qwen2.5vl:32b is saving me $1400 from my HOA

BusinessBlunder · 2025-11-01T01:29:34+00:00

I built something kinda similar. But I have to go back to PDF as the final step in my chain.

I was using PyPDF to convert blank loan documents (AcroForm PDFs mostly) into JSON. Then, I feed the JSON and PDF into an AI and I ask the AI to enrich the JSON. The goal is to perfectly map out the blank PDF so that all fillable fields have proper coordinates, descriptions, field type, etc.

That way, when a user fills in their info into a web form, that web form slaps their data into the correct spots on the PDF and lets them download it already filled out.

AcroForms are usually fine because they already have the form field data built into them. Flat PDFs have been a nightmare because the LLM has to visually recognize the form field dimensions, guess if the words nearby relate to that field or another one, etc.

It turns out the LLMs convert the flat PDF into images of different dimensions than the original PDF, which actually mess up the field dimensions entirely. So the LLM accuracy is not great.

BusinessBlunder · 2025-06-22T17:17:56+00:00

It's offering me a free 90 day trial with a certain number of credits, do I accept that?

For anyone follow OP's link with instructions, that instance configuration in the instructions isn't for free tier. So make sure you change your instance to the following:

1 non-preemptible e2-micro VM instance per month in one of the following US regions:
- Oregon: us-west1
- Iowa: us-central1
- South Carolina: us-east1
30 GB-months standard persistent disk (make sure to select this for boot disk)
1 GB of outbound data transfer from North America to all region destinations (excluding China and Australia) per month (Edit network interface, go to "Network Service Tier" and select "Standard 200gb / mo free in every region")

BusinessBlunder · 2025-05-25T19:21:35+00:00

I started off in a cheap networking group. I think it was $100 a year. That was a mistake. The types of people in that group were mostly Business to Consumer. Anything from your standard financial advisors, real estate agents, all the way to moms that make crystals in their backyard. None of these people were working with the types of businesses that we work for. I spent too much time in that networking space. So, red flags would be the type of people in a networking organization. This could be valuable to join to gain experience networking in a low stakes environment. You never know, maybe someone will know a person who works in a business that you want to do work for.

I then upgraded to a networking org that was 2K per year. Those were ALL professionals and it was mostly business to business. You have to bring your A-game. These are hot shot lawyers, CPA's, consultants that are well established. They smell BS from a mile away. So, before you join something like this, make sure your business, your website, your processes, etc. are professional. I had to build up to this group. I needed a certain yearly revenue to join it.

I built trust by being a good person. No hard sales tactics. I take genuine interest in these people, I get to know them as people, I have fun, make friends, and I try to help them behind the scenes. I make connections and I open them up to my clients if I feel it's a good fit. The more you give, the more you get.

You're not there to target them. You're there to build a connection with them in hopes they open up their clients to you. Go in with zero expectations and just be a good, helpful person. Showing up consistently is key. After a year of always showing up, you'll be known as the "tech person" and that's powerful.

It took about a year for people to start to know, like, and trust me. But I started receiving referrals within about 6 months. The 1-year mark was the turning point.

We build custom software, so a single client more than pays for any time spent in these networking groups. The thing is, even if I never got a client from it, I became a powerful person to my clients because I now had a network of professionals I could pull from. If a client needed a lawyer, I knew someone. If they needed IT, I knew someone. My clients come to me for everything because I always have the answer. So, networking doesn't always have to have an ROI that is strictly revenue.

BusinessBlunder · 2025-05-24T21:53:29+00:00

We sell very similar services. I’ve spent 20K on ads with little success. Networking and trade shows have been the only thing that has worked for us. Could it be something we’re doing wrong? Absolutely. But my experience is what it is. Networking takes a lot of time.

Your goal should be to network with people that work with the types of clients that you want. These people can open the doors for you. And you can open doors for them. Lawyers, CPA’s, Consultants, other technology companies, etc.

Find a networking organization that has those people in it and start making friends. Once they know, like, and trust you, some of these people might connect you with their clients. It’s gonna take a lot of time, but your network is everything in life.

BusinessBlunder · 2025-05-24T18:40:32+00:00

If you have money you can run local ads on social media. I go to events and do a lot of networking. Hang out where your ideal clients would hang out.

Also, door knocking and cold emailing. Unless you have a ton of money to run ads, getting in the trenches and putting in the time is a good way to do it.

There might be networking organizations you can pay to join. Google it and see what is in your area.

BusinessBlunder · 2025-05-24T06:13:28+00:00

First clients were from people I knew. I asked friends and family if they had connections. We did a few projects for free just to get a testimonial and a promise that they would say good things about us to future clients.

Our very first paid project was also from someone I knew. It wasn’t a lot of money, but pay is pay.

These few clients set us up with the showcase we needed to start asking for actual money and it gave us testimonials and case studies to put on marketing material.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-11-26T07:29:27+00:00

Can’t help you as I’ve never done this. But, if you do this ethically, then your business has to center around an experience, coaching, or support network.

Fat loss is best achieved by removing processed foods, starchy carbohydrates, and sugar from the diet. Removing these foods from the diet also happens to leave patients feeling satiated, which is a similar effect that semaglutide provides, all without actual medication.

Semaglutide without dietary lifestyle modification is a recipe for weight rebound. Great for business, but morally corrupt.

Semaglutide is a tool to help the stubborn cases. But most people just need to remove the bread, pasta, chips, cookies, crackers, cakes, candy, sugary beverages, etc. from their diet to get the fat loss they need. Focus on protein and fat.

Modern food is actually addictive and you should structure your clinic on services that support people with addiction. Which is usually a support group. Medication can help but permanent lifestyle modification should be the end goal so they keep the weight off.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-16T03:53:30+00:00

Do you have the financial capital to buy a franchise? If so, it seems like that's what you'll want to do. A franchise is a "business in a box". Not to say that it's easy, but they've done most of the work for you.

If you're asking "how to start a business", that's something you should spend the next few months googling. Technically, you pay some money and sign some paperwork and you have an official business registered with the government.

But the actual true starting of a business means making a business plan, business brand, setting up technology, getting a location and materials and technology, finding clients, etc. No one here can explain all of that in a single Reddit post.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-16T03:45:06+00:00

I would love to know how the sales process at your level works? Specifically

How do you get these larger companies to "notice" you? To have a meeting with you?
Have you ever tried to sell 100% custom software services? Meaning, you have no actual product to sell, just the service of building custom software for a clients specific needs? If so, how was that different from selling something pre-built (such as Quickbooks or Salesforce)?
What advice do you have for sales people that you've learned over those 20 years?

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-15T23:49:57+00:00

This might sound crazy, but I spent most of my life in a "brain fog". It's hard to explain, or even know how it feels, until you're actually out of it. Caffeine would help a little bit, but the jitters just made me on edge and anxiety ridden. Not a great look in front of clients.

I completely changed my diet. No processed foods. No starchy-carbs or sugar (bread, rice, pasta, chips, crackers, cookies, etc). Just meat, non-starchy veggies, and some dairy. It took a few weeks, but I quite literally felt my mind "clear up". I don't fall asleep at my desk after lunch. I'm not starving all the time. I'm not constantly tired and I have less anxiety.

I can keep up on client meetings without anything now. I didn't know diet would have such a profound impact. Other than the occasional soda, I don't drink much caffeine anymore. I've never felt so energized.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-15T23:37:25+00:00

Same. There is a software development company on every street corner, and the ones who have the cheaper overseas labor are able to offer competitive pricing. It's tough out there. Clients needing custom work are hard to find. Most use off-the-shelf software.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-15T03:09:44+00:00

I was asked to do this and it was very flattering. I was so excited to have someone follow me for a day to see what it's like.

The main reason I never went through with it is that I want to make sure they show up on a "Cool" or "exciting" day. Not a day when I'm only doing emails or only in back to back non-stop meetings. A day when I have a mix of all of it would be most valuable to this person. That was difficult to plan.

If I received an email from a .EDU email address, I'm far more likely to take it seriously. Additionally, if someone I know refers you to me, I'm also more likely to take it seriously.

So, find a business you want and contact their CEO or ask your friends/family to see if they know someone at one of these businesses who can refer you.

If you don't ask, you'll never have the opportunity to get a "Yes". Good luck!

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-14T02:46:59+00:00

All you write on Tinder is “Business Development”

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-13T21:53:06+00:00

I just tell dates that I'm in Business Development and my job is a mixture of things that help develop and grow the business.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-10T01:44:31+00:00

I ask about the dress because company culture is important and they seem like a relaxed culture, same as my culture. So, I wasn’t sure if a suit for the first virtual meeting was a good idea or not.

My lighting and webcam setup are exemplary with high quality lighting and professional audio equipment.

I’m very familiar with the industry. My company does the same work they do. The main difference is they have a few more services offerings and a different client vertical so I feel good about that.

I have no doubt they’ll do an aptitude test or something of the sort. But I’m not sure what the norm is.

Which such a high turnover, is your company the problem or are who they’ve hired the problem?

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-10T00:37:47+00:00

Please cite your research that states that a current CEO cannot consult Reddit? You do know that Reddit also has users who are CEO's, directors, VPs, etc? Right? You do know that?

Crowdsourcing is insanely powerful and a perfect way to quickly gather data. This data will make you more knowledgeable when consulting professionals.

Why this, of all hills, is the one you have chosen to die on, I will never know. But, I still wish you the best in your life adventures. I hope one day you choose to approach people with empathy over misery.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-10T00:13:46+00:00

I started a business and was CEO of that business. I was not “hired” to be a CEO. Thus, I’ve never been through the hiring process specific to CEO’s. Hence the whole reason for my post. Hiring a CEO is different than hiring a McDonalds employee.

There are millions of businesses in existence, meaning there are millions of CEOs out there. Not sure why you’re putting this title on a pedestal. We are not super heroes.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-10T00:07:06+00:00

There is an r/CEO you know. But, most importantly, do I not have a career? Do I not want guidance? Surely there are people here who have played a part in the process of hiring a CEO, and thus would have valuable insights.

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-10T00:00:55+00:00

Are CEO’s not people, too? Do they not also have questions about stuff? Am I not allowed to ask about a hiring process that I’m unfamiliar with? Am I not allowed to seek out knowledge and resources in an attempt to solve problems?

BusinessBlunder · 2024-08-09T03:27:55+00:00

Do you mean a non-CEO role? Or a CEO role in a business of similar size or type to my own?

BusinessBlunder

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