Hello :)

Lianne · Post by **Lianne** » Thu 26 Mar, 2009 12:34 pm

Hello everyone!

I couldn't find somewhere specificly for indroductions, so I'm sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place :S

I have been lurking aroubd the forum for a little while now, and thought really it ws about time I jumped in. We're brand new to business - our framing company is less than a year old, and with the sudden drop in our takings we're finding it tough going! Looking forward to getting to know a few of you, and learning from your experience.

Li

framejunkie · Post by **framejunkie** » Thu 26 Mar, 2009 1:44 pm

Hi Lianne and welcome to the forum.
Or, as the sign outside Tesco in Hackney said for many years

Welc me

I've never been welced, as far as i know, but I'll try anything once, especially if it involves seafood. But I've always been shelfish

I'll get my coat

Dermot · Post by **Dermot** » Thu 26 Mar, 2009 2:01 pm

Welcome Lianne

Great to see you here….

Every success with the business, if you can survive current conditions you are on your way to having a very successful operation…

Myself ………I’m re-starting a picture framing business that I put into hibernation (to concentrate on another business project) back years ago…..it’s a challenge however I’m very confident that things will work out….

I have to say the support from many friends here on the Framers Forum is wonderful, it’s like having a full project team behind me….

Lianne · Post by **Lianne** » Thu 26 Mar, 2009 2:15 pm

Thanks for the welcome, guys

I'm usually too shy to post things in forums like these, as I'm completely intimidated by other people's abilities that are much greater than my own, so hopefully people will be gentle with me!

I've also managed to waste about 2 hours at least of today just reading through random threads here, so I'm beginning to wonder whether I've made a terrible mistake in deciding to get more involved!!!!

Li

Dermot · Post by **Dermot** » Thu 26 Mar, 2009 2:58 pm

Not a chance that it is a mistake………..it is an opportunity …..think of it a training time…..any business person worth their salt …….need to devote time for learning and training…..

Stick £2.00 or €2.50 or more if you local market will stand it on each frame for training time and travel to trade shows ……for your learning experience …

Lianne · Post by **Lianne** » Thu 26 Mar, 2009 3:08 pm

A very valid point! If anything, MORE time is needed to read and research. I owe it to my customers really...

Right, of to grab a cuppa, and then I'll be back to make myself comfy

Li

Moglet · Post by **Moglet** » Fri 27 Mar, 2009 3:05 am

Lianne wrote:I'm usually too shy to post things in forums like these, as I'm completely intimidated by other people's abilities that are much greater than my own, so hopefully people will be gentle with me!

Seems like you're making a most auspicious start, Li!

If it's any comfort, I've been a member here for nearly two years, and sometimes it still scares the willies out of me!

Don't worry about time spent on the backposts: it's an investment in your skills and the future of your business, and definitely worth the time. I have learned far far more and better practices here snapping at the ankles of the Forum Elders than I did on my foundation training course. Dive in and enjoy!

A hearty welcome to you, and it's great to have another lurker-turned-contributor on board!

Lianne · Post by **Lianne** » Fri 27 Mar, 2009 7:50 am

Thank you

And what a cute kitty! I've noticed a few peoples avatars are pet pictures, it's lovely.

Li

Bill Henry · Post by **Bill Henry** » Fri 27 Mar, 2009 3:08 pm

From an “outsiders” viewpoint, this forum is very friendly, polite and welcoming. Don’t ever be afraid of asking basic questions. We were all new to picture framing at one point, and most of us remember that.

I am constantly amazed at how skilled many of the framers are here concerning hand finishing, a talent that I am woefully lacking. After twenty two years of framing, I am still learning things here.

Another good resource for picture framing is The Grumble. Because it is based in North America it has a larger member base, and, for the most part, the framers there, too, embrace newcomers. Just stay away from discussing politics there!

When it finally comes time to select an avatar, Lianne, make sure it is a dog or I’ll lose all respect for you. Cats are … well … you know … useless lumps of protoplasm.

markw · Post by **markw** » Fri 27 Mar, 2009 3:33 pm

Welcome Lianne. What are you doing to try and get that business back? Once here we like to make sure we all have some useful suggestions to keep you going. Year into your business and you should be looking forward to business starting to build up - sadly the economic conditions aren't being very kind to you, but a lot of us seem to be riding the storm fairly well.
March for me was a very odd month - two record breaking weeks of takings - followed by two very quiet weeks. Didn't do anything different - I think I washed fairly thoroughly and came into work with a bright and sunny countenance - customers just weren't there. Fortunately the weather has turned nasty and the customers seem to have come back out of hiding.

Lianne · Post by **Lianne** » Fri 27 Mar, 2009 4:19 pm

Hi!

Well, I must admit, I'm being made to feel very welcome indeed, so thank you all

I'm afraid I am not a dog person at all, and do infact own a very lovely kitty called Jack. I hate to disappoint!

As for the business, we've hit a very bad time indeed, and the customers are few and far between at the moment. So far I've sent a newsletter out to everyone on our customer database, which was made up of customers from the gallery we used to be part of. The thinking behind this was that they may not have been aware of the businesses splitting, and therefore when the gallery closed down, would propbably assume the framing had to and go else where.

We're just written an editorial for a local magazine with a great distrobution area, and when we used this method with the gallery always got a good response, so fingers crossed. That should be going out next week.

We've set up Twitter and Facebook accounts to try and push our services to local people without spending any money. And we've leafleted the whole of the industrial estate where we're based to try and reach both corporate customers as well as private customers.

And in the post this morning came a box of postcards I've had made up to send out to everyone!! We've got a huge list of businesses to post them to, as well as an army of volunteers to leaflet drop the residential estates.

We're trying to keep our website up to date, and we've just restructured our prices by introducing a new value range as well as ofering standard framing rather than only conservation which we were doing before. The new price list has gone online in the hopes that poeple who maybe thought we were beyond their budget can see that actually we're not too bad!

I just hope we can weather the storm for the next few months, as if we can survive this we can survive anything!!!

But any help and ideas are always welcome. I absolutley love what we do here and the thought of having to close the doors is just not somewhere I'm willing to let my mind wander to :S

Thanks again for all the welcoming replies! It's good to know we're not alone in this!

Li

DEEPJOY · Post by **DEEPJOY** » Sat 28 Mar, 2009 12:55 am

Hi Lianne

Welcome aboard.

Like your good-self I was lurking around the forum for a while before I came out. No admission here of a change in my sexuality, I meant actually contributing to the topics and posts on the forum.
Unlike most of the regular contributers on the forum, I have a full time occupation with regular income but with a burning desire to be involved in framing for my own sanity and to enjoy a living from it. I have been building up to and acquiring the tools of the trade and the experience necessary to steadily build the business on the back of my day job, until such a time I can see the need to move into the profession on a full time basis. I have been fortunate to plan and get everything ready for when I start out with the use of my personnel savings, rather than scratch by and build the range of equipment out of the proceeds from the framing business as it grows. I am not sure which is the best way, but for the time being whilst I have the money to invest and a job to support my family, them I think it is the right way.
I must say, you have presented a truly honest and brave admission of just how you are fairing at this moment in time. It seems also that you are being more than proactive in your marketing approaches to the surrounding custom. The only thing you are not doing, not that it may be the best fit for this industry, is to prospect local business by telephone or physically trying to get an audience with the businesses when you deliver your flyers. I must admit, I was hoping when I eventually get started that I did not have to resort to the harder forms of selling.
I have found, not just on this forum, but in all industries and all walks of life, there is an unease and a concern in what is happening out there and where things are going. The optimism and general feel good factor seems to be slipping in SOME areas, not all.
Keep reading and contributing to the forum, listen and learn and above all keep your focus. Some American guy says, "there are on average 49 blank walls in everyones home, some one needs to fill them".

Regards
Deepjoy

Lianne · Post by **Lianne** » Sat 28 Mar, 2009 9:08 am

Hi, thanks for the welcome!

I'd love to be able to write about how things are going really well, and one day soon I really hope that's the case, but I think I'm much more likely to get the help and tips I need by just telling it like it is. I'm not proud!! I'll take what I can get at this stage

Indeed, face-to-face marketing is our next step really. We've done some cold telephone calling already and got a slightly better response from that than I was expecting to be honest, so I feel a bit more confident about trying the same approach by popping in to places, or inviting people to come to the workshop. I think the way we'll approach it is to have a few frame and mount board chervrons to hand, as well as some small framed up samples to take out and about to hopefully show people what we can do. It's always worth trying! They can only say no, in which case we've not really lost anything, as they weill still know about us and theresfore could ponetially use us in the future or tell someone else about us!

Unfortunately, I', accutely aware of just how bad things out there are for everyone. My partner was made redundadnt a while back, struggled to get a new job, finally found one and luckily it was one he loved, only to be told on Tuesday, after working there for about 7 months now, that either him or one of the other guys in the office would have to be let go. Cue one of the worst weeks ever!! Thankfully, they made the other guy redundant, which is a very bittersweet feeling for us as he is a lovely guy, and it saddens me to think how difficult it is to get work at the moment , but still, a big 'phew' all around, seen as though I'm just not sure the framing business is going to survive too long!!

Li

Moglet · Post by **Moglet** » Sat 28 Mar, 2009 8:23 pm

Lianne wrote:I'd love to be able to write about how things are going really well, and one day soon I really hope that's the case, but I think I'm much more likely to get the help and tips I need by just telling it like it is. I'm not proud!!

I see you've been stocking up on wisdom, instead. Smart girl!

Li wrote:...face-to-face marketing .... have a few frame and mount board chervrons to hand, as well as some small framed up samples to take out and about to hopefully show people what we can do.

From a portability perspective, howzabout preparing some pictorial examples of your work, placed in an attractive portfolio folder of some nature? (Take pics mid-production before you glaze the frame!).

Li wrote:It's always worth trying! They can only say no, in which case we've not really lost anything, as they will still know about us and therefore could potentially use us in the future or tell someone else about us!

If for no other reason, your pro-active approach could be what keeps you going, Li. I'm delighted you've decided to contribute to the Forum and share your thoughts and actions with us. I, for one, find your approach and your determination to fight to succeed highly inspiring: and I would lay money on many other Forum readers feeling the same way. I have tremendous admiration for both your candour, your obvious desire to succeed, and your commitment to the survival and growth of your business and your future.

I am very glad that your partner found work again, and that he was fortunate not to have the axe fall on him a second time. I'd like to add that I admire how much you both come across as appreciating the good breaks in such adverse times as these, and also the compassion you show to others whom Fortune has sadly not been able to smile on.

Li wrote:I'm just not sure the framing business is going to survive too long!!

In uncertain times, there are two things that I believe make the difference between survival and failure: wilingness to work to meet the challenge, and plain ol' common or garden luck. The first you seem to have in spades;, and with regard to the second, to me you sound for all the world like a woman who can make her own. It's said that God loves a trier!!!

I wish you, and all Forum members, the very, very best as we all work through the current nightmare.

Moglet · Post by **Moglet** » Sat 28 Mar, 2009 8:27 pm

PS...

Glad you like my mog (one of five in the family). Her name is Danú. Be sure and post a picture of Jack. (Mr. Henry - bless his cottons! - needs little reminders of the true World Order every now and again! But he's dead right about Grumble politics threads...)

Moglet · Post by **Moglet** » Sat 28 Mar, 2009 8:46 pm

framejunkie wrote:I've never been welced...

Simon, I've you've never been welced, you've never lived mate!

Lianne · Post by **Lianne** » Sun 29 Mar, 2009 3:54 pm

Moglet, thank you for your lovely message!

I do try and stay positive - when things are tough it's the only thing that'll get you through I think. We're already making steps towards our targets now, so hopefully it can only get better from here. I think last week with my partner nearly loosing his job put a lot into perspective, and has given me a bit of extra fight.

And if I sit back and just hope for the best, then I may as well shut up shop now, and the last thing I am is a quitter

Li

Moglet · Post by **Moglet** » Sun 29 Mar, 2009 7:35 pm

Atta girl, Li! Nil illegitmati carborundum.

fineedge · Post by **fineedge** » Sun 29 Mar, 2009 11:15 pm

Carborundum ! isn't that what they coat drill bits with Áine ? Hi Lianne - here's a thought - I have no idea why but as things have become tighter economically my workload has ballooned ( at the same time I see ads for people wanting to flog all their machinery and stock) but someone said to me that their theory about my workload is that with so many people staying home more and having less holidays and not eating out etc, they have become more acutely aware of the blank areas on the walls of their homes and they feel the need to revamp the space where they are spending more time. Good luck !

Lianne · Post by **Lianne** » Mon 30 Mar, 2009 6:38 am

I'm hoping that's what starts to happen for us too. There are a few framers in the area that have gone out of business, which has i'm my opinion increased our chances of winning new customers. We are already getting some good feedback, and a few new jobs, from the marketing we've been doing for the last few weeks, so I'm fairly confident we're on the right track to pick things up again.

I hope so anyway!!

Li

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