Have you been to conclaves and exhibitions? Whether you are a delegate, attendee, sponsor, or facilitator, you know how your throat drys up with continuous talking and networking. Especially if you are huge like me. Even otherwise, in most crowded networking events, one needs to constantly keep scouting those tiny bottles of water to stay hydrated. Sometimes I don’t know whether intentional or unintentional; the water bottle counter or coolers will be almost hidden at some weird corner!
A colleague of mine saw this opportunity. And when we had a conference booth in an Ecom conclave, he got made water bottles with the company’s logo branding. And it worked! People stopped when they saw the water bottles and quenched their thirst. So when we introduced ourselves, they were already in a satisfied, positive mood. So we can say, water can be a good icebreaker!
Now imagine an app or service like Vista Print, where you can order customized or personalized beverages. You can upload your brand logo or signature. Select the type of beverage, quantity, pay, and get it shipped. People are always looking for branding opportunities. Opportunities to break the ice, start the conversation, make their name stick, or spread their ideas.
If you are an entrepreneur, you can bring this idea to profitable innovation in many ways:
- Start simple, start small: Initially start with only water. Focus on the events in your locality. Then, based on response, decide whether you want to expand horizontally, vertically, or geographically.
- For cause, for profit: Imagine the water for your beverage coming from solar desalination plants. This could be your own plant funded by angels or a VC. The plastic you use is recyclable. And you don’t add artificial, harmful chemicals to your beverages.
- For cause, non-profit: Your beverages could be small batches, artisanal handmade, or home-made. Every sip, every bottle, can give livelihood and opportunity to the urban poor, specially abled, and more.
- High margin, designer beverages: What if you could convert a brand’s personality into a flavor? What if you can make the beverage in the brand’s logo colors? This way, not only the packaging is branded, but the drink will talk the brand too.
- High margin, party pops: Now what if you could do the above in a B2C fashion? Design customized packaging and create unique beverages that tell your client’s story, or it becomes the event’s showstopper.
There are many such networking events or places that may want the customized beverages –
Retail, brick-mortar examples:
- Clinicks
- Salons
- Car showrooms
- High-end fashion or jewellery showrooms
- Art Galleries
- Hotels
Corporate or sponsorship-focused events:
- Trainings and seminars
- Townhalls and factory tours
- Workshops and hackathons
- Marathons and leisure events
Other events:
- Guide tours and city walks
- Weddings, baby showers, birthdays
- Retirement parties
- Collage festivals, alumni meets
- Religious gatherings
Now you already know the beverages you can offer. Still here are some: still water, sparkling water, alkaline water, infused or flavored water, soft drinks, bobo, and of course the range of teas, bubble teas, and coffees.
Please note: Do not get into bottling or manufacturing unless you have experience or have a co-founder who can support you. If you are getting it manufactured, then have multiple vendors in hand, create proper contracts, and strengthen your relationship with clients. And always deliver. Ensure you have the logistics muscle to keep promises and deliveries. Never compromise on QC, environment, or labor laws. You know the consequences for this.
I didn’t mean to freak you out. Just wanted to point out the common hurdles in the way of product-as-a-service businesses, especially startups.