I wanted to take a moment to write about an important lesson I recently learned regarding some well-known distributors in our industry. My simple advice and rule of thumb:
Call a Lawyer!
Do not enter into any conversation without getting a non-disclosure prepared by your attorney, requiring the signatures of company owners or CEOs of the companies you plan disclose ideas or sell products directly to. Learn as much as you can about the companies you will be doing business with - hindsight is never as valuable as healthy foresight. The internet is a wonderful and easily accessible tool to gain knowledge about any company. There are many forums and Google Groups that allow the community to vocalize opinions about a company's reputation, pricing and quality. The larger the community the better, finding a heavy population jewelry and bead forum will allow you to hear every side of an argument and avoid bias.
During your research, never rely on a single platform for all of your input. A mix of media will give you a more complete picture. Read magazines, blogs, and internet sites to get a more complete picture of your research target. Each form of media will have its limitations - magazines, for example, rarely list products by name in fear that they will lose advertising revenue from competing companies.
When posing your questions, don't be pointed unless you need a specific answer. A vague question will open a discussion and can be interpreted in many ways, allowing for differing viewpoints. Shall I do business with_______________ company? Do they have quality products I can trust? If I am having a problem with a product or company can anyone offer some advice? Anything along those lines will yield many answers and opinions.
Please know we are all feeling the pressures of the economy and this is why I am being more vocal about certain questionable practices that need to be held in check. Too many good people are losing their innovative ideas and businesses to individuals and various companies where greed supersedes honesty and integrity. I am very proud of our standing in the beading community. Our honesty and integrity is of the highest level. It is important to me as a business owner, to my staff, to my associates, and to this industry's well-being and growth. Support only those companies and individuals deserving of your respect and your business.
Thank you for listening once again. Feel free to email me with your thoughts, I welcome them. Mike Sherman Soft Flex Company Owner Mike@SoftFlexCompany.com
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