Half a case of sugar-free Red Bull, a Macbook Pro and a desire to build something
The first Traverse City hosted Startup Weekend kicks off in just under four hours. I am about 45 minutes away, and I want to check into my hotel before heading to the kickoff event, so I will be cutting out of work early today. (Anyone thinking 'Slacker', I started answering emails and doing other work at about 8:00am my time this morning, so I am covered.)
I am excited and scared at the same time. I am scared that I won't be able to contribute the way I really want to, programming. I am pretty good with database design, linux server administration and a decent PHP back-end programmer, I get by when it comes to front-end programming (HTML/CSS/JS).Â
But all the HOT ideas these days are Mobile and aside from experience in making hybrid apps (web app, optimized to run in a mobile app using an embedded browser), I don't have anything to offer.Â
The idea pitches are happening tonight, to be honest I don't have any idea, except for one, my haircut today gave me an insight into something that I think would be easy to build and would be viable to many a small business. I am going to put it out here on Tumblr now, because I dunno if I will pitch it tonight or not, my intent is not to pitch an idea, merely to be a programmer / product manager for the event.Â
A web based scheduling system for service businesses that deal with appointments. The hairdresser here had two GIANT scheduling books sitting next to their POS credit card terminal.
I think it would be cleaner to have an Tablet on the desk there, with a small printer (either a large format receipt printer or a laserjet) and if someone needs a printed copy of an appointment, print it off, else have it simply text and/or email them.Â
Some of the hair salons I have been to in Austin used a computer system with monitors and keyboards to basically do the appointment scheduling, book keeping, and also keep notes on what was done with the hair cut, so that the hair stylist could keep notes for the next time, and since on some level my hair cut style hasn't changed in like 5 years, those notes seem like a good idea (also because my haircuts range from 4 weeks to 3 months in between).
So a 'module' to keep notes would be good. I think it would also be good to take before and after shots, or at least after shots, to provide a reference, in case someone else at the salon has to fill in and the person wants the same cut they got last time.
Now, immediately the idea of having to take photos and scan them in, is what I think many folks up around this area might figure they would need to do. but I would argue, when thinking about startups, there is a glimpse of an immediate need, but much like playing chess, play three or four moves down the line.
Just about everyone has a smart phone these days, at least those < 60 do. And in 5 years, I would argue, that it will probably really be everyone.
Use that as the input medium for hair stylist notes and picture taking, mobile app running there, streamlined for the hair stylist.
While the table is running another app or the same one, but it has more of a schedule and bookkeeping function.
Next up, ditch the POS credit card terminal, partner/integrate with square or the like and much like all the Cupcake vendors in Austin, use the tablet as your point of sale, integrated bookkeeping, email the receipt, etc.
It is kind of a mundane piece of software, but not a bad idea overall, and I am sure if I search, I might find half a dozen or a dozen startups doing something like this right now.
But if no one else has anything to pitch or I don't hear something I like, I will pitch my Lightweight Hair Salon Management Suite, I need a name.Â
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