Sitting at my favorite party spot on New Years Eve, I was certainly pumped about the possibilities of 2008; new business, new learning opportunities, and growth for my business.
Well....
Six months into 2008, I am amazed at the turn of events. Clearly, fuel prices have dictated the decisions all of us have had to make this year. We have all had to cut back, including me and my balloon business. I had planned to invest into some new products and services, but that has had to be put on hold somewhat. I also wanted to increase my advertising presence beyond my website. Those plans have also been shelved.
On the upside, my venture into balloon twisting is building; and I was able to build some confidence in my twisting abilities by way of a project I did in May. I also get to practice from time to time with the patrons of my favorite pub. It is a fun distraction as well as an icebreaker when I meet new people.
I was fortunate back in January to acquire a new air inflator, and it has already proven itself on several projects.
Speaking of air inflation, the effort to conserve helium in my business is working. More and more people are discovering that air-filled balloon decor can be as compelling as helium work.
I have suffered a setback this year, when my website host seemed to disappear. My e-mail server was gone, and so was the control panel for this website. Thank goodness the site itself never went away. So to remedy that, I have switched 89erballoons.com to a more trusted host, so that I can continue to grow it for you. It is very important to me that you, my existing customers and new ones, have the most comprehensive balloon decor website in the State of Oklahoma. To paraphrase Arlo Guthrie, I want my customers to see plenty of colored photographs, with circles and arrows and paragraphs explaining each and every one of them, hehehe. And soon, I plan to re-create 89erballoons.com to showcase new balloon products, services, and media in order for you to have a more enhanced visit to this humble website.
On a national scale, other seasoned balloon professionals are also re-tooling their businesses to meet new challenges that the balloon industry currently faces. For example, the State of California is considering a ban on ALL foil balloons. If that legislation passes, many balloon manufacturers may reduce their product lines, which would be a major disappointment to both myself and my clients. The spot shortages in helium continue to frustrate, and the price of helium continues to climb; almost parallel with fuel prices. And because balloon professionals are all self-employed small business owners, we are all faced with the prospect of having to raise prices to keep up with inflation, just so we can feed our families. I have had to take a morning job to keep my bills paid.
The old song says "Don't Look Back", and personally, I have had so much pain in my personal life that it hurts me when I do. Yet I would not be able to serve you well unless I know where my business has been, where it is today, and then try to set a good course so I can be there for you Tomorrow. Believe me, I have had my share of mistakes so far this year, and being human, I will make more.
So, for the 2nd half of 2008, I hereby set these goals.....
1. Strengthen 89erballoons.com. You will continue to have the best balloon decor website in the State Of Oklahoma.
2. New Balloon-related Products. I am very excited about these new horizons.
3. New Balloon-related Services. The local marketplace is changing, therefore I must also adapt.
4. "Attitude". Like musicians, painters, sculptors, and other artists, I am very self-critical when I am working a project. This will not change. My focus and intensity will be as strong as ever.
5. An open mind. This means I will be looking out for skills, techniques, and items that will allow me to continue providing you the best balloon experiences I can bring to the table.
With all this being said, look for certain changes at 89er Balloons. But also remember that you and I are all in these times together. Better days are going to come to all of us. Don't look back, but instead take a look ahead, to what great things are in store.
John R "Radar" Doyle, CBA