posted
I like what u said in yer book. it is a good guidline for other businesses too.
I d'loaded yer book last spring, since then i had to redo my HD and lost yer book.. How do i get another d'load of it
curtis hammond tangsooman@hotmail.com
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate.
Posts: 5278 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
I'm going to play the spoiler here, and say that from what I read of the free download (40 pages worth of the book...) it's just a rehash of 98% of the other 'self-help' books out there today. It also sort of struck me funny how it talks about 'your team' and handling employees - when its suppose to be about 'one-man sign shops'. The formatting of the book leaves much to be desired for an E-book, with a thin serif font, double spacing, page size (8.5x11 is fine for printing, but hard to read on screen) etc. The splashes of cheesy low-rent clipart were a red flag, coming from a $100k/yr signman, I expected at least a few splashes of author-created imagery or higher-end clipart at least. (I know this has nothing to do with the 'message' of the book, but as in signage, presentation and visual communication go a long way, at least with me)
I'll decide later this week to take up the 3-month money-back guarantee. Perhaps the jewels are in the other pages, but from what I read, you can get the same bits of wisdom from any of the $3 books at your local B&N.
If you want to spend the least amount of money for the biggest return on your investment, I would recommend two books :
Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. This book is a timeless piece, and the granddad of ALL self-help books. A copy can be had for around $5.
The Richest Man In Babylon by George S. Clason. Another timeless piece, can be had for about $5 as well.
I've yet to find the will power to put the full "Think & Grow Rich" doctrine into effect, perhaps that will be my new years resolution... but I do believe whole-heartedly that if you follow that book to the letter, you could be a millionaire just driving a cab.
As always, like all of the previous posts, these are my opinions and your mileage may vary.
[ December 10, 2001: Message edited by: Robb Lowe ]
Its obvious Chip has drawn information from others,….I too gathered that. Its no secret…………. he even provides those sources at the back of the book. If chip’s book is 98% rehash, what does that make your work?…………….nothing you do is yours, there is only one source. So why negate those who choose to re-present it?
-------------------- John Martin Robson Pendragon Signs & Graphics Yellowknife,NT,Canada
posted
While we're on the subject or "rehash" . . .
I don't know if any of you are familiar with it or not but when I came across the site it reminded foremost of the Make My Site Sell series and layout. And I'm sorry to say that SiteSell and the rest of the hype online turns my stomach.
I too was turned off by the clouded wording and the cheapassed graphics and making a hundred large from a one man "sign" shop is the kicker that turned the page for me.
I'd say this:
Allow the download of the book for free to residents of Letterville.
IF anyone who downloads and applies the priinciples and increases their cash flow by just 25% or more I will pay for that book!
-------------------- Brian Cornwell AutoMotivation Plymouth - MA - USA
"The Customer Can Have Any Color He Wants So Long As It's Black" -- Henry Ford
Posts: 120 | From: Plymouth MA - USA | Registered: Nov 2001
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posted
Yep....some of you have proven me right. We in this industry are our own worst enemies.
I tell you what, somebody make me a $500 sign and if it increases my business by a mere $5,000, I'll pay you for it.
Sheeesh....The book clearly says it is possible to take home $100k. How can it say that? Because somebody did it. If you spend $50 for the book and you increase your take home pay by only 1%, doesn't that make it worth it? I don't know about the rest of you, but that is still more than my passbook savings account makes for me.
I've got a question for you naysayers......If you are so smart, why aren't you making as much money as Chip?
[ December 10, 2001: Message edited by: Glenn Taylor ]
posted
Making money for most has very little to do with intelligence and more to do with initiative and common sense. Set rules and guidelines, schedule, plan, use good materials, be on time. You can go on and on about the basics we talk about everyday. If Chip's book is about anything, maybe it is reinforcing and prioritizing what we all know and need to hear more often. Does that differ from a million other self help or business books? Probably not. Why are there thousands of diet books telling us how to do what we all know how to?
Another thing, why are all failed Amway salesman told that they didn't try hard enough or implement the procedures correctly? They are pointed to those that were very successful and there is no reason they shouldn't be too. Not all will achieve the level that others do no matter what they do. Too many human variables in personality, skill and outlook I guess. That doesn't mean that one can't be successful, just that they won't achieve an arbitrary number such as $100,000.
I am not one that likes to use the word "can't" to limit myself in areas I think I can go further. I also don't like the polyanna attitude that nothing is impossible, that if you set your mind to something you can achive it. Baloney, there are limits in life, unfortunately we just don't know what some of them are.
I still can't break 80 in golf, and no book has helped me there, though I have improved.
posted
I downloaded the trial version and found the info easy to read and found myself nodding in agreement many times.
Chip's angle is directed to sign shops which I find enticing. I also think employees were included in the mix simply because if you are bringing home $100,000 a year, you can do it alot easier WITH employee help, which of course is your call to make. Many one man sign shops have never had an employee before, so I think the employee info has a place in the book.
I'm not personally looking to increase my own personal biz at this time until my little guy is in school, however if I was geared up for fulltime work, I'd definately have this book on my shelf. The organization tips are good, even if they are reminders.
P.S. If you wana make more money and have more of a life, trust me, get at least one employee. You can easily double your income with twice the work going through at once! Been there!
posted
I think its possible make $100,000 a year with a 40 hr work week. I think you would need a part time helper, a good one, be very efficient, have several regular accounts so you just keep busy being productive and not out on sales calls.
-------------------- Chuck Peterson Designs San Diego, CA Posts: 1072 | From: San Diego, CA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I did not read the book or even go to Chip's website (I get a laugh every time I think about George Carlin's bit about names like Skip and Chip.) It certainly is possible to make $100k or more a year with a one person shop. Nuff said on that.
Lets talk about how. Here is my $.02
***Reduce your expenses.*** I profit (pre-tax) approximately 66% of my sales dollars. I am very conscious of the money I spend with my business so I can waste it later on myself. In Y2K my profit went up 30% while my sales only went up 10% Cut your expenses and make more money!
-------------------- Brian Snyder Sign Effectz Woodbridge, New Jersey
Posts: 723 | From: Woodbridge, NJ USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
It is very interesting to read the different opinions about my book. I appreciate all the feedback.
A portion of the book is available for everyone as a free download. This can help you decide if the book is for you.
The entire book can be downloaded, read, used, printed out and changed in format. You can delete the graphics, add your own graphics but most importantly you can test it to see if it works.
There is a 3-month no questions asked 100% money back guarantee. In addition to that, if you order between now and 8:00 AM EST Wed 12/12/01 I will send you a printed copy at no extra charge just by sending me an e-mail requesting one.
posted
i purchased the book. Because it had a money back guarantee. I figured it was just another brag book i'd ask for my money back. However, it is a good tool. And, im kept it. I use it as a tool when i do a marketing seminar too!!!!!!!!!!
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5278 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
I have been on this website for a little over a year, and in that time I have doubled what I made last year. Why? I believe it's because being around other sign people has made me more confident. Confident in my own abilities, confident enough to charge what a sign is worth, and confident that the word of mouth network is working. I think that before I was exposed to other sign folks through this site, I was sort of a reluctant businessman, feeling that the act of doing business was a necessary evil, and just accepting whatever came along jobwise. Now after seeing others succeeding with businesses the same size as mine, my attitude has gotten a whole lot more positive, and my income is reflecting that. There is no doubt I have much room for improvement, but at least now I can enjoy what I'm doing more than ever, and the areas for improvement are no longer obstacles, but rather tasks that have to be sheduled in so the work flows more smoothly.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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posted
most people on here want to say making signs is a art form. Yes it is ... but people must relize that business comes firts ...making signs is a business not a hobby ... using that aproach will make u money no matter how u do it .
-------------------- Matt Fontaine Crown Designs Modesto, CA Posts: 23 | From: Modesto, CA | Registered: Nov 2002
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posted
This topic was started way before I became a member. Since it was brought back up to the top, it piqued my interest. But the link to Chips site is not available.
-------------------- Sunny Holtzlander The Edge Graphics 67 S. Broadway Peru, IN 46970 765-473-3828 Posts: 40 | From: Peru, Indiana | Registered: Jul 2003
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posted
I'd like to find out more about the book, but everytime I go to the link, I get this message;
www.sign-consultants.com Not Available. The domain www.sign-consultants.com which you are trying to access is currently unavailable. This may occur for several reasons -- the name may have changed, or it may have moved to a new location. Please try to access the site later, or contact the site's administrator.
Does anyone have an alternate address or phone number?
posted
. . .Had to click on this topic. . .first instinct (and intellectual) answer was "HAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!" (Altho' I sincerely believe very few things are impossible except the fact the I simply did not have time to read ALL the replies . . .hence,a couple of (pro'ly already answered) questions: Was that 100 grand'e net or gross? And, at what physical/mental cost does one person do that? Oh yeh, and in what towns/areas? New York? Greater L.A.? Dallas/ Ft.Worth Metro? And, how many sign shops in one area (or in the nation for ex.) can really do it? Je's curious...... heh,heh, I ought'a get the book, huh?
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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I'm interested in finding out more about Chip's book, but everytime I try his link, I get this message;
www.sign-consultants.com Not Available The domain www.sign-consultants.com which you are trying to access is currently unavailable. This may occur for several reasons -- the name may have changed, or it may have moved to a new location. Please try to access the site later, or contact the site's administrator.
Does anyone have any other info on how to contact him? I tried a Google search and found a phone number that is no longer in service in Captiva FL.
posted
Chip, Sign me up......I went to you e-mail address and it was 'unavailable'. Tell me where to send the money. Bob Timmerman Sunshine Sign Co. Box 792 52 North St. Dryden, NY 13053 607-844-8960 Timmerman@clarityconnect.co
-------------------- Bob Timmerman Sunshine Sign Co. Dryden, NY Posts: 70 | From: Dryden, New York | Registered: Nov 2001
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posted
Remember the real estate guru on late night TV selling how to become a millionare? you know how he did it? SELLING the secret of his sucsess! same theroy.... wanna make 100,000 in the sign business? write a book and sell it to 2,000 suckers at 50 bucks a whack, next open a sign shop on a island where tourism is booming and you got no competition.
-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
---------------------------------
"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
i have done it in the past. then i had to hire help.
-------------------- Jimmy Chatham Chatham Signs 468 stark st Commerce, Ga 30529 Posts: 1766 | From: Commerce, GA, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
At present I am only selling copies of my book by email request. I have lowered the price of the book to 27.00 USD until I am finished with writing and producing a revised edition. When the revised edition comes out, it will be at the original amount. (I put USD because people have purchased my book from every continent on the planet with the exception of Antarctica).
If you want a copy of the present book just contact me at chip@islanddesignscreative.com and put BOOK in the subject line. I will email you a copy of the book and then you can send me a check by mail. It's sort of the honor system. By the way, I have the same mailing address P.O. Box 114 Captiva Island, FL 33924, and phone number,(new area code)239-395-2222.
In fact if you order a copy of the present book now at the reduced rate of 27.00 USD and then respond to the announcement of the release of the revised book on this site, I will send you a copy of the revised book for only 10.00 more. That will be 10.00 less than full price for the revised edition and you get both editions. How's that for a deal?
At Sign consultants we are presently doing more one on one consulting for both sign companies and sign buyers. Some of what we are doing is putting sign buyers in touch with the right sign company and in other cases we are assisting sign companies in marketing their services to get the customers they want. If you want a more information on this service just contact me at chip@islanddesignscreative.com and put SELL MORE SIGNS in the subject line. I am also revamping the Sign Consultants website to have more information about our expanded services. This will be up before too long.
Over the last two years I have been setting up my sign company, Island Designs Signs, to run almost completely without me. I have now reached that point. Island Designs Signs has one full time employee, a part time bookkeeper and a part time marketing person. Last year it grossed 285k with a net profit of over 100k. It can be done!
Three years ago I started another division of my company, Island Designs Creative. It is an advertising, marketing and PR agency. This and doing sign consulting is where I spend much of my work time though I still don't work more than a 40 hour week. Within the next month we will be shifting Creative from a start up level to the next level. This is something the whole group is really excited about.
In summation, no, we are not dead, just busy and having a great time. We will be letting everyone know when we are done with the revised book and the new website through Steve and Barb here on the Letterville BB as well as some advertising on the Letterville site. In the meantime email me and get a great deal on both the present book and the revised edition.
Chip
Chip Carter President Island Designs Creative 239-481-8585 V 239-481-8522 F chip@islanddesignscreative.com How may we help you reach your goals?
-------------------- Chip & Marilyn Carter 414 S. St. Pierre St. Broussard, LA 70518 Posts: 32 | From: Sanibel, FL | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
I had planned on getting Chip’s book a couple of years ago but other things got in the way and... “out of sight, out of mind.” This thread piqued my interest. I got my copy a few days ago.
It is an easy read and there is much practical wisdom in it. It has made me rethink the way I do many things. We have been hit hard by this economy like so many others but reading the book helped me realize some of what we have endured has been my own fault for not managing certain aspects of my business more efficiently. While true that much of the information is available from other sources, at times we all need to have restated what may be obvious to someone else, or should be to ourselves, if we will honestly look at our own personal improvement list.
Chip’s publication is slanted to the sign industry and comes from his own experience. Chip is a very talented sign maker, as are many of us, but he is also a capable businessman, a skill we sometimes neglect in our love of the craft.
On this BullBoard, I have had many “Eureka!” moments–a technique or tip will be mentioned that, in itself, merited my $50 residence fee. Chip’s book also has the same–it is well worth the price. I look forward to his second edition.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5105 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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