I have two business ideas and need honest feedback on both of them. The first idea is a wedding proposal planner and the second one is a nonalcoholic drink line (mocktails). Crystal light just came out with a powdered form of mocktails so not sure if that should weigh in on my decision to continue with idea. Please let me know what you think.

This is one (rare) time that I would disagree with Bizresearcher.

Starting a new line of almost anything that already has a big name player is pretty well doomed from the start. "Mocktails" are already being done by the big names. Tyring to sell onsies twosies like Bizresearcher suggests is a waste of time, money and energy.

I wasn't quite sure what you meant by "wedding proposal planner". You mean you would plan the actual proposals? Like sky writing a proposal? If that's what you mean then I would say AWESOME idea. Go for it! A regular ole wedding planner? Eh, not so much. They are a dime a dozen.

Sylvia
http://businessplanmentor.com
Business plan and start up resources

I think that both ideas are interesting. I especially like the name "mocktails".

However I must agree that if you were to launch a nonalcoholic drinkline you would be met with big competiton and some higher barriers to entry. If you think you have a strong enough product line and the resources to manufacture, distribute, and advertise your product then I would say go with your gut instinct but know that it is a riskier business move.

The wedding proposal planner is a genuinely unique idea that could be quite profitable and successful. It kind of reminds me of the movie Hitch (you should watch it sometime if you havent already). BizResearcher makes a good point about needing to be in a metropolitan area to have steady business. A few ideas came to my mind when I thought of what a wedding proposal business might be like or what I would look for in a wedding proposal business.

Would the wedding proposal business be ran out of your home or would you rent an office? And would it be just you or would you hire a few employees to help your operations? I think it might be a good idea to rent a small office in which you could consult with your clients because I think that it establishes a professional and credible image. In order to be a successful wedding proposal planner you have to be the type of person to go out of your way to make sure every aspect of the clients vision is executed to a tee. I would assume you have a lot of connections that could provide you with unique venues, services, and opportunities to plan the perfect proposal.

The wedding proposal planner business would definitely be fueled by work of mouth. For this reason be sure to give your clients reasons to talk about you and the service you provide. Offer something special that no one else offers and leave them with something tangible that they could pass on to their friends. This could be as simple as a unique business card or as extravagant as a presentation folder/portfolio to show off your capabilities. If your not familiar with how presentation folders/portfolios can help you market your company check out this article http://www.companyfolders.com/blog/6-advantages-of-corporate-presentation-folders.

Sorry for the long reply but your idea has me so excited I wish I could help you execute it!

Best wishes and good luck!