Estimating Startup Costs

Why would anyone want to start up their own business? Within the first eighteen months over half of small businesses fail. Still, the people who have the guts or are crazy enough to start their own businesses wouldn’t have it any other way. Some just need the freedom. Others believe that they can do it [ ]
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Getting Past the Gatekeeper

Some time ago, a sign maker wrote me that she was having problems getting past the receptionists and secretaries, who prevented her from speaking with her prospects.  Regardless of who you are, your level of industry experience or what you sell, getting past the gatekeeper is one of the most difficult hurdles that any sales [ ]
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Using Relief Cuts in Woodcarving

For most chip carving projects, you are typically cutting very small chips in a soft wood, such as basswood, butternut or pine. By combining just few basic incised shapes, you can create an array of intricate and beautiful decorative patterns. Because you are usually cutting out pieces of wood no wider than a ¼” and [ ]
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Sealing Basswood Carvings

Some woods are very absorbent. Basswood is one of those woods. Because of its absorbency, it should be sealed before staining. If you don’t seal it, don’t be surprised if some parts of the carving absorb more stain than other parts, resulting in a blotchy appearance. In Why Seal Wood Before Staining I recommend shellac [ ]
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Paste Wax: the Finishing Touch

A final application of paste wax is a popular way put a shine on a dull finish.  Using a colored paste wax is also effective in disguising any imperfections on the surface of a woodcarving or on a piece of furniture. You can apply paste wax over a variety of other finishes, including varnish, shellac [ ]
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How Vehicle Surveys Save Time & Money

On-site inspections and vehicle wraps Early in the sales process, before a quotation request is submitted, before the design begins, and before anyone signs on the dotted line,   the sales person should conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicles. Vehicle wrapping is business of details. There are so many variables in designing, manufacturing and installing [ ]
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Painting Acrylic Signs

The extraordinary clarity of acrylic sheet makes it an excellent substrate for backlit signs, which is why it remains the product of choice. Acrylic is typically painted in reverse on the second surface of the sheet.  Acrylic provides tremendous protection from the degrading effects of UV light. A number of different paints are available for [ ]
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