For Subscribers

Smart Idea This innovative advertising device catches golfers' attention even while they keep their eye on the ball.

By Sara Wilson

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

What: Manufacturer of polyurethane products, including agolf-ball holder
Who: James Dewberry of Adverturf
Where: Canton, Georgia
When: 2002

Hands on the club, feet planted firmly, eyes on theball-you're ready to take the perfect swing. Concentratingdeeply, you inadvertently glance several feet ahead of you at astrategically placed advertisement in an Adverturf unit, agolf-ball tray and tee divider that has slots on both sides forads. Although later you may not even recall all you saw during thatquick glance, you can be sure that James Dewberry, 34, is bankingon your subconscious remembering everything.

With golf equipment manufacturers as his target customer,Dewberry, a former money manager, was driven to invent the perfectadvertising device-one that could promise prime exposure togolf-lovers during intense moments of concentration. Two years and$35,000 later, he was ready to put his product, made ofpolyurethane, to the ultimate field test. "[It was] trial byfire," says Dewberry. "I put them out in the Georgia heatfor a summer, and the sun didn't mess them up."

Prototype in hand, the final challenge came in convincing golfproduct manufacturers to devote their advertising dollars to theAdverturf unit, which retails at $75. Dewberry reasoned thatmanufacturers could use one side to display their logo, then giveaway the units along with one free side of advertising space togolf courses. Dewberry approached Norcross, Georgia-basedsports-equipment manufacturer Mizuno USA and immediately sold themon the idea.

Adverturf units are scoring big, with 2005 projected sales ofmore than $250,000. Meanwhile, Dewberry is branching out with otherpolyurethane products, such as DSL cable holders. Looks like thisinventor made a hole-in-one on his very first try.

Somewhere to Turn
Looking for inspiration? check out these helpful resources.

E-mail Newsletter Experts
E-mail Newsletter Experts can help you launch a newsletter campaignwith basic tips on writing, designing, opt-in marketing, usingnewsletter software and managing paid subscriptions. The site alsooffers a free report, "10 Ways to Profit from an E-mailNewsletter," for download. Of course, you have to submit yourname and e-mail to receive the report-lesson learned.

JuniorAchievement Student Center
The newly redesigned JA Student Center, which helps preparestudents to start businesses, includes information on writing abusiness plan, videos of fellow students and YoungEntrepreneurs' Organization members, a resources section withweb links, and a game called Arcade Annie's that helps sharpenentrepreneurial skills.

Marketing Today
Marketing Today is a publication of Peter DeLegge Consulting thatprovides free marketing tools. Go to the site, click on"Tools," and begin using one of the several easy-to-useweb-based tools. Among them is an ROI calculator for directmarketing and e-mail marketing campaigns, an advertising CPMcalculator, and a search tool that uses multiple searchengines.

MomsMaking Money
Women with children no longer have to give up their careers, thanksto Moms Making Money, a resource for stay-at-home moms to helprejuvenate their earning potential. This organization offersmonthly teleclasses, local conferences, local chapter networkmeetings, an online forum and a monthly newsletter. Membership is$50 per year.

Solo-E.com
Solo-E.com is a group that brings together solo entrepreneursthrough advice, news, and other resources and support. Featuresinclude: a forum; Solo-U, an online learning area that offersteleclasses, e-books, book reviews, live events and more;e-newsletters; and business coaching. Membership is $9.95 permonth.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

If 80 Percent of Success Is Showing Up Then 20 Percent Is Following up

The excuses are many, but the solution is surprisingly simple.

Living

5 Language Apps That Can Change How You Do Business

Learn more about Babbel, Rosetta Stone, Qlango, and more.

Business News

College Professors Are Turning to ChatGPT to Generate Course Materials. One Student Noticed — and Asked for a Refund.

AI use in higher education is becoming more popular for students and professors.

Starting a Business

A Cambodian Refugee Paralyzed By Polio Says 'Not Much' Was Expected of Him. He and His Wife Built a Multimillion-Dollar Business That Beat All Odds.

Steve and Brittany Yeng were discouraged from pursuing their unique idea, but they didn't listen to the naysayers.