Unless you walk out into the unknown, the odds of making a profound difference in your life are pretty low. There is NO better way to get to know yourself and know what you represent in this world than face-to-face sales. When the sales are drying up and you don't know where the next job will come from then hit the streets. It is a good way to get to know the area you live in and the businesses that reside there. Social media will never replace the backbone of all business transactions so take notes kids :)
Today I had the pleasure of tackling the gray day by walking Davis Square in Somerville, Mass. I have heard from friends & family that Davis is a cool place for food, drink and live music. There is a large artist community here which can be seen walking by the various colorful citizen statues. My first stop was at the Rosebud Diner. I was greeted by Karen and ordered up a black coffee and slice of apple pie. We got to talking and I found out the diner was recently sold and could expect changes by April. I also met Billy, son of the owner who sold the diner. I stayed away from talking specifics with him (sour over not selling the diner to him?) but he gladly accepted my business card. Not a bad start to a good day. After Rosebuds I made my way over to Brian at The Boston Tattoo Co. I was greeted by nervous looks from seated patrons who I would assume were getting their first ink experience. Either that or it was my intimidating plaid stature? Brian was very receptive after honestly telling him sales were slow. I told him I was out 'pounding the pavement' and he seemed to have a respect for honest sales. We exchanged cards and were both able to respect the unique cards we presented. How can someone say no to a Boston Terrier in a fedora? At Diesel Cafe, over a dark-roast coffee, I was able to overhear a musical couple next to me talking about the structure of a song they had written. Verse/chorus/ verse or verse/verse/chorus? I don't think I will ever have that conversation with someone in my lifetime (does karaoke count?) but it did remind me to visit Johnny D's down Holland Street. Known for it's live music offerings JD's is the place for good blues guitar, classic rock covers and jamming reggae bands. After chatting it up with the engaging bartender I submitted my final business card of the day and finished up the rest of my Guinness. She reminded me to show up this Thursday night for a good Zeppelin cover band. Overall it was a good day. I introduced more people to the face of Tully Ink, got to know Davis Square better and hopefully gained extra customers for 2013. I know once the warmer weather arrives I will be singing a different tune but I am relishing the free time I currently enjoy.
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Here I sit restlessly staring at the ceiling thinking about a screen printer's tomorrow. Yup, you got it right - a case of insomnia.
I am looking forward to the rising sun. I plan on catching up with Mike Allen of A&B Clothing Co. in Gardner, MA. He runs a screen printing shop set-up for walk-in customers. I want to pick his brain and find out how he likes the retail-end of business. I also want to know if the rent makes for a more stressful operation and what his outlook is for 2013. I also plan on checking the PO Box to see if any new 2013 catalogs were sent my way. Who knows? Maybe I will find another Playboy meant for the garage that rented the Box before me. I am enjoying my idle time this week. Well, not really but instead of printing shirts I am researching garage/office leasing and what it will take to bring Tully Ink up to the next level. Just received a bulk order of b&w stickers so look for us on your local Boston street signs ;) Well, thanks for reading the first hazy Tully Ink blog post! We are looking forward to a BIG year and can't wait to offer what we have in-store. Good night friends :) |
Greg TullyWhen not printing then running along the Charles or at a Red Sox game soaking up the sun. Archives
January 2015
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