As I write today, I’m sitting here looking out at the snow. Yup, the snow that finally came in March, here in what is normally the Great White North from - oh, November to March. If I think really hard, I believe I remember a few flakes of the frosty stuff make a half-hearted attempt to blanket the ground back in November. That snow blanket was a loose weave, though, and poor quality at that. It wasn’t long before it disintegrated, and we took on a new identity as the Great Brown North for the rest of the winter. That is, until the last couple of days in February, when someone up in the heavens finally remembered to throw the snow switch. And they cranked it all the way up! Not only that, they set the timer for three weeks, just to make up for lost time. Definitely can’t say we had a lack of snow this winter now!

corbin n. RAVEN (Old French)
Speaking of taking on a new identity, there’s a lot going on here in our offices at the moment, some of which I’ve previously revealed to you. It will all be revealed in time as it unfolds. The name of the game may be business, but how you play the game is always changing. If you wish to stay ahead of the pack, experience success, and win the game, the name of the game is innovation.

To that end, just like the shape-shifting raven of aboriginal mythology, Corbins is reinventing itself. The new invention is called SignEquip. I gave you a heads-up about it last month. Now I’m revealing a little more. Don’t get the wrong idea. It’ll still be us. Nothing but the name and the look will have changed. We’re simply going for a more updated profile - more current, more vibrant. We feel the name, SignEquip, better describes our position in the market. Our intention is that this will be mutually beneficial. We win - you win.

Keep an eye out for our bold new logo. We’ll be introducing it gradually as we work through the rebranding process. It’ll eventually mark all of our identifying features from the sign on our building to our website, stationery, business cards, clothing, etc. SignEquip by Corbins will soon be a recognizable force in the industry.

There’s more news: Did you receive our new email newsletter, “Signed Up”? If you’re fortunate enough to be on our email list, you will have received your copy, complete with $10.00 discount coupon. I hope you’ve had the opportunity to open it, and check it out. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback on this project. So, if you’re not on our email list, please go to corbingraphics.com or signequip.com (get used to it), either one will get you there, to sign up for “Signed Up”. You’ll be glad you did. At least once a month we’ll be featuring articles on special topics of interest, as well as some bonus offers and coupons that won’t be available elsewhere.

50% Cocoa
Things are busy at my home nest, too. Today is bittersweet for me. This weekend I’ve truly become what I’ve actually been for years - the parent of adult children. Previously I’ve only known this feeling for a brief six months, 5 years ago to be exact. I’m referring to the empty nest syndrome. Then the rebound effect kicked in, and I gained not only one child back, but she returned with a 50% interest in a lifetime partnership. The other 50% came along as part of the package. Keep in mind they came on my invitation, with the understanding that I could only expect them to stay for a few months - like I said, that stretched into 5 years! What an incredible way to get to know your son-in-law! As bird-brained as it may sound to you, I’d highly recommend this method.

The thing is, they’re proud home owners themselves now, and yesterday they made the big move into their own home. Our nest is officially empty - again. Hooray, we have our house back to ourselves! The flip side is I already miss them. Bittersweet....

Better be careful what I wish for! Although, as far as my kids are concerned, I do believe the statute of limitations on rebounding has expired. Two of them own houses of their own, and the third has staked her claim in another part of the country for more than ten years now. It’s particularly unlikely that she’ll come back to roost. Besides, with her wanderlust it could never last long.


Disney World
Finally, in the news: Blair, George, and Diane are heading off to Orlando to take care of more business. I’m referring to the International Sign Association’s Sign Expo 2006. This year it’s taking place from April 6th to 8th, and it’s sure to be an exciting time for the industry. This is the trade show to end all sign industry trade shows, and everyone who’s anyone in the industry will be there. No doubt you’ll see more new stuff from us after we return.

We’re not exhibiting there this year, instead we’ll be walking the floor and researching new developments and offerings in the market. They say two heads are better than one. Well, we thought if two is good, more is better. So, we came up with three, and together with our keen raven senses we plan to hone in on interesting and innovative (there’s that word again!) products to assist you in developing your business. Don’t forget to check back with us soon to see what we have in store for you.

I know some of you are planning to attend Expo 2006, as well. Good call. It’s important to stay connected with your industry. If you don’t get on the marketing bus, it will leave without you. Don’t take a chance on that. The most important aspect of owning a business is growing your business. Hope to see you in Orlando. We’ll be wearing our new logo on our hearts (literally) while we’re there. If you pass us, stop and say hello.

Seeing Red
The book recommendation this month is Blair’s choice. He’s made it the selling bible for our business - it’s required reading. I’m talking about “The Little Red Book of Selling: 12.5 Principles of Sales Greatness - How to make sales forever” by Jeffrey Gitomer. If you’ve previously found sales books boring, you’re in for a treat. Haven’t smiled or laughed enough lately? Jeffrey will take care of that for you. Read - smile - laugh til you cry - happy selling!

From our hearts to your business,

Team Corbin
 

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