We have developed a capability that should be of great interest to
diplomats who are assigned to work outside their countries for
extended periods. An example would be consular or embassy officers
and UN delegates.
There must be companies that specialize in servicing diplomatic
communities, especially in Washington or New York (NY preferred). The
product is a new technology that allows users to view all their
home-town TV channels in real-time, from anywhere in the world.
Obviously, this capability is of interest to diplomats, expatriates
and their families.
The product is very easy to demonstrate ("seeing is believing"), so
technical skills are of less importance than substantiatable access to
these communitires. This is a "market" we don't know, and which
requires a specialized demeanor and experience set to reach. Who or
what could do this for us? |
Request for Question Clarification by
thx1138-ga
on
03 Jan 2005 11:53 PST
Hello tv2-ga and thank you for your question.
With 4 million americans working overseas, I would have thought your
best market target would be the ex pat communities in these countries.
See:
"Approximately four million Americans work abroad, particularly for
midsize and large U.S. firms, and 45 percent of those firms plan to
increase the number of workers assigned overseas"
They also tend to be in the upper earning brackets:
"The biggest plus, they say, is that qualified taxpayers can exclude
the first $80,000 of foreign-earned income from federal taxes. A
working couple could exclude up to $160,000 if they carefully
apportion taxable employee benefits. If they work in a low-tax
country, as is the United Arab Emirates, the tax savings alone can be
tremendous"
http://www.fpanet.org/journal/media/Press_Releases/pr1104.cfm
I live ouside of the US, and the US ex pat community here is very
strong with their own website, newsletter, regular social events etc.
I would suggest a list of contacts for these ex pat communities is
probably what you would need. Afterall, you would be able to do your
own marketing and cut out any "middle man"
Best regards
THX1138
|
Clarification of Question by
tv2-ga
on
03 Jan 2005 12:41 PST
You've given an astute and compelling answer to a question I hadn't asked :))
You're so right... we believe the market for hometown TV is expats,
frequent business travelers, emigres, sports/rock tour stars -- and
diplomats.
In that we're located a few blocks from the UN Building, imagine how
remiss we feel every day looking out the window and realizing we
haven't the foggiest idea of how to reach the diplomatic community:
thus that particular emphasis --the need stems from self-esteem as
much as opportune marketing :)) That is one reason we need to get
the diplomatic thing out of the way first before moving into other
target markets. We'll be coming back to you for assistance in
compiling a fuller list of expat newsltters/websites/groups --
American or other -- than we already have.
MANY thanks!
|
Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
03 Jan 2005 12:56 PST
tv2-ga,
In my hometown of Washington DC, there is a magazine called Washington
Diplomat that is distributed in the classier hotels in town. They are
on the web at:
http://washingtondiplomat.com/
You might be able to use them in a few ways:
--place an ad in their magazine
--try to convince them to write an article on your services
--take note of other groups that reach out to the diplomats, and try
and get into a joint-communication set-up with them. For instance,
this company specializes in insurance to diplomats and ex-pats:
http://www.clements.com/index.asp?name=afsa_fsj
and may have a network in place that they would be willing to put to
use for you, if you can work out the right deal.
Give me some feedback on these thoughts. If they seem promising, I'll
see if I can drum up some similar links.
pafalafa-ga
|
Request for Question Clarification by
thx1138-ga
on
04 Jan 2005 07:00 PST
Hello again tv2-ga
I've been kicking around your problem for most of the morning and I
think that as US diplomats and foreign service workers are employed by
the State Department, it might be worthwhile finding out how the State
Department buys the equipment for its staff.
"Guide to Doing Business With the Department of State (November 2004)"
Lists useful information concerning the Department's procurement
opportunities, points of contact, subcontracting opportunities, etc.
http://www.state.gov/m/a/sdbu/pubs/c13313.htm
Specifically see:
"Section 06: Doing Business With U.S. Embassies and Consulates"
http://www.state.gov/m/a/sdbu/pubs/38393.htm
Also see:
"U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Management, Guide to Doing Business With The Department of
State. Provides small, minority and female-owned firms with
information about the State Department's procurement program. Also
describes the State Department's acquisitions under the Diplomatic
Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1966; a list of user office
contacts; a vendor survey form; a list of federal Offices of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization; a list of subcontracting
opportunities; and other information. GPO 044-000-02421-7. Cost:
$3.25"
http://www.onlinewbc.gov/docs/procure/appendix.html
The only other alternative I can think of is to contact the individual
diplomats etc.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Very best regards
THX1138
|
Clarification of Question by
tv2-ga
on
04 Jan 2005 10:21 PST
But I must clarify it's the foreign diplomats in the US who are the
immediate target. (remember: there's that tall green buildiung out the
window... :))
I have a list (all ready to mail-merge with some kind of
announcement/marketing document yet to be written) of every foreign
counsulate/embassy in the States... but would prefer to go (or go in
tandem) with an experienced sales rep who knows her way around that
world!
I value your input -- it's first-class research, and sure shows your
"stuff" !!!! -- but: how do I find a "rep" to work that world!
Can I give u a URL? I would like us to stay in touch, if that's OK by
the Googleplex. ;*))
|
Request for Question Clarification by
thx1138-ga
on
04 Jan 2005 10:51 PST
Hello again tv2-ga
You said: "But I must clarify it's the foreign diplomats in the US who are the
immediate target."
Right, sorry yes I had misunderstood. I had assumed you meant US diplomats abroad.
=========================================================
You asked: "Can I give u a URL? I would like us to stay in touch, if
that's OK by the Googleplex. ;*))"
Sorry, contact outside of Google Answers is not allowed. My Google
masters would beat me with my lead if I said yes :)
Leave your problem with me, I may yet have more inspiration.
Best regards
THX1138
|
Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
04 Jan 2005 11:18 PST
tv2-ga,
Thanks for your feedback. I just want to make sure it's clear that
there are (at present) two GA researchers that have provided you
suggestions -- me (pafalafa-ga) and thx1138-ga.
My suggestion regarded Washington Diplomat magazine, which certainly
reaches out to the foreign diplomats in the US (or at least, those in
Washington, DC).
If you have the chance, please have a look at the comment I posted on
Jan 3 and let me know if it looks useful to you.
Thanks.
pafalafa-ga
|
Request for Question Clarification by
politicalguru-ga
on
04 Jan 2005 14:39 PST
Dear TV2,
IMHO and with all due respect, your target groups should not be the
diplomatic community. They are a minority, usually, in their expat
communities, including foreign business man, expats, international
students, immigrants, etc. Most of them are hesitant on spending
something that would not be covered as an expense,and you'll drown in
paperwork if you'll try to get it covered for them.
I have several ideas for you, and could also point you to
companies/media for the diplomatic community; but I still think that
this is the wrong approach.
|
Clarification of Question by
tv2-ga
on
04 Jan 2005 18:27 PST
Dear Palafa, THX - and welcome Polguru! Due respect back!
My firm intuition is that the geographical cluster - concentration -
of diplomats (200 consulates in NY, 200 embassies in DC, 200 UN
missions in a single builidng) is in fact the pipeline to both emigre
and expat groups.
In each representative entity: 3 people or 30, many with their
families -- kids who've never seen their home-town alphabet, older
kids who miss their hometown rugby, possibly journalists and political
operators who would find it valuable to follow events and culture as
if thbey were at home. This product is a "see it to believe it"
breakthrouygh (was front page of NY Times in Dec., etc.) I believe the
(foreign) diplomatic community (in the US) is a pipeline to the rest
of the expat world. Word spreads, like wildfire, we hope.
I'm not discounting US expats (or expats of other countries on station
anywhere) which may well be a hugely bigger market -- but intuit that
getting into the dips would naturally lead to that market; i.e., the
consulates are "in touch" with their high-level countrymen here - and
scattered around the world, in and out of diplomatic circles. A
tipping point objective, if you will. THX proposed going after US
expats... wealthy/tax_free... Palafa suggested a very good magazine as
an advertising and/or editorial pr vehicle... Politcalguru promises to
have a solution to my oriignal question (if iull-adbvised :)). These
ideas are not being ignored!!!
A good proportion of our already-customers are US expats scatterd
around the globe -- holding houseparties to watch the "Sooners on
Sundays," so to speak... and YES, we will address them -- but our
company is as tiny as our technology is astounding, and I have *need*
to to get that "UN Building" out of my sight -- to get it started
there and amongst the counsalates/embassies here. (Remember, that UN
Building looms out the window, making obscene gestures at us...)
Politicalguru -- if you have some ideas of a proven rep or a agency
that works those immune bastions of the world... copnmsulates and
embassies, that's what I posted for! This, my first GA experince, has
been a reminds me of the old Usenet days, before commercialization of
the net -- when people graciuously helped each other.
------
Thank you. I really appreciate each of your comments and ideas: don't
want to be a free-loader - is it customary to "tip" people for their
efforts, even if "The Answer" remains elusive?
tnx!
|
Request for Question Clarification by
thx1138-ga
on
05 Jan 2005 04:42 PST
Hello again tv2-ga
Being a persistant fellow, I have been unable to forget your question
and I think I'm getting closer! (if not got it!)
The first link I have posted will get you into "that tall green
buildiung out the window" that has been taunting you (note the room
number!)
Have a look at the following companies/organizations
"HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE FOR UNITED NATIONS DELEGATES INC.
This committee offers a year round multifaceted schedule for programs
and services to meet the needs of the delegates and their families.
They offer home hospitality, cultural tours, tickets to concerts and
theaters (when available), children's programs and English language
classes.
Shana Fried, Administrative Director
General Assembly Building, First Floor (Room 101)
United Nations
New York, New York 10017
Telephone: (212) 963-8753
Fax: (212) 963-1320"
http://www.nyc.gov/html/unccp/html/community/ngos.shtml
"Division for International Business, New York City Commission for the
United Nations, Consular Corps & Protocol
Two United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor,
New York, NY 10017, USA
Fax number: 1+ (212) 319-3430"
http://www.nyc.gov/html/unccp/html/international_biz/main.shtml
"The Hospitality and Information Service (THIS) aims to provide
diplomats with a fulfilling experience in our nation's capital-through
educational programs, services and friendship-that will make their
stay in the USA memorable."
http://www.this4diplomats.org/
"Diplomatic Duty Free Shops of New York"
http://www.shopddf.com/home.asp
"The Diplomatic Duty Free Store is part of a larger company called
Carisam-Samuel Meisel, which has been serving the diplomatic community
for more than 60 years."
http://www.washdiplomat.com/03-12/a8_03_12.html
Above company website:
http://www.carisamco.com/washington.htm
"Office of Foreign Missions" (Part of the US Department of State)
"providing service to the foreign diplomatic and consular community in
matters relating to motor vehicles, tax, customs, property, and
travel."
http://www.state.gov/ofm/
Very best regards
THX1138
|
