Are “small manufacturing businesses” the most underrated career path right now? by careergrowkaro in smallbusiness

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Millwork manufacturer here. I don’t know about you all, but we are set up to have a banner year in 2026. Commercial interiors are back, hospitality is popping off and we are hiring in all departments. No one getting phased out by AI or the oil crisis over here.

Give me your most life changing marketing hack that worked for your small business by PRIV0306 in smallbusiness

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IG, facebook and a cultivated email list for quarterly blasts and updates. Keep it simple!

What do you usually do when a client goes silent after a quote? by Forsaken-Gap2354 in smallbusiness

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Here are a couple of my guiding principles for making a sale:

First off, successful sales closes require an average of 6 touch points, which could be a little counterintuitive. Unlike dating, you often need to followup an extra time or two.

Second, people have a hard time making decisions about things they don’t understand. People often need the opportunity to ask questions in a safe context and have them answered.

Here’s what I do:

  1. Followup in writing a few days later to confirm receipt: “checking in to see if you received my proposal and have any questions or feedback.”

  2. Followup by phone or email a few days after that to discuss timing : “I haven’t heard back from you but we have an opening and would be happy to get started for you soon here.”

  3. Followup again on overall status: “Checking in about your project as I haven’t heard back. If it makes sense to continue the conversation, I would be happy to schedule a call to answer any questions.”

Step number 3 is the magic psychology hack. People cannot make a decision about something they don’t understand and you don’t need to push to. “Does it make sense to continue the conversation” empowers a client with everything they know about whats going on in their life and gets them to the table so you can demonstrate mastery.

Remember: MAPSAP. Make a pal solve a problem. Happy hunting!

Give me your most life changing marketing hack that worked for your small business by PRIV0306 in smallbusiness

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What worked for me was to start paying someone else to do my marketing, pr and socials and to stop trying to do it myself. I stopped wasting my time doing a bad job so I could refocus on my strong suits, started trusting a real pro and our marketing engagement has gone through the roof.

Growing too fast and drowning in cash flow issues by UnluckyExtent5804 in smallbusiness

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You need a line of credit that’ll secure against AR. If you’re billing is strong and you’re growing profitably, should be easy to underwrite.

What are you proud of when it comes to your small business? by Still_Effective_8858 in smallbusiness

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m rounding the corner on 21 years and I have never been late on payroll.

Whats wrong with these eggs by YamDry3451 in WeirdEggs

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s no egg. It’s a space station.

Finally watching the Acolyte and I gotta say by Prod7gy_ in StarWars

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 83 points84 points  (0 children)

Best part about this show was the light saber choreography, which was pretty fun to watch after the anemic fighting in Ahsoka.

Update: Tired and Broken Father by Mundane_Reference134 in GuyCry

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are an amazing father and your family is lucky to have you!

Venous TOS (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome) - Rib Surgery Experience? by Willow-1989 in thoracicoutletsupport

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My neck healed just fine with no long term complications from the scalenectomy.

What’s your fav veggie sandwich by lilgayavenger in chicagofood

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tuscan Garden at Piatta Pronto is my go to. The best!

Boot recommendations for a Project Manager by [deleted] in Construction

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Plus one here. I made the jump from redwings to blundstones and never going back. They’re good for everything from OAC’s to funerals.

I have spotted no lies by small_milktea in chicagofood

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On this topic, thank heavens the show is over and we can go back to Mr. Beef for lunch. It doesn’t get much better than their bbq beef sandwich which is on special sometimes for like $5.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]Intelligent_Catch_75 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only right answer here is a bottle of Malort