10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #4
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! #4. We often talk about being a transparent company to our distributors. We’ll discuss any aspect of Classic Exhibits Inc. except our financials (we’re privately held). We’ll break that rule just this once. On occasion, a distributor will ask us if we have enough aluminum extrusion to handle a large order. We always smile. Currently, we have over a million dollars in aluminum extrusion in our inventory. It would have to be a REALLY BIG ORDER to put a dent in our inventory. Bring it on baby!
Plus 1. Aside from Reid Sherwood’s obvious sales and people skills, not many people know that the third reason he was hired by Classic had a lot to do with Mel White’s obsession with Bigfoot!
For the only legitimate source of Bigfoot facts and sightings (according to Mel . . . and he’s serious), refer to the non-profit Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization(www.bfro.net).
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #3
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! #3. Yes, Sacagawea is an odd name for an exhibit system, but we wanted to continue the explorer theme (Magellan). Do you have any idea how hard it is to find an explorer whose reputation hasn’t taken a beating in recent history? Think Cortez, Columbus, Pizarro . . . basically any explorer in the “New World.” For anyone struggling with how to pronounce “Sacagawea” or for a quick history lesson about this remarkable woman, click here.
Plus 1. Despite our denials, we actually own an anti-gravity device. We only use it for our special customers since it requires Plutonium 286 to power the reactor.
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #2
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually one, plus another one. Enjoy! When you call and ask us a question . . . and then there’s a pause, it’s probably because we are checking Exhibit Design Search for the answer. We love chatting with you (we really do!), but about half the questions you ask are available in Exhibit Design Search online.
Plus 1. Combined, Reid Sherwood and Kevin Carty have one good liver. See them destroy what’s left next week at the 15th Annual Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic, October 12, 2009 at Berkeley Hills in Duluth, GA.
10 Things We Probably Shouldn’t Tell You — #1
For the next two weeks, we’ll share 10 things we probably shouldn’t — one each day. Actually, one, plus another one each day. Enjoy! #1. When your shipping carrier arrives at noon, but your order isn’t scheduled to ship until 4 pm and won’t be ready until then, we always tell the driver it’s your fault.
Plus 1. During slow production months (November and May in particular), Classic Manufacturing transforms into a “Snuggie” factory. What can we say. . . Cash flow baby!
p.s. Now available in many fashionable patterns such as Leopard and Zebra!
Words of Wisdom from My Grandmother
In business, “Taking the Time” is a mindset. We all know it’s easier and less expensive to keep an existing customer than to acquire a new one. That fact has been drilled into our brain repeatedly. Yet, we devote most of our energy to chasing new customers or simply reacting to existing ones. What we rarely do is contact our existing customers. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. When did you call a customer for advice about a product or service? How often do you send out surveys asking for feedback? Do you ever phone a customer just to ask how they are doing without launching into a sales pitch?
Word on the Street — September 25th thru October 2nd
Content is KING!
This week was a travel week for me. I was fortunate to see new customers as well as some great existing customers/friends.
The standout day this past week was easily Wednesday. That was the day I attended an Open House hosted by one of our customers.
I have been to quite a few Open House Events in my 15 years of doing this. Many hosted or organized by folks who are reading this blog. Honestly, there are a few that I end up leaving and feeling “that was so close, but it was missing something . . . and I can’t seem to put my finger on it.”
When 50% “Show” and 50% “Trade” is 100% “In Doubt”
After 10 plus years in the exhibit industry, I tend to make assumptions about trade shows. To me, they are convention halls, pipe and drape, carpeting, hanging banners, and trade show displays. They are drayage, union labor, and confusing electrical forms. You expect the exhibit hall to be 50 percent “show” and 50 percent “trade.”
Word on the Street — September 21st thru September 25th
It’s almost “Randy” time!
This week I am using this forum for a totally different purpose. But something I feel very passionate about and want to share with you.
15th Annual Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic
October 12, 2009
at Berkeley Hills in Duluth, GA
Word on the Street — September 14th thru September 18th
Where Have All the Turnaround Times Gone?
Of course, I say this partially in jest, but boy isn’t it true right now?!?
And please don’t get me wrong. Like you, we are delighted to have the business. As many of you have shared with me this week, everyone is ordering much later this year.
If Trade Show Exhibits Were Celebrities, They Would Be . . . .
Banner Stands (cheap, attractive, but not always reliable): Tara Reid, Andy Dick, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan
Custom Exhibits (talented, larger than life, mostly professional but occasionally temperamental): Meryl Streep, Orson Welles, Dame Judi Dench, Aretha Franklin
Overhead Tension Fabric Signs (highly visible and stretched tight): Joan Rivers
Table Tops (small, perky, occasionally cute): Kathy Griffin, Danny Devito, Herve Villechaize, Dakota Fanning,
Pop Up Displays (versatile, portable, and over-exposed): Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, John Mayer, Jennifer Aniston
Modular Exhibits (adaptable, upscale, but not custom): Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, Jimmy Stewart, Christopher Walken
Hybrid Exhibits (lightweight, re-inventing, contemporary): Johnny Depp, Robin Williams, Madonna, Tom Hanks
Green (eco-friendly but pushy): Ed Begley Jr., Al Gore, Sheryl Crow
Aluminum Extrusion Systems (durable, versatile, supporting role): Keith Richards, Alfre Woodard, John Tuturro, William H. Macy, Vivian Vance and William Frawley
Homemade Cardboard Display (barely functional, always tacky): Tom Arnold, Jon and Kate Gossling (but not the kids), Omarosa, Carrot Top
Vinyl Hanging Signs (last resort, unstable): Screech (Dustin Diamond) from “Saved by the Bell”
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