14 years
I appreciate every bit of this, I really do. The effort you’ve made to write all this clearly took time as well as thought. I understand your writing, but I must say, without understanding each and every step of my plan, you cant really judge it, not knowing exactly what the plan is. I mean that with all respect too. Obviously by only reading about something on an internet forum, you cant make any real accurate judgements on whether this would work or not. I think on the outside, way outside the square. I don’t believe in following guidelines as they only lead you down a path that others have already travelled. Nothing new, and fresh, will come out of doing what others have done. I do however believe in learning from others mistakes, and taking all advice they have to offer, on what I don’t know, or could know more of. I do have businesss skill, and am not just an ideas guy. I could use more experience, for sure. But no reason I wouldn’t succeed just because I haven’t done it before. Just all the better chance of succeeding, with more experience. But even without a biz background in terms of running my own business, I believe in surrounding the project, with people skilled in different areas, to have an incredibly diverse approach to a project like this. So for all you’ve written, I thank you. But, considering you’ve sorta torn up my hostel proposal, (with good reason lol as for someone who cant discuss this with me, you can see holes in briefly presented through 4 paragraphs) but id like to defend a few ideas……
As for the volunteering goes, and how they aren’t big on partying…well that may be true, but this type of volunteer is different, this is volunteering and getting something in return for it. Basically, working while on vacation, and being rewarded. And this wouldn’t be typical ‘volunteer’ work. The ‘work’, would be more of an experience, something you wouldn’t want to miss out on. An oppurtunity to expand your own knowledge of whats going on in the world, meet some great people, and do something fun with your time. Explore the city more. The concept is not simply to help people, but to add flavour to a journey to each person participating, AND getting something in return. So this type of volunteer, isn’t your typical volunteer, and I believe, would be your typical backpacker, many of which, enjoy partying (and saving some cash too)
As for the beds…The 3 euro bed (maybe 6 euro not sure) I hear you loud and clear. Problems can, and would, arise. But to all problems there are solutions. No way I, as a businessman, go into ANYTHING, without FULL consideration into the consequences! I get your term ‘cannibalism’ too. But these beds aren’t really meant to bring in money. Its more of an idea to offer more options. I want to fit hundreds into a hostel, but simply hundreds cant always fit in an average sized hostel. A brief insight on it, only offering the beds to those who participate in the help program. Im counting on this hostel, to be booked full ALL (see below) times of the year. So I need the room…this cheap bed idea, the layout that is, is absolute genious and I can guarantee this hasn’t been done the way I intend on doing it. …No homeless though haha……though id defiantly be inclined to help them…..
As for full hostels year around which I mentioned above and people are like dude youre out of your mind. Yes I know there is a natural period of the year when hostels aren’t as full, sometimes empty, depending on your location. BUT, I have different ideas. As I said Im promoting youth travel, not just running a hostel. And through my gameplan, I will fill these hostels, all times of the year, doing something that again, is different.
What is my main product? The beds yes of course They will be full. They will bring in money. The bar/club will be bumping and bring in money. The tours will be par with the best (with a different angle of course to try to trump the best ) There are other ways to make money that I have thought up, but I would obvioulsy not reveal any of these other ways, on a hostel forum board, to people whom may be great people, but strangers, competition, none the less.
As for advertising….well the fact that this hostel will kick ass will help! Haha I know a little stupid but I am serious. First couple years basic advertising will have to do, but being a top notch hostel, and doing things that simply hasn’t been done, will make news. I have been to many a place, and have contacts around the world. Contacts, friends that is, who I have inspired, and will do what it takes to spread things. I will utilize these people around the world, to help any way they can. And the BIG ONE, I have one other idea that would change the way travellers plan their days in a foreign city…..no way I can let this slide though as it’s a real trump card.
And as far as my quote ‘’one reason these ideas will succeed as they are fresh and haven’t been tried’’, you mentioned how completely and utterly untrue that was. You are right, many people, most that is, fail with this motto. But in others, the fresh and untried, has pushed something over the top. I don’t intend on doing anything minor, and opening up a 90% hostel on hostelworld.com that rakes in money is not my interest. Certainly a worthy and triumphant goal, but no where close to where I want to be by the end. If Im to achieve anything like this, these fresh ideas are essential.
Thanks again for all your feedback, I will defiently take what youve presented and think it over. Anything else from anyone would be much appreciated. too.
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