Full Version: Chuck, where are you
From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#28]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#27] 16 Jul 2006
But why not USE that to help you get OUT AND STAY OUT OF UPHOLSTERY!!!!!! A temporary transition?
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#29]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#15] 16 Jul 2006
Ditto to what Shaddy said.
Laura ;-)
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30]
16 Jul 2006
To: Carl (CSEWELL) [#28] 16 Jul 2006
I am using upholstery. ( read that still doing it) and that is part of the challenge....IT pays the bills so demands more of my focus......however I had NOT thought of combining the two...........something to think about.
From: Kat (KATHY) [#31]
16 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30] 17 Jul 2006
Peter and I fully understand yor frustration of your current situation, if we had a year to sit down we could tell you some stories about how we have struggled to be where we are now, and you know what I wouldn't change a thing.
I try to step outside the square a little sometimes, (I think my husband thinks I am a bit ditsy doing this sometimes) but here goes. Seeing as that the economy is largely tourism based I would assume that there are many hotels around the place and I know you said you want out of upholstery business so why not try to create some strategic alliances with the ma and pa upholstery business and let them do the upholstery with your designs on leather or denim or some other fabric. We have done some tests for my brother who approached the local casino with some ideas about logos on their seating. When you sit down and think about it the possibilities are endless.
Peters passion is art and we try to incorporate that as much as possible, for those people who want something unique. You know upholstery so why not try to use what you know best, and maybe even throw in some engraved sugar cane for the fun of it.
Hope this helps a little
Kathy
From: swede (BRUCE_LARSON) [#32]
17 Jul 2006
To: ALL
Just a suggestion. Since there is so much development work in your area, it seems that a natural msarket would be in signage.
You have invested in enough of the right type of equipment to work with many of the commonly used sign materials. Your marketing would not be to the awards market, nor to the tourist market, but rather to architects, builders, designers, etc. Some of the vinyl sign makers might want cut acrylic lettering or many of the Romark or IPI type products.
Try going in some of these other directions and with your creativity, I'm sure you will hit the niche that best fits your market.
From: Shaddy [#33]
17 Jul 2006
To: ALL
That's good advice for everyone. when i walk around hotels and see all the signs for everything, i think "I can do that". Some of the signs aren't even that good and I think "I can do better than that".
And yet I don't One of the many things that can be done but then I'd have to quit my other job to have the time.
Anyway, the point is, signs are a good direction.
Shaddy
From: UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48) [#34]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30] 18 Jul 2006
From: Zonas [#35]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#4] 18 Jul 2006
Chuck, you can't give up...........your coconuts were a BIG hit this past weekend at the wedding I did!! So I'm posting a picture.....maybe there are others here that can give you some jobs B-)
To explain to others. I like to specialize in weddings. If I called myself a "Stunt Wedding Planner" you'd probably understand when I say I don't do the normal boring weddings ;-) . The challenge this time was they wanted a 'tropcial' theme to their reception. It was going to be an outside wedding and they had already decided they wanted my Palm Tree wedding cake, now we needed table decorations. Coconuts!! I contacted Chuck about engraving on coconuts. He could do it. I decided to let him engrave all of them for me so I wouldn't have to worry about messing any up and having to order more PLUS I don't mind giving work to others here on the forum. Chuck offered to get them candle filled on the island, but I also do candles so I said I would candle fill. The bride decided to candle fill half of the order and use the other half as bowls .
I guess what I'm trying to say is...............this was a small job, but I hope I can get more jobs for Chuck as he is able to get coconuts a lot easier than I can in Kansas ;-) . Do you have any customers that would like to have 'custom engraved in Hawaii' item that you could outsource to Chuck? If the locals haven't found him WE have!
Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations
EDITED: 31 Jul 2006 by ZONAS
From: ULC1 (ESCALES5057) [#36]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#30] 18 Jul 2006
Chuck,
I too have missed your postings and I too am in the same state of mind your are in. My wife and I started our laser business 1 1/2 years ago and we were both working full time jobs. My wife has since quit her job and is working at home doing the laser stuff. But, most days go by without her getting one single phone call. I ask her every day when I get home, "Did you get any calls or emails today?" The answer is usually "No". We finally bit the bullet and spent the money to have a very nice website designed, hoping that someone shopping online might find us. We also are trying a radio ad right now on the local radio station. We also had a 30 second tv ad for a month before Christmas. Of all of these, the tv ad was definitely the best response, but I think it may have been because it was the holiday. By far, the best advertising is word of mouth. Everyone that sees our stuff, loves it and tells others about it. Unfortunately, it takes a long time for the word to spread far and wide enough to make our business profitable. So now, I spend my lunch break online, racking my brain, for other avenues to take this business. I have done a couple industrial jobs, with a couple more quoted, but nothing to get excited over. I ask my wife all the time, "how can we make our business grow?" We can't seem to find our "niche market" or our "specialty item". I guess I don't have any answers for you, just some encouragement to let you know that you are not alone in the way you're feeling right now. So, try not to be discouraged. We're all in this business together and we're here to help each other out. I think it helps just to talk about it and get it off your chest.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#37]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#21] 18 Jul 2006
I'd say this thread is far from long and boring. One sound piece of advice you've received is, get plenty of rest.
What's overwhelming, at the end of a long day, can be much less daunting, after a good night's rest.
That's easier said than done. I'm sure many of the people here (and yourself) can attest to the fact that a businessperson's mind runs nearly non-stop, in trying to find ways to improve their businesses and their quality of life.
Here's an idea, based on tourism:
You have sublimation equipment. Why not team up with a sportfishing, scuba diving, golfing outfit etc? Have them take digital shots of people with their prize catch, family etc., and email them to you, to be used in ceramic tile murals, refrigerator magnets, keepsake boxes etc.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#38]
18 Jul 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#37] 18 Jul 2006
David,
Thanks for the idea. I guess my biggest challenge is making the contact. Like I mentioned earlier in this thread, I am technically proficient. Marketing is where I am struggling. I am sure there is work out there.....getting it is another question.
So how does one approach these potential customers? Cold calls? ( COLD FEET). It goes back to my try at radio advertising. I would sit in my car frozen with fear at the prospect of going into a potential clients place of businesses.
How does one convince someone they need ones product or service?
Thanks again for the ideas.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#39]
18 Jul 2006
To: swede (BRUCE_LARSON) [#32] 19 Jul 2006
Bruce,
I have investigated signs.....I actually did some indoor signs for Pacific Disaster Center, so I know I can do it but I cannot afford more equipment right now and there are more sign shops on Maui than awards dealers...most are struggling DESPITE the boom in development ( mostly condos and UN-affordable housing.
I am afraid that my "tool/equipment" budget is tapped out until I can get the equipment I have making enough money to pay for itself. I keep hear stories about " Man, my laser paid for itself in 6 months...".... How do they do it?
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#40]
18 Jul 2006
To: UCONN Dave & Lynn too (DANDL48) [#34] 18 Jul 2006
Dave,
Believe it or not there is only ONE Country Club on Maui and ironically enough I just got a job from them. A small job, but a job none the less. When the tennis pro told me what he wanted I said YES, I can do that. So I ordered in the necessary items ( trophy marble etc)....$259.00 and paid the freight $330.00 ( over 100% of the cost ) to secure the client in the hopes of getting more work from them. Basically I am paying for the privilege to do the work....... THAT was the straw that almost broke the camels back. I could not see the profit potential so I started wondering what the heck am I even doing this for? And it sort of snowballed from there.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, interest and encouragement. I appreciate it more than you might know.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#41]
18 Jul 2006
To: Zonas [#35] 18 Jul 2006
Zona,
I'm glad the coconuts were a hit.
Thank you for your encouragement. It helps.
As I have mentioned before, marketing is the stumbling block for me. There are a gazillion wedding planners here......I am sure I could offer them SOMETHING, but I do not know how to go about doing it...... sigh......
Thanks again.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#42]
18 Jul 2006
To: ULC1 (ESCALES5057) [#36] 18 Jul 2006
Did we not meet at the ARA show in Las Vegas this last march? I think maybe.....your scenario sounds familiar.
Anyway, you said
Agreed. But it takes sooooooo long....yet that is what I am counting on. I can tell you THIS, waiting for the phone to ring will not work. Which is why I am networking my butt off. Rotary, The Chamber of Commerce, ( My wife just joine Kiwanis) BNI networking, and Toastmasters. I have gotten some work that way....but mostly a lot of small orders.....but orders none the less.
My weak spot is marketing....as I have mentioned before. If I could figure out how to comfortably approach new customers I might stand a chance. Yet even when I approach people I know, they always associate me with my other business.
One recent example that didn't help my spirits was my tennis coach. I told her what I was doing now and asked how I could help her. Her reply, " I"m happy using brand X. and I'm loyal, so I have no reason to change."
BRAND X is NOT a member of the tennis club, the do not play tennis and have no affiliation. I am a member. So that didn't help much either.
But I thank you for you encouragement and kind words......best of luck to you and maybe we both just need to stay the course and keep our chins up huh?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#43]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#38] 18 Jul 2006
A tangible sample is the best way to create enthusiasm for a product.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, an actual sample is worth a set of encyclopedias. :-)
Jet ski rentals; the list could go on.
You're proposing a win-win to the potential customer. An add-on sale for them and a steady stream of business for yourself.
You won't be regarded as a "salesman" as much as a welcome "business partner."
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#44]
18 Jul 2006
To: ALL
Everyone,
I cannot thank you enough for all of the encouragement, ideas and suggestions. If nothing else you have bouyed my spirits and gotten me to thinking.
Today I am taking some business and marketing classes, and I think I have finally convinced one of my early mentors to come out and help me with some of my marketing/sales challenges.
On another note the power of this forum and the family and friends we have here is nothing short of amazing, and I am deeply moved by the outpouring of support friendship. I truly had no clue. THANK YOU.
Humbly
From: cindy (ROBERTM) [#45]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#38] 18 Jul 2006
Chuck,
Think of cold calls as I'm going into this business and I might meet my next best friend. I have been in sales all my life, but when I first started that was my mind set.
Take pictures and small samples and make yourself a book of sorts to walk in with. Most people will not understand what you can do with a laser unless you can show them. Start off asking them about their business and get an idea of what you can do for them. Leave behind a brocher and a buiness card.
If that still bothers you hire a person to make sales calls for you and pay them 20% of what they sale. Make them fill out a call report with who they called on name of customer and phone number, so if you get a call you will know if they indeed called on them or not.
I carry my book with me all the time. I'm a home based business and deliver most of my orders. When I'm delivering I will try to stop in at one or two places. Rule of thumb is you have to make 7 calls on a customer to make a sale. I try to make calls on customers where I know it will be repeat business.
Do you make rubber stamps? Everyone can use stamps. Call on the companys that mail packages and sell to them wholesale. Set up a display at their business. The companys that sell you the mounts will furnish you a display..
Hope this helps some.
Cindy
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#46]
18 Jul 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#43] 18 Jul 2006
If a picture is worth a thousand words, an actual sample is worth a set of encyclopedias. :-)
How does one get entre` to the folks in the first place to show them the sample?
From: Carl (CSEWELL) [#47]
18 Jul 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#46] 18 Jul 2006
UPS! Or USPS. EVERYONE likes to get something in the mail. Especially when it is free. Get a contact name, or send it to the real decision makers in most companies: the executive assistants. Even drop an item off at the receptionists desk, if they have one.
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