posted
OK, the economy took a dump and business has slowed down soooo, what exactly are you doing to revive business in your area or to be more direct, what are you doing to pick yourself up off the ground so to speak?
It always seemed that when business was good, most didn't have time to do cold calling or some kind of advertising yet had the money, but then when business slowed down many hadn't the money to advertise or the gumption to revise their business practice. I'm no better than anyone else but at this time of my life, I don't care as much as the rest of you about business but yet am really interested in finding out what some of you are doing to improve your lives as this may help others here. My business slowed down in 07 for reasons relating to me leaving my home and helping a family member and when I returned I found that this whole town was conserving more then usual and it was then I made up my mind to retire. I realize that many are struggling to make ends meet although it hasn't affected all of us.
Sooo what it is that some of you are doing to improve your business?
posted
i cold call like hell. I check the planning commission websites and see what they are scheming, also board of adjustment. i also log onto several commercial real estate websites and somethimes they list what they just sold and to who. I try and get in on the ground floor. i dont advertise i personally think it is a waste of money for our line of business. I send out brochures and that all I do. I will not hesistate to contact someone that has a deteriorated sign....its going to be another tough year even though obamamites say not
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
posted
Nothing, I have found, beats face time! I hate to say it, but a simple call on old clients always seems to rally up my sales. I send out numerous email and snail mail letters, brochures, specific designs and ticklers, but the face to face calls always yields the best results. They also get me out there listening to what my clients need and what else is going on, making me the roving 'expert' on the street.
Since most of my clients are New Car dealerships, I hear alot of "What is going on out there?" comments, like I am supposed to be some source of gossep. Sure I hear some stuff and sure, I see many places looking like they are going through some changes, but without actually doing the face time, I would never know.
I have always maintained that the marketing is about one third of any successful business that utilizes creativity to maintain its strength. I am not selling some common commodity, but more, I am selling 'juice'. My clients buy from me, because I have new ways to broadcast their sales message out there. 'New'? Hardly, but at least it is fresh from what else is being pitched by the radio, TV and newsprint people. "Wanna a new look? Hire a sign person to paint you a new image, a new feeling or a new simple pitch!" Want a new look, hire a look specialist.
...and if this was going to be easy, everyone would be a sign painter! Hat in hand and a shine on my shoes, I waltz in with a smile and say howdy! It is salesmanship!
-------------------- Preston McCall 112 Rim Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 text: 5056607370 Posts: 1554 | From: Santa Fe, New Mexico | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I've personally been through 2 different recessions, and am still in business. It can be tough, but way back when, an elderly Jewish customer cast some pearls of wisdom my way that made a lot of sense business-wise. In essence, his advice was this: Recessions tend to weed out the weaker businesses first, and those who survive are positioned to deal with those stronger customers who also survived. Those marginal to weaker competitors will be long-gone when this phase all ends, and those people who held to the belief that lowest price gets the job, will be a part of the attrition that a recession brings.
Your primary responsibility is to survive and to do whatever it takes to accomplish that. When the recovery begins, you will be dealing with others whose businesses have also exhibited the strength and will to survive. Seek out those companys who are benefitting from the government-sponsored infrastructure construction programs....those are the ones who are making money, and are more than likley to have a need for your services, and are most likley to have the money to pay.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I finally put graphics and lettering on my vehicle and had some t-shirts printed so I would be more visible. Even though I have been here for 30 years, there are a lot of folks who don't know who I am or what I do, so I am doing more in the way of self promotion.
In addition to the pinstriping, graphics, and lettering, I also do computer graphics ( logos, flyers, catalogs, etc.) and custom machine work and fabrication for motorcycles, cars, airplanes and whatever. Being able to do a lot of different things is keeping my ship afloat these days.
The next thing I plan to learn is a CAD program called SolidWorks.......
-------------------- Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain ! Jim Moser Design 13342 C Grass Valley Ave. Grass Valley, Ca. 95945 530-273-7615 jwmoser@att.net Posts: 488 | From: Grass Valley, Ca. | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Making the right choice is simply about making a lot of choices and see which one sticks or works. A great idea is not made in the beginning, it will manifest itself down the line.
Get busy...
jack
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
Had my Wife get a Job. (She finally got a Job in her chosen field so it wasn't at gun point.)
On the serious side though the economy forced me to really rethink my Business and personal goals and act upon them.
And that decision was to get back to the creative side of things, where I excel. Running a Business was not my strong point and I paid for past mistakes when everything collapsed.
1st Thing was I forced myself out the mode of feeling sorry for myself. (Sh*t Happens Get over it)
Got rid of (Lost) the large overhead. Moved the business back to house with no employees.
Since I am a small town had to kill the rumor mill of "Going out of Business" Did that with Phone calls and drop by's of my better clients. (That also picked me up a little work) and let my competitors have the unprofitable work.
Now taking the time to overhaul some old Equipment. (Primarily the router) and making some new samples of Higher End Work.
Fell back on some of my engineering and Model building experience and started developing some new products and skill sets. (4 and 5 Axis Machining) and designing some new CnC equipment.
It seems to have worked. I am working on more profitable work, no longer freaking out on making the nut every week, not having to work 80 hour weeks and I am actually enjoying life for he first time in many many years and it seams to reflect in my work and attitude as many of my clients have even made statements to the same.
As stated by the Great Philosopher Donna Summers "I will Survive"
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
(She finally got a Job in her chosen field so it wasn't at gun point.)
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