What our network is all about…
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If you are still in the dark (a little) about the network; I hope to shed some light on why “we” are here.
Your input on this Blog entry is valued and will be deeply appreciated.
The UAN (United Assemblers Network) is here to do just that… network.
The definition of a network is… the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically: the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business (in our case “business”).
There have been many of you that pass jobs back and forth without expecting anything in return from one and other, except for the opportunity for the reciprocal… and I love that!
You can pass work back and forth as often as you can or wish too; however, I would like to discourage charging whomever you send work to because it will dilute and circumvent what we are all about and trying to do.
There will be a directory for the paying members of our network with the names, locations and phone numbers to all the techs in our network. This is PRIVATE information and not to be sold or used to recruit from; anyone caught doing so will be removed from the network.
The directory is to be used to pass jobs back and forth among those in our network, to call on other members for advice or to hire technicians to work with you in your immediate area.
This is an independents network, any use of the directory other than above, must be approved by our advisory committee.
The network is here to service all consumers… by networking.
Happy customers will tell their friends and family about you if you ask them to and that is called networking. Some of those friends and family may be in another city way out of your area and if they pass along the UAN… you are networking.
We need to make sure the consumer is taken care of… QUICKLY and with a high level of professionalism, they deserve it!
The customers are reaching out to you at the time they need you and it doesn’t matter if the customer is from our network or your own website they will find someone else if you don’t get back to them quickly. If you cannot do the job, let the UAN or someone else (in our network) know ASAP. Never give a job to someone outside our network.
The network is here to educate… by networking.
We have a lot of video produced now… and a lot more on the way. If there is anyone who wants to contribute by producing their own videos, we can add them to our favorites on the UANs YouTube channel if you have your own channel with your own videos.
I also have a PDF document you can download about beyond the instructions to install an in-ground basketball system. Just click here to get it.
Additionally, our certification options will be available soon. There will be a test.
The network is here to protect… by networking.
As for protection, we are actually already there. You are a part of something that allows you to learn how to protect your job by making sure you do it correctly and have the backing to make sure you are not taken advantage of.
We are not and never intend to be a union; but, we area an organization that with your skills and connections… you will be sought after and paid accordingly giving you the security you deserve if you are doing what you promised to do in the first place.
The network is here to “help” you build a business… not do it for you.
By taking advantage of your network, you will have the tools and resources needed to build a great business that can be recession proof if you are a self-starter and are willing to learn and grow from what you can get from, again “your” network.
The network is here as a resource… not a way of making a living.
Sure there are jobs that come out of our listings (actually a lot of them in some areas); but that is secondary. The sooner everyone gets that, the sooner we will have a lot more work to do in the not so high volume areas… probably more than any one tech can handle by themselves from their listing through relationships we are building.
If you are serious about success, it should not be so much… “What can this network do for me” as it should be… “What can I do for the network”? If you understand that concept, then you will understand that what “YOU” do for the network comes right back around and benefits you in a BIG way.
The network is here for your image… to be a part of something bigger and better than just being a tech.
If you are Joe’s Assembly Services you will have much more clout when you are Joe’s Assembly Services that is a part of our “professional” network. People have confidence in you when you are part of something bigger.
The network is NOT here to grow your network or NAC.
There are a few people on our network that think it is easy to build a list and create a network of their own. The problem is they have nothing to offer other than an occasional lead and they want to pay you as much as the NAC pays you now for anything they send your way. They’re aspiring to become what they hate… So I guess they are thinking if you can’t beat them, join them, right?
Be aware of the guy calling you that does not have deep pockets promising you work… He will take advantage of you and there have already been techs on this network that have done work for him that are not getting paid.
Ask anyone recruiting you for their website address and be sure to check it out… then if you want, call me, because I will probably have the inside scoop on whether they are worth contracting with or not. This includes any of the NACs as they are constantly on our network recruiting wanting the benefits of what we have to offer without actually being a part of it. That needs to stop!!!
Go Configure is the worst when it comes to recruiting from our network. They have asked some of you to see if you could find someone in our network that would like to contract with them... Isn’t it funny how they hate the UAN but still want to use it?
Helping the network to make sure you thrive in your business.
I have never wanted to get more than what this network deserves by helping you build your own business for more success. I don’t care if it is on your own or as a contractor for any NAC or both; you can make money with “any” NAC if you know what your options are.
We (the network) at one time had an annual fee… people complained about that. Then we came up with the referral program and very few people paid requiring me to call to ask where their fees are requiring me to chase the money.
When I do call to find out where the fees are, it is almost always “oh, I forgot” or “I didn’t know where to make the payment” or my favorite “I am sorry... I don’t have enough money to pay for the referral”.
What always amazes me… the tech makes 95% from any job given to them from the network (actually 100%) because they collect their own money; and then try to give me a sorry excuse they can’t make a 5% payment for something they would not have had in the first place.
And then… they make 60% from the NAC and are totally okay with that and the waiting two to four weeks to get their money.
If you are one of those people not paying because you forgot or don’t know where to make the payment… try going here:
If you don’t owe anything… and want to help “you” grow through the network… you can always make donations of any amount at any time here:
It takes time and money to build something successful and most people don’t understand what it really takes. I do!!! I have been at this for almost ten years and I keep going… I will not stop helping those who see the vision we all should have.
There is a lot more I could be doing including but not limited to sending out regular press releases… That costs more than you may think. Depending on how many and what source, that fee could go into the hundreds a month.
I would also like to start paying for GoToWebinar (about $100 a month) which is a much better service than our current (FREE) AnyMeeting (you get what you pay for). I could be giving open webinars (classes) to teach you how to set up your own excel spread sheet, how to get the most out of your smart phone, we could talk to share ideas and much more.
Our advisory board will be meeting for the first time next Thursday and after that meeting I will announce who the advisory committee is.
One last thing… I am not here to get rich. If I were I would have attempted it a long time ago by setting up the network as an NAC… Funny thing is… MANY of you would have worked for an organization to make 60%... but are having issues paying 5% so you can make 95% … go figure that one… and when you have the answer… let me and everyone else know.
To your success...
MikeM
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I find it absurd that individuals would take a referral, complete the work and then not pay the 5% referral fee. I have a strong opinion regarding this and will be sharing these thoughts with Mike.
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As a veteran in the industry, I've seen over the years many so called NAC's come and go. Years ago I was also an independent technician and realized early on that....I could make this a career out of this industry. I've always been in the same market area....same accounts with the managers...and don't have the first contract with anyone and even though we are NOT supposed to be in the store...we are still here....and doing over a 6 figure income every year as well....and I'm still an independent....but a Professional Independent with an open mind who knows how to "NETWORK" this industry.
Sure..."subcontracting" from a NAC can help you get started....but think "OUTSIDE" the box.
The UAN is here to help network your business....Advertising does cost money and so do referrals. I belong to "ServiceMagic" and pay a lot more than a 5% referral fee than what the UAN is charging...weather I get the job or not. Advertising is also a TAX write off for those of you running a legitimate business.
We recently had a meeting in OHIO a few weeks back that was so productive and positive about the network....that we are planning another gathering in March. I hope to meet alot more of the independent assemblers for more positive input and help each one of you grow your business more.
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I have been having many conversations with Mike here recently. When he expressed his dismay at those who can not pay the 5% and the excuses I was simply shocked and disgusted at the mentality behind it all. I don't feel anymore comment is necessary. Rational thought should lead us all to what is wrong with that picture.
I have over the years learned the power of networking and mentor ship. We all have the capability at any point in our carriers to play a role in someones life in some form to help propel them forward. Recently I started speaking to Chris Manack about his experiences and also about avenues to go down to grow my business. He has many years in sales. I am not a salesman. However I can learn. I will be contacting others on here soon too. Just to talk and learn from you. So be looking for me to call sometime.
Recently a slogan was informally adopted by UAN and it is perfect. " We are in business for ourselves but not by ourselves". How wonderful is that!? Business had got extremely slow for me. I was having and still am many problems with the 3 NAC's I have been working for. Issues with lack of payment to lack of work and for some reason they think I should sometimes work for free. What a awesome blessing it is to have you all as a resource to go to. A resource to help me grow my own personal clientele.
I believe in this! Whole heartedly. I often wish I could sell it to all the manufacturers that I am an ISP (Independent Service Provider) for. I have to admit I have a very bad taste in my mouth for NAC's. I feel used and abused on a regular basis. Often I feel more in touch with reality than the person from one of the organizations I am talking about. Tomorrow I am going to go earn several hundreds of dollars for the same thing that a NAC may pay me a quarter of that for. Fact is I no longer have anything good to say about the ones I have had experience with. Do I still use them "YES". I have not reached that place where I can't. But this network provides hope and direction. All I have to do is ask.
SO AS I REACH FORWARD I WILL REACH BACK. See ya on the bright side.
Scott Jennings
FitTech & Assembly
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The United Assemblers Network is a powerful resource for both the consumer and the technician alike. The UAN will continue to be a force to be reckoned with now, and into the future, ONLY if you are willing to invest your time and efforts to grow this network. The effort you put forth toward this network as a technician will reap you benefits far beyond your comprehension.
Mike is right, it is going to take the concerted efforts of ALL of us to grow this network. One person alone can't do what is required to make this network the resource for the consumers, other technicians, online dealers and online manufacturers.
The more participation we have from technicians down the line, the more we will grow as a force. The bigger we are as a force, the more we will capture the eye of the online retailers, which is just now starting to happen in a HUGE way. But again, it is going to take the collective efforts of all of us to make this happen.
As technicians, we need to invest our time in the network just as we would in our own businesses. The two go hand in hand. If the UAN is not currently a part of your business plan, make it one! You will recognize the rewards down the road, the will be obvious and clear.
However, It is going to take more than just commenting on these blogs. This is a very small part of your investment, but it's a start. As techs, you need to exchange ideas, make calls to other techs to help them with their businesses, mentor to those needing help, make calls on the online retailers to gain their business and share this with the network, and so on and so forth. I have been at this networking game for 40 years and I can speak from experience by telling you that the time you spend investing in a network, like the UAN, the more you will benefit. Trust me, your time will be well spent and the rewards will be returned to you ten fold!
In short, we will never reach the peaks we need to be at if we all don't pitch in and help with this growing force.
It should be made very clear here and now that we are NOT a national assembly company (NAC), nor do we want to be. This has to be understood and the message here has to be driven home. We are, however, a national resource company (NRC) that the consumer and the technicians can utilize for all the reasons Mike has stated. Help us grow this network into the most powerful NRC for everyone's benefit, and in the end we will also have created an industry along the way...an industry that everyone concerned will understand and recognize.
While I am on the subject of NAC's, like Mike, I do not understand why it is that those techs out there in the country seem to think they can benefit more from making 60% of what they charge as opposed to 95% of what they charge. It's simple arithmetic people, what is it that you don't get? Folks, invest your time in the UAN and make it the all encompassing URC! Just remember, we are with you every step of the way!
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Everyone needs to remember what this network is here for. IT IS HERE FOR YOU! Only a small part of being associated with the UAN is the work that comes your way. This network is here to help everyone build their business.
The old saying "You only get what you put into it" is not true with the UAN. YOU GET 10 TO 100 TIMES MORE THAN YOU PUT INTO IT!! The knowledge that is passed from tech to tech, business owner to business owner, etc. on each and every conference call (and webinar) is incredible. I will never understand why everyone on the network does not attend as many of these meetings as possible. I personally have learned so much about this business through these calls. I would hope others have learned a little from me. No single person has all the answers, but as a network we can all grow from one simple idea... GET INVOLVED!!!!
Looking forward to learning from more of you.
Cory Clouse
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"We are in business for ourselves but not by ourselves!" sums it up (Thanks Kenny and Paul). Every industry I can think of has some kind of network or association. Everyone should be using this platform to learn and build their business internally. Yea its great to get the referrals which means money in your pocket but in the long run that is just a drop in the bucket of what you can get from the UAN.
About a year ago I had a meeting with a regional buyer from one of the big box retailers we do business with. He was coming down to South Florida to check up on the stores in which we provide assembly for. We went to lunch to talk more about the assembly industry and how we can work together to improve sales. I will never forget one of the questions he asked me "Is your company a part of any association or group?" Of course I went into telling him about the UAN in which he had no idea there was something like that dedicated to just the assembly industry. The whole point of the story is what if I had just said "no". Would he have taken me as a serious service provider and let us continue to service his stores. I don't know. What I do know is that the UAN provides you with instant credibility.
Keep the network alive!
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It really amazes me as well that there are so many techs out there that are willing to work for an NAC and wait to get paid, but when they receive a lead through the UAN and get paid THE DAY THEY DO THE JOB, they still don't pay the measly 5%... Uh... that's $5 bucks for every $100 (You keep $95.00!). Why is this such an issue for some of you?
Another thing, when someone on the UAN gives you a direct referral, be courteous (and professional) and let them know the job was handled... and maybe even a “thank you” call or email wouldn't hurt either!
As good ol’ Zig Ziglar says – "You can have everything you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want".
Happy Holidays everyone!
Todd J
http://www.AssemblyMasters.net
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Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life. This "nich" Industry can most defiantly be your career, and the network is your number one resource for success. In business for yourself but not by yourself hits the nail on the head. The advice and experience of a generation of assemblers at your finger tips, all you have to do is read, listen, watch the videos or call a member for advice.
The power is in the numbers but if no one knows you exist how can they call you? It seems that when I tell people what I do their first response is "I didn't even know that was available, but it makes perfect sense" This shows that we still need to focus on exposure. With your company and the network, while someone in your local area uses you for a job they may have a need for our services in another part of the country. When you let them know about the network you help one more guy grow his business and that helps us all, remember we will always be stronger together.
NAC- the only reason these guys can get people to do jobs for 60% and in most cases less is because you've got guys out there who don't know they are worth more. What you find is a constant cycle of get a "tech", promise the world, he figures out that the job 60 miles away at 51% doesn't get off set by the few local jobs, lose the tech, get a new tech. Break the cycle with an organized network of assemblers and soon enough the pool of people for the NAC's to choose from in your area will be nonexistent. Remember as well it's "your area" let people know your there, get a web site,(do it your self save money) invest in yourself and your business or no one will.
Trent Harvey
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We are creating a MOVEMENT! You can be on the cutting edge of this movement. Or you can be on the sidelines watching everyone pass by you.
Come join the MOVEMENT!
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I, for one, am grateful for this opportunity to be apart of this movement. I wish all of you would join us and make it a memorable one.
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Even though we are responsible for the direction that we take each of your companies, its nice to be able to just call up Mike or any other person on the network, and just be able to get some direction.
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