Funky Monkey Friday

Joe Russell - Yes you have a shot. I think that in the age of the internet anyone can get their names out there, just have to find the right venue and cut through the clutter. I know that I have seen many sellers on Ebay that have had a lot of success. Also start small, get your apparel in the local bike stores throughout Kansas. As your apparel starts getting worn it will grow. You have a very catchy catch phrase and character. Follow the micro brewery model. Start small and expand your footprint one bike shop and customer at a time. Once it catches on it will grow.

Brian Coppock - Eric,

You most certainly have a shot, you’ve got a great logo/character, a fun slogan; you’ve done some great branding already. The intro discount for the “trendsetter/early adapters” is great, and having a great quality product to go with it is great too. Don’t skimp on quality, I like the idea that you wouldn’t sell something that you yourself would not enjoy using. As for launch ideas, perhaps a “show us your monkey” photo contest with shots of people riding in their monkey gear; you could give away a jersey/kit to the best photo for both rider and photographer. Make it a pass it on thing where the rider, who already has the jersey/kit has to have the jersey/kit they win to someone else. I look forward to seeing the line.

Good luck and God bless,
Brian

Fonk - Yes, you have a shot, but don’t be disappointed if you don’t make it big overnight. It’ll take some time to build.

I think one thing that could aid you in getting the word out about the apparel is to beef up your social community, making your site more interactive with your followers. You’ve got the FB with over 900 followers, and that’s a good start. How about using your blog to replace a bit of what the magazine used to be, which I know was a giant time suck for you (albeit a labor of love)? Give your readers who might not have blogs of their own – or perhaps they do, but want to share a story specifically w/ the AM community – access to publish their “adventure monkey” stories here, especially if they include photos of themselves wearing AM apparel. You promote the apparel, you get people more invested in the AM community and brand, and you get the same types of stories you used to publish in the magazine, but without having to do all the work yourself.

Also, perhaps you have an Adventure Monkey cycling club, kinda like REI used to have. To join the club, you just buy a kit. Register the AM team with USA Cycling and maybe some smaller, regional organizations, so if someone wants to start racing or something, but don’t want to join some other team, they can list Adventure Money as their team. When they show up to race in their kit, you get free press. I’m not suggesting you promote racing to your members, as that’s not necessarily what you’re about, but just give them the option.

Also, maybe you could turn some of your followers into commissioned salespeople for getting your wares in local bike and running shops around the country?

Chris - Yes! You have a great chance. You have a strong brand and a good following. More important to me though is your inspiring message and content. I believe that is your competitive advantage. I don’t think you can be the low price leader.

I could go to 1000 other bike/sports websites and look at or buy gear but none of them would encourage me to get on the bike and ride. I came here because I saw your URL and wondered “What the heck is an adventure monkey?”. Once I found out I was inspired to feed my own monkeys. I was barely beginning to get my old bike out at the time but, have been riding regularly since. I’m definitely interested in gear now but the inspirational content is what keeps me coming back. Without it I would likely have moved on to some other website, and gave up on the bike. So, keep it up!

I really like that you’re planning two lines. I have no grand ambition to ride 100-200 miles anytime soon so I don’t think I need the best of the best. I do want it to be good where it counts though. If it makes riding more comfortable for a beginner like me it’s worth it. Anything to keep me getting on the bike is.

I know beginners are only one market segment but I think they are as important as the racers and veteran riders. They will likely be repeat customers too as their ability progresses.

One thing you might consider (and I would appreciate) is larger sizes. I’m sure it’s a tiny segment in the sports apparel market but I’d guess it’s a good portion of the beginners market. I can tell you that it’s hard to find good stuff that fits. If I could get a comfortable pair of shorts that fit for a reasonable price from a reputable source, I’d be happy to wear the monkey logo and spread the message.

The other folks have some good ideas. I really like the commissioned sales idea. I know it would add to the price but could really help spread the word. Eventually you could have enough volume to get down to the price you want. Think Starter. They were the “Big Thing” back in the day. Everyone had to have a starter jacket. They weren’t cheap either. Now they are in Wally World and I bet they’re making more money at a much lower price. That’s just an example. I hope I don’t see the monkey in walmart tomorrow. lol

bob - I’ve been wearing my PCL kit in central NE and CO. A lot of people have asked about what it is and where to buy.
I think you will do well.

Patty D - I’m in favor of quality products that fit and look great for all sizes. I think by either being a sponsor to regional bike events, or adding flyers to their packets, you will attract a lot of people. Put fliers in all bike and sport shops in the region. I also think LOTS of people shop at Amazon.com, so if you had a store front at Amazon, you could catch lots of people. As your business grows, you might be able to sell your line in stores like Performance Bike, REI…. Social media is BIG, so keep your facebook going strong and get all of the other bike clubs, shops to like you for more and more coverage. You can also buy Google Ads. You can pay per click, set dollar limits, pick your keywords, days and times you want your ads active, set your region (if you want) – very versitile and reaches a lot of people. https://www.google.com/adwords. Also, you could check with the ESU Kansas Small Business Development Center, http://www.emporia.edu/sbdc/.

I’m new at biking with one pair of bike shorts and one bike jersey, so I’ve been waiting to make my next purchases from YOU!

Tami - You most definitely have a chance! I absolutely love the Adventure Monkey! The name, the idea, the logo, the meaning. I love reading about your experiences and viewing all your photos. You have a way with words, a great sense of humor, and gorgeous photos. I do agree with all the wonderful ideas other have given you. I know you want to kick off the cycling apparel and I’m all for that! However, there are many types of adventure monkeys within all of us and how we feed them. So I guess the only additional idea I can offer is to widen your T-shirt line to spread AV across the world. Put that cute little monkey on some ski’s, hiking a mountain, kicking a soccer ball, skydiving from a plane, on a snowboard…skateboard…jet ski, or holding a camera. I know…easier said than done. But grab the attention of the interests of others to get the word out. You have a great idea with AV and I have no doubt that you can succeed. You are an inspiration to all of us!
Tami

Jake - “I’ll tell you what, the best idea (judged by my wife and I) will receive a full Adventure Monkey kit for free. How’s that for a Funky Friday?”

Did you ever decide who came up with the best idea?? Only thing more awesome than an AM kit is a free AM kit! Excited to see what your funky monkey friday sale is tomorrow!!!