Cincinnati--Here I Come
Monday, September 7, 2009 at 07:38PM I can’t believe I’m heading to Cincinnati in two days for regional! I feel like convention just ended, but I guess that’s been weeks ago! Time flies. . .
I’ve been working on the project that I’m going to show on Friday, and I’m getting excited—partly because I love to show you what I’m working on and partly because this particular projects has to do with Shanna’s homecoming!
I’m also excited to see what you’re bringing to show and share. I know we’re bringing a few loaded display boards, but I also know we’re bringing a bunch of empty display boards too—all waiting for you to fill them up.
One of the highlights of regionals (and all of our events) for me is walking around and checking out the swaps, so I’m excited to see swaps up on the boards this year. Be sure to drop off your swap as early as possible so we can show it on the board!
And I’ll work on getting my project ready so I can show it on stage!
Reader Comments (18)
Have a great time in Cincinnati. I heard that you won't be able to travel to the half day regionals and I understand. We will miss you in Portland Maine in mid October.
Wow Shanna's coming home that's great! Bet you cannot wait. Happy Homecoming Shanna! Welcome home. Are you going to share some pictures of your experience?
Inky Hugs,
Terry~~
Colleen
Thank you.
I managed a huge sales area in the energy business (now I'm retired and artistic). When sales dropped off - my first reaction was why and my second instinct was "tighter" controls". Here is what I observed over my 35 years in a highly competitive market.
1. why are sales down? economy? (stamping is an expensive business - I am very well off and I am boggled by the amount people not nearly as well off as I spend). maybe my product needs tweeking - SU is about the only company not providing an option for unmounted - who needs the wood anymore - sure it's nice - but it's not eco-friendly or storage friendly and it adds to costs - not profits. Build on the strengths. Deal with the exchange rates in a reasonable way - all product shipped to Canada is shipped from Utah - yet - the exchange is over 30% while the market is much lower - customers buy off e-bay in US dollars - why not anywhere else? Why this complication.
2. why am I afraid of competition - you shouldn't be - SU is a fantastic product. I hope you have observed how many bloggers routinely site product use that includes papers, cardstocks, stamps, inks and dimensionals. In the energy business I learned to observe the happenings in the market - ie., why do gas stations from different companies operate side by side? how about fast-food? it's been so proven that everyone does better when you follow the franchise rule
I have a friend who owns a stamp/scrapbook store in my town - she sends business my way when someone wants SU product. I know that once I have introduced customers to SU and they become passionate about stamping - they explore many avenues. I have found that my business has become much more "stamp camp" orientated/club orientated because of cheaper options out there.
3. My sorrow - so very many talented demonstrators out there are going to leave the fold - I and thousands of other users get so very much inspiration from these women - I can't tell you how many times someone needs a set because one of these women used it in their blog - sure they may have used a nestability - or a memory box paper in their blog - but the image sold the set.
4. I hope that your decisions feel very good in your gut - they don't in mine. I hope you did not rely on the marketing consultants for this decision. They don't have any part of their future vested in this.
I hope you reflect on this decision and read the many bloggers who are publicly putting their thoughts to print. I have always admired your business accumen (except for the exchange rate stuff) and hope you can reflect on this.