Quote:
Originally Posted by Ponce
It is. Ponce is a pretty common Hispanic last name out this way after Ponce de Leon.
Yes, it's slow out here in SoCal especially on anything that's a high-ticket residential project, i.e. pools, yard remodels. So, so many forclosures, and no new building going on. My brother-in-law owns one of the largest lath and stucco companies in the western US, and he just laid off over 200 employees right before Christmas. One of the largest nurseries in the state just laid off half their guys. Our pool engineering company told me he hasn't had a pool contractor come in for engineering in the last 45 days, and he's probably one of the biggest that all use.
Hopefully, you're right and we're advertising like mad, but getting very few hits. Possibly when it starts warmining up, homeowners start thinking about their yards. Many spend quite a bit of time in their pools and entertaining. It feels worse than 91/92.
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Let me suggest that you take the next two months off. Forget the the advertising for now. Relax for a bit. Mark my words, this Spring, there's going to be a boom.
The smart contractors market differently. It's still too early in the year and people are still recovering from the big Christmas spending (getting caught up on credit card payments).
Spring brings about a fresh mindset...trees bloom, it gets noticably warmer (even in SoCal! I used to live out in L.A. and in San Diego [Escondido/Oceanside...]). People's minds turn to enjoying their home more.
I believe (for the first time in 8 years) that this will be a great year. It's just like the end of Bush Sr.'s presidency. A new president is on his/her way. There is hope. Even if we get another republican, we're going to be better off. People will come out of this country's depression this year. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
My suppiers tell me they've never seen it this bad in their lifetime. I agree.
But this will be the year.
Now, when you do begin to market yourself again, start in the end of March. Use that advertising money you're spending now on a quick trip to somewhere where you can relax (but hey, where do people in SoCal go to relax? It's some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen! LOL).
Target real estate companies that are moving a lot of properties through foreclosures. Use what's negative and turn it to your advantage. Focus on the remodel market as more people are turning to improving their own homes instead of buying new.
People will always spend money. When their not moving up by moving to another home, they are working on the homes they have presently.
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