Full Version: My New Showroom...Finally!
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#15]
16 Jul 2005
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#14] 16 Jul 2005
LOL :) Thanks for your nice comments and vote of confidence Chuck!
I must say though, it does feel like a huge step in the right direction and I'm sure my business will grow much faster with a storefront. I have been EXTREMELY fortunate as far as opening the showroom; I'm able to keep AND run my day job AT THE SAME TIME and believe it or not, I have $0 overhead on the showroom for the time being. It's almost too good to be true. I run all aspects of the office of a construction business (http://www.johnsongolfcourseconstructioninc.com) for one family member and another family member owns the building that houses the construction office/shop and my new showroom.
That was the offer I couldn't refuse - fix up a run down section of the shop and use it as my showroom. (I'll try to post some "before" photos - I NEVER thought it would look like a real store!) As long as I keep up with the work from the day job I'm free to run my business and still collect my regular paycheck. Now I feel bad for all the times I complained about working for family, *almost* ;)
Of course it's never easy; I'm pretty much on call 24/7 for both companies. I have to run both offices and answer two sets of phones all day and run back and forth to the different offices to grab files and whatnot. Then when I "leave for the day" I go home to my workshop to engrave and still field calls on my cell phone for the guys in our crews.
Plus, my husband also works for the golf course construction company so he works out of state leaving me to handle our house and two dogs. :S (Thank goodness we don't have kids.)
Setting up the storeroom was my bosses bribe...er...um...excuse me..."idea". :) He knows I'm growing tired of my husband being away so much so I think he figured if he could help me build my dream I wouldn't make my husband quit building his dream. (Or maybe he thought I'd be too busy to realize he's not home?!) He's right to a certain point, but he knows my goal is to eventually do well enough so my husband can take a lesser paying local job anyway.
I'm totally upfront and honest about it but I don't think he realizes the potential in the engraving industry. From his perspective, my business, compared to his business, is small potatoes however, so are my debts. Although I am extremely appreciative of his generousity, I get the feeling like he's patting me on the head when we discuss my business. (devil) This just fuels the fire for me to be more successful even faster. I don't want to bite the hand that feeds me, but I can't wait for the day I can honestly say "I'm not sure I can afford to keep working for you, my business has grown too much." :) Even if, no, WHEN that day comes I'll just hire myself an assistant (to do my work for HIS business!); no sense in giving up additional income. ;)
Laura DeMeyer, President
Workaholics 4-Hire
"The first step is admitting it" :)
EDITED: 16 Jul 2005 by ELLEMD628
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#16]
27 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#15] 27 Jul 2005
Hi Laura,
I loved your new store, and wish you a lot of luck with it. I am sure based on your style and ambition that you will do wonderful. And with such a good deal to start off with, when he does start charging you more rent, you will be able to afford it.
I opened a new location in May of this year, and it has been much better for me. I am at least making the rent and most of the bills. although I haven't quit my second job at night yet.
I am thinking about getting a small sandblaster, do you have one? I think the glassware would look better with one. I still haven't bought one yet though.
I too am always looking for new ideas, and have been doing a lot with brides and Pets. I also do special occasions, but the Pets and Brides have been a little better.
When I moved into the store, the building owners asked me to engrave some clocks and glass and brass awards, and I did them, and bingo!! I got a little taste of awards and acheivements. I now have catalogs in my store for them, and recently also got a KFC job. It's a small one, but potential for more. My problem, is that I want to go out on the road a little bit, but cannot leave the store alone. I have posted hours and want to be here for them.
I cannot afford to hire anyone yet, so I have tried to do a few phone calls, but feel that that is not the best approach. I am going to look into doing some of the local dog shows though. I think that is a good market for me.
I have also done a wedding show, and that is also good for me.
Good luck with your key promotions. I might also try something like that.
Keep me posted on your success with it, and I will do the same.
Again, Good Luck,
Barbara
PS. How are you painted marble plaques going. I have people that love them, but still haven't sold many of them yet.
From: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#17]
27 Jul 2005
To: Barbara (RGILE) [#16] 28 Jul 2005
Hi Barbara!
Thank you for your nice comments about the showroom, I must admit I am quite impressed with myself. Although I have high expectations of myself I wasn't 100% sure I could pull this off as well as I have (so far.)
I do not have sandblasting equipment but would like to look into it in the future. My next step is to get a computerize or manual engraver on site by Christmas, but we'll see. I think it would be *huge* but being a company of 1 (and wanting to stay that way) it may not be feasible that soon. I too have set hours that I try to stick to which makes it hard to do much face-to-face sales, which is my weakness anyway.
Most of my orders have come from friends and family/word of mouth, the internet, and target marketing direct mailings. I had my first walk-ins yesterday (very exciting!) but they were looking to have jewelry engraved. All the more reason I need another machine!! The nice thing is they said they found the store just by driving by - I'm not very visble where I'm at and I'm working on some outside advertising and attention grabbers.
I've been doing a lot of memorial items, mostly photos in black marble. Although a lot of people like to look at the painted marble I've not had any orders. I have a small selection of corporate awards & trophies but my location and the image of the showroom is going to attract more women looking for gift type items.
I figure I can use the showroom for the girly/gifty market and still do target marketing for other groups of potential customers. I love to get people from various markets to see the different products and say "Oh, I didn't know you could do THAT."
Good luck with your business and let's definitely keep in touch!
From: Barbara (RGILE) [#18]
28 Jul 2005
To: Laura (ELLEMD628) [#17] 28 Jul 2005
Hi Laura,
I know what you mean about being excited about people walking in. I opened this store on May 12th and I have had more walkin's that I ever did in the 5 months at the other location. I was so discouraged in the other spot. I really thought I might have made a mistake going into this, but knew deep down, that there was a need for it.
I too have been doing a lot of marble and granite plaques for people, and have discovered that Pet's have become a big part of my business. I am thinking now of doing dog shows along with the wedding shows. Can't hurt to try it right!!
I advertise in a local Vet's office also. I am trying to get involved with the local humane society also.
I called them but haven't heard back from them, so I am going to go there on a Sunday afternoon. I just found out that they open for a few hours on Sunday. I hope someone who is in charge will be there, but I am going to make up something in marble and leave it with them.
I also found out about an auction that they are having, so I am going to donate some certificates. Hopefully, that will get some more attention.
I love my new store, and when I get a chance I will send you some pictures of it also.
I also got invlolved with a company that puts laser photos on gold and silver, and they do the work, and it's guaranteed for 90 days, so I sold one today, and am thrilled about it. They are beautiful keepsakes and right in line with what I am doing here.
Yes, lets keep in touch, maybe we can help each other when necessary.
I just love this forum, when I am in a pinch I know I have friends that will help me out.
Barbara