Full Version: Business ideas needed.....
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1]
20 Aug 2006
To: ALL
I am meeting with someone who owns a prominent embroidery business in our area who is really interested in what we do. (laser engraving and sublimation)
My question is, is there anyone out there who does embroidery as part of their business or anyone who deals with an embroidery business? I plan on taking him samples of what we can do. But I want to make sure I offer suggestions/products etc. that an embroidery business would actually be interested in. (whew, with business logic like that, I oughta write a book LOL)
I'm not real familiar with the embroidery industry so I could use some help on this one. I don't want to take a bunch a stuff that they have no use for.
Thanks
Becky
From: lindalee [#2]
20 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 20 Aug 2006
If they're looking for something they can use for the embroidery, vector some material, to be used for appliques.
If they want gift items try picture frames, baby announcement on plaques or marble, key chains( with their logo would be great).
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#3]
20 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#1] 20 Aug 2006
This is one of those processes, which may or may not be covered by a patent. <shrug>
How about having the embroiderer lay down a field of white polyester thread, as part of the design element, in their work.
Why?
Because you can apply a sublimated design, i.e. photograph, intricate colors and/or patterns, including smooth gradients, to enhance the other embroidered work on the item.
One of the ultimate examples of cross-platform applications. :-)
From: AnthonyC [#4]
20 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#3] 20 Aug 2006
Hey Becky,
The biggest thing about the embroidery industry is their client base. (Very lucrative)
Most deal with schools (medals, medallions, awards & plaques)
and a lot of them deal with the corporate market.
I worked the NBM shows for a year in my previous life and I have to admit they were the target market for me when I was on the tradeshow floor.
What are you trying to achieve?
Building their business? (Them outsourcing to you?)
Or building your business? (Tapping into their customer base/ Joint ventures/edorsements?)
Both are good! But use 2 very different strategies.
This is probably as clear as MUD but I hope it helps
Anthony
From: UncleSteve [#5]
20 Aug 2006
To: AnthonyC [#4] 20 Aug 2006
Don't forget another option.... "They" are planning to bring more products/processes in-house and this is just a first step! (devil)
From: AnthonyC [#6]
20 Aug 2006
To: UncleSteve [#5] 20 Aug 2006
That's why I asked my question.
Neither options are bad...as long as you know where you stand before you go in.
PS If you don't already know I deal from an abundance mindset, never a scarcity mindset.
PPS Blows my colleagues minds. But I truly do
PPS Probably still clear as MUD
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#7]
20 Aug 2006
To: ALL
Good suggestions!!!
MY intention in this is to build a working relationship (not tap into their customer base) I would like to be able to outsource to one another since I don't do embroidery and they don't do lasering or sublimation.
I figure the more contacts/relationships I have, the more opportunities I will be able to take advantage of.
Thanks for the thoughts everyone!!
Dave-love your suggestion!! That sounds like and interesting prospect!!
Becky
From: AnthonyC [#8]
20 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#7] 20 Aug 2006
Hey Becky
My 1st question is "why not tap into their list?
2nd "Who's list is bigger" (Do you know?)
And that evil Uncle Steve is right...as much as I hate to admit it!
best Regards
Anthony
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#9]
20 Aug 2006
To: AnthonyC [#8] 20 Aug 2006
I don't think I understood what Uncle Steve meant by:
Don't forget another option.... "They" are planning to bring more products/processes in-house and this is just a first step!
I was probably focusing too narrowly on the scope of the meeting, viewing it solely as a way to introduce myself as possible means of outsourcing.
In answer to question 2, I guarantee his customer base is way larger than mine.
One of my problems is, I have gone from having a partner who was directly responsible for sales (and has a degree in sales and marketing) to having to do both sales and production. I am a stay at home mom who is good with a computer and a laser. LOL I am having to learn about the sales end of it on the fly. So I have to really learn to look at situations and networking "outside the box" and that's where I struggle.
That's why this forum and it's members are so incredibly valuable to me....cathing me up on my huge learning curve . LOL
From: UncleSteve [#10]
20 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#9] 20 Aug 2006
Not saying they will, but I have seen it too many times including some reports right here in the forum a way back.
From: AnthonyC [#11]
20 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#9] 20 Aug 2006
Hey Becky
Forget about Uncle Steve, he is Evil but a very shrewd business man.
I think he will explain what he meant.
There is no problem just starting out. That's why I asked the questions I did.
What are you trying to achieve?
And let's move from there
BR Anthony
From: AnthonyC [#12]
20 Aug 2006
To: AnthonyC [#11] 20 Aug 2006
See! I told you he would explain!
And he's faster than me
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13]
20 Aug 2006
To: AnthonyC [#6] 20 Aug 2006
Anthony,
That statement should be self-explanatory, but could you provide examples of the two mindsets?
EDITED: 20 Aug 2006 by DGL
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#14]
20 Aug 2006
To: UncleSteve [#10] 20 Aug 2006
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#15]
20 Aug 2006
To: AnthonyC [#11] 20 Aug 2006
Anthony-
I have always been of the mindset (right or wrong) that when a customer asks you if you can do something, the answer is always "yes"
You figure out how, after the customer leaves.
What I am looking for is a local supplier of quality embroidery so that I can expand my product line without spending a dime on equipment or staff. Likewise, I am looking for someone with a similar interest who would be interested in carrying my products either as custom wholesale "outsourced" items or retail items in their storefront.
Those were my expectations when I was first given the lead and thought about trying to set up a meeting. If those thoughts and expectations are either too unrealistic or too narrow (meaning I could do more with such a business contact), that would be good information to have going into it. LOL
B
From: UncleSteve [#16]
20 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#15] 20 Aug 2006
I am not saying they will play the game, but just keep in mind that it takes many thousands of dollars in equipment to just get started with multi-head/multi-color embroidery and there is a large learning curve with the digitizing, etc.
Engraving, while not quick and easy to become an expert, can be started up with more than acceptable output on many basic products for a couple of thousand for a good, used rotary engraver. Tie that in with some graphic experience with Corel and it can be productive and profitable as an add-on in a relatively short period of time.
Just provided as a suggestion to keep your eyes open. Your side of the deal to offer embroidery is a great idea since caps and shirts go very well with sports and awards.
From: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#17]
20 Aug 2006
To: UncleSteve [#16] 21 Aug 2006
UncleSteve-
Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't really considering that as a possibility..I am too naive to think about things from that perspective. LOL It's certainly much better to go into it aware of all possibilities.
Thanks!!
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
21 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#17] 21 Aug 2006
Regardless of start-up costs, for various processes, I think you'll find more people looking to enter a win-win relationship, (with both sides providing what the other company doesn't offer) than those looking to cut you out of the will, after you've helped them establish a market.
It does happen, but you'll see the writing on the wall, before it does.
If you're making money hand-over-fist, from a single customer, expect them to consider buying a machine and doing the work in-house.
In fact, you may hear your "business partner" thinking out loud, as to if they should do so.
Otherwise, bringing a new process in-house means buying more equipment, going through another learning curve and possibly hiring more people.
Most people won't do that, to make a few hundred dollars a month. It doesn't make $ense.
You're their hero. :-)
From: AnthonyC [#19]
21 Aug 2006
To: Becky (KIAIJANE) [#18] 21 Aug 2006
Hey Becky,
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner but I’ve been swamped.
I have a suggestion. I now this meeting is important to you. And could mean quite a revenue windfall if you get it. Why don’t we set up a time to talk about my crazy ideas and I’ll record the call. Should take about half an hour. That way everyone gets to learn from your experience. E-mail me at results@ultimate-marketing-solutions.com if it sounds interesting. I’m on East Coast time.
Let me know
Anthony
PS David I’ll be happy to explain when I clear this abundance flood! ;-)
From: AnthonyC [#20]
23 Aug 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10] 23 Aug 2006
Hi David,
Here is the link for the MP3 of the consultation call I did with Becky this morning. http://www.ultimate-marketing-solutions.com/audio.html
It mainly deals with setting up joint ventures and tapping into a company’s customer base.
I also mention Abundance thinking a bit in the call. Let me know if you’d still like me to expand on it.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Best Regards
Anthony Coyne
Ultimate Marketing Solutions
NB The 20% commission I mention in the call is a 1 time payment not on a continual basis.
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