roetzhei@sdsu.UUCP (William Roetzheim) (08/23/88)
I have written an IBM-PC based project management program specifically designed to manage software development projects. The program implements the theories described in my book "Structured Computer Project Management" (Prentice-Hall, 1988). The program is significantly different (fact) and better (opinion) than existing project management software, and includes features such as financial modeling of the project (predicted cash flow, return on investment, etc.), risk analysis and modeling, software specific cost estimating and design to cost, etc. I am satisfied that the software itself and the user manual to go with it are both well written. Now my problem. Everyone tells me that to market this software will require something like $500,000 up front for publicity. I don't have this kind of money and don't have a line of venture capitalists beating a path to my door. Isn't it possible to bootstrap myself. By this I mean, get some free publicity, sell some software, use the procedes to pay for some more publicity to sell more software to . . .? Has anyone out there had any luck doing this? Any suggestions? Any ideas how to get free publicity (alright, I suppose this posting could be called free publicity 8-) 8-) ). Should I use part of my very limited personal resources to send copies of the software to columnists/magazines who are likely to simply throw it away? Any suggestions would be appreciated. William H. Roetzheim 3891 American Avenue La Mesa, CA 92041
gillies@p.cs.uiuc.edu (08/26/88)
Be resourceful. Buy some books on entrepreneurship and READ THEM.
Here are my obvious thoughts at the moment.
(1) Try to market it to a local computer store. Offer an incredible
guarantee (like money back if not satisfied). Start with a low
price -- you can raise it later.
(2) Release some crippleware on BBS's to generate interest. Ask
for comments.
(3) Take out one or two ads in a big magazine (PC, BYTE)
(4) Or throw up your hands and attempt to sell the rights to a
software publisher. You can approach a company that makes
something your software would obsolete, or you could approach
a company that is trying to amass a wide range of software
products at this moment (e.g. Symantec for Mac's), or trying
to enter the market you address.
(5) Try to place some copies with people at Magazines. It's unlikely
to get reviewed unless it already has a reputation. If you CAN
get a magazine review, and the product is good, then I'd guess
you'd have it 'made in the shade'.