Day Dreaming Window Film
"If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologize."
Muhammad Ali
Jet lag plus funky weather here in Tampa Bay created by Hurricane Ida has had me in sleepy gear since I returned home late Friday from the SEMA Show. I used to joke whenever I felt slow moving, sleepy or just plain groggy, that I understood what it felt like to be like everyone else.
You can imagine the quizzical reaction!
How many corporate types leave a company like 3M (after 33 years) start off with zero and grow their business to being one of the largest window film installation companies in the USA?
Add to that the fact that we have not had any hurricanes in Florida and have had to suffer through the worst economy since FDR rolled his wheelchair.
Here's my secrets to success. . shhhhhhh don't tell anyone!
Mike Feldman
Muhammad Ali
Jet lag plus funky weather here in Tampa Bay created by Hurricane Ida has had me in sleepy gear since I returned home late Friday from the SEMA Show. I used to joke whenever I felt slow moving, sleepy or just plain groggy, that I understood what it felt like to be like everyone else.
You can imagine the quizzical reaction!
Add to that the fact that we have not had any hurricanes in Florida and have had to suffer through the worst economy since FDR rolled his wheelchair.
Here's my secrets to success. . shhhhhhh don't tell anyone!
- Never fully believe what any supplier or manufacturer or their representatives tell you. Nod politely and act like you are engaged in whatever baloney they are telling you.
Remember you are accountable to yourself not some Doogie Howser type driving a company car wearing a logo on his/her shirt. - Bigger is not better in 2009-2010.
Fast conquers big/slow organizations. If you have staff that answers your phones or makes you a cup of coffee; you are a bone head!
We win consistently because we are better-not because we are bigger! - Be creative! I know that most folks find it difficult to be exciting or original. Your medical career has probably never moved beyond that flu shot and by now you know you'll never get that astronaut job with NASA.
Window Film is a fun and unique business that crosses many economic strata and traverses the residential and commercial markets. You can and must find your value and differentiation. - Being me, having Window Film USA or Advanced Film Solutions means we don't have to parrot some corporate line.
We choose to promote one film over the other not because we can make more money, but rather the value to our client is superior.
At SEMA I asked the manufacturer's sales person if they had a better dual reflective than VISTA? Not a knock-off or something that might look like it. . .but better?
Yes or No??
Their response: Silence!
I asked the companies that re-box that Tempe AZ ceramic film if their stuff is superior to patented Huper Optik ceramic films and they all look down at their shoes. Get the picture?
Try asking a 3M dealer to explain that prestige angle nonsense or that bogus 97% IR or heat rejection on prestige or that re-boxed ceramic and they run for the hills.
Isn't it funny how sticking film in their box makes their IR measurement unique??
- Being smaller means we can answer our own phones and call people back quickly. We can explain in detail and NFRC certified fact why one choice may be better than another. We can respond to our e-mails or text messages. We are aware and involved!
- I out-work you.
That's right! I work longer, harder and do more to sharpen my skills than you do.
I know more than you do about every window film particularly my competition's. If they change who they buy their dual reflective film from; I want to know about it!
MOTIVATED TO WIN.
There was no chance to implement my own business plan at 3M.
Now I get to compete against the 3M Team. Their corporate suits hordes of marketing people, agents and dealers.
Golly Wally, Where Else Can I Have This Much Fun? - See the big picture but take care of the little things.
Know your place in the scope of things.
We can't be all things to all people. - Get over your ego. Take it from me I would love to hear a drum roll when I enter the room (execution?) but it ain't gonna happen!
I never tire of winning (particularly against 3M) which reminds me that you have to get past your anger and frustration at losing to an inferior product. Learn from defeat. - Have passion for whatever you do.
I don't care which film you represent. We all need to have a passion for excellence, enthusiasm for your clients and people. - Keep your word. Ethics matter and
Never ever lie!
Mike Feldman
Posted by Mike Feldman at 11/9/2009 2:55 PM 
Categories: Windowfilmusa.com,Consulting Coaching
Tags: window film usa marketing consulting
Categories: Windowfilmusa.com,Consulting Coaching
Tags: window film usa marketing consulting
Hi Mike, it's been a while, we've been in survival mode for a few months over our winter. Things are humming again and Huper Optik is shining (figure of speech only)
This blog entry above is just how I feel here..... but on a slightly smaller scale. We are in different markets, but the same ethics hold true. We have set up Master Tinters here as a network and it is inspiring to work with like minded people, who have morals and seek to offer genuine advice. Unfortunately we can not support CP Film's representatives here, they are the 3M of NZ. (You may want to strike the last remark, before publishing)
I wish you well and follow your entries with interest every day!
Rolf
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