Do you know that target neighborhood activities pay off?  Flyers, phone calls, and “Friend Finding” (canvassing) really work.   Yes, it is getting cold and hard to get out as much - or so it would seem. But then there is Morgan Cox in Anchorage, Alaska. She got her flyers out, knocked on doors and continued her marketing in the snow….a pretty common thing you know in Alaska! Morgan received four appointments from her marketing activities and closed every one of them for a FIRST MONTH IN BUSINESS total of $10,000! As a recent graduate of WCU Professional Window Coverings Sales, we are really proud of Morgan. Any of you can do the same -  “Just do it”, as Nike would tell us.

One of the things I am hearing is that workroom owners and experienced window stylings designers need appointments. For the first time in memory good people are available because retailers don’t have enough appointments to keep their decorators busy. At the same time interior designers selling furniture, accessories, and draperies don’t have enough new customers to keep workrooms busy. What is the impact? More and more window treatment consultants are learning a new skill: how to find customers!

I have written many times that the fastest, lowest cost way to get business is to knock on doors and introduce yourself. Never was it more true than today. I am hearing about about women and men overcoming their fear of rejection to find customers by this tried and true way. Tell me your experience of success….share it with others. They will appreciate it.

First, congratulations to the historic first black president.  For some, he was not the vote of of choice, but he is our President, and we must all get behind him to give support.  Now, how will he affect your business? According to a WSJ interview over the weekend with Rahm Emanual, one of the first priorities will be an economic recovery package.  In fact, that may be largely in place before the inauguration some 70 days from now.  Obviously, that will help all American business, including our industry.  Let’s support that effort to benefit the homeowners who need us.

For the first time I see our industry consolidating.  In the last 30 days I learned that a blinds chain with over 100 stores has closed all but a handful to become a shop at home operator.  I learned that a major franchise group now has kiosks in Sam’s Club.  For years, one of the largest retailers in America has operated concessions in another warehouse store.  It is happening differently than we all expected.  We thought a big time player would set up stores, as several did during the 1990s, but now, SAH is king.  The chains are copying franchises - blinds franchises, drapery franchises, interior decorating franchises.  They are all now beginning to take a winning share of market.  Tune in next week to learn the impact to expect and what you can do about it. 

If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to see my article “End of an Era” in the September issue.  It is one of the most important articles I have written in 25 years writing for DWC.  http://www.dwconline.com/articles.php?article_id=2812

 Please post your notes or email me at steveb@ExcitingWindows.com

From a lot of dealers and decoarators I talk to, appointments are off by 30-50% this month. I would like to know if any of you who work with upscale customers are having a similar experience. What are the things you are doing to offset slow movement by customers.

Please post on this site for the public or email me directly at steveb@excitingwindows.com

Thanks, and have a good season