Opening Day

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Ack Cents In Framing

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Apr 29, 2007
Posts
137
Loc
Mason City, Iowa
Well, I had my opening day......I rushed it a bit but today's date was a very important date to me. I had three weeks basically from the time I found my location til today. It was tough, but I did it. I did no advertising yet, just told a handful of people and I had two customers and both placed orders (1 order was 16 pieces):thumbsup:. I's say it was a success. I am in an area of economy framing minded consumers, so I don't expect to be slammed with high dollar orders, and unable to keep up. I plan on advertising as I get settled into my shop, as I said it was rushed. I wanted to open on my mother's 63 birthday.....she passed away 14 months ago. Today was more a tribute to her than a GRAND OPENING. I must say that I am pleased and look forward to 30yrs of working harder than I ever have in the past. I LOVE FRAMING!!!
 
Congrats! And, what a great way to pay tribute to your Mom.
 
Now,go......Kick Butt!!! Congrats! L.
 
I love it when people have the courage to start their own business's. It is not easy, there will be times you will wish you had never done it, then there will also be the rewarding times as well. It's a roller coaster ride that few are cut out for. After over thirty years in my own business, I don't think I would change a thing, even if I could. It's been a ride I am proud of, or at least proud of surviving it.

Congratulations,

John
 
Thanks for the encouragement. I have been framing for other people and dare I say it ......basement framing for a little over 10 years now. It took 2 years of research, blood, sweat and tears to get to being on my own after I decided to open my own shop. The laast 6 months of that were spent bouncing back and forth if I could do it or not after Mom passed and then 1 day I think she sent me a sign or kinda kicked me in the ### how ever you want to look at it. July 4th, her favorite holiday, an extremely low overhead storefront fell into my lap.
 
Sounds like you got off to a good start

There is something to be said about having a "soft" opening -

You can promote, promote, promote once you are comfortable

Until then learn, enjoy the trade, and live in the moment.
 
I purposely saved my grand opening for my first anniversary and then had a big blow out with lots of publicity. I was able to grow slowly, but steadily while I spent time learning things I needed to know plus getting involved in every community thing I could. I can't tell if your male or female, but I joined the Soroptimists, a women's service organization, there's also Optimists or Kiwanis among others, and was able to help people in my community as well as develop a community profile. Meeting and getting to know people is a huge help.

Good luck in your business.
 
Jr. Leaque is another good social group that has great contacts and does good for the comunity.

It sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, and are not over expecting. I think that is key to long term success.

I waited a few months before I had my Grand opening in my new location. I wanted to work out the kinks and get comfortable, but I didn't have the luxury of waiting a whole year. I needed people to know I was there.
The Chamber is a great way to do a large Grand opening. In our town, they do what is called a ribbon cutting and the Mayor comes with all of the Chamber members being notified.

something to think about!:kaffeetrinker_2:

congratulations! I hope you do well!:thumbsup:
 
congrats are in order....wish you well and hope you are prosperous and happy in your adventure.
 
Congratulations! Hope you'll do well. Keep us informed.

As of yesterday, I'm also my own boss but still have to do all the remodeling. Plan to close for 2 weeks in september, re-model and open quietly before any advertising. I want to get a feel for everything first as well and want to grow into it.
Ylva
 
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Congratulations! All the best in your new venture.
:thumbsup: Rick
 
I am grateful for my decision to have a soft opening. I think its a good idea to work out the kinks before the are a larger problem during operations......plus it cost $$$$$ to promote heavily. I am still thinking of several ways to announce my GRAND OPENING. I am planning on an October Promotion, correct me if I am wrong but isn't October Nat'l Framing Month???
 
Ack Cents In Framing said:
I am grateful for my decision to have a soft opening. I think its a good idea to work out the kinks before the are a larger problem during operations......plus it cost $$$$$ to promote heavily. I am still thinking of several ways to announce my GRAND OPENING. I am planning on an October Promotion, correct me if I am wrong but isn't October Nat'l Framing Month???
Click to expand...


Here's some ideas for you http://www.artandframingmonth.com/. October is also national toilet tank repair month and national spinach lovers month according to wikipedia...
 
Congratulations.

I'm glad to hear your opening went well. Where in Iowa are you? I'm in Council Bluffs. Wish you the best. :thumbsup:
 
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