January 30, 2024

Ready, Set, Drone – 8 Steps to Starting Your Drone Business

30 minutes

Hi friends. This is a portion of the audio for a training event I held to help you get started with your drone business. If you would like the full video recording along with the presentation file, you can request free access here: https://www.flyelectricmonarch.com/readysetdrone/

Show Notes:

Segment 1: Introduction to the Drone MBA Methodology (00:00:00 – 00:02:00)

Dr. Heather introduces the episode as an audio version of a webinar on the Drone MBA methodology.

The eight steps of the Drone MBA Methodology are outlined:

Discover Your Niche

Research the Market

Organize Your Business Planning

Navigate Certifications and Regulations

Establish Business Operations

Master Digital Marketing

Build Your Brand and Community Presence

Adapt and Innovate

Segment 2: Step 1 – Discover Your Niche (00:02:00 – 00:04:00)

Discussion on the importance of identifying a niche in the drone business.

Examples of starting in real estate photography and expanding beyond.

Advice on leveraging personal contacts and industry knowledge to identify potential niches.

Segment 3: Step 2 – Research the Market (00:04:00 – 00:06:00)

How to research and analyze the drone market.

Tips for using Google Trends, job boards, and competitor analysis to assess market demand.

Encouragement to look for opportunities even if there are no direct competitors.

Segment 4: Step 3 – Organize Your Business Planning (00:06:00 – 00:09:00)

The importance of creating a basic business plan.

Key elements to consider in your plan, such as business name, services, pricing, and profit goals.

The need for flexibility and adaptation in your business planning.

Segment 5: Step 4 – Navigate Certifications and Regulations (00:09:00 – 00:12:00)

Discussion on the necessity of complying with local and national drone regulations.

Guidance on understanding drone pilot certification requirements.

The importance of staying updated on changing regulations and privacy laws.

Segment 6: Step 5 – Establish Business Operations (00:12:00 – 00:16:00)

Setting up payment processing systems for your drone business.

The significance of contracts and statements of work to protect your business interests.

Maintenance schedules and proactive maintenance to ensure smooth operations.

Segment 7: Step 6 – Master Digital Marketing (00:16:00 – 00:21:00)

Introduction to the Drone Digital Dominance Method.

Detailed explanations of various digital marketing components, including SEO, PPC, branded websites, email marketing, reputation management, thought leadership, and continuous improvement.

Emphasis on tailoring digital marketing strategies to the UAS industry and targeting specific audiences effectively.

Segment 8: Step 7 – Build Your Brand and Community Presence (00:21:00 – 00:25:00)

The importance of building a strong local and online presence for your drone business.

Strategies for engaging with the community, forming partnerships, and creating online communities.

The value of being known, liked, and trusted within your target market.

Segment 9: Step 8 – Adapt and Innovate (00:25:00 – 00:29:00)

The significance of adaptability and innovation in the ever-evolving drone industry.

The need for flexibility in business planning and embracing changes in technology and regulations.

Staying up-to-date and continually improving to thrive in the drone business.

Conclusion:

Dr. Heather wraps up the episode, reiterating the eight steps of the Drone MBA Methodology and the importance of adapting and innovating in the drone industry.

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By Heather Monthie, PhD, CFI

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