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Happy Holidays to Everyone! Best Wishest for a truly Happy, HEALTHY & Blessed New Year!
This year has been a really tough one for me (as many people). I really almost threw in the towel after 16 years. I think it's just a case of "need to get that fire inside rekindled!". It happens. I had something happen the other night with a friend and I feel like it's Back!
I tooled around with various other jobs this year. Dental Assisting, OMG!! LOL!! NO Medical stuff ever again!! Floral Design (did years ago, now remember why I don't do anymore...hahaha...Great skill to have though for back up if need be and great pt time $ opportunity if I need). I was excited to work at my crazy Vet's office...didn't work out... mgr wak...has since been fired... Cei La Vei. Great experiences.
So, now I'm back. I've floundered for the last few years but have my small business straight now in my head. I want to focus on Custom Design Hand Crafted work. I want to fine tune my carving skills and possibly work with a wholesaler that sells router carved signs to save me time and $....even though I LOOOVEEE to carve. I thought maybe I could learn to carve more dimensionally - 3d. The work I see on here is SO Inspiring! Same goes for sandblasting. I have a small blaster. I think wholesale is the way to go now.
Next, Digital Graphics. I want to learn how to design better digital graphics and use the programs. I am pretty much limited to Flexi-Sign. Know few things about Photoshop/Illustrator. Not nearly enough. Maybe I could hire a kid to teach me or take some courses. I've heard Lynda.com is great. Not sure. I have a local college. I really like working with people rather than classes on line. Although I'm trying to go with the flow.
My biggest problem was working alone. I kind of was going nutty. Maybe just loosing focus. I actually developed a Fear of my customer. I think that was just some personal issues (confidence, etc..) This is a horrible thing. Fear kills passion. You really have to have good Life and Coping Skills to survive Surfing of the Tides of Life. So (with support of a dear friend) I sought some help and I tell you, it was the best thing I could do. I often wonder if I should take some Dale Carnage Management Courses... anyone have suggestions? How to handle tough customers. All it is, to me... is having the arsenal of Key Phrases. I am in the driver seat. I need to know when to pull the reins. I have have the Propsoal Agreement/Deposit all down. It's basically just Not taking ANYTHING Personal. It's all about the Benjamins. Took me 16 years to get this in my head! I remember being young and telling a man who was emptying $ from a pinball machine at a local pub, that I just love making signs and he replied, You are doing this for $, not for passion. I guess there's definatley truth to that. So maybe business management courses are the first thing I should look into. Sales Techniques. How to handle Difficult Customers, etc... (Goal #1....Along with Marketing & redesigning my website... hahah... and exercise and sleep good and and and... hahaha! JK!).
So, digital classes or some kind of school or maybe a very pt time job may help that. If I can market enough this year and get more work in here again (haven't marketed shop for several years) maybe I can hire some young blood.
We moved and have built a nice huge pole barn. Great location. When I put my sign out, will be fantastic exposure. I need to be ready...physically AND mentally.
So, after some family tradgedy and some hard times over the last few years, I've been praying my butt off and feel like I have the flame back! Now I just have to FUEL THE FIRE!! I've learned a lot about myself, both personally and professionally. I still LOVE SIGNS & DESIGN!! Always will! Now, it's time to Get Busy! !
Dave's doing great at his 4 day European Car mechanic job. Loves it. Great boss. We have a lot in common. He's my production manager. He's not into sales/customers, etc..., even though he has that wonderful confidence. He's a great welder, can fix, build anything, etc... I am working with a local blacksmith as well. Can't wait to do some new projects together in the new year. He does amazing stuff. I would love to learn to weld. I get the Architectural Metal catalog and go crazy.
So, the SKY IS THE LIMIT really! A colleague said to me years ago, I could live 6 lifetimes and still not do all I want. How true! Life is amazing, when your eyes are open, and your mind is positive. Everything and everyone comes into your life for a reason. Rolling with the punches is the way to go. It's all in the Big Plan.
You guys insprie me. LOVE this forum! So glad we have it. Thanks to everyone! Best wishes to everyone for a FABULOUS and PROSPEROUS 2012! Look forward to hearing your Goals and comments.
Thanks and hope there's No coal this year for you. ha ha! Diane
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It is that time of year when I like to look back a little, remember how things went (good and bad) and to also do a little planning for next year.
2011 was a good year for us. It wasn't a huge year for our businesses but we made some good progress paying down debt. There is light at the end of the tunnel at last and it shines brighter each day. 2011 was the year we finally got to do a themed restaurant which was definitely the most memorable project of the last 12 months. Teaching became a bigger focus in 2011 as well.
As I get older business is more and more about passion and doing the things I WANT/LOVE to do. I've learned through experience that if I follow my heart the money will follow. Best of all, each day in the shop is exciting and interesting. Even after 44 years of doing signs each day is better than the last.
I've learned that customers are the folks who make it possible to do what I love. I appreciate them immensely. I work with the ones who want to work with me - on my terms, the rest I encourage to go somewhere else. My terms is defined as pay the money I ask and especially respect my design.
As the new year approaches my goal is to continue down this path but do it better than I have done before. My goal is to continually raise the bar creatively on each project we tackle in our shop. I also hope to help inspire those I come in contact and encourage them to pursue their dreams while also showing them how.
Hopefully 2012 will be the year of a new house at last. If so it will mean a big change for us as the house is hinged on the sale of our other business - Giggle Ridge. If that happens we will at last have our summers free.
I wish everyone a HAPPY and prosperous New Year!
-grampa dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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The past year was a series of ups and downs, with lots of adjustments
The year began with me working alone, without the help of our son Mike, who had been with me for nine years. There was the adjustment of having to go back to work! Mike had done the lion's share of building and painting, leaving me to enjoy the front end of the business. It meant that I had to learn to schedule better because if I didn't do it, it wouldn't get done.
Me and the IRS became good friends as I tried to figure out how to pay them $35,000. Credit cards were maxed out and there was no business on the horizon. Needless to say, I was just a little depressed and ashamed of the mess that I had made.
With the forgiveness and help of a loving wife, we dusted ourselves off and decided to make the best of a bad situation. Since our home was paid for and we were over 62 (now 67) we were able to get a Reverse Mortgage Loan on the house, which basically means you sell your house to the bank. We are able to still live there and have no payments, but at our passing most of the home belongs to them. The IRS is happy.
There was a pretty good amount owed to supply companies, but that all has been paid off, I'm proud to say. Credit cards are being paid off at a regular pace and the total owed is now about half what it was this time last year.
We were astonished when two great friends came and handed us blank checks and said, "fill in the amount you need". There are not many like like in our world today, but I'm happy to say that I know a few. Just for the record, their offer was declined.
Business picked up and once again I found myself trying to design, build, and install signage all by myself. Some of the old clients that had disappeared, returned and began to want signs that could actually pay the bills. A few nice projects came in at just the right time to keep the landlord away from the door.
The workshops for National Business Media helped keep a few nickels in the bank and I began to get that old feeling of enjoying teaching back again.
There were times when I was ready to lock the door and walk away, but when those low times raised their ugly head, a call would come from Dan, or Gary Anderson, or one of you would send an encouraging note and my resolve to keep on paintin' was renewed.
We are not out of the woods by a long shot, but the bills are being paid and I'm doing a lot of work with my church which gives me the satisfaction of helping others. Tomorrow still looks bright and the opportunities are hopeful.
Right now, the plans are for Jeanne to retire in a few years and hopefully I will lock the door on the studio at age 70 (three years from now). Plans after that include time continuing doing what I love and teaching (if anyone will listen). I enjoy writing and doing video work, so that will hopefully be an outlet for what's inside me.
Until the Lord calls me home I hope to be a good example to others. Sounds simple enough, but hard to do.
2012 is going to be the best year yet, because I've already decided it will be.
Merry Christmas to you all. May your days be merry and bright.
[ December 23, 2011, 04:15 PM: Message edited by: Raymond Chapman ]
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Our gross sales were down in 2011 from previous year, so we took much smaller paycheck for ourselves...no vacation and continued to run the biz as lean as possible. I took on some additional debt to take advantage of an investment into a laser engraver. My thinking is this will be a new profit center, but there is the old learning curve and market development. Normal thinking should dictate that one should not invest into new technology until you are pretty certain there is a market for it. Since only a few customers ever asked me about engraving...I created the market in my head..now I gotta make it happen. After 22 years in the biz I fought for the opportunity to take the Michigan Sign Specialist Examination for my license. I was always told I was not qualified because i did not work for a licensed sign specialist for 4000 hours. It took a letter from our governor and my state senator to convince the Electrical Board to waive this rqmt and allow me to take the test. I somehow passed and now this license will open new opportunities for me and my sons in the coming years. Got a grandson coming in May!! Been facinated by observing the regular ultrasound photos during my daughter in laws pregnancy. Been Blessed and always looking for ways to help others when possible. Thanks all for your inspiration and willingness to share your knowledge.
-------------------- Tony Lucero Eagle Graphics Waterford, MI www.eaglegph.com Posts: 305 | From: Waterford, MI, USA | Registered: Apr 2000
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BUMP. Diane I thought this would have been a popular thread. I hoped to hear from Doug Allen, Glenn Taylor,Alicia, Donna,Bruce B and many other regular contributors. C'mon Letterheads...we learn so much from you guys. Merry Christmas from Michigan.
-------------------- Tony Lucero Eagle Graphics Waterford, MI www.eaglegph.com Posts: 305 | From: Waterford, MI, USA | Registered: Apr 2000
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My business was up along with profits...The best year of the last five. I tackled some more complex projects and charged a bit more for each job which was the key. I did manage to paint some 30 new landscapes and actually sold one large major one I had for ten years. My other businesses grew as well. 2011 was a very good year, considering two years ago I was on my back with congestive heart failure and not expected to make it. 2011 was a great year and even managed to squeeze in a long cruise to St. Martins.
My new goals for the next year are to learn more about PHP and automated internet software, to expand my ArtOwwnership.com business with a new concept of forming a group of art artist's agents in various cities to rep painters. I want to grow my window painting business some more and to sell off my over sized house and move into a commercial space with more shop and a smaller, but very nice living space...less yard and more shop.
It is a time for sharing hope and comfort to all. I sincerely appreciate all of the opinions, gestures and gestures of kindness here at Letterville. Where would we all be without each other? Merry Christmas.
-------------------- Preston McCall 112 Rim Road Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 text: 5056607370 Posts: 1552 | From: Santa Fe, New Mexico | Registered: Nov 1998
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I am still 10 years behind you Si and hope that we both last long enough to continue being that way!!
2011 was a good year for us.
As for 2012...I hope I am still able to type on Letterville after Dec. 21, 2012 since we live in the heart of Mayan culture here in Mexico.
(For anyone interested, Google "Mayan Calendar 2012")
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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2011 was a good year. Business wise it was excellent. Besides that my dream of moving my shop home was realized with a 3000 sq ft studio/shop/garage addition to the house. Other than the framing, siding and roofing we did everything ourselves and it has been extremely time consuming as well as exhausting to keep up to the work orders as well as getting the building built. There has been a big push this fall to get the insulating done before the cold weather really sets in, as well as getting the upstairs finished enough for a family Christmas on the 24th. Although tired and not quite as polished as we would have liked we pulled it off last night with 21 adults and 8 grandchildren. It was a wonderful, magical night and so worth the last couple of weeks of 14 hour days. I've got a pretty good backlog of work that will keep me well into the spring when new orders will likely keep me steady until fall again. There have been a lot of days when I wondered "What was I thinking?" Health wise this year was a great improvement on last year, I still have some autoimmune disorders, but am seriously thinking the last 5 years have been residual symptoms of having West Nile as things have improved a lot. It's so much easier to function when the fog lifts. Life is good & a night with my family makes that ever so much more evident. Merry Christmas to everyone in Letterville, may 2012 be prosperous and filled with positive events!
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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Hiya 'heads, 2011 was definitely a year of ups and downs in both my business and personal life. But, I'm still here, the bills are paid and there's some extra cash in the bank. So, I'll say it was a good year
Preparing for 2012 is a different story though. The business went in many directions this year and, although the jobs were diverse and quite profitable, the business was running me instead of the other way around. So, now I'm trying to refocus my energy on what I enjoy doing, which will be a lot easier said than done.
As I head towards my 6th year in business, I have to say that I probably would not be here without the help and support of this great website (and all those who participate), my wife and family and a few close friends who, despite how stubborn I can be, still put up with me.
Dianne, even though I work alone too, the one thing that really keeps my head on straight is my part-time job. It provides a huge piece of mind because the hours are early (~4-8:30am); it comes with excellent, company paid benefits; and the little extra cash in pocket helped carry me though the lean times. It also affords me a bit of a social outlet that keeps me from going bananas.
Have a safe, prosperous and happy new year everyone!
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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This year was about 20% less sales than 2010. Comparing sales to 2006 we are down to almost half of the business we had that year. We were doing a lot of signs for builders and when that segment went away we took a hit. Right now we are reinventing our business. The sign industry has changed so much in the past few years. I believe the sign business used to be one where skilled tradesmen plied their craft and those who worked hard and produced great work were rewarded with a successful business. The business model in our area has shifted to sales/volume. There are many franchise shops that have come on the scene. Just make the sale, then buy products wholesale or subcontract and resell them. I really don't mean to sound cynical but I see around here more focus on the numbers than the sign quality. That being said we are working with Excel software to price jobs, track production and put management systems in place.I'm feeling optimistic that we can be more profitable with these changes in the way we do business. The goal is to get these systems in place so I can focus more time on the sign making, the fun part. I'm too stubborn to give up and I care too much about quality signs to give in. Looking forward to a great 2012.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1266 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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2011 was lots of ups and downs- business was the worst I have experienced in 20 years- the past 3 years have steadily went downhill- it finally started picking up around October. Finances were very tight in 2011 , even got behind on payroll- I'm still working to catch all that up- had a very understanding employee who struggled right along side me. He officially retired Dec. 22 at 74. I had a few really creative projects that I worked on, but for the most part it was much fewer than I am used to, or thrive on.
Family had a great year- our 2 kids, Maggie and Jimmy's adoption became final in May, ending a 3 year adoption journey that I thought would never end. My son Jacob turned 16 and started driving- he had a very successful year as an actor/singer. My wife and I celebrated 19 years of marriage in 2011.
I'm looking forward to 2012- I hope and pray that it brings more good than bad. We are coming up on 20 year anniversary, so I hope to be able to plan something special and prepare for the next 50 or 60...
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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Business wise 2011 was same as two previous years in turnover. I'm happy with that as we kept all bills paid up to date and cleare all our existing finance on machinery and vehicles. No debt so fewer headaches. 2011 was a mixed bag though for our family. Daughter Cliona had successful surgery on her back in middle year culminating with my dear mothers passing two weeks ago. However, I'm drawing some inspiration from all that has happened and am headin into my 28th tear with renewed hope. A common theme throughout all of the above posts is that we all seem to be finding the sign business a right struggle but were all experienced enough to continue to reinvent ourselves and create new revenue streams. Happy new year everyone and look forward to us all hopefully being still here this time next year
-------------------- Kevin Gaffney Artistik Signs Kinnegad County Westmeath Ireland 044-75187 kevingaffney@eircom.net Posts: 628 | From: Ireland | Registered: Oct 2003
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Since I fell on the ice in 2007 that has changed my life tremendously; although a few irresponsible people hit my car from behind before that, I was still painting and making my signs from home as my sign career was always a learning experience.
Since 2007, I have ventured to work with sit down jobs and have now great insurance with a huge internet company, great benefits, and an occasional sign project. I do miss the painting so much that I intend to start back slowly in 2012.
It was good to have a breather since I started working with the enamels in 1981 on walls and boats, banners and wood back in the tropics; the good thing there is that it was year round without any concerns of the elements (except for the monsoons in the mornings part of the year).
I plan to get a larger plotter, and buy a compressor to learn and practice some airbrush techniques so I can jazz up my work with highlights at least.
I remember when I was asked to repair sandblasted signs that were cracked and needed repaint. That was an enjoyable job. Now we have all this plastic. So, I don't know which is better for the environment but of course I know we need to save trees.
I'm always going to miss the flow and smell of the black one shot as that was such a joy to use; there is nothing like it as it flows through the quill. Believe it or not I still own some lead based one shot and have kept it from the elements through the years and it may get tossed in the next month if it isn't good as I am moving an hour from here and have to downsize.
Back to the pool, the brush and the boards! I hope I can work again with signs at least 20 hours a week. It's been long enough!
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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I am going to make a journal for each month in 2012 so I can REMEMBER what the heck happened all year! My shop had a great year which was a big relief from 2010 and 2009 which were sluggish. It started off strong early in February and stayed steady even in the heatwave of July and August. Hottest summer on record for the midwest.
The bright spot was going to Plymouth Wisconsin to paint murals with the walldogs. Cooler weather was great even with a day of rain. I went out on a limb and bought a CNC ShoBot router from a great guy in Oklahoma. Still learning how to use it after being delayed by the heatwave. (garage is not air-conditioned....yet!) Doing more 3D signs this year and focusing on fun stuff which means I have to turn down a few jobs that waste time and are not very profitable.
Looking forward to more artistic challenges in 2012 and will be counting on Letterville to get me through it all!
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
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2011 was 10% increase in sales than 2010, but still down 25% from 2006. Ernie retires in the end of January from his job at GE. He has been working with lasers for 20 years. So his new career will be laser engraving, using his new 3ft x 4ft Rabbit Laser. We just got our first paying job with it! We will also push 3-D signs to be made on our Shopbot.
Diane
-------------------- Balch Signs 1045 Raymond Rd Malta, NY 12020 518 885-9899 signs@balchsigns.com http://www.balchsigns.com Posts: 1697 | From: MaltaNY | Registered: Jan 2000
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Last year sucked but sucked less than the 3 preceeding. This next year Im going to hit it harder and cover more outer area. the competition is so that no one can make much money here in this town (from 1 company)
2012 is going to be a good year
-------------------- 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
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