JDD Blog

slowing business

2008-07-01T09:54:20Z

Business has been slow this summer, despite the clearance sale I've had going for some time now. I contacted Harris Communications to see if they would be interested in buying bulk and reselling them- we'll see.

I've actually been a bit down about my business. I think there is tons of potential for this business to prosper, but the time it seems to need is not something I have an abundance of. I think the biggest pick-me-up would be to attend a trade show, like ASL Expo, or something of that nature. That would be fun, and I'm sure worth the time and expense, but it's hard to justify up front. I'm reluctant to accumulate more debt for business that is sporadic.

The majority of my time spent is the dealings with my printers, which is rarely a pleasant experience. I'm sick of looking like a person who provides poor customer service because my printers screw up. I changed printers, but the experiences didn't improve.

What I love the most about this business is designing the designs and making the initial contacts with customers. The logistics of putting orders from point A to point Z is surprisingly laborious and often irritating.

I've considered cutting my losses and closing the business all together, but that's actually quite heartbreaking. I don't know what to do. Do I want to refocus my time, efforts, and expense into a new direction and potentially soar? Do I want to repay my debts and slowly let the business die out? Do I want to sell the business? I don't know......

Keith and Jacs....no more?

2008-07-01T09:40:22Z

Well, Keith Wann and I aren't exclusive business partners anymore for tshirts. About a month ago I sold his most popular designs, and all the copyrights to him to use as he chooses. I've been a bit bummed by this loss, but respect his need to make better earnings on the products. I predict that we will work together again in the future, but for now we seem to have parted ways.

Serendipity

2007-03-15T20:41:00Z

Well, in a response to a fellow ASL Instructor's cry for creative help, I serendipitously replied to the whole ASL Instructors group instead of just the individual. One of my previous customers contacted me and asked if I would make a flier to help promote a Keith Wann show happening in May. In return he'd help me promote JDD by adding me to his mailing like. HECK YEAH! I think that's the missing piece now...marketing. I believe I'm ready for that step...at least the free marketing techniques.
I really hope that this goes somewhere, it's way too fun to end!
My husband and I went to dinner tonight with another couple. The idea of who is wearing my shirts came about. Not necessarily how to get the word out about JDD, but who is wearing the shirts....THAT is good advertising. For example, get well known Deaf actors (like Keith Wann) to wear the shirt- people will want to follow that trend! Very interesting....I like it! Honestly, I'd love to get on the Ellen Degeneres show or something. I just love her show!
Anyway, no one has responded to my blogs yet, so I'm basically just thinking/typing out my random thoughts. We'll see where I end up with this......
Jacs

1st JDD Blog - a new business!

2007-03-09T23:35:00Z

Ok, so I heard that posting a blog on a website like this is a great way to generate interest in products. Honestly, I don't think that people would be that interested in what I have to say....I'd like the world to revolve around me, but it doesn't. But, I thought I'd give it a go anyway.

Please feel free to post comments, feedback on customer service, product ideas, or just general chats. This blog is all about Jacs Deaf Designs (JDD), but even more about JDD's CUSTOMERS. So have at it!
Jacs