StartUp / Business Idea
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I Tested This "Genius" Side Hustle (Is It A Goldmine?)
Summary
A attempts to replicate a successful disc golf challenge inspired by a floating golf green in New Zealand, charging participants for attempts. Initial efforts at Clyde Warren Park faced setbacks, including park security prohibiting charging fees, leading to a free challenge to gather data on success rates.
After determining that the initial distance of 65 feet was too close for a $1,000 prize, the challenge was relocated to a disc golf store in Arlington, Texas, where the distance was increased to 95 feet. Participants were charged $10 for one throw or $20 for three throws, with proceeds benefiting a local nonprofit.
The challenge involved participants paying for attempts to win a $1,000 prize from a distance of 95 feet. After 180 attempts, a participant successfully made the hole-in-one, demonstrating community engagement and the event's potential despite initial challenges.
The experiment showcased a range of skill levels among participants, from beginners to pros, culminating in a pro winning the $1,000 prize. Researching skill levels, distances, and pricing is essential for establishing a viable business model around skill-based challenges.
Perspectives
Analysis of a disc golf challenge's viability and community engagement.
Proponents of the Disc Golf Challenge
- Replicates a successful business model from New Zealand
- Engages community through skill-based challenges
- Collects valuable data on participant success rates
- Increases challenge distance to enhance difficulty
- Partners with local nonprofits to support community initiatives
Critics of the Disc Golf Challenge
- Initial distance was too close for a meaningful challenge
- Park security restrictions hindered monetization efforts
- Lack of participant interest in disc golf at the initial location
- Assumes experienced players will be attracted to the event
- Overlooks local competition and interest in disc golf
Neutral / Shared
- Conducts free trials to gather data on participant engagement
- Explores various pricing strategies for future challenges
- Highlights the importance of statistical analysis in business viability
Metrics
revenue
$0 USD
total revenue generated from the challenge
Indicates the challenge's lack of financial success.
$0. Our profit margin was also $0
payout
$1,000 USD
reward for successful throws
Highlights the financial risk involved in the challenge.
$1,000 cash reward for our disc golf challenge
attempts
3 shots
number of attempts participants can make
Sets the structure of the challenge and potential engagement.
three chances to shoot this disc golf into that disc golf basket
initial_discs
7 discs
number of discs initially owned by the speaker
Indicates preparation challenges faced.
I had seven discs at home
revenue
60 bucks USD
total revenue generated from participants
This indicates initial financial engagement from participants.
60 bucks of revenue
revenue
$100 USD
total amount collected from participants so far
indicates initial financial engagement from participants.
$100. $100. $100. $100. $100.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
The speaker attempts to replicate a successful disc golf challenge inspired by a floating golf green in New Zealand, charging participants for attempts. However, park security prohibits charging fees, leading the speaker to conduct the challenge for free to collect data on success rates.
- Inspired by a floating golf green in New Zealand offering a $10,000 payout for a hole in one, the speaker replicates this concept using a disc golf challenge in a Dallas park, charging $10 for three attempts to throw a disc into a basket from 65 feet away with a $1,000 reward for successful throws
- While searching for disc golf discs, the speaker faces difficulties at Walmart, leading them to seek alternatives at nearby stores. After acquiring the discs, they create promotional signs but encounter restrictions from park security, who inform them they cannot charge money or offer payouts within the park
- Despite the setback, they decide to conduct the challenge for free to gather data on participant success rates. The speaker learns they can operate outside the parks confines, allowing them to charge and give away money, but initial attempts to recruit participants on the street yield no revenue
05:00–10:00
The disc golf challenge was initially set at 65 feet but was deemed too close for a $1,000 prize, prompting a relocation to a disc golf store in Arlington, Texas, where the distance was increased to 95 feet. Participants were charged $10 for one throw or $20 for three throws, with all proceeds going to a local nonprofit that has helped over 18,000 homeless people since 2012.
- The initial attempt at the disc golf challenge at Clyde Warren Park revealed that 65 feet was likely too close for a $1,000 prize, as it could attract skilled players who could easily make the shot. After being told they couldnt charge participants or give away money in the park, the team learned they could still gather data by offering the challenge for free
- The team decided to relocate to a disc golf store in Arlington, Texas, where they believed they would find more experienced players willing to participate in the challenge. At the new location, they set the distance for the challenge to 95 feet, charging $10 for one throw or $20 for three throws, with all proceeds going to a local nonprofit organization
- David, the owner of the disc golf store, shared that his nonprofit has helped over 18,000 homeless people since 2012, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. As participants began to throw, the team started to see revenue, with the first player getting close to the basket, indicating a more engaged audience compared to their previous location
10:00–15:00
The disc golf challenge involved participants paying $10 for one throw or $20 for three throws to win a $1,000 prize from a distance of 95 feet. After 180 attempts, a participant successfully made the hole-in-one, highlighting community engagement and the event's potential despite initial challenges.
- The challenge involved charging participants $10 for one throw or $20 for three throws to win a $1,000 prize for making a hole-in-one from 95 feet, aiming to attract experienced disc golfers while supporting a local nonprofit
- After initial attempts at Clyde Warren Park, the team relocated to DFW Disc Golf in Arlington, Texas, where they anticipated finding more skilled players familiar with the game
- David, the owner of DFW Disc Golf, highlighted that his nonprofit, HDNP International, has helped over 18,000 homeless people since 2012, reinforcing the community aspect of the event
- As the event progressed, the team faced challenges with traffic and participant skill levels, prompting adjustments to the throw line and basket placement to enhance the experience
- Despite numerous attempts, participants struggled to make the hole-in-one, creating a humorous atmosphere as they continued to throw, with the speaker expressing frustration at the lack of success
- Ultimately, after 180 shots, a participant named Matt Harris successfully made the hole-in-one, winning the $1,000 prize and showcasing the potential for such challenges to engage the community
15:00–20:00
The experiment involved a diverse group of disc golfers, culminating in a pro winning a $1,000 prize. Researching skill levels, distances, and pricing is essential for establishing a viable business model around skill-based challenges.
- The experiment showcased a range of disc golfers, from beginners to pros, with one pro winning $1,000, highlighting the potential for a business model centered around skill-based challenges
- Researching variables such as skill level, distance, and pricing is essential for determining the viability of this business, with a suggested price point of $5 for one throw or $10 for three throws
- Partnering with disc golf tournaments, shops, and enthusiasts can create a carnival-like atmosphere where participants pay to attempt skill-based games, like a hole-in-one challenge
- Understanding the statistical probability of success at varying skill levels is crucial for setting the right price, similar to how casinos operate with the house always winning over time
- Conducting free trials to gather data on participant success rates, skill levels, and effective distances will help refine the business model and establish a profitable pricing strategy