Small Business Workshop: Book, Game, Barber

January 28, 2026 Weekly Small Business Workshop involving Greg Chapman, Alf (Anthony) M, Jonathan Perez, and Scott Bryant. The conversation primarily focuses on Alf’s progress with his upcoming book, the development of a companion video game, and Jonathan’s plans for a mobile barbering business.

Alf’s Book Release and Marketing Strategy

Alf has completed the initial recording of his first book and is preparing for a multi-stage release. He and Greg discussed a strategy to release the book one chapter at a time over 28 weeks to build community and engagement rather than a bulk release. They plan to utilize social media with weekly character-driven videos on Mondays and promotional posts throughout the week. Alf also detailed a tiered pricing model, offering a free version of the audio book while selling a more polished version with professional editing and female voice acting on his website.

• Completion of Recording: Alf finished the initial audio recording of his book and plans to release it despite feeling it is imperfect, acknowledging the "first book" learning curve.

• Release Strategy: The team decided on a 28-week chapter-by-chapter release to make the content "digestible" and foster ongoing conversation.

• Marketing Plan: Greg outlined a schedule involving 28 unique videos where Alf appears in character on Mondays, followed by promotional posts on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

• Pricing Structure: They settled on a $5 price point for the ebook and $8 for the premium audio book, with Alf noting that selling through Amazon yields near-zero profit, favoring his own website.

• Creative Team: Alf has recruited a family of collaborators to help with professional female voice acting, post-processing, and even writing a theme song.

Video Game Development ("Cobb")

The group discussed "Cobb," a video game being developed by Alf’s associate, JD, as a project for a master’s thesis. The game is currently in a functional state on Steam, allowing for basic multiplayer movement of pieces on a digital board. Alf envisions a complex ecosystem where physical "hologram" cards purchased in booster packs can be scanned to unlock rare items or characters within the video game. The ultimate goal is to create a "Ready Player One" style dynamic that bridges the gap between digital gaming and physical rewards.

• Steam Progress: The game is being built for Steam, and the developer successfully demonstrated cross-computer multiplayer functionality with moving game pieces.

• Academic Collaboration: Alf noted the developer is using the game as a thesis project, providing high-level technical work at no direct cost.

• Physical Integration: Plans include selling booster packs of official cards that can be scanned to access digital content within the game.

• Long-term Vision: Alf intends to launch "Chess on the Cobb" followed by a full-fledged card-playing version on mobile devices.

• Real-world Challenges: Alf described a "chaos scale" concept where players could eventually receive real-life challenges or physical gifts based on their in-game achievements and moral choices.

Jonathan’s Mobile Barbershop Venture

Jonathan Perez shared updates on his quest to launch a mobile barbershop, specifically a specialized bus he found for sale. The bus is already built out for barbering and has recently had significant engine work, though Jonathan is considering modifications like replacing the toilet with a hair-washing sink. Greg suggested exploring "seller-financed" terms after Jonathan mentioned the seller had been burned on such deals before. They discussed the specialized nature of the vehicle, which gives Jonathan some leverage since the seller has a limited pool of potential buyers.

• Vehicle Acquisition: Jonathan found a barber-specific bus for $12,000 (with the chair) or $10,000 (without) and is seeking a loan through his credit union.

• Mechanical Condition: The seller provided valid receipts for major engine work and head gasket replacements performed in 2024.

• Customization Plans: Jonathan plans to rip up the flooring and replace the existing toilet with a professional hair-washing station.

• Financing Advice: Greg advised Jonathan to offer a written agreement where the seller could repossess the bus if payments are missed to help build trust.

Niche Market: The group noted that because the vehicle is so specialized, it may be difficult for the seller to find other buyers, potentially aiding Jonathan’s negotiations.

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