Hi, I'm Tom Kalinoski, from southwest Pa, Delaware County Chapter

[tkalinoski]

Hey Gary,

I think we all need encouragement from a veteran pro like yourself, especially in this dire economy.

How have you been weathering the storm? Is diversification the answer? I'm taking anything I can get, painting and handyman projects, etc. The bills must get paid, and creative marketing seems to help.

Any suggestions for us guild members? I have been finding PDCA to also be helpful.

I would greatly appreciate any input from fellow members!

:2thumbs:

[LaRusso]

Hello Tom, glad to here from you.

My name is Vincent J. LaRusso and I am currently the Metro Regional Director soon too be the 2nd National Vice president come this September, at our convention in Niagara Falls, NY.

At our meetings here at the Westchester chapter we too are struggling to make ends meet, with that said we also continue to contact as many designers and decorators in the New York area as possible. Over the past five months worth of meetings we have invited a different designer every meeting as our guest speaker.

It is not easy but we keep on trying and with persistance in does pay off.

Every now and then we (some of us that is) receive a call from one of the designers as they are in need of an installer, mostly in NYC.

I do not know how far you are from a big city, as in your case Philly, but it does work, only if you try, they will not find you, trust me!

Now I also know if you live in a rural area it is much harder, just keep on rolling and something will come along.

Always remember that the ones that do not give up are the ones that remain busy.

Thanks agin,

Vincent J. LaRusso
Metro Regional Director

[tkalinoski]

Vincent,

Thanks for responding so quickly.

It's time to get back to the business planning aspect of re-inventing ourselves.

Creative advertising works, but sometimes just by getting into people's faces and straight forwardly approaching designers, architects, and builder's is the fastest way to market YOURSELF to make something happen!
So what if you get the door slammed in your face! It will make you stronger.

Sometimes I need to remind myself of this.

I learned this technique on my first paper route.

The paperboy who approached the most non-subscribers to sign them up for the newspaper would win an all expense paid trip to the amusement park with free food, a bike, and a $25.00 bonus.

My boyhood nostalgia re-invigorates me to make changes and not to get sedentary. We all need to make changes.

To all in the Guild......don't get too comfortable! Keep it alive.
Congratulations Vince on your Vice Presidency!

I'm looking forward to doing more tech tours.

Sincerely,
Thomas Kalinoski
Past Southwest Chapter President
:banana: