United Assemblers Blog and News

The New Referral Program is Ready

- MikeM - — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:49:00 GMT

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After 8 years of being around, making a few mistakes, but making even more sound decisions and building relationships with many sources, you probably realize by now…

The United Assemblers Network is here to stay!

There are other listing sources that just don’t cut it when it comes time to compare what there is to offer between them and us. Here are just five (5) really good reasons to be a part of our network and to take part in our new referral program:

# 1 – We are a listing of professionals and not just an online directory of whomever.
# 2 – You have a direct number for a network contact if you need it.
# 3 - Other services charge you whether you get the job or not.
# 4 – Your area is partially protected (as long as you follow the referral agreement)
# 5 – And most important… the network is run by assemblers, for assemblers!

So many other websites that have a listing service DO NOT have people with real experience in our industry and they are usually started by people who have no idea what our industry is all about.

I'm not going to be disappointed with anyone who does not want to partake in the program; it is not for everybody. My trying to please everyone in the past has impeded the growth this network deserves; but no more, it is time to move forward.

What I am about to say is “definitely” not going to be liked by a few of you… We are working with two national companies to help grow what our industry needs... and that is “PROFESSIONAL” assemblers. I promise… it will never be Go Configure or Impact!

However, business is business and this network is getting really good job leads everyday that have gone unanswered! The independent that lists in his or her area will “ALWAYS” get the jobs that are generated from the network; but again, if no independent is there, it will go to one of the two current national companies.

Here is your chance to grow a great business; it is your chance to get exposure like no other listing service and it is your chance to start making some really good money.

If you are ready, call me today because the area you are in may be taken soon since the recruiting starts now. Call 614-364-4232 if you get the recording… leave a message.

Here is the Referral Agreement (a very exciting, simple and fair program)

If you are already a premium subscriber and paid less than 6 months ago… all you need to do is fill out the contract and return it to the United Assemblers Network by e-mail; there will be no sign-up fee. If you paid over 6 months ago or you will be a new subscriber, there is a one time fee of only $100 and of course your referral fees.

Do it today because I guarantee the available areas will fill up fast!

You can pay referral fees here...
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The purpose of the Blog is not for venting...

- MikeM - — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:09:00 GMT

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For those who wonder why the Blog is moderated...

The Blog is moderated because we’re here to build a network of professionals; considering that… petty bickering or lashing out will not get posted along with other reasons.

When you respond to a Blog entry, PLEASE consider what you have to say. I have had people that did not see their comments posted because they wrote off topic, it was too long a response or complained without resolve; none of us have time for any of that!

Off topic can be annoying to anyone trying to read and get anything out of the Blog. You very well may have a great comment, so make sure your comment fits the particular entry you are responding to.

If a response to any Blog entry requires too much study to figure out what you have to say (taking time) so I can respond to your comment (also taking time), it probably will not get posted. It's not that I don’t read or don't like your response, it just comes down to the bottom line… time, and time is worth more than money to me.

Another reason a comment may not get posted… is complaining without resolve. It is easy to pick someone or anything apart and to speak up about something you don’t like, but how is anything to be fixed if your response is always and only “I don’t like that.”? For those people, nothing will ever make them happy with the exception of the complaint itself.

Here are even more reasons we moderate the Blog...

On the negative side:

Virus protection

SPAM (Stupid, Pointless Annoying Messages)

Spam Marketers

Rebellious Dissension

On the positive side:

Professionalism

Education

Appeal to readers

You all mean a lot to me. We all have the same interests in our industry or at least I would hope so. We don't have to agree all the time. Furthermore, contrary to what a “few” of you may believe… I don’t know it all and neither do you, however I still respect what you have to say, it would be great if the same could be considered for me.

New video on main UAN website

- MikeM - — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 20:05:00 GMT

Watch the video and then read on below...

The above new video is generic enough to be used on your own website. Talks to the consumer about tools, time, patience and experience; if you do embed the code on your website, it validates your professionalism of being a subscriber of the network.

If anyone is not a paid subscriber and pirates the video, it tells the consumer to check them out to see if they are actually listed, when the consumer checks for their listing and many will, the person displaying our video will be driving traffic to our network and the consumer will find you through them… nice huh?

I am working on even more ways to drive traffic to us; build relationships with the consumer, retailers, manufacturers and even more exciting… developing our own e-commerce sites to sell the products; which is where most of the referrals will come from.

I am using social media heavily to get the word out. Right now I am heading toward 6,000 followers on Twitter that does drive traffic to the network.

Facebook is another place but don’t advertise your business, if you do Facebook will remove your profile. There is a reason for rules so be sure to follow them.

LinkedIn is yet another place to be and possibly the most important. In the last week I had an outside marketing rep at Costco Wholesale connect with me; LinkedIn is all about business.

If you don’t have an account with any of these social media sites, sign up for them all today… it’s free and be sure to connect with me when or if you do.

The referral program is almost developed… The biggest change will be a one time fee to be listed. To get listed you will need to agree to take part in the referral program. Any one who has already paid their annual listing fee will not have to pay again in the future “IF” they sign up for the referral program and agree to the contract. This is only for those who have paid for the year if you are on monthly installments you will need to sign-up.

Currently the referral program is in the BETA mode and I have not sent out all the requests; but, we have generated over $75,000 in potential business and quite a few of you have paid your referral fees… THANK YOU!!!

There are conditions for the referral program and you will want to sig-up as soon as possible because all metro areas will be protected with one listing and the conditions to be the only one listed will be spelled out in the contract.

Thank you for your continued support as a subscriber or listed member on our networks website.

Tech on!

It is in My Blood!

- MikeM - — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 20:38:00 GMT

This post applies to any industry or career path; but is being addressed to the only organized directory of professional assemblers that can be found... http://UnitedAssemblers.com

I just wanted to let you all know… I’m not a tech because I have to be, I’m a tech who happens to own an assembly business and loves to build things… it’s in my blood!

You must have Integrity, Virtues and a Love of what you are doing if you want success. If you have these three things… success can be yours!

1. Integrity = Truth + Honor + Reliability
(Having moral and ethical principles, good character & honesty)

When you build something, build it with integrity.
When you come across problems, handle them with integrity.
If you make mistakes (and you will), fix them with integrity.

If you do all things with “Integrity” (and not pride) success will be yours.

2. Virtues = Qualities + Merits + Intrinsic Worth
(Thinking and doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong.)

You want people to know you by your virtues.
People will like you through your virtues.
People will only trust you when your virtues are genuine.

When you apply “Virtues” to what you do, success will be yours.

3. Love - Passion – Devotion – Desire
(A strong liking for something, or a belief that it is important)

If you love what you are doing you will be good at it and always want to do better.
When you love what you’re doing it will illustrate your knowledge of it.
If you love what you are doing you will do it with “Integrity”, “Virtues” and your “Love” for it will shine through… then again, success will be yours!

Like everything in life, there is always more. If you want to obtain more from what you do, learn all sides of it. There are three M’s for getting “MORE” out of your career or business.

Learn how to Market.
Learn how to Move on your marketing success.
Learn how to Manage it once you have it.

If you want more and you learn how to get it… success will be yours.

What I have laid out here is an outline. It is not my or anyone else’s responsibility to do anything for you, it’s yours! There are millions of college graduates out there who fall short in their careers because they don’t improve on what the professors laid down as a foundation for them. You must take education to the next level by expanding on what you have learned.

If you take this outline and apply it, you too will be successful.

So... Is it in "your" blood?

We are moving on up...

Tech on!!!

Mike Mehrle
The Savvy Tech

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Something to think about...

- MikeM - — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:10:00 GMT

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Is teaching the assembly business to a guy who only has a technician mentality anything like making a guy who was successful at running a lemonade stand the CEO of Microsoft?

I have had three techs that have had near zero experience in our business contract with me and thought they could just take over; but after they saw I was not an easy take over target they quit.

They all said, “so, I make 65% for doing all the work and you get 35% for doing nothing”; I should have never hired them.

All I am saying here is, if you have a successful assembly business... be very careful who you contract to, they may have your business in their sights. It is almost always easier to steal... but the thief eventually fails because anything worth having is worked for. It has taken me ten years of assembly work and 30 years of being in engineering support to get where I am and with very little reward in the past; but I stuck with it, "did not" listen to the naysayer and today… I can say I did it.

There has been little activity on the network because I have been out turning the wrench more these day's. The difference between a national company and a local assembly business owner is if a tech quits... the owner is nearby and can do the work themselves. Arrogance and pride keeps those who only want more money away from really making it.

Don't think for one second we are losing the grip of our stand in this industry. It is a struggle, even for me at times but what keeps me going is I know the outcome of hard work.

I am no better than anyone of you! You have the control of your own destinies, but you have got to work it; and that is what I do daily. If you are looking for immediate rewards you might as well play the lottery because just like the lottery and hoping for immediate results, odds are... you will lose!

I am working on the next Blog posting titled... "It is in my blood" I will share with you why I have what I do and how you can do the same.

Tech on!

MikeM
http://The-Savvy-Tech.com
http://www.facebook.com/MikeMehrle
http://twitter.com/TheSocial_1

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Who would you recommend other techs work for?

- MikeM - — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:03:03 GMT

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This is an anonymous evaluation so you can be as honest as you wish.
(Just don't sign with your real e-mail and name).

Please give your comments below about the survey and what the NAC cam do to make the technician happy.

Click here to EVALUATE...

Click here to view RESULTS...

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$35,000 from the start of the referral program

- MikeM - — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:18:00 GMT

Sorry about the span between newsletters! I have been extremely busy with basketball goals, the crane and my accounts in central Ohio.

I thought you might be interested to know… I set up a form on our website March 15th of this year to gather information from prospective customers for the networks referral program. As of today May 19, 2010 there has been over $35,000 worth of referral business that has either gone unanswered or… and this gets me, unpaid referral fees.

That $35,000 is from organic searches only, since we are not running ads yet. Ads will only run in areas we have coverage. If the network receives a request from an area we do not have coverage, we will do everything we can to make sure the customer is serviced.

I really think after ads start running and with the great organic results we are already getting on the major search engines, our network has the potential of generating over $100,000 a month in referral business and possibly more soon after that.

The way the referral program will work (as it really is currently, just not officially) if you get a referral, do the job and get paid… you will owe the network the 10% referral fee. If you are a premium subscriber and don’t pay your referral fees; we will find another contractor in your area to accept jobs that “will” pay. If the new contractor pays for a premium listing (again if you do not pay your referrals) you will only be allowed a basic listing when it comes time for your renewal.

If you have ever thought about listing, now is the time. We are only going to allow one (1) premium contractor per major city… not metro area. There will be unlimited basic listings. Premium subscribers get the first opportunity for all referrals, and then it goes in order of who signed up first in the basic listings.

If you have signed up and not heard from us... call the office at 614-364-4232 to claim your area.

As the network makes more money… we can entertain the idea of running sponsored ads.

Please make sure to leave a comment of what you think about the referral program.

Also... take a minute to introduce yourself click here .

To your success…

Mike Mehrle
The Savvy Tech

Tech on!

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Basketball Goal Backboard Installation

- MikeM - — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:08:00 GMT

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FINISHED...

Check out the video and let me know what you think:
NOTE: It is not necessary to be a part of our network to comment.

Typical Assembly - Installation - Repair Pricing

- MikeM - — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 11:58:00 GMT

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This is where we will list pricing that is typical to our industry. It is not set pricing as to what you should charge or what the customer should expect to pay. It is only a guideline to help you figure out how to set your local pricing and for consumers to see what they can expect to pay a "professional" to assemble, install or repair their products.

A fast but not so accurate way of pricing is to charge a percentage of the item. The problem is you need to know pricing or ask the customer and trust they will give you the retail price and not a sale price. Here is The Savvy Techs percentage method:

Basketball Goals - 35% plus or minus
Fitness Equipment - 40% and higher
Furniture - 30% and higher
Game Tables - 45% and higher
Repair Services - $50 on site diagnostic $75 if it can be fixed without ordering parts and by quote after getting price on parts.
Swing Sets - 50% and higher

If you are a tech, consumer or anyone of concern with questions about this pricing structure... Feel free to post questions, comments or your own suggested pricing.

The items below that are highlighted have some pricing:

Basketball Goals
Fitness Equipment
Furniture
Game Tables
Repair services
Swing Sets

Basketball Goals

In-Ground Systems

ProDunk Hoops
(premium system)

Pro Dunk® Diamond - $475.00

Pro Dunk® Platinum - $450.00

Pro Dunk® Gold - $375.00

Pro Dunk® Silver - $375.00

Pro Dunk® Bronze - $350.00

Lifetime, 51794 91794, 16640072, 46" Reactor Impact - $325.00

Lifetime/Titan, 71797, 16640085, 48" Square Shatter Guard - $325.00

Lifetime, 51747, 19214201, 48" RBK - $325.00

Lifetime, 71798, 19655132, 50" Steel In-Ground - $325.00

Lifetime, 51781 51780, 16641495, 50" Shatter Guard - $325.00

Lifetime, 79953 59953, 16642737, 54" Shatter Guard Competition - $325.00

Lifetime, 59971, 19655145, 54" RBK Glass In-Ground - $350.00

Mammoth, 98854, 16642740, 54" Mammoth - $375.00

Mammoth, 98860, 16642753, 60" Mammoth - $375.00

Mammoth, 98872, 1662795, 72" Mammoth - $450.00

Mammoth, 98856, 19655158, 54" Mammoth Glass - $375.00

Mammoth, 98862, 19655161, 60" Mammoth Glass - $375.00

Mammoth, 98874, 19655174, 72" Mammoth Glass - $450.00

Goalrilla III, B2306, 5549168, Goalrilla III - $350.00

Goalrilla II, B2314W, 5548978, Goalrilla II - $375.00

Goalrilla I, B2308, 1291805, Goalrilla I - $450.00

Portables:

Lifetime/Titan, 91204 51204, 16638547, 44" Pro-Court Impact - $105.00

Lifetime/Titan, 91471 1471, 15894667, 44" Acrylic Fusion w/handle - $125.50

Lifetime, 71543, 16638835, 44" Square Clear Shatter Guard - $135.50

Lifetime, 71922, 16638903, 48" Shatter Guard Fusion - $$135.50

Lifetime, 51547, 19214188, 48"RBK Portable - $125.50

Lifetime, 71564, 19655116, 50" Steel Portable - $135.50

Lifetime, 51452 51456, 16639863, 50" Shatter Guard Infusion - $135.50

Lifetime, 51523 71523, 16640001, 54" Shatter Guard Competition - $135.50

Lifetime, 9301, 5116627, Shoot Case - Bee Graphics - $95.00

Lifetime, 1301, 16677061, Poolside 44" - $95.00

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Fitness Equipment

Pricing for fitness equipment coming soon... suggestions? Post below:

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Furniture

Pricing for furniture coming soon... suggestions? Post below:

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Game Tables

Pricing for game tables coming soon... suggestions? Post below:

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Repair Services

Pricing for repair services coming soon... suggestions? Post below:

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Swing sets

All American Palace Swing Set Installation Price $625.00

Atlantis Swing Set Installation $475.00

Bear Creek Bungalow $425

Big Sky Swing Set Installation $825.00

Blue Ridge Chateau II Installation $570.00

Blue Ridge Mountaineer Installation $625.00

Carlisle Swing Set Installation $375.00

Carolina Swing Set Installation $475.00

Congo Swing Set Installation $305.00

Crestwood Lodge Installation $475.00

Eagle's Lookout $925

Frontier Swing Set Installation $525.00

Greenbrook Swing Set Installation $450.00

Highlander Swing Set. Installation Price $625.00

Lexington Swing Set Installation $825.00

Northwoods Hideaway $650

Pioneer Peak Installation $675.00

Rocky Mountain Retreat With Tube Slide Installation $575.00

Ridgeview Clubhouse Installation price $450.00

Sierra Outdoor Playset $450

Sunchaser Swing Set Installation $250.00

Sundance Swing Set Installation Price $425.00

The Condor $725

Timberlodge $1,250

Wildwood Fort $450

Willowdale Swing Set Installation $525.00

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Do you have what it takes to go into battle?

- MikeM - — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 03:02:00 GMT

A steam roller coming at you full steam ahead… what’s going to stop it?

A snowball rolling down the side of a mountain… once it gains momentum… what’s going to stop it before it turns into an avalanche?

A network of professionals sticking together and growing a United Team… what’s going to stop them?

NOTHING!!!

I am so proud of you all… the emails… the posts… the phone calls.

I am humbled by your comments, but it is “you” that is the network not me. I may be here as the founder, but again, without the independents, the network is nothing and this industry is nothing. It is “I” who thanks all of you who have rallied support giving me a new breath and confidence needed to take us to the next level.

There have been many battles… but I see the war coming to an end. If the national assembly companies want to stay in business they will need to make adjustments to their failing system of promoting themselves as saviors to this industry with software programs; and fess up by admitting that “WE” are the backbone and “WE” are what makes this industry the reason it is even there.

We are building relationships that will turn this industry around… because of the Internet leveling the playing field; it has allowed us to become unified where it has never been possible to do in the past.

We have had two great interviews and there are many more to come. This relationship building and our new referral program is what you have always wanted; and now… it is in your grasp. The manufacturers know consumers deserve professional technicians like you.

We are very serious about the limited numbers of premium listings, so please, if you are considering subscribing to this network, don’t let someone take it away that hasn't been around as long as you have because you waited too long.

For anyone still on the fence… that’s alright; because you are now on a very high fence where your voice can be heard when you scream “WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH, AND WE ARE TAKING IT NO MORE!” , then make the jump to our side and win together!

You are a professional but many times treated like something much less, as you are used and abused, the technicians image is presented to retailers and consumers that it is the techs that have screwed up this industry.

I don’t really have a problem with the national companies other than none of them really get it… yet! You need to understand, it is not always the national “assembly” companies fault… Their hand is also played by the national retail chains that dictate what the national assembly company can charge. All of this needs to be fixed; including the percentages you are paid!!

If you like this type of work and you don't mind working for a national assembly company, you now have the voice to make the national assembly companies work on paying you what you are really worth; but it is going to take a continued unification and building of our network and our relationships!

Thank you for your continued support… now lets go win this!

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Interview with Ryan Tate from ProDunk Hoops

- MikeM - — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:34:00 GMT

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After watching the video... please comment.

Building relationships and growing with INTEGRITY

- MikeM - — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:28:00 GMT

Hey everyone...

I just wanted to reach out here to make sure you know and understand the direction our network is going in.

FIRST... Since setting up the referral form only a little more than a month ago... there has been over $6,500 in business and some of you are missing out. That does not include what I know some of you are getting direct.

We are only going to allow two (2) premium listings per metro location (THIS IS FINAL). The reason being, is to allow for quality and checks and balances. So if you even think you are going to want a listing, you might want to sign-up now.

If you haven't seen the website lately and by lately, I mean in the last week. More great changes have been made. Check it out!

http://UnitedAssemblers.com

We have had two great video interviews:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzdzDDQbq9E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpwYZNycZdo

I am working on getting another interview as I write this.

We are building relationships by doing these videos; I hope you plan on being part of the network (as a subscriber) so you too can be part of this business building relationship phase. Remember... ONLY two premium listing per area will be allowed.

The biggest and probably the best program the network has started is the referral program... Many of you called me with input and none were negative (gotta love that).

Referrals will be 10% of the job, with a $10 minimum. We will provide suggested fees we feel you should charge your customer so you can make a reasonable profit at a fair market value for your services.

NOTE: The suggested fee will be given to you, not the end customer. You can deviate from this fee if you wish (higher or lower), however this suggested fee makes the most sense and helps cover your referral fee while giving you a decent profit.

We now have these web sites pointing to our network to enhance the referral program:
http://furniture-assembly.com
http://sports-equipment-assembly.com
http://swing-set-assembly.com
http://basketball-goal-installation.com

I know most if not all of you work for a national company as an independent technician... so which one of those companies allow you to make 90% or more of the job? If there is one let me know because "I" will work for them too.

In closing, I hope all is well with you and please remember to show your support by posting your comments below.

To your success,

Mike Mehrle
UnitedAssemblers.com
614-364-4232

Why you should carry insurance for your business.

- MikeM - — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:22:00 GMT

Insurance is an absolute must when getting into any business. This brief interview explains why. If you have any questions feel free to ask through the LinkedIn group “United Assemblers”. Stay tuned as more interviews are uploaded about many other aspects of our industry.

Interview with Bodycraft and the United Assemblers network

- MikeM - — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:49:00 GMT

Be sure to comment on the video.

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Working "with" the enemy...

- MikeM - — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:38:00 GMT

Here is the link to the interview (please read article first)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpwYZNycZdo

Like it or not, our industry is dominated by national assembly companies (NAC’s). Do you consider the NAC’s your enemy? If so, is it ever ok to work for them?

If you are an NAC, do you consider the tech that runs his or her own assembly business “your” enemy? If so, do you have any techs with their own assembly business working for you?

If your mentality is considering a resource or competition as your enemy, you will never get anywhere in today’s world and that goes for both parties! People becoming more Internet savvy everyday and you better keep up.

Our industry (in its present state) has been around for a very long time, and I am not sure it is going to change anytime soon. The techs have issues with the NAC’s and the NAC’s have issues with and problems keeping good techs.

Some NAC’s claim that the tech needs to take the bad with the good; you may be wondering what does that mean. The good is a job that you can drive to within twenty minutes or so. The bad means if you are dispatched a job out of your area you need to take it or risk the NAC developing an attitude with you. However, when you factor in extended travel and one low paying job… the bad is just not worth it.

The NAC’s are the ones that need to take the bad with the good. What that means is, if there is a job out of a techs area, the NAC may need to payout twice or possibly more of what the job pays to ultimately keep the client happy. How many of you have refused to do a job because it was just too far away? How many NAC’s (do you know) lost accounts and went out of business because of this scenario?

If there are three or four of similar low paying jobs that are a long distance and in the same area from where the tech starts, it’s more likely the tech will make the trip, but that rarely happens and when it does, the NAC needs to “attempt” hire someone in that area.

Another issue for the NAC’s is they think the tech should only get a certain percentage of the job. Granted, the NAC’s have over head, but I think they forget (or don’t care) about the techs overhead. For that matter I don’t think some techs consider overhead at all, not even their own.

I can’t determine what any tech is worth, that is up to the individual, but a tech working for any NAC should be making at least $25 per hour for their work (including the drive time).

All independent business owners should be somewhere in the range of forty to sixty dollars an hour or more depending on there company size. WHY??? “I believe” the tech has more overhead and the percentage ratio of profit is much lower for the tech than any NAC.

A tech (as a contractor) pays for his or her own gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance (business and vehicle), licenses, yes tech, read your contract…you are responsible for any local license requirements but I do believe that could be challenged and the NAC’s could find themselves in deep trouble with local municipalities; the tech also pays for their own tools, work clothes, cell phone, Internet connection, office supplies and that list goes on.

If you contract with one of the NAC’s, you “are” in business for yourself; and if you understand that and are not pursuing work outside the NAC you are cheating yourself.

If you are a contractor, and go after more jobs than the NAC you contract with dispatches to you, there may be a few other things you need to take into consideration that the NAC’s do not. Already mentioned… licenses, some municipalities require a contractor’s license to install products such as basketball goals. Then there are the dreaded taxes, when the store they contract with collects for services they should be collecting sales tax. That’s right; some states require businesses to collect sales taxes for consumer services, even assembling products.

What it all comes down to is the independent and NAC’s need to learn to work with one and other until the industry is able to figure out a way for us all to make money and get along…

Right! Like that’s going to happen The battles rage on…

Mike Mehrle
http://TheSavvyTech.com
614-218-1861

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What are you doing to grow your business?

- MikeM - — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:05:00 GMT

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This is a very basic question. Let everyone know what you are doing to promote your business or how you plan to do it.

Paul Bryant of PDQ Assembly Services knows where ROI come in at it's highest... SIGNS! You buy a sign one time and it advertises as long as you have it, in this case, on his truck. So again... what are you doing?

Here is a short video of PDQ's Truck:

By the way... Thanks for sharing Paul!!!

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What can the Internet really do?

- MikeM - — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:39:00 GMT

The Internet has been around for a long time. I’ve been playing around on it since the mid 70’s and can remember 8-bit processors and dial-up speeds that only displayed text. I think it was about 1983 when we started seeing the 286 processor. Broadband Internet didn’t become widely available until late 2001. At that time I thought, WOW “can it get better than this”… well it did.

Today we have computers and Internet connection speeds that can stream live video from almost anyone’s desktop and in some cases a data phone… again, WOW!!!

As it goes with that kind of power, the only sources that had it was the network media broadcasting over air. Within the last few years or so the Internet has taken over as the choice for consumers to find products or services.

Not long ago, newspapers were a great choice to advertise any business. But as it goes today, how many of you actually take time to read the newspaper and much less subscribe to one?

As for the phone books that show up on your doorstep… how long does it take for them to end up in the trash?

Let’s get to the point of where I am going with all this…

Small businesses built this country, but corporations started using network media to advertise their businesses, building empires that no small business could compete with because of the cost involved.

I remember many local grocery stores as a kid that was family owned by people who lived right down the street from me. And it wasn’t just grocery stores… barber shops, drug stores, clothing stores, etc… were all owned by someone who lived near by.

The assembly industry is no different; some of you reading this had accounts or stores that handed out your card to customers who needed your services. Then the deep pocket corporations came in and made promises to the “corporate” stores that they could do a better job and in turn make the store money.

Although part of this could be true… the problem with our industry is the technicians are the backbone and few people, for whatever reason, never see it that way, even some of the technicians themselves. We are not losing due to corporate promises; we are losing because the really good techs are giving up.

With that said, the assembly industry for most independents was not lost to corporations through advertising. It was lost through shallow promises that have “NEVER” been delivered on… consistently. In addition, some of the really good technicians (again) just gave up; because by the time they get their cut, there wasn’t enough left to make it worthwhile.

So how do we deal with that?

Today, the independent tech has the power to get the consumer and ultimately the industry back. It doesn’t take that much money; maybe a lot of work, but the work is not labor as much as it is gaining knowledge through education and experience.

The knowledgeable independent technician must be an insightful marketer and learn how to effectively promote their business, but that takes time. That is where this network comes in.

The United Assemblers network “works” the Internet daily and that in turn optimizes every one of its subscribers that have a Website get noticed through daily updates, prospecting for on-line dealers to exchange links with us, teaching techs about sponsored ads, teaching how to use social media and ultimately passing all that on to it’s subscribers.

It “is” time to reinvent the proverbial wheel!

Advertising will never be the same, so if you want on this band wagon, you must start with a Website. You cannot run sponsored ads without a website, and today… customers expect you to have one.

Once you get a sponsored ad campaign going like Google AdWords, you should start seeing results with customers calling you directly, and guess what… you make 100% of what you do.

Depending on what you want to do, you can run more than one campaign. But be very careful on your key word or key word phrase selections. Your campaign funds could be depleted quickly.

For example, if you do furniture assembly, and you use Sauder or Ikea as one of your key words or key word phrases, someone looking for Sauder or Ikea furniture may click on your ad, but when they see your Website doesn’t offer furniture products, they will hit the back button. You just lost money.

All of our goals (if you actually have any) ultimately, are pretty much the same. We want to be successful. If you learn how to work the Internet and how to network locally, I can guarantee you will become successful. It will also greatly help if you become a member of this network.

This network can help with your personal quest, making you and the rest of us become powerful as collaborating businesses in the same industry. All you need to do is get involved. We may already have some of that power, but until more of us get the vision of what it will bring through unity, count on continuing working for a much smaller cut… Did you know some national assembly companies will pay you more “IF” you have the credentials to prove you are actually a professional assembly/repair business?

One very sad fact… some of you will just sit at home complaining about the way it should be instead of doing something about it. You can do something about it by getting involved with this network.

Time, Time and more Time

- MikeM - — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:35:00 GMT

Time management is the KEY to a successful business.

We are in the New Year... So Happy New Year!

Times are probably slow for you right now; but, that allows you to get your business in order to make the coming year easier for all the new business you should be getting, if... you follow the lead of the veteran techs on our network, learn from the articles in our news letters and participate in our blog.

Just like last months article "Work it Baby", if you actually take the "time" to work it, business will start to come in more naturally. Time management has got to be worked if you want to "get the work" and probably more important, so you can get the work done.

When things are in order, conducting business is easier giving you more time to generate new business or to spend more time with your family and your own recreational activities. I think you should seriously consider family first but it takes good business practices through time management to enjoy that very important part of your life.

So what do we do to get things done in a timely manner? I mean there "is" only 24 hours in a day. If that is your question and thought, you need to consider time management. If you don't schedule your daily tasks in some sort of logical order, there could be 48 hours in a day and you still wouldn't get done what you feel needs to be.

If you are not getting what needs to be done with work in a timely manner, everything else suffers... family, friends and your own recreational time off from everything.

Here's where you can start... write down everything you do or need to do in a day on a piece of paper; don't concern yourself about the order right now just write, and don't spend more than 20 minutes on it.

After you have written down everything "you think" you need to do in a day's time, put that paper aside for a few hours or better yet come back to it the next day. When you came back to it, your thoughts will be fresh and you will be able to look at your own writing with a different perspective.

Have you ever watched a game of chess or checkers, and as a spectator, you see moves the players didn't? It is the same thing when you put aside your own work and come back to it later; you have a different perspective and you will probably find your own mistakes or omissions.

This same practice should be used when you are posting or replying to a Blog; but more on that in another article.

Edit your paper and set it aside again. What is the point in that? Believe it or not, this is a habit building process to get a routine developed that will make your life much easier.

When you return to your paper for the third time you should start arranging the order of the topics by prioritizing them in some sort of order.

Now you need to figure out what needs to be done first, how much time needs to be spent on that activity and so on for each item on your list.

Making your list and checking it twice. When you think you have it done... Yep!!! You guessed it; set it aside and go over it one more time by the next day. Don't ever put your list aside for more than a day because you will loose the routine it will become unimportant and the lesser things start taking priority.

As time goes on, priorities change and most times for a good reason... things are under control and you are finding more time than you ever thought you had.

Do you time manage? Are things under control for you? Do you get to spend quality time with your family, call on a friend, go golfing or fishing and not have to think about what you should really be doing?

If you take the very simple lesson from this article and apply it, you will get your business in order; and you will find more time to do the things that will keep your stress levels down.

Relaxation is a staple part of being successful and time management will help you do "all" that and more.

MikeM
http://UnitedAssemblers.com
http://The-Savvy-Tech.com

The Repair Technicians Tool Bag

- MikeM - — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:58:00 GMT

Get the job done right the first time...

Having the right tools will make your job much easier and help you make more money.

For the PDF tool list click here to comment on this video Click Here

If you haven't done so yet, please take the time to introduce yourself and be sure to add the link to your website where provided on the form.

MikeM
http://unitedassemblers.com/
http://the-savvy-tech.com/

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What are you really worth?

- MikeM - — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:44:00 GMT

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OK...

Voice your opinion about pay here. What should the company you are contracting with or working for pay you?

Wanting to go out on your own and don't know what to charge... ask here!

Do you think you are getting short changed?

Has one of the companies not paid you for a job?

Before you rant on this issue make sure you have fulfilled your contracted obligations with them.

Underpaying an employee or contractor is not the fault of any company since the employee or contractor agreed to work for said money; however, cutting pay or not paying at all is not acceptable!

It may be possible both parties will not like what I say next... These no pay situations "sometimes" are because a national company hires "bodies" and not technicians. This industry is losing more and more great technicians everyday because of pay problems and pay is a BIG problem.

This network is "ALL" about quality; so, for the national company... don't hire bodies and expect technicians and for the technician... don't take on jobs unless you know how to do it. If you don't know how, put your pride aside and ask another technician on this Blog, most are here to help you.

This Blog is moderated, so don't just blatantly trash a company because you are mad at them.

Before posting here and if you are having a pay issue with a company, e-mail the company in question about your issue and copy (cc) or blind copy (bcc) us at info@UnitedAssemblers.com. You may also let us know separately by e-mail with your contact information, you "will" get a call to get the information needed. If warranted... and if you are a subscriber to this network I will call the company you are working for and attempt to remedy the problem "with you"... I promise to help but there are no guarantees!!!

If you post an issue before contacting this Blog privately, it will get posted... if it sounds valid. But, any national company or independent technician being called out here has the right for rebuttal. If you feel a post about you is in error, please contact this blog asap at info@UnitedAssemblers.com or 614-364-4232 so the issue can be addressed and fixed.

MikeM
http://unitedassemblers.com/
http://the-savvy-tech.com/

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