Replies

1. 
   Mike_Maines | Aug 09, 2001 01:53pm | #1

   *
   Stark, what kind of woodworking skills do you have? I've had two former salesmen work for me. They seem to have some things in common, like being particularly good with people (clients warm up to them quickly when we're on site). They are also both competitive, so they learn quickly and want to do a good job.

   It's a difficult industry to start in if you need to feed a family. What are you looking to do?

   Mike

1. 
   Stark_Suggs | Aug 09, 2001 07:01pm | #2

   *Hello Mike:Thanks for the reply. Actually, to try to determine the level of skills would be difficult, since I really do not know what to compare myself to. But here is some information about me: I would consider myself to be average in skills, with a leaning towards hand tools. I do work well with others, and am a firm believer in the relational sale. In sales, if you are not competitive, you will never make it. Which is partly responsible for their (your two reps) success. It may very well be that this will have to remain a hobby. I do know that it occupies my thoughts quite a bit. Thanks again!Stark

1. 
   Mike_Maines | Aug 10, 2001 02:06pm | #3

   *Stark, I'm sorry for not being clear, my two employees had given up the sales jobs for a carpentry/woodworking career, and made out ok in the transition, although they took a cut in income. What have you made? Have you taken any classes? Do you picture yourself building peices of art, or running a production shop? What kind of advice are you looking for? Mike

1. 
   Stark_Suggs | Aug 13, 2001 12:48am | #4

   *Hello Mike,I really appreciate your continued help in steering me in the right direction. Basically, my interest/talents are scattered across the 'woodworking' arena. I love to restore old hand tools for resale and use, restore antique furniture, refinish, repair, learn new skills in woodworking and actually anything that involves wood. Now, that is all and well, and makes me flexible, but at the same time could possibly makes me a 'jack of all trades and master of none'.The strong areas for me are restoring tools and furniture. I can take an old beat up plane, tune it, and have it whisping nice transparent curls of wood and leaving a silky smooth finish on a piece of cherry. Everything I have learned to this point has been on my own due to time and money. I would love to take a class, but that is something that will have to wait. I am learning to be patient with myself, particularly with my current project of cutting my own dovetails. This has become a temporary stumbling block for the Shaker end table and will be overcome by my persistent attitude. I love working with my hands, building, fixing etc., but at the same time, I have what I feel are some gifts and talents that have served me well in sales. They are persistence (just mentioned), perceptive, working on high ethical standards, striving for excellence and the ability to see the needs of the customer and find a way to meet those needs with a particular product,or....sales. I might add that I had a small time where I had an antique repair and restoration business. I had to leave it because the turn around time was incredibly slow, and therefore, there was no way for me to support my family. Business was growing and I had (and still do) a great reputation in the restoration side. So, as you can see, I am somewhat of a difficult study. I feel I have a lot to offer, but at the same time I need to group this together. It may be that I need to let this continue to grow for a while, and now is not the time. Regardless, I greatly value your recent posts. Again, thank you for your input.Regards,Stark