thinking ahead by looking behind

[James Grebe]

> This is the the time of year when we start trying to figure out what we 
> have been doing wrong or right in out businesses.  In trying to figure out 
> ways to maximize our creativity or profitability we must examine what has 
> worked for us before and enhance on it.  In the early 1990's I began 
> building replacement piano benches, and my first, what I call, my 
> 'Handsome Hardwood Caster Cups".  This past summer I began making hardwood 
> and exotic hardwood writing instruments.  This week, I sold 1 piano bench, 
> 3 sets of HHCC's , and 18 of my pens.  Best week ever, in addition to 19 
> piano tunings.These three items have been a big part and growing part of 
> my interest and some of my profit.  They have also helped to maintain 
> intense interest in my profession of piano.  The adding on of more diverse 
> products have made me much more interesting to myself and has added new 
> challenges to my life.
>    What I am trying to say to many of you who seemed hemmed in by just 
> piano tuning and repair  to maybe think about expanding your vision to 
> diversify some and see how that effects your outlook on your profession. 
> In these days of high transportation costs it pays to spend time in the 
> shop to make things that people will buy from you in the future.
>    As the slow season is about to attack us, maybe now is the time to look 
> around and see what may work for you in diversification.
> Just a thought
> Jim
> James Grebe
> Piano-Forte Tuning & Repair
> Creator of Handsome Hardwood Caster Cups
> (314) 608-4137
> WWW.JamesGrebe.com
> 1526 Raspberry Lane
> Arnold, MO 63010
> BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE!
> pianoman@accessus.net