I tell ya, if it gets any worse, Im gonna have to get a job!:)Business is at an all time low for me. Probably the worst its been in several years. Cant explain it other than not very many new businesses popping up, or old ones getting anything done. Ive been branching out to other areas,but thats slow too. Sure do hope it gets better soon. If it dont, I may have to go back to something else.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
You and me both, John. October thru December were pathetic. (I blame it on the flooding from Ivan) I have boomed since January but it doesn't matter, I am still behind in most of my bills. I try to take time to appreciate the lovely pink shade of the gas company's shut-off notice tho. I'll pray for ya buddy. Love.....Jill
Posted by Tony McDonald (Member # 1158) on :
It's been slow here too.
Sometimes it's hard to wait for the money, but I have a couple companies that don't pay for 30-60 days. It can help a lot when it's slow and the checks are still coming in.
I guess, we'll just hang in there.
Posted by Michael Latham (Member # 4477) on :
Yep, slow here dec thru feb, picking up big time this week. (It had to be busy the week my plotter messes up!) Looking forward to busy march!
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
Hang tough all of you! Things will get better. I can feel it in my bones. Right now the market's saturated with sign businesses. The pendulum will swing the other way. You can't keep Americans pinned down forever, eventually their going to open up their pocket books and spend-spend-spend. Prepare to take their money!
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
well it's on an upturn for me this year, the past 3 had sucked like vaccum on steroids. I do beleive it has been since 9-11 for me that it dropped off.
Posted by Joe Rees (Member # 211) on :
John, I can't imagine there are many shops anywhere near you that can hold a candle to your beautiful work. That fact alone SHOULD make slow times rare. But it don't always work that way (he says from experience).
Your story reminds me of how awful it feels - there you are doing top level work and can't catch a break, while many times the relative moron down the street with the limited skills is bumping right along, dishing out his amateur crap. Amature by your standards but perfectly acceptable to much of the public who KNOWS better than to bother bringing their piddly orders to the master - it's just basic stuff, beneath your dignity and besides it would cost too much, you being so good and all.
That's how I felt anyway. Like I had managed to shoot myself right in the foot by being so friggin 'good'. I'm convinced some of that does go through people's minds as they seemingly avoid you. All I can say is that pendulum swings both ways thank God, there's a better day a comin'.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
I can only say that I will try to be extra thankful for the workload I have. I'm sorry to hear of others who struggle with less work then they can handle (especially someone so talented) & it makes me realize I am fortunate that I have more then enough. I hesitated to post, as I don't want to gloat (& I don't want y'all coming out here )... but it is a good reminder to be thankful, & I figure I can post about that so other remember the things they have to be thankful for.
John, Joe's comments sound like some real good clues to consider in your marketing. Maybe run a special that advertises your" successful growth" & credits some NEW streamlined cutting edge technology, training, tools or associates that has freed up additional to take on "even more" work ranging from the mid to high end custom sign work etc. etc.
Good Luck
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
I have been very slow since I had gallbladder surgery in November, John, but it is just now beginning to pick up. Actually, it does give me extra time to do things I need done, & that always seems to be a reason for me being slow. I know that may sound strnge, but it is true.
Your work is just awesome, & I know things will pick up for you soon! Hang in there. I'm gonna pray that everything picks up for you.
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
That's me too! Been dead in the water. Piddly stuff coming in. Trying to figure out some way of offering other things but I think being home is killing me. However, I can't justify $1600/mo. to lease a 900 sq.ft. office space!!!
I'm not hanging my head yet. I still feel good things are coming. If I were busy I would be missing a lot of time with my daughter going on field trips and volunteering at school so I guess being broke is a fair trade!
[ February 25, 2005, 06:07 PM: Message edited by: Amy Brown ]
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
John,
You do some very nice work. It is a drag to be the best in your area and not have enough sales.
Have you made up a small brochure? It can be an 8-1/2 x 11 with color pictures on both sides. Sending them to targeted businesses with a cover letter may generate more work. When sending the letters, one trick often used is to buy commemorative stamps from the post office. People are less inclined to toss envelopes with big fancy stamps. Also, doing the person’s address with a calligraphic pen helps as well.
I know the major towns are an hour or so away, but have you targeted companies in those areas as well?
Proverbs 22:29 says: “Have you beheld a man skillful in his work? Before kings is where he will station himself; he will not station himself before commonplace men.” You’re skillful in your work. Go station yourself before some kings!
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Most of the work we do is for businesses. Businesses are busy figuring out how much taxes will be paid from last year, anticipating the upcoming first quarterly, working inventories and things that leave very little to spend right now. I've always found things slowing down from Christmas to tax time. Then, it all breaks loose!
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
It's tougher lately. The other day, I bid a pan faced sign. I lost the bid to vinyl jockey-hack job low baller. He hung a flat face sign in place of a pan face. Now, you can see the bulbs at night because the faces are too close to the bulbs. DUH!!!!! Wonder why my price was higher????? Sometimes you just can't get ahead.
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
I believe it has been a problem everywhere. I said - til about 10 days ago - that this is the slowest, for the longest, I have been in recorded memory.
Because it is stressful, instead of really using the time productively, at full speed, I piddle. When it's over I say to myself "why didn't I take care of this, or that. Streamline. Organize" while I could.
So if all expenses are running at full speed, and your income is depressed, so will you be.
I have been at this now for 26 -27 years through thick and thin. Somehow all the slow times ended with a bang of immediate activity and I learned to trust that my phone line's throat was temporarily disabled, not cut. As I type this I remember calling myself from my cell to see if my phone was even working.
Our economy as a whole is not at it's best. I have seen cycles like this, where nothing is good, and nothing is really bad, when everyone sort of coasts together. Meaning our customers, and ourselves.
Not quite yet the time when we sign makers get really busy helping our customers revv up their sales, because the coasting makes them think they don't need to spend the money just yet. They also are waiting out the slump.
When it gets worse, we get to do a lot of "Going out of Business" banners.
When it gets way worse, they do them themselves.
We are, I believe, a country that is coasting in tandem economically, for now, where everybody is trying to survive in a climate that has not become really bad. That is my explanation for it being a time for less work for our trade, in my observation and experience.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Seize the moment John - take this opportunity to work out some advertising ideas. Make a brochure that breaks down the cost of a sign over it's lifetime - You can have this (ugly competition's sign) for 14 cents a day or this (your work)for 24 cents a day... You can advertise here (yellow pages) or here for your money - educate those customers, and if nothing else comes of it you will at least talk yourself out of selling out. Your work speaks for itself, I can't see this lasting. Haven't you got any dreams that have been put on hold for times like this, pull them out and get interested - I guarantee business will start hopping as soon as you get really going on them Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
the GDP report for last quarter was higher then expected..was 3.8 i think of close to that. now if thats on the upswing and most of us are on a downturn, supoosedly it will "trickle down" to us. hehehehe i have been busy since SEPT 16!!! couple days after IVAN. 1st 2 weeks i did 24 sets of magnetics @$70 each!!!!! and it slowed down in dec more to my medical condition then jobs i had to do. jan sucked hinney, but i was not well and had surgury JAN 18. and took almost till the end of the month to get well enough to move around. feb 1 i had $42 in checking. so i got a $500 dollar job done i was supposed to do back in dec. since then its been bonkers....i can take the month of march OFF!!! heheheheeh cant do that got baseball field signs will start march 1st and hold me till june 1st. just start a building project when your slow and really get into it....watch how fast some jokers will make you drop you project to get theirs done TOMARROW!!!!
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Amy, welcome to my world! May be be able to be a part of our kid's school for many years to come while still being able to pay the bills! Posted by Dave Cox (Member # 3517) on :
Well, things didnt slow down for me but I did accept a job offer I couldn't refuse. I now manage a staffing agency that specializes in Placing Graphic Designers on short & long term projects.
its awesome & great bonuses... I still get to do signs on the side also
Posted by Linda Silver Eagle (Member # 274) on :
John,
...when work slowed down for me, I would thank God for the surprise days off and do the things I was putting off till I could get a few days to focus on seein it through. Count the blessings you do have and thank God ahead of time for the blessings to come. Claim them in absolute faith.
We still love you John and will keep you in our prayers. This is the Year of Grace and Favor from our God so claim that and start cleanin out your old paint cabinet, revamp the shop, sompn to "prepare" for the new work load! Organize it, they will come LOL.
Posted by Jay Allen (Member # 195) on :
In my marginally worthless opinion, the best response yet goes to David Harding:
Proverbs 22:29 says: “Have you beheld a man skillful in his work? Before kings is where he will station himself; he will not station himself before commonplace men.” You’re skillful in your work. Go station yourself before some kings!
Not always is good work a bad thing. Only when you don't have customers. But you still have the skills!
Sell to people who HAVE money - not who HOPE to have money. Good work IS out there to be had - or ALL of us would be slow. We're not here - as others have mentioned. Sure, slower than in the summer - but it gets cold here and the sign biz in this area has ALWAYS been somewhat seasonal.
How to combat that? Go after trade show stuff. It's the "season" for that - and you don't have to dig holes or paint!!! Gravy money. Call on exhibit houses to see if they have any need for excess capacity. Help them out. Find out who is attending which trade show in your area and send them a letter about their show needs.
Specialize. Advertise. Be aggressive without being a nuisance. Write made up press releases about your company and send them to the newspaper. Host an Open House event at your business.
When the going gets tough . . . the tough shouldn't be spending as much time here in Letterville. (no malice intended - just trying to make a point - besides, I'm here typing:)
It's in your hands. Believe in your work. Others have. They must know something.
Posted by Jed Pedersen (Member # 2344) on :
Hey All,
Nice to know that I'm not the only one... Been slow since mid October and just now starting to pick up, a little. My location has a lot to do with it though, There are only so many signs to sell in a county of only 2500 souls.
Mostly bored ou of my gourd...
Jed
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
You know, that Jay Allen may just be on to something.
Down here in Texas things are a little slow, but it seems just about the time I think about painting the floor, some more jobs come in.
We just did some work for a local Home and Garden Show this week. Sometimes just meeting someone in a restaurant will spark a new job. I was having lunch and someone noticed my company name on my shirt and the next thing I knew he was writing me a deposit check.
I've drummed up work by just calling some old clients and seeing if they needed anything. We are putting up a $1,000 job Monday that came about by me talking to my insurance man and commenting that his sign was looking a little ragged. He also needed a sign for his antique pickup that he was entering in a show and during the conversation I mentioned that it would look good to have some nice oak sideboards for the pickup with his company name on them. We received three jobs by just dropping by to pay the insurance on my truck.
After doing this for over 40 years it seems that there are mountains of good times and valleys of bad times...but here we are, still doing signs. It doesn't help the nerves any, but somehow we manage to wade through and still have supper on the table.
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
John...I have been slow before, and sometimes it's good to circulate around town and be seen....one thing you can do is just drop in on some of your old customers. Tell them you were just passing by, and thought you'd stop in and say hi. Tell them you were a little slow today, and thought you'd take a day off and cruise around. Who knows, you might see something that needs doing. I used to do that, because I hate to sit around waiting for the phone to ring.
Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
iam with jeff on the "visit" old customers...not only will it get you work, but you will seal your freindship. i cant tell you how many of my clients....over time become great freinds... and this dosent hurt our business relations...
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
One good thing about slow business is that you have finally found time for your family and friends.
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
Its been slow here also. I have enjoyed the time developing new products, reorganizing the shop and switching things around.
Really, the slow times are for going out to see all your customers and just taking an interest in their business. Who else does that? It will stir up some work.
I watch the franchise shops in this area, and they do not sit on their butts and wait for work to come in the door...they work thier customer base very hard to pry out some work.
If you love makeing signs...go get the work! Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
All good responses and all good advice. I have really nice brochures that I send out, business cards everywhere, Ive been running ads in the local paper and two weekly trade papers that target a large area. Ive made a few stops at places I know need signs and other customers to see if they need anything. Seems its just at a standstill for everyone here. Ive been doing some sub contract work for my friend Russ at Artcraft signs and it helps quite a bit. Ive use the time to make samples for my showroom and other projects I needed to do in the shop. Im doing work, but it all seems to be piddly stuff like Amy said. I havent done a large job in quite awhile. Ive depended on this business for a living for many years now, but if it keeps this up, I wont do that anymore. I may have to relocate or go to work for another shop. Whatever I have to do I guess. Thanks everyone for the replies. Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
john all the coal haulers are down here....movin debris from the huricans. i rented my tourches to some guy outa kentucky with BIIIIIGGG trucks, need to cut the top pins in the tailgate of the open haulers....for coal, they need to swing open at the bottom, for debris, the need to open from the top. also i got roofing companies from la, texas, al, ga, that i didnt have before the storm.
[ February 27, 2005, 02:55 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Things are a little slow in our shop. We finished our last job a month earlier than estimated and had another big job delayed about a month. It leaves a big gap which isn't easily filled. We have lots of work pending... enough to worry me if it comes in at once (which it will of course!)
When things are slow and a crew of five to keep busy it makes me scramble in a hurry! I have to be more organized than when we have work to do in the shop... the crew knows their tasks in that case....
I told the crew it was a good time to take some time off if they desired. They obliged with a few days off to do things they had been putting off at home.
And then we got busy with a whole bunch of projects around the shop that I've long been wishing we had time to do. The vehicles were deep cleaned inside and out.
The whole yard is spruced up and spring cleaned. We went through the boneyard out back and sorted ruthlessly, making two big trips to the dump with garbage that had collected over the last while. We filled our own dumpster a number of times as well.
We tore down the old garage making me one happy camper!
The paddle mixer is being rebuilt this week, complete with new paint. That was LONG overdue!
The parade float is being rebuilt months ahead of schedule and the shop man-doors are at long last getting a much needed coat of paint.
We've replaced all the frayed ends on our power cords, sorted the tools, and done a deep clean of the shop.
We are working on the shop building too, doing more finishing work on the exterior as we find the time and weather permits. The fence around the property is taking shape nicely. If we can find the time I'll fabricate another sign for our workshop too.
The list of needed chores is still very long... it will keep us busy for a while yet.
I'm spending as much time as possible in the design studio working on projects for the future. I'm also working hard at the artwork for our new web page which should be posted soon.
Money dwindles fast when we are slow... but the time is well spent in hundreds of ways other than worrying... I've never had much time for that.
-grampa dan
Posted by John Deaton III (Member # 925) on :
quote:I watch the franchise shops in this area, and they do not sit on their butts and wait for work to come in the door...they work thier customer base very hard to pry out some work.
I never sit on my butt Dave. Only when Im designing. And Im not offering up a sob story. Ill do what it takes to make a living in whatever field I can find. If it aint signs, then it aint. Ill find another niche if I have to. If business picks up, then its all moot for now. Ill keep making signs. But I do most of that standing. Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
Slow times, I think, are full of a different, and way scarier stress than the times when we are tearing our hair out because we can't fulfil our promises. That stress, in my experience, does not usually result in a streamlined catching up on things long neglected, I read what you said Dan, and I am very glad you can use the time so efficiently. It's difficult to subscribe to a dedication not to worry about the lull, and getting on with things in an organized and happy way.
When the phone does not ring, and our bills are not getting paid, a clearheaded and cheerful pulling out the "long range abeyance" list and following through on it is not very likely after a week or so.
John - you sound really discouraged. I hope very much that this is simply a worst type of slump where lots of work will swoosh into the vaccuum.
Chances that it will are way greater than not. Keep up all the good stuff you are doing, and I trust before too long the empty spaces will overflow. When we do our part, the greater forces looking out for us will reward our effort.
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
John, That sittin on the butt thing was not intended at you. Now that I re read it it might look that way. Just a general oberservation of what I see in this community.
Fact, winters are slow. We all know that! Last year we lost $20,000, vaporized by no work and just paying bills.
It was a wake up call for me. We have put plans in operation to stay busy through the winter and try to avoid that situation from ever happening again.
There are things you can do, markets you can tap, that will keep you busy in the winter, even if you can't sell them until the summer!
Posted by George Perkins (Member # 156) on :
John, I feel your pain. We had a good year last year up until September, then it started to slow down, and I mean s l o w. They can say what they want about the economy, it's in a big slump. A friend of mine with a roofing business was crying the blues to me the other day. One of our auto dealership accounts said that this past January was the worst month they have had in 16 years!!! During the slow time I made some cold calls and picked up some new accounts. I've also been working on some mail out cards for mural work. Things around here were gettin mighty thin to say the least. Then, like it always does, the dam broke loose and we are covered up. I've been doing this for thirty years and still haven't figured it out.
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
John:
You are an inspiration to many of us. It took great courage to share that pain with us. I know guys who wouldn't admit they were slow on a bet! As you see, many are in the same position as you. I also liked David Harding's advise.
The frustration level can be overwealming. Then, you start to second-guess your vocation of being a sign artist. Especially when young mouths rely on you so heavily. That worry just makes you a good dad & husband
Tomorrow is coming! It's funny how when our shop is full, and were working late to make a deadline, we forget about these frustrating days of winter, and enjoy the chaos we have created as work rolls in. Chin up Dude!
Posted by Janette Balogh (Member # 192) on :
John,
I seem to be keeping busy with work, but I'm cash poor right now. (as in BROKE!) I'm sitting on a lot of recievables, and people are taking their sweet time paying me. Meanwhile, money is flying out of my bank account, faster than it's coming in.
I've shelled out a lot on high dollar expenses lately, new equipment, new roof, paint job on the house, and other recent renovations ... and it's a bear to catch up now.
The fact that people are slow to pay is telling me that things are tight everywhere.
I've been in this biz long enough to know that it all works out in the wash eventually. Still, it can be a roller coaster ride some months.
Just keep up with your health and exercise, and try not to stress out too much. Gotta take care of your greatest asset .... YOU!
Nettie
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
December sucked. I'm not sure sucked is a strong enough word...it was so bad that about a week into January, 1 of my salesmen called to see if I was ok since he hadn't heard from me since November. End of January started picking up to the point where he now recognizes my voice on the phone.
I'm playing catch-up money wise from November & December and there are all these toys I want... hope my upswing trend continues.
That thing about starting a project for yourself or planning on going to a meet is true. It took me 3 weeks to build 1 counter for the shop cause as soon as I started, the phone went nuts.
The upswing will start soon, it's just that downswing before it is a bear. Whatever you do, keep a positive attitude. Negativity breeds negativity and I swear customers can smell when you're having a bad time.
[ February 28, 2005, 05:57 PM: Message edited by: Kissymatina ]
Posted by Louis A Lazarus (Member # 763) on :
I would encourage anybody and everybody who is experiencing this "down" economy to take some time and try to figure out WHY this is happening. Some people will absolutely get it and some won't no matter how hard they try. Those who do get it will know what to do and how to survive these slow times. Unfortunately, the people who haven't got a clue, and there are many, are going to continue to make the same mistakes. Hint No. 1: There is a little picture and a big picture. If you can understand "the big picture", you are well on your way to understanding "the little picture". Hint No. 2: When you throw a rock into a still body of water, the ripples spread and the water that is a great distance away from the splash will feel the effect in a matter of time.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
I don't buy in to this "slow economy" and "bad times" notion.
The economy is going strong and moving steadily forward...you will find no economist or investor who will agree with that scenario.
Some here talk about robust activity....I know Doug Allan has been burning the midnight oil for as long as I can remember....
I wonder if a good share of this is simply due to geographical and climatic reasons.
I would think it natural for those in the snow-belt to see a few crappy months for business...simply because people don't think about outdoor signs and such as much when the weather is really bad....
Most people who note they are being affected are from colder climates: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, out east....with a few exceptions....while the warmer climate areas such as Florida, Hawaii, etc...seem to have more favorable results...
I am also guessing that the stranglehold the middle east has over us in terms of the cost per barrel of oil is affecting those who do a lot of dealership work, like George, to a degree - because truck sales have taken a huge dump due to the increased cost in gas....GM announced the other day they were slashing (if you can call it that) the prices on their trucks and SUV's across the board because dealer inventory is going nowhere.
I hope this doesn't sound political....but I truly believe that energy independence from the nutjobs in the middle east is America's best bet for a lifestyle we all yearn for....
I'm banking on an overhaul or remodeling of automotive manufacturing techniques which place energy independent technologies ahead of politics....with an emphasis of putting hydro-electric car technology on a fast track.
And you cannot leave the China factor out of this equation....an influx of cheap everything in combination with them taking over the title for largest consumers of natural resources including oil (in the news last week)further puts a strain on foreign oil production...and adding to the rise in oil prices.
I hope those suffering the last few months find relief soon...I trust you will....John, you're extremely talented and I'm confident you'll be busier than you could imagine before long....spring is coming. Take heart. Posted by Bob Kistler (Member # 4049) on :
I share all of your pains. We market ourselves to sign people of all kinds across the country. This I think is the worst year end/beginning of the year I've seen since fall of 2000, except maybe for 2001. Since it seems that many of you are slow too explains my problem also. We get short bursts and just when we think it is going good the phone and internet seem to stop. I've 8 other people depending on me to keep them busy, so I charge all of you to get busy, then I'll get busy too. I hope all of you end up with a prosperous 2005. May God Bless
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
Louis, let me be the first to admit I really don't understand the big (or little)picture of global economics.
But, if you do... now that you've thrown the proverbial "rock" into this thread with your clues... could you speed up the process a little & spell out those "ripples" a little? (to save us that "great distance" & that "matter of time" that stand between our understanding & your "rock")
Posted by Lotti Prokott (Member # 2684) on :
I second Doug's request.
Could you kindly enlighten all of us unfortunate people who "haven't got a clue"? But then again, I might not get it, no matter how hard I try. Poor me...
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Yes, I, too, would like to become enlightened. I am curious just what the big and little picture encompasses.
Please share your wisdom with us.
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Nice to have Louis back just so he can stir things up again. To what end I don't know.
Posted by Dan E. Kearfott (Member # 1286) on :
I haven't gotten caught up on work since I opened the doors in 1988! I have a philosaphy (I can't spell it but I have one) "When you work as slow as I do, you're busy all the time!"
dk
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
LOL Dan . . .
(BTW...LOVE yer motto!)
I hate to say I'm sorry for not bein' able to jump on the 'slow' band-wagon. It ain't slow here and I ain't sorry about it.
I have only recently...about November, finished up on the work of several repeats who simply waited for me for about 6 months until I got my late fathers stuff took care of, sold his house and took a 3 week vacation!
Just when I think it's going to slow down enough for me to take care of paper-work like taxes or something, or mabey do some creative lettering or playing . . .here comes a bunch'a cabbies needin' stuff, and some guy with a truck load of 15 year old signs he wants refurbished . . .not to mention workin' on a coupl'a hurricaine damaged things, and all the little stuff that you squeeze out between waitin' for paint to dry on bigger stuff . . .while yer playin' on letterville during meals . . .
I have even been increasing prices trying to cull some of it out . . .but they don't care!! I figure by about 2007, I will be getting $1,200 for a coro 4x8 single side with 3 words & a phone number . . . LOL
Seriously John . . .when work drags and ya want stuff to do . . .why not check in with some of the signs you did 7, 8 - 10 years ago?? They are pro'lly due for a touchin'-up by now . . .they been meaning to call you and keep forgetin' . . . and along the way, watch for any signs that are faded . . . stop in with a grin, say hello and get another job.
[ March 01, 2005, 09:57 PM: Message edited by: Sheila Ferrell ]
Posted by Gavin Chachere (Member # 1443) on :
everybody stand back its the return of Fontking...
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
John,
Got that Hot Rod toon CD ready to go? It could be a shot in the arm to start ya in a good direction!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
)... but it is a good reminder to be thankful, & I figure I can post about that so other remember the things they have to be thankful for. ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[I Don t Know]](graemlins/dunno.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Thanks]](graemlins/thanks.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
I'm sitting on a lot of recievables, and people are taking their sweet time paying me. Meanwhile, money is flying out of my bank account, faster than it's coming in.