Here's my rule for numbers. 100 target customers that I've done customer discovery interviews with. 10 customers (who've paid / given me money) 25 who are active beta testers. I usually use that order of things as well. I like to get early adopters to give me money to validate their feedback, t...
If I was you I would talk to those companies that have had great approach with retailers and learn from them. Some of this companies (not limit to this list) are: Reserve, Foursquare, Yelp, Density, Estimote Learn from them, maybe even partner with them
Monetization is a FUN topic when you have a (1. targeted following who (2. wants what you have to offer (or is actively seeking it). You've already got people raising their hands but you need to move them from "rented space" (social media) to "owned space" (an email list that you own.) Add...