[pianotech] Lost business

[William Monroe]

As David said, networking at conventions is a lot more than making false
friends.  Networking is making real friends, with real information and a
real willingness to share of themselves for the benefit of others.  It is
HUGE.

And, though it has been said before, many times, I'll say it again for the
benefit of anyone who's listening.  At convention, you can also take
business classes.  It is in classes like those that you may better learn how
to place yourself in your market.  If there are technicians in this country
(any country) who are booked two months or more out and are "just breaking
even" they can do better.  If you are booked that consistently, you are way
underpriced.  You do yourself and your family a disservice by not raising
rates so you can better care for those who depend upon you.  Learn how to
tactfully raise prices, earn a good living wage, which will afford you the
opportunity to attend conventions, seminars and, possibly, build a shop so
you can do the work you want to be doing.

I chose to build a shop, not because I could afford it, but because it gave
me the opportunity to do the work I wanted to do.  I have allowed others use
of my shop as well.  It has made me money and paid for itself within two
years.  But whether you build first or save and build later, we all need to
learn to price ourselves properly for our market - and if you're booked way,
way out, up go the rates.

Wednesday evening musings..........

William R. Monroe


On Wed, May 19, 2010 at 7:59 PM, David Ilvedson <ilvey at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Conventions are more than learning.   You connect with other
> technicians...you make friends...maybe someone with space in their shop.
> No local chapter?
>
> David Ilvedson, RPT
> Pacifica, CA  94044
>
> --
>
> >About two years ago, I had the opportunity to do a - complete - rebuild
> >(finish and all) on an old square grand.
>
> >Was probably going to make at least $10,000 - BUT - I had no shop to
> >move the piano to
>
> >SO I lost the job.
>
> >Now, I hope some smart-a** is not going to try and tell me that learning
> >about square grands at a convention would have gained me this job!
>
> >--
> >Duaine Hechler
>
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