Think Spring, Think Home & Garden…
If you live in Minnesota, like myself, you might be tired of all the snow and cold we’ve been having this winter. I know there are some die-hard winter lovers out there, but I’d have to say that most Minnesotan’s are looking ahead to spring, so…”Why not start thinking about the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show?” It is only a month away, and gives people something to look forward to. If you are planning some remodeling projects this spring, make sure you stop by the show to get some ideas. You will discover the latest trends and products for your home and will be able to talk with the experts in the field.
The Minneapolis Home & Garden Show runs March 2-6 , 2011 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Make sure you look for Paramount Granite Company, at Booth 2946. We will be happy to let you know about our products including: granite, Dupont Zodiaq, Casesarstone, Silestone, Hanstone, and Rinato, or answer any questions you may have. We can also provide a bid for you on the spot for any of your countertop needs.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Company, Granite on February 1st, 2011 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Visit Us At The Builders & Remodelers Product & Service Show…
The 2011 Builders & Remodelers Product & Service Show will be held February 24, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Builders & remodelers are invited to come see the latest trends in the industry. Why not stop by and see what this year’s show has to offer for countertop options including granite, Dupont Zodiaq, Casesarstone, Silestone, Hanstone, and Rinato. We will be happy to answer any of your questions about our product offerings, and provide a bid for any prospective upcoming projects you may have.
Please make sure you visit us at:
Booth 824
Thanks for reading and hope to see you at the show!
Barb
Posted in Business, Industry News on January 31st, 2011 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Inflation—Yes!; Rising Prices On Everything—No!
As part of being an avid blogger, I tend to read other blogs too—mostly to spark writing ideas. Anyway—as I was navigating the blogosphere today, I came across the post, “Like Hell There’s No Inflation, (which was actually a rebuttle to another post titled, “There’s Still No Inflation,”) that I enjoyed. I have to agree with the author, that for the US government to say that there is no inflation is ridiculous. I mean really, who hasn’t noticed that the price of groceries has sky rocketed? Not to mention that the packaging has shrunk on most items? You can’t even get a half gallon of ice cream anymore. I actually don’t even know what to call it. Who is going to say, “Honey, can you pick up a 1.5 quart of ice cream,” when it has always been known as a half gallon? It just doesn’t sound right. Yes—and then there is the gas. How can you not notice that your pocketbook is being drained every time you fill up your tank? …And obviously it costs more to get from point A to point B.
While it is true that our food and gas prices keep going up, thank goodness not all goods are. In fact, some prices on goods keep going down, including granite countertops. While this may be good for the consumer, and make them more apt to buy, the falling prices have had a negative impact on both suppliers and fabricators of natural stone. Not only have their costs to produce and deliver products gone up, but so has the competition. The market today is way different than it was ten years ago, with hack shops popping up left and right offering slashed prices. No wonder there is so much price haggling.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready to go back to the days of selling a product for a fair price. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, ”You get what ya pay for, especially when it comes to granite!” As for food and gas, ya get what ya get. That’s all.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Granite on November 17th, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Technology—The Good, The Bad, And Ugly
It is easy to get accustomed to things that make our life easier such as computers, cell phones, a GPS, etc., but have you ever thought about how amazing technology really is, and how it ever-changing? I’m sure most people at some time, or another have asked themselves, “How did we ever get by without this, or that?” Let’s take the fax machine, for example. Although fax machines existed in various forms since the 19th century, they didn’t become popular & affordable until the mid 1980′s. While this technology is still used today, it is somewhat being replaced by internet capabilities.
Computers are another example of ever-changing technology. Although the first computers were developed in the mid 20th century, they became popular and more affordable in the late 80′s and early 90′s. The computer is one technology that is constantly being revamped to be faster, more efficient, and let’s not forget the ever-changing software.
Speaking of software, this week we finally updated some of our very outdated software—A Good Thing! With all new technology however, especially software, there is a learning curve—The Bad. Although it may take a bit of time to adjust and figure out where this feature is, or that one is, we will learn. Unfortunately, with today’s technology, we have the capability to be ever-connected—The Ugly. Although I was able to sneak out of work for a few hours yesterday to catch a Twins game, I spent part of it talking on my cell phone, & sending text messages back and forth to work to try to resolve some software issues we were having with our database. Oh well! Maybe next time, I’ll just turn my phone off, another technology capability.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Uncategorized on April 23rd, 2010 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Add Value To Your Sales Visits…
Today more than ever, it is important to stress value when selling. While anyone can offer a cheap price, it is important to differentiate yourself from the competition, and having a good sales staff can play a huge role in the whole process. In fact, “a salesperson’s skill can add as much as 50 percent to the perceived value of any product or service,” that according to “How To Add Value To Every Sales Call,” an article found in the March/April 2010 issue of Selling Power magazine.
That’s huge! That’s why many companies are stringent about hiring qualified individuals, and are willing to pay more for those that can perform. Many companies also carefully groom their sales staff and offer extensive training for them.
“Everything you do is either increasing your perceived value, or detracting from it.” Following are 10 Ways To Increase Your “Perceived Value” rating from the article I wanted to share:
- Be well dressed. It is important to dress neat, and clean. Remember, perception is everything.
- Invest in expensive or good quality accessories. Again, perception! (e.g. a nice pen, briefcase, watch, etc.)
- Have a neat, wll-groomed appearance. Customers will appreciate your attention to detail.
- Practice impeccable manners, politeness, and courtesy. Alwasys try to put your best self forward.
- Never knock the competition. You decrease your own value by doing so.
- Be on time and deliver everything you promise. You are building your reputation.
- Never argue with customers. They may not always be right, but they are always the customer.
- Look for opportunities to so something extra. Small gestures can go a long way and can be very meaningful.
- Plan and prepare each appointment in advance. Organization is key and always promotes a professional image.
- Write thank you notes to each new customer, or prospect. It doesn’t cost anything to say thank you and people appreciate it.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Business, Marketing, Uncategorized on March 30th, 2010 by Barb | | 2 Comments
