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First, welcome. Glad you are here. Second, I don't know anything about your field. Third, I am curious, what is commoditization? Fourth, you hit the nail on the head, the articles are GREAT!
Posted by Barbara Scrivener, Royal Oak, Michigan | Jul 21, 2009
I am lovin Biznik!
Hi crew: I realize I am preaching to the choir, but this is really an amazing resource of people and ideas! The articles are great! I find myself bookmarking almost every one I read because there are so many talented, fascinating folks and business products I can hardly beleive it, and I want to go back to re-read & remember the authors. I sell promo merchandise & have for over 20 years, and I have LOVED it! But... commoditization is killin me. I'd love to meet up & e-chat with colleagues in my field to brainstorm. Any takers?
Anyway. THANKS EVERYBODY for all the great articles. Love em!
10 Bizniks have posted replies
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Posted by Terra Vita, Puget Sound, Washington | Jul 23, 2009 -
Posted by Barbara Scrivener, Royal Oak, Michigan | Jul 23, 2009Hi Terra! I went to your page; I really enjoyed reading about you & your experiences. I wish you lived around here. Things have become pretty grim in Detroit. We need some fuel- injected positivity!
Commoditization is the treatment of a product - or service- like a commodity, sold to the lowest bidder. Rampant in the auto industry, where often the only thing that matters is the price of the commodity. The ideas and relationship are secondary to procuring at the lowest possible price. While I realize all beings in the universe do not groove to that vibe, I have run in to too many that do lately. That's why I love the Biznik site- there are alot of uplifting- and SMART- people out there, and that fosters hope. To me, hope is a crucial ingredient for entrepreneurial success. That, and spell check. Oh, and creative ideas. Please write back.
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Posted by Terra Vita, Puget Sound, Washington | Jul 23, 2009
Hey Biznikers,
Here is a chance to show our best. What can we give to the community of Detroit? We have so much to give. I am sure she will share it with others. in Detroit.
Why not send Barbara your best article, best thoughts or a big virtual hug?
Everybody has time to send one something. We have been so blessed by the learning opportunities here. Let's do a virtual pay it forward! Pretend this is the drive up coffee line but we are passing.....whatever!
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Posted by Barbara Scrivener, Royal Oak, Michigan | Jul 23, 2009
You have absolutely made my day. I am humbled and so grateful for the random act of kindness. I have told everyone in my world about the great new resource [Biznik] available to them (not new to you all, of course:). My outlook is already being transformed by your reaching out to us.
So many really good, intelligent people I know have lost their jobs, and so many good clients and companies have been put into hibernate mode by the Tragic Economy Driven Auto Business Collective Crash. THIS HELPS SO MUCH! I am driving them to Biznik, and I know they will enrich the gene pool! Thanks sooo much, Terra!
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Posted by Terra Vita, Puget Sound, Washington | Jul 23, 2009
We have the most generous community here. Watch this space. I am sure you will see how big the world is.
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Posted by Judy Dunn, Seattle, Washington | Jul 23, 2009Hi Barbara,
Welcome!
Have you met bizniker Christy Aston? She does the same thing you do here in the Seattle area. Sometimes it just helps to have someone in your own industry to talk to.
Look forward to learning more about you and your business.
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Posted by Rick Itzkowich, La Jolla, California | Jul 24, 2009Barbara,
Since you are needing some inspiration and good news, I'd like to offer you QuoteActions -- something that is very near and dear to my heart.
QuoteActions are short emails containing an interesting or inspirational quote followed by a recommended action to help brighten your day.
Here's an actual QuoteAction:
"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways."
Writer, H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Your action for today is to finish a project you have been procrastinating on.
If you would like to accept this gift, please let me know and I will send you the link for you to opt-in.
Warmest Regards,
Rick
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Posted by Cindy Chartier, Edmonds, Washington | Jul 24, 2009Rick,
I would like the link.
Thanks, Cindy yoga guide
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Posted by Biznik Community Tech Support, Seattle, Washington | Jul 24, 2009Welcome to Biznik, Barbara. It looks like our community has risen up and given you a big welcome hug already!
For my part, I'd like to offer a bit of a perspective change for you... My parents are in the same business as you, so I know that it is a constant hassle of suppliers, colors, wrong file types, and blah-de-blah blah blah.
But there is a reason why you choose to keep doing it. That is your story. And story is a powerful thing.
This article ( Unleash your inner business storyteller ) might help you tell the story of why you do what you do.
There are a bazillion places to get t-shirts printed, ball caps embroidered, and pens with your name on the side. But there is only one YOU. If you engage your customers with YOU, and why YOU pour your heart into this business, they will stick with you. Simply because they can't get YOU from another supplier.
Maybe someone else can get them a t-shirt for $.50 less... so what? If they engage with your story and who you are as a businessperson, then you have a loyal customer.
Best of luck with your business!
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Posted by Barbara Scrivener, Royal Oak, Michigan | Jul 24, 2009
Thanks Christian, Rick, Judy, and of course Terra: All of your thoughts and encouragements are most appreciated. I absolutely agree anyone can sell things, but only people can engage ideas and build relationships. Thanks for reminding me how many good people are out there.... and in here! I feel hugged:)
BTW- I have seen a zillion great web sites from my colleagues out there in BiznikLand. Good on ya! Cheers- Barbara
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