It's mid-December, and instead of visions of sugar plums dancing in my head, I find myself thinking about changes/improvements/fixes (pick your term) to undertake for 2012. The year of 2011 was our first full year of business as a new company. While I did manage to send out a double-digit number of invoices, the question of the moment is whether things are sort of OK and Halcyon Hills Photography should just 'stay the course' or whether some course corrections are required. I understand it's the same problem most everyone has.
For me, I think the right answer is a mix. There are some things that are working well -- you could think of them as planted seeds that have yet to bear fruit. These things need to be nurtured, cultivated and allowed to grow. Most of the realtor/builder/hotel part of our photography business is in this category.
Other parts of our business model have not reached any kind of critical mass. Seems like some extra push, some change of approach will be required. While there have been some of those slow-growing seeds planted, I may have planted them in the wrong soil. Seems like some areas of business might be better pursued by a more aggressive, multi-pronged advertising approach. Such things might include volunteering to write for local newspapers, becoming more active in the community (like the Chamber of Commerce), getting involved in charity events etc. All of the ideas I have in this area either take time, or money, or both. Finding the right balance is, as always, the trick.
I keep remembering what my Dad said about things that take more time or more money. He said, "I keep all my spare time and extra money in the same pocket, and it's got a hole in it." That seems more real each passing day. Still, you should expect to see more of Halcyon Hills Photography around York County in 2012 -- We're here to stay!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
To Paint, or not to Paint -- That is the question.
Debbie Zimmer, a "paint and color expert" for the Paint Quality Institute, recommends a fresh coat of paint, at least in key areas, when trying to sell a home. I can't say I'm too surprised at the Paint Quality Institute recommend the use of paint, and it's also no news that a fresh coat of paint will brighten the look of a home for sale. So, given the appalling lack of novelty in these two points, I tried to read the article (a press release reported by BusinessWire and picked up on finance.yahoo.com/news on Nov. 30, 2011) a little more carefully to find the nuggets of truth that surely must be buried within.
One point that might have escaped the casual homeseller is the concept of repainting "psychologically important areas." Ms. Zimmer recommends particularly the front door and other "key" parts of the home interior. I agree, repainting the front door enables the home to make a much-improved first impression. It sends the message that the home has been well cared for, or at least it creates that impression. Still, it's a good first step.
She also recommends the repair of all wall "imperfections," particularly in the entry space of the home, and repainting that area in a "quiet" color -- white, or off-white, for greater mass appeal and to make it easier for home shoppers to imagine their stuff in that space.
Ms. Zimmer notes that loud or overly bright colors (what color is YOUR teenage daughter's room painted?) should be muted to a "neutral" color. I can already hear those creative, free-spirit types howling about bland-i-fying or dumbing down or going to the lowest common denominator. I read this as an application of the 80/20 rule. Most people (but not all) would rather move into a bland-colored house and put their own touch on later. You may lose some potential buyers by de-individualizing your house. Most of the time, though, it is the percentage play for the fastest sale.
She leaves exterior painting as a judgement call for the home seller. It is expensive, and may have a lower impact on a buyer.
One point that might have escaped the casual homeseller is the concept of repainting "psychologically important areas." Ms. Zimmer recommends particularly the front door and other "key" parts of the home interior. I agree, repainting the front door enables the home to make a much-improved first impression. It sends the message that the home has been well cared for, or at least it creates that impression. Still, it's a good first step.
She also recommends the repair of all wall "imperfections," particularly in the entry space of the home, and repainting that area in a "quiet" color -- white, or off-white, for greater mass appeal and to make it easier for home shoppers to imagine their stuff in that space.
Ms. Zimmer notes that loud or overly bright colors (what color is YOUR teenage daughter's room painted?) should be muted to a "neutral" color. I can already hear those creative, free-spirit types howling about bland-i-fying or dumbing down or going to the lowest common denominator. I read this as an application of the 80/20 rule. Most people (but not all) would rather move into a bland-colored house and put their own touch on later. You may lose some potential buyers by de-individualizing your house. Most of the time, though, it is the percentage play for the fastest sale.
She leaves exterior painting as a judgement call for the home seller. It is expensive, and may have a lower impact on a buyer.
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