|
| |
Issue
389 - April 14,
2011
| |
What's coming from Japan? Nobody is sure - Issue 389
|
|
| |
Hello - Despite the best polishing of the crystal ball, nobody really can predict with accuracy the flow of merchandise from Japanese companies right now. Here's a letter from Mike Fasulo, Executive Vice President of Sony Electronics Inc.:
"Dear Valued Colleagues,
"I know I speak for everyone when I say our thoughts and prayers are all with the citizens of Japan. Your heartfelt notes and monetary contributions have been generous and we truly thank you for your support.
"I also know that there has been much press, news, and rumors of potential supply constraints as a result of this disaster. I want to assure you that Sony is doing everything we can to limit its impact.
"I commit to keep you informed continuously as we get factual data so that all of us can plan accordingly. To date, that has not been possible for any manufacturer, as Japan continues its primary recovery focus on providing uninterrupted power supply to its residents, businesses and emergency facilities. Be assured the depth of this for all brands and categories is also unknown as many parts and components on a worldwide scale originate in Japan.
"During this period of uncertainty Sony will stand strong alongside our valued retail partners. We commit to an orderly marketing plan that includes distribution stability, manageable and only necessary promotions, and inventory management which does not burden you on these issues.
I acknowledge that we have had to change our payment terms recently as a result of the cost of money in the USA. Please rest assured that we do not plan to introduce new MAP or margin erosion promotions that result in you bearing unreasonable burden. As a matter of fact, we will employ a playbook that matches the value of our product as determined by the consumer with the level of supply that is available. The traditional but very effective rule of supply and demand will be our guide.
"I couldn't help but notice, as I'm sure you have as well, some manufacturers reacting disorderly in light of this serious situation. Again I will assure you that Sony will continue to remain a market leader and put our consumer first, while also ensuring a path to profitability for both you and Sony.
"I wish I could deliver more positive news on the actions of some in our industry, and that of the terrible events in Japan, but frankly that would be naive. What I can say with sincerity and optimism is that Sony believes in you and we will ride this out side by side with you.
"II deeply appreciate your support and look forward to a bright future together."
For some of our more urban readers who don't understand polite conversation we'll translate what we heard Sony say into street talk . . . "Canon may use this as an excuse to further reduce the insignificant dealer margin and Nikon may favor larger retailers with product allocation, but Sony's taking the long term view and the high road - we're playing for our long term mutual future, not the short term gains others are." This is a relatively aggressive poke in the eye Sony has given to their competitors (not in New York street talk but certainly in Tokyo's refined business culture) - Now it's up to Sony to prove with their actions they are leading the industry back to the moral high ground.
Here's hoping they are successful in bringing rational long-term decision making to our industry
|
|
| |
|
Idea # 1 - Feuerborns' prize winner
Ellie Feuerborn, Fast Focus, Inc, Salina, KS, USA - website
Chris, the Fuji Film photo book contest encouraged us to put our idea on paper. I hope it might encourage others.
We have had the materials to produce coffee table books for over 2 years. We really believed that with all the talk concerning this new product, all we would have to do is make a few samples and customers would be waiting in line to make multiple copies. NOT!
We struggled for over a year running ads, offering specials, showing the samples to all the customers when they came in the store. In April of 2010, one of our employees asked if she could offer a book class. We put up a flyer in the store and offered our first FREE book class-free meaning if you buy a book, we'll show you how to make it using our kiosks.
We had three people sign up. We offered the same FREE book class in May and had 6 people sign up. We now offer a FREE book class every month and have a waiting list to get into the class. We offer three sizes of books but the most popular is our 8x8 books produced on single sided photographic paper.
Our book revenue was up by over 400% in 2010 compared to 2009. We are not making thousands of dollars producing coffee table books. However, we are gaining new customers and that allows us the opportunity to sell other products and services.
|
|
|
| |
|
Idea # 2 - The right format for meetings makes a difference
Jen Waicukauski - Looking Glass Photo, Berkeley, CA, USA - website
We have store wide meetings and at times they can be a bit predictable. Recently we broke a mold and did something new and extremely effective.
Each employee was asked to tell the group what they were going to personally improve on in the immediate future. I had thought about this ahead of time and was very excited to see how it would work.
It was amazing.
What started it was the fact that one of our management members wants to help everyone. They never say "no". As a result they get overcommitted and coworkers are resentful they were let down. Plus the individual feels an overwhelming sense of frustration and failure. A real lose- lose relationship.
As we went around the room to share what we would be working on he said "I will be saying no more often so you'll know I'm unable to get done what you want when you want it. Better you know now I can't do it than count on me and it not get done." As he said this you could see the weight being lifted off his shoulders.
There was also an enlightenment among the staff as they heard him speak and saw his face. They understood that when he hadn't delivered as promised in the past he wasn't being incompetent or lazy. The rest of the team instantly understood where their fellow team member was coming from.
The meeting worked better than I ever anticipated. We are able to better understand each other and discuss in a more objective fashion our personal quirks or habits that could possibly be improved.
When the issues are out in the open they can be discussed without being seen as personally threatening.
|
|
|
| |
|
Idea # 3 - Save the date for the Dixie Division meeting
The Dixie Division of PMA annual meeting will be held in Aiken, South Carolina. June 10-12. That's a change from what we said last week.
Paul Rentz of Portland, Oregon will be sharing techniques that work and make money in one of the hottest areas right now - video editing and transfer for everyday customers. He'll share details on choosing equipment, designing workflow and promoting these profitable services.
Your editor will share how Chris' Camera Center has grown over the years.
There will be good educational sessions, a CliQ Walk of Hopelands Garden, maybe a tour of a horse training track. If enough people want to play golf we've been talking to the Palmetto Golf Club, one of the oldest in the United States. More details to follow.
|
|
|
| |
|
Calendar of Industry Events
June 10-12, 2011 - Dixie Division of PMA meeting Aiken, SC, USA.
June 23-26, 2011 - PMA Australia, Sydney http://www.pmaaustralia.com.au/
June 27-30, 2011 - IPI Members' Retreat and Trade Show - Henderson, NV USA - By invitation
July 16-20, 2011 - PRO Members' Convention and Trade Show, Jacksonville, FL- By Invitation
September 6-9, 2011 - Industry education at CliQ 2011, Las Vegas NV USA
September 8-9, 2011 - Industry-only show days at CliQ 2011, Las Vegas, NV, USA
Sept. 9-11, 2011 - Enthusiast and aspiring pro education at CliQ 2011
Sept. 10 -- Enthusiast and Industry show day at CliQ 2011, Las Vegas, Nev. USA
|
|
|
| |
Remember to send us your marketing ideas, as well as comments on those ideas posted by hitting your reply button or emailing to editor@mccurryassoc.com. Your colleagues may also get the newsletter free in exchange for submitting ideas. Give them this link to sign up but remind them they have to share: http://photoimagenews.com/mccurry.htm
Please Enjoy, Consider and Profit from these ideas.
All the Best,
Bill
William J. McCurry, Chairman
McCurry Associates
|
|
|
Terms of use for this community
|
 |
 |
| previous
issue |
next
issue
(available after it is published) |
|
|
|
|
