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I've always been impressed with how a lot of Letterheads invest time, effort, money, or all three in an effort toward learning something new or self improvement generally. Is there something of interest that you've been involved with lately that falls into that category of activity? Have you taken any courses, or attended any "boot camps" that you found to be of value, and that you might recommend? Have you found any new or interesting techniques by attending any meets? Any new books or videos that you've come across that you've found to be interesting and/or informative?
Have any of you brushed up on other non-sign topics that'll help you or your business in other ways..eg: business management or marketing type things? Let's hear from you scholarly types.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.
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Hi Pking. I honestly can't think of anything quite like the institution of marriage to greatly enhance one's character or quality of life. Hope you're both still enjoying the honeymoon.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.
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I attended a Thermalheads (Edge Users)confernece in Atlanta this past weekend. Mark Roberts gave a couple of seminars on pricing/sales. Informative. I learned a little more about photoshop and file management. Learned about the "static" method of applying vinyl. Found out you could clean the sprockets on your plotter and edge with a clear bic pen that you took the pen part out of. That little tidbit seemed to be common knowledge, but I didn't know it. Here I've been scraping the adhesive off with an exacto all these years. The design seminar was more about thinking out of the box. They broke us into groups and gave each group the same 3 shapes of Plexi and the same sets of copy and graphicss printed black on static cling material. It was interesting what the differant groups came up with. It was like playing with colorforms when you were a kid. All in all, I was glad I went.
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I went to Mike Lavallee's and John Hannukaine's boot camp and learned a lot! No I didn't expect to leave there being able to stripe and paint murals perfectly but I left with more than I had thought I would. I have been working with paint for about 5 years, mostly airbrushing and spraying, but I learned some basic techniques that gave me the confidence to forge ahead. Since then I have used what I learned on several jobs with great success (although they took much longer than Mike's and of course were not nearly as perty). Just last week I did a job and the customer gave me a $100.00 tip! And my price was already more than some others he had received. I love to learn..... its the practice that gets a little frustrating, but worth it.
------------------ Brian Stoddard Expressions Signs A few puddles east of Seattle
Posts: 790 | From: Redmond, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Gee.. I just read history, philosophy, art, and femi-nazi books... And none of them are ANY help with business.... But.. I can answer a LOT of the questions on Jeopardy! LE
------------------ LazyEdna in RL known as Sara Straw from southern Utah 5 National Parks within 3 hours drive Red Rock Heaven
Posts: 776 | From: Aurora, Utah, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I've had problems with asking for money all my life. Some of this might be due to a low self esteem and/or a fear of rejection. This is a practise that affects not only your business, but the lifestyle of all those who depend on us. We have to kill this dragon once and for all! On our recent trip to Florida, we had the pleasure of visiting Chip and Marilyn Carter on beautiful Sanibal Island. The work og their company, Island Designs, is featured in the current issue of SignCraft. Beautiful designs that fit in well with their environment.
I may not be the sharpest tack in the package, but I do know enough to take advise from those that have or are doing what I want to do. When it comes to making a dollar in the sign business, Chip is one guy I choose to listen to.
Now for the big news! Chip has put all his proven business methods into an book called "Make Your Sign Business Successful." You cannot buy this book in any bookstore. It is only available at Chip's website in Adobe Acrobat Format. I've read it and urge those of you who have the pricing challenges I do, to do the same. If you are ready, this book may well change your life!
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Selling has always been a stumbling block for me too. I do not like to deal with people much and pushing anything on them. If I were to pay 67$ for this book I would want it in real live book form though. I much prefer reading a real book to an online one.
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in the past 3.5 years, i've made a point of learning all the streets in my town.
it has helped so much. i have delivered newspapers, pizzas, telephone books; enumerated, been a voting clerk, you name the address, i've been there.
it sure helps keep me well-rounded and because i know how to drive and where to go i can continue to finance this silly obssession i've got with painting things...
------------------ "I gave it all up for this!" (formerly known as "?") Gailforce Graphics Squamish, BC, Canada
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How often have we argued that a sign is worth more than just the cost of the board and paint?
Using the same logic, Chip's book should be worth more than a hard cover and glossy pictures. Maybe he's selling the ideas in the book. I got my money's worth, and then some.
------------------ Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas rchapman@vvm.com
Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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If someone's going to give me a PROVEN blueprint for success, then I don't care if it's written on toilet paper. It's the content and ideas that're worth the investment.
------------------ Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail kjmlhenry@home.
About 4 years ago I purchased Tony Robbins' Personal Power tapes for about $ 180.00, I think it was a great investment..... covers many areas of our lives, and keeps me realizing that I am the only one holding me back. Since using ( and reusing the tapes ) I have raised my rates several times, and have a better attitude about money. The tapes help address areas such as procrastination, overeating, relationships and on and on. These tapes will do nothing unless YOU take action!
I tend to buy other motivational tapes occasionally also, as they keep me " fired up " Good post....
------------------ Tom Rose 1938 Model Sign Dude Proud to be a Letterhead Supplier ( Books & Videos ) T.Rose Signs Whitehall,PA 610-264-2541 E-mail tomrose@fast.net
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About 7 years ago I went back to school fulltime for half a year. Graphic Design. It was the greatest gift I ever gave myself.
As for now, being a relatively new mom, I can't devote more time to school (if I could, I'd go back another 2 years in high end graphic design), so for the timebeing, I attempt to better my efforts by means of books, sign related magazines, internet sites and especially this site.
I refer to Gary Anderson's books alot when designing logos. Very inspirational.
------------------ Graphic Impact located in BC Canada gisigns@sprint.ca
Posts: 5630 | From: Yarrow, BC Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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I finally got around to reading Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus...it's only been out about 10 years. I thought I knew everything that was in it, but I was wrong. This is absolutely the best information on male/female communication going.
As working partners, my husband and I, like many of you, have spent 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week together for the last 10 years. We have a great relationship, so I didn't think I'd learn too much from this book, but I am interested in communications in general so I read it. I can't tell you what a difference it has made to know exactly where he's coming from. I now know precisely why some things I do are so irritating to him, and vice versa.
It's well written, humourous, and very easy to read and understand. I'd recommend it to everyone.
Business-wise, Rob Ivers tapes on vinyl application are excellent. Michael Gerber's The E-Myth (with E being entrepreneurial) tells us about working "on" our businesses as well as "in" them. And, as mentioned by someone else, Tony Robbins' Personal Power is good for all-round self-improvement - including (STEVE, this is for you...) feelings about making money that keep us from doing it.
As you can tell, Ken, I'm big on learning and self-improvement. That's also why I frequent this BB , it's a virtual cornucopia of knowledge!
------------------ Diane Crowther, Metaline Graphics Ltd., Nova Scotia, Canada, ID #285
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Books are great inspirational tools. Of course, I'm biased.... But the inspiration from mine (hopefully) will only cost you $25. And yes, its full color throughout.
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It is nice to see the wonderful comments as well as the valid points about my book, "Make Your Sign Business Successful"
One of the good points is that you can read it for free. It has a 3 month no questions asked money back guarantee.
There are numerous books being offered on the web this way now. How many of us print out the postings here before reading them. If you do want a printed copy then simply hit the print button on your computer after downloading it.
This book is about improving the quality of your life, removing stress, working less hours and taking home more money if you choose to do so.
I learned how to make an excellent living in the business I love dearly and I am passing that information on but not for free. I don't make signs for free either.
Here is another point from the book. If I offered to pay you say 10,000.00 a year for as many years as you wanted it if all you had to do was pay me 47.00 one time would you make the investment? Yes that's right 47.00 not 67.00. But hurry ;-)
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This is a good chance to welcome Chip as a new Letterville Merchant. Chip and his wife Marilyn are no strangers to Letterheads. Drop by the new Letterville Merchant Page at www.letterhead.com/suppliers/ to learn more about Chip's new online book.
And none of them are ANY help with business.... But.. I can answer a LOT of the questions on Jeopardy! 
and because i know how to drive and where to go i can continue to finance this silly obssession i've got with painting things... 
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