United Assemblers Blog and News: Recent Comments

Comment on What our network is all about…

Doug W — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:16:45 GMT

It truley is exciting to see where the network is going, it is so great to see more and more techs every time i look at the network.

The more areas that we can get covered the better it looks for us as a network and impress the bigger box store and online companies will see that we can cover more of their customers, and begin to send alot more work our way.

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.

Comment on What our network is all about…

William Field — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:39:33 GMT

We as companies need to help ourselves. We can't expect these National companies to bend over backwards for us. This is why we need this network and each other as a group experienced professionals to participated in this great program which will allow us to build our enterprises to the maximum capacity in which you dream of.

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.

Comment on What our network is all about…

Kenny Jameson — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 05:27:20 GMT

It's exciting to be a part of a new Industry. While the assembly Business has been around for a long time. It has not been a widely known industry. The Assembly Business can soon become a household named industry. The UAN is leading the way in establishing this industry. There is nothing else coming close to what we are doing.

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!

Comment on What our network is all about…

Trent Harvey — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:04:11 GMT

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

Comment on What our network is all about…

Todd Jefferies — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:41:49 GMT

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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
_

Comment on What our network is all about…

Mike Barone — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:12:34 GMT

"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!

Comment on What our network is all about…

Cory Clouse — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:42:05 GMT

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

Comment on What our network is all about…

Chris Manack — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:25:51 GMT

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!

Comment on What our network is all about…

Mark Worcester — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:37:09 GMT

Mike and ALL others, I like the UAN and what it stands for.

We the few, Proud, independent assembly professionals who by hook or by crook excel at what we do, in spite of the current economy, proud and determined to be the best in our industry. Looking for other like minded and determined individuals to share and prosper for the betterment of the industry and the consumers.

The UAN, there to help us all, in our mission, working behind the scenes for all our good, seeking only to build something special and unique. Fighting the uphill battles none of us really have the time to do ourselves, only asking us each and every one to see the vision and believe in the UAN and ourselves to unite as one brotherhood to help protect the industry from the Greedy, national assembly companies, the low ball, unemployed carpenters and such who have invaded our profession, making it ever harder to prosper in our nich industry we all love and finally those "leaches" who try to take short cuts and "cabbage" onto and use the hard work of others to try to undermine what we all have worked hard to produce,the UAN!!!

Now, I'm not a guy to pull punches and I do tell it like I feel it as some of you that know me, know to be the truth, but I just feel like what we have here is something special and to me it seems like Mike is almost begging those of you who have not joined or are fence setters as I like to call them, to join the "ONLY" organization that wants no more from you than to work with us and unite our special talents for our betterment. I mean, WHY is this necessary...as you should be begging him to join up as you have nothing at all to loose and everything to gain!!!

Do you think even ONE national Assembly Company can say that??? No Way!!!

No Contracts, No Obligation , No Bosses, No Way!!! For Now, All Said, All Done!!!

Mark Worcester - Assemblies Done Right!!!

Proud UAN Member!!!

Comment on What our network is all about…

Scott — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:04:18 GMT

All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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