Despite our best efforts to keep things the way we?ve always known them, the only real constant is change. I thoroughly enjoy going to out local shops in the Cleveland, Ohio area, and touching/fondling those things that are special to me in our hobby and sport. But, the sad reality is that WE have demanded more for less in the things we purchase, and the way to get it ?our way? is by offshore manufacturing and mail order houses where the overhead and labor is lowest. I?m not saying I agree with this concept, but it?s the way it is.
Eric?s store in Columbus has a very innovative owner (I?m pretty sure we?re talking about Brian) whom I?ve known for several years, and he?s found a way to have the best of both worlds. A few years ago he started an online business with his website that he heavily promotes to clubs in Ohio and surrounding states, as well as at fly fishing shows he attends. I spoke to him at a show I produce each year in Cleveland, and he told me that he is not only shipping product around the USA, but his international orders continue to increase each year just because he shows up on Google when someone is searching for things that he happens to sell. Columbus, Ohio is not necessarily a fly fishing Mecca, but this owner has found a way to keep his storefront operation viable by utilizing his website as an e-commerce site to branch out and keep the overall business healthy.
This is not ?outside-of-the-box? thinking any longer, but is the way businesses must change if they expect to compete with the Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops. Yes, it costs money to get up and running, but if you want to have a business you MUST invest in it and you MUST stay current with the technology that will insure your future and your success. My favorite small shop in town is now expanding their website to begin selling product online in order to survive. They realize they can no longer exist by simply waiting for people to walk through the door, so they are utilizing their salesman that never sleeps, never eats, and never takes time off?the Internet! If it were not for the Internet, we would not be having this exchange of ideas.
Nobody likes to see his or her favorite shop go under, but to a degree it is preventable by doing business differently today than you did yesterday. I own my own small business and must recreate myself every day to stay ahead of my competitors. If you know a shop in trouble, share this idea with them. It may just keep them in business.
Joe
Joe Valencic
Life Member FFF
Rod Builder in Chains