I have a new business solution idea regarding video conferencing. I don't want to get too much into detail about the solution, but I currently work in IT sales for a hardware/software/services reseller.
I have a close friend who is an entrepreneur who had a recently failed business and is looking for a new project after learning quite a bit from his last business.
My concerns are regarding the point of entry, meaning I realize it's hard to gain business from businesses for these types of solutions as a new business that can't promise long-term support or don't know 100% if they'll be around in 3 or 5 years (obviously I plan to be, but it's risky to start a new business). I also understand companies want testimonials or references as street credit for being able to implement/install these solutions are important and companies want to know you're capable. I'm currently seeking an engineer/technical person who would be able to configue/install video conferencing solutions, and possibly even develop one for a specific purpose. I know for a fact my idea is currently not being marketed or offered for a specific purpose yet I know it can save a company hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. So I may need someone to develop a solution for production, but right now I plan on buying Polycom equipment for resale and installing the hardware as a service and offering support.
I want to know if this is a type of business I can get started with initially without having to quit my day job. Can I gain enough funding, venture capitalist support to hire an outbound sales force of roughly 5 sales reps to pound the phones to find opportunities for this solution?
Do any seasoned entrepreneurs have any advice as to how to go about this or suggestions/advice that would help this have a better chance for success? I've never started my own business so I realize I have a lot to learn. Any suggested books or readings to help me learn more about starting a business?
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