Back in September
I mentioned that I had received a number
of inquiries from people wanting to purchase
kitsets for the jet engines I've
been building.
Since then, I've received what amounts to 30 orders for these engines which
represents a value of NZ$20,000 -- not a small sum.
Inquiries have come in from the USA, Canada, Scandinavia, Australia and many
other parts of the world -- with people keen to use the engines for microlight
aircraft, hang-gliders, boats, gokarts and just for fun.
So, I figure I've now reached the critical mass where it has finally become
a viable business -- but more R&D is required to continue improving the
design of the engines and launching the venture on a commercial basis will
require some hard cash. So, I've decided to try out the government's grants
scheme and see whether this enterprising venture qualifies for funding.
I doubt much will happen before the new year but I will now start a diary
and keep readers advised as to the amount of time spent applying for the
relevant funding. It's time to see if these programmes work as advertised.
Although not strictly a "new economy" operation, it is a business which relies
on good ideas and effective use of the Internet as a marketing tool and should
qualify for at least one of the government's schemes, thus making
it worthy of mention here.
For example, it wasn't hard to ensure that I got top ranking on Google for the
search term
pulse-jet engine" and a good position
on Yahoo's search for the term
homebuilt jet engine.
As well as monitoring the progress of the applications for government funding
I'll also test a number of new online marketing ideas I've had in recent weeks
and document in this column, their effectiveness in relation to traffic on
the jet engine site and sales generated.
Awards Time
Yes, it's time for Aardvark's infamous annual readers'-choice
awards.
Given that almost every Net-related publication runs annual awards these
days, I'm looking for ideas as to how I can make the Aardvark Awards even
more distinctive and worthwhile.
I'm completely open to suggestion on this one. Tell me what needs to be done
to make the Aardvark Awards the very best on the Web.
Get in quick, I'd like to start soliciting nominations and votes from Monday
of next week.
Aardvark Weekly, Have You Got Yours?
The next issue of Aardvark Weekly (Issue 2) is due out Friday evening.
If you want to subscribe, just
drop me a note and I'll put you on the list.
As always, your feedback is welcomed and...
Did you tell someone else about this website today? If not then do it
now!
