(10:14) When did you officially launch? Beta time?

(11:34) What is the process of setting up as a seller and the shopper on Shop, Watch, Buy?

(15:40) Can people leave comments on the video and/or the product?

(17:49) Provide an example of a product that has a particularly memorable video? What makes them memorable?

(19:31) What products lend themselves best to being featured on video?

#155 David Meadows of United States Center for Entrepreneurship

David Meadows is the founder of several companies over the past twenty years including the successful on-line printing service Mimeo. In this interview he talks about his passion to help others successfully launch and build their own business through the on-line course offerings of United States Center for Entrepreneurship. David is a wonderful storyteller who convey's many useful ideas through the experiences and insights he shares from his background of experience.  

(01:28) Please explain the purpose behind United States Center for Entrepreneurship.

(02:52) So you have classes for those who are interested in starting a business but do you have classes for those already in business?

(06:02) How are the classes structured?

(08:38) You’ve been an entrepreneur for quite a while. How did you get the inspiration to be an entrepreneur? Also, share the businesses you’ve created prior to United States Center for Entrepreneurship.

(16:12) How do you differentiate your classes from those that are offered to businesses locally or elsewhere on line?

(19:08) What qualities make for a good entrepreneur?

(20:24) Is it really important to do your due diligence and research?

(22:32) Do you see an opportunity for small business in this current economy that is in recovery from a huge recession?

(25:14) Freelancers are businesses, too. Do they need some of the same tools of other small business owners?

(28:32) What types of marketing do you like and work well for your ventures, especially including United States Center for Entrepreneurship?

(31:12) Where they can find out more about United States Center for Entrepreneurship?

(31:35) Have you had fun being an entrepreneur?

 

#154 Chad Kovac of K Ink Tattoo and Piercing

He is mad about them now but ask Chad Kovac how he felt about tattoos in the past and you'd be surprised by the answer. Learn how this business owner has turned around his opinion and started a successful venture bringing tattoos and piercing to customers at K Ink Tattoo.

(01:40) Provide a brief overview of what you do at K Inc Tattoo and Piercing. I like say, “Describe your business as if you’re explaining it to your mother.”

(02:42) It seems like when people get one tattoo they are usually “hooked” and ready to get more. Is this what you’re finding at K Ink?

(03:38) I have this image of the tattoo parlor as this dark, incense burning, guy with shades type of establishment. Do people have that impression when they come to K Ink initially?

(04:46) Describe your shop’s atmosphere and location.

(06:05) Where can people find you on the web?

(06:45) Tell us about your background and what led you to start a tattoo business.

(09:44) What do you think compels people to get a tattoo and then usually to get more?

(11:36) Why do you think people like to get the piercing?

(12:45) Your website explains that you have certifications in blood pathogen and first aid, and you also provide information about Iowa laws and minors and consent. Speak to these areas a bit.

(16:22) You’re working your business with someone who has been in the business awhile. What is his background?

(17:17) Do people who do tattoos consider themselves to be artists? Are they doing this work freehand as a rule?

(18:40) How long does the average tattoo take to apply?

(19:45) There is pain involved right? Does it depend where you get the tattoo placed?

(20:43) What should people consider when selecting a tattoo shop?

(21:57) What types of marketing have worked best for you?

(23:24) What do you like about owning your own business?

(24:29) What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself in the process of owning a business?

(26:58) You have late hours and lots of weekend hours available. Is this important for your customers?

(27:40) What drives you? What is your passion for being an entrepreneur?

 

Thanks for listening!

 

Actualized April Entrepreneurs 2010

Actual as per Webseters, “Existing in act and not merely potentially.” Don’t know if I’m thinking about the word actual because I’m finally getting the EPRS lineup written or more likely thinking about the people interviewed for this month. Here are people who had a vision and actualized it into reality. Enjoy the inspiration and the resources each provides.

 

April 6

Chad Kovac of K Ink Tattoo

The booming business of tattoo art and what it takes to achieve a successful business is the topic of this interview with Cad Kovac owner of the Ankeny, Iowa based shop called K Ink Tattoo. Chad has several years of successful small business ownership under his belt and found a new passion for tattoos in his second venture. It makes for an interesting story of how he went from one thought to an opposite thought, and a business that caters to a wide variety of people seeking a safe and skilled place to receive a tattoo.

 

April 13

David Meadows of United States Center for Entrepreneurism

There are those of us who leap and learn and others who like to know where they're headed before they launch their business. Either way, United States Center for Entrepreneurship has on-line resources that can help you with an ACTIONABLE plan. In this interview, founder David Meadows, who has been an entrepreneur for more than 20 years, explains how USCFE helps make the reality of entrepreneurism accessible to everyone with affordable, plan-based training provided by experts to navigate individuals hands-on into their own venture. David provided a very gracious and inspiring interview you’ll enjoy.

 

April 20

Ken Price of Shop Watch Buy pt. one

Look on the about page of Shop Watch Buy and the quick explanation is that this portal helps sellers and buyers enjoy an experience akin to what would happen if QVC and Ebay meet up with Youtube. Indeed. Go out and take a look and you’ll find many sellers offering compelling information about their products, the features and benefits all via engaging video. Ken was so interesting with much information about not only his business but video in general that I asked for more of his time than usual. I’ve sectioned this interview into the first part which starts to explain the power of Shop Watch Buy and Ken’s interesting background story. The man knows his stuff. Enjoy.

 

April 27

Ken Price of Shop Watch Buy pt. two

Even I know that most businesses, especially small ones, are not even beginning to tap into the power of video to offer their products and services. In this second part of the interview with Ken Price of Shop Watch Buy he goes on to explain how video can be used in business and several resources for even the smallest of budgets to consider in creating their own video. For the customer, you already know that you like to know a lot about what you buy and on-demand video is becoming the preferred way to do your research before you buy.