Expert Rug Making Programs for Entrepreneurs and Hobbyists

Russell’s Quick Tip:

This product sells itself with the touch and feel factor!

The key is to create outstanding samples that you WOW your prospects with during your presentation. If you’re just getting started, you may not understand the dynamics of a proper presentation, and if I were to share a little secret with you: I didn’t know much about giving a good presentation when I got started either! But I learned.

In this business of custom rug fabrication it is a key factor to your marketing success. As entrepreneurs, we all have to learn presentation skills at some point in time. In my case it was a gradual process. With some effort I eventually learned how to dress for success and develop my communication skills. With these skills I can comfortably enter into any environment; whether it’s a multi-million dollar mansion (my personal favorite) or an average middle class home. It’s akin to being a chameleon and adapting to your surroundings.

One shortcut solution to giving an impressive presentation that became obvious to me early on was this little gem: Create a few really exceptional samples that make you shine. They don’t have to be big samples either… around 18″ x 28″ is just fine.

Here is an example of what I’m suggesting. In this case I have cut out handles at the top of each sample and wrapped the handle with an attractive leather strip that I found at a crafts supply store (sold as a small bag of scrap leather pieces).

During my presentation, I always have a selection of 4-6 of these samples, along with a picture portfolio and a few other odds and ends.

Cheers…good luck with your next presentation!

Now that the majority of yarn systems are produced with recycling in mind, the next logical step would be to break out all of the components of the broadloom carpet and establish a complete ‘cradle to cradle‘ structure. The backing of the broadloom is generally a mesh-like action back that holds it all together between a layer of latex. Shaw has addressed this issue with its latest innovation in backing.

Here’s the latest press release on Shaw’s new backing.

“Estimating that broadloom carpet comprises 70 percent of the commercial flooring market, Shaw Contract Group has set out to ease environmental impact with the launch of EcoWorx Performance Broadloom, which it claims is the commercial carpet industry’s first fully sustainable, cradle-to-cradle carpet backing for broadloom carpet products. The concept behind EcoWorx Performance Broadloom is to incorporate components that are designed to maximize performance and recyclability. Specifically, each component in the backing system is designed to work cooperatively and contains no filler. Because of these cooperatively working components, EcoWorx Performance Broadloom can be easily generated, deconstructed and regenerated again and again through a proprietary five-step dissolution process.”

www.shawcontractgroup.com

By Jerry Grillo

Your mother always warned you not to leave any footprints on the carpet. She never said anything about carpet leaving its footprint on you. But it already has, in so many ways.

There’s the economic footprint Georgia’s enormous carpet industry is leaving on the state, especially the Northwest region, and the aesthetic footprint it leaves on the nation and the world:

- The carpet and flooring industry employs more than 45,000 workers in Georgia with a payroll topping $4 billion - the largest of any manufacturing sector in the state.

- The world’s four largest carpet companies, and seven of the 14 largest, are located in Georgia (Shaw Industries, Mohawk Industries, Beaulieu of America, Interface, Milliken, J&J Industries, Collins & Aikman Floorcoverings).

- More than 80 percent of the U.S. carpet market - which supplies 45 percent of the world’s carpet - is controlled by mills located within a 65-mile radius of Dalton. That equals about $10 billion in business activity within a golden tufted circle.

Jump to read the full story

By Russell Webb

The carpet industry has seen a modest transformation in the last few years. A previously unimpressive stance on environmental concerns had left a lot of environmental supporters grumbling.

Recently, the main players have changed their tune; no doubt because there’s some good profits down the line if they do. The current leaders in the green revolution are Interface, Shaw and Mohawk and the rest are not far behind.

These manufacturers are currently developing there own cradle-to-cradle solution for recycling the carpet they produce. This is wonderful news, and I expect to delve deeper into this subject as I explore the details. Stay tuned.

By Shari Alexander

Sometimes the hardest part of running a one-on-one meeting is knowing what to say at the beginning. What are the first words out of your mouth? It can be an awkward moment after you shake hands and say hello. You don’t want to jump into the “meat” of the meeting. There should be a nice transition from casual conversation to the reason for the meeting. [Read more →]

By Charlie Cook

Have you ever passed by a bakery display case without feeling the urge to buy at least one cookie, dessert or cinnamon bun? Have you ever taken a child into a candy store and not had them ask to buy at least one of their favorite sweets?

The smell of fresh baked goods and the memory of the taste of a candy bar makes us want to buy more. The owners of bakeries and candy stores don’t have to spend a lot of time extolling the merits of their goods or the length of time they’ve been in business; they can concentrate on helping us satisfy our appetites. [Read more →]

By Russell Webb

When you decide to enter a market, it makes sense to do some research. Some markets require more research and commitment prior to jumping in, one example would be the Logo Rug market. It really helps to have a grasp of image software and how it’s used - software like adobe photoshop and illustrator.

These programs make it a whole lot easier to manipulate logos and create various layout options for your potential prospects. If you plan to move into this market then obviously it’s a good idea to make the commitment to learn the software.

Not all markets are the same, and some of these markets are more physically demanding than others. A good example is the wall to wall install market. These installations can be dramatically customized with the skills you learn as a rug fabricator. Yet these custom installations can be challenging if you’re not fit for the job.

Working with a qualified installer is a must for any custom installation - the key is to assemble a qualified team and let everyone play they’re respective roles. As the fabricator, you would be responsible for the designwork, the template making, the accuracy of measurements, the overall fabrication and ultimately lead the installers as they complete your vision.

There are times when these wall to wall projects require some on-site attention and numerous trips out to the site. It goes with the territory.

As I mentioned earlier, the choice is yours regarding which markets you enter. You don’t have to learn and enter each market, you should explore the market niches and find your best fit - then commit to being the best in your niche.

By Charlie Cook

You want to increase the flow of sales revenue, but you are stymied by prospects’ seemingly endless objections. Prospects say they’re not interested. They tell you your price is too high, or this isn’t the right time. You’ve heard all the objections. What can you do to get rid of these once and for all? [Read more →]

I have a few carefully selected articles written by some good authors that I will be posting here over the next few months. These will be focused on general marketing issues that any small business owner will benefit from whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a new business start up.

Some of my favorite marketing authors and experts will be featured in the ‘marketing tips’ category… Can you see the category list in the right hand column? Yep… right there.

I cannot stress enough the importance of a sound marketing strategy for your business start-up. You cannot afford to fail at marketing your business. Unless, of course, your back-up plan is to retreat backwards to the average workforce or Corporate America and surrender the dream of self-employment… all because you failed to take your marketing seriously! Blah. Please delete that thought.

Do Not Make This Mistake.

Read all the books you can on marketing, selling, and presentation skills. Develop and mold yourself into a capable and formidable marketing expert in your field of expertise. If you do this, I guarantee you will succeed in just about any business endeavor. It’s that critical!

By Russell Webb

The art of rug making has evolved from the traditional woven rugs produced on carpet weaving looms. What used to be a hobby for some home-based craftsmen has transformed into a lucrative business for the modern well trained rug maker. It’s now possible to create high value custom rugs from home. A good sized garage is all the space that’s needed. [Read more →]