Cold Case Solution

Most ventures are started with what we know, who we are and who we know. This presents me with two opportunities. My unique knowledge, skills and relationships can lead to more unique ideas, and as such, everything I need already exists. To manage my current uncertainty, I need to focus on customers within my social network and area of professional expertise and not tie myself to any preconceived market for my idea – existing or new. Next, I need to consider bringing my idea to market at low levels of capital outlay. Lastly, expand my network of strategic partners and obtain pre-commitments early in the process.

The means I have available to move forward consists of my knowledge of skiing, rafting, canoeing, tourism, and cold climates, to name a few. Additionally, I am adventurous, athletic, passionate, well-traveled and observant. I am an environmental engineer, restaurant owner, and a sailor. I have an existing relationship with individuals in the tourism business, with Sakata and his family, artists, and many of the customers interested in the business I have provided in the past.

To minimize risk, I need to determine what I can develop out of what I already have on hand, such as the ice available from the frozen Torne River. I need to also consider my passion for winter activities, the other business ventures I already have in place and my existing relationships with business partners and customers. I could use the knowledge of the restaurant business along with the relationship I have with the ice sculpture artists to create a new market instead of trying to fit into existing ones. Lastly, I will welcome failure early on when investment is at lower levels, so I can reduce the cost of failure allowing me to continue with other ideas until I find a successful one.

By leveraging customers into strategic partnerships and engaging them in decisions and actions, I can more easily bring my new ideas into existence. Through existing partnerships in the restaurant business