The Crack Of
Noon
We often hear from people who are desperately trying to find a new or unique business idea. Far
better (and easier) to take an existing idea and modify it, or tailor it to a particular group of
consumers.
A perfect example of this is Executive Tours of California who
run tours to Europe. Nothing unique about that, until you find out that these tours are called
‘Crack Of Noon Tours’, and the itinerary is designed specifically for people who don’t like getting up
early in the mornings. So all the excursions and activities are scheduled from noon onwards. Needless to
say, there are no early morning flights.
So there you have it. Are there any other products or services
that could be adapted for late risers? Or to turn it on its head, are there any products or service that
can be adapted for the early to bed brigade? Once you start thinking about any product or service, the
number of potential niche markets you can create a product variation to service, is almost
infinite.
House Price Predictions
Hardly a day goes by without yet another financial institution or expert making a prediction about the
direction and level of house prices in the months and years to come. What’s frustrating is that the
‘experts’ can’t even agree on the direction of changes, let alone the extent. So who do you believe?
Our gut feeling is always to go back to economic fundamentals in
times of uncertainty, and the most basic fundamental of all is supply and demand. The fact remains that
all reliable indicators point to a shortfall in supply over the coming years. Changing demographics
coupled with a shortfall in new house building is likely to support prices strongly in the medium to
long term.
The latest report from the The Centre for Economics and
Business Research (CEBR) this week, supports this view. They say UK house prices will increase by
around 4% this year and continue rising every year until at least the end of 2014 thanks to a fundamental
shortage of supply in the UK.
The CEBR said: "It is unfortunate, but hardly surprising, that
many commentators are currently purporting that the minor correction in house prices over recent months is
a prelude to an even steeper decline that will engulf the housing market over the coming years. Those
forecasters projecting a double dip have got it wrong," it added, saying they have "ignored the housing
market fundamentals".
The bottom line is that property continues to be the safest and
most lucrative place for ordinary folk to invest their money. Anyone who says otherwise is either a
fool or a financial advisor working on commission.
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