Best Buy Offering $197 HP Laptop on Black Friday

The Best Buy offer is a great deal.

However, even at $197 it's way over budget for much of the untapped no-brand, whitebox/whitebook computer buyer in America. Whitebox/whitebook is the industry term which refers to generic desktop/laptop computers. Still, Best Buy does show the resourcefulness of big business to market their product.

My repeat efforts to present the IE-Network model to a major computer manufacturer have been ignored. Yet, their desire and efforts to break into the whitebox market were similarly ignored by that same market.

The whitebox market requires no less resourcefulness by at-home independent consultants, resellers and retailers. Certainly, the market is no less accessible for them then it is for major retailers and manufacturers.

Now, for the past several months, my focus has centered on computer component retailers and resellers. Any other time I would, grudgingly, understand such quickness to brush-off a network idea not in their business strategies manual.

But, in this economy who can afford to continue with the same mindset and attitude of business as usual?

The same IE-Network model allows major retailers and manufacturers as well as independent consultants and small retailer/resellers to penetrate and profit in the whitebox/whitebook market. This economy has brought out some previously unheard of marketing schemes. Who ever heard of car dealers telling car buyers: "Bring it back if you lose your job"?

Of course, IE-Networks are quite capable of providing much more than desktop and laptops for small business. Furthermore, small business is able to pace their spending. There's no need to lock into extraordinary budgeting structures. Rather, they simply absorb these developmental expenditures into the daily business operations and as profits permit.

Sewing Machine sales soar

I just wonder how these sewing machine sales affect old figures. A few years ago I corresponded with a Home Sewing Association (defunct, 2007) staff member. She confirmed the HSA information on home sewing figures. Namely, that there were over 35 million people who sew in their homes.

The HSA would not make any claims as to who was doing the sewing for profit or pleasure. Their sound estimates were on the basis of overall sewing machine sales in America. Although sewing machine manufacturers were unwilling to provide specific figures so the HSA, I believe, may have compiled the data from retailer sales.

I was especially pleased to learn of this figure from the HSA. What pleased me about it was that it supported one of my own conclusions. Namely, that there are vast numbers of people who have acquired, and in some instances amassed, a great deal of Knowledge, Skills and Experience in the production of apparel. Some of these are the same talented individuals whom the government categorizes as "non to low-skilled workers". Others include people who have studied the craft (my apologies if that is not the prefered term) through school even to obtaining a higher education degree in the field of apparel. Still others to be included are those who have an inbred know-how, a knack, which seems as easy and natural as breathing to them while others need to work diligently to attain.

The IE-Network model is all about bringing together those talented individuals, as local independent consultant/contractors, with local independent apparel retailers for fulfillment of their apparel production, design and related needs . . . for profit. Other possible target areas for networkers include prom dresses, soccer team uniforms and more.

Building in the Whitebox Market

If I didn't know a mouse from a motherboard do you think you could still send me out with a short grocery list to show the folks at Goodwill Computers, Discount Electronics, Altex? An additional simple instruction: Do not take the electronic part out of its protective bag or risk damaging it by Electro -Static Discharge.

Those two short simple steps are essential to 1) you tapping into the whitebox/whitebook market, and 2) enabling low-income and other consumers to acquire their own custom-made computer. Reality check here: The computer industry giants would love to, but lack the creativity to reach this vast, multi-billion dollar market.

While it is possible to buy a new low-cost computer for as little as $500 the reality is that is way out of reach for many Americans. How do you enable them to buy it and creative a source of revenue for yourself?

The next time your co-worker or neighbor has $10 to spare send him with grocery list in hand for a mouse and keyboard. Then, you guide him through this process every month or as often as he has discretionary funds adding every purchase to his parts list. Leave the pricier items for the last. He stores all parts until at the end of 8 months or so he has all the parts and is ready for you to assemble it.

Perhaps you may no longer be in the frame of mind to build computers or you're going on vacation. What does he do? He takes his parts inventory list to another network tech or computer hobbyist who is willing to build it maybe for even more than your fee. You both agree on a fee and your neighbor has his new computer.

After all numbers are tallied your neighbor sees he paid $750 for a computer he saw at the corner reseller for $500. Did you rip him off? No. The only thing he paid directly to the tech was the agreed upon assembly fee.

Here's the leverage dynamic of the IE-Network over all manufacturers, retailers, resellers, credit, down payment and layaway plans. The manner in which he has purchased his components might total more than the store unit, but he was able to absorb the cost into his daily living expenses. He's not going to find that plan anywhere else.

The question for you to answer: How much of a clientele among friends, neighbors, co-workers or business clients you are able to assist and generate income with their piecemeal computer component purchase? Your clients may come through word-of-mouth or the IC-TechNetwork.

As is true of individuals so too of small businesses. If small businesses have someone who is able to send them with grocery list in hand to acquire their new computer systems, networking components and servers piecemeal, that is, one component at a time without it being an economic burden they would be among those who mange their business the smart way.

The problem for individuals and small business is not that they are unable to purchase components. Their unanswered question, up to now is, why bother with component purchase if I don't have the time or know-how to build it? Clearly, and particularly for small business, there might be bigger things of interest and need beyond desktops and laptops. Having a local independent consultant network which individuals and small businesses can tap for their technology products and services needs is no small matter.

How small of a piece of the multi-billion dollar whitebox market would be big enough for you?

Prom . . . Every Year

Every year I meet people with their story of great, exceptional talent without the means or the know-how to convert that talent into revenue.

Every year Prom comes around at the local high school.

Every year girls scramble to find the perfect prom dress. Most likely they end up settling for something less than perfect either in terms of fabric, style, color, size, fit or cost.

Every year, at least for the past three years, I have called the same talented people to come together as a independent network of designers to provide a needed service for these seasonal clients, and _ create income for themselves and their families.

Every year the apparel industry offers these young ladies the standard one-size-fits-none off-the-rack dresses.

Every year, for the past several years, the industry has continued to its doors on the creative talent of apparel makers who are now employed at McDonald's, Walmart or 7Eleven.

Every year there are young ladies who opt for the $100 Prom Dress specials who then spend an additional $60 for alterations.

Lets suppose mom and daughter shop for and buy fabric and pattern. Lets say they spent $40. They contact you through word-of-mouth or the IE-Network and retain your services. You settle for the agreed service fee of $10, 30, 60 or $80? Your fee is yours and nobody else's business.

If mom and daughter spent $120 dollars for a dress to their personal satisfaction in terms of fabric, style, color, size, fit and cost with your personal service I would say that is a mutually satisfying and profitable relationship for all.

Now, the only question is how many clients are you willing to take on to deliver total customer satisfaction. Although school district adiministrations and individual campuses are not likely to (Yes, I have tried) allow the exposure of students to a community member nonetheless there are eager, willing entreprenuers on campus who would not miss out on the opportunity to collect Prom Dress orders on campus and deliver to you for a fee.

Every year is now. This is your call to get ready. Will you do it or miss out again?

Consider this Prom pre-season. The Prom door will open soon. Will you be ready? You as an individual or a network member can easily deliver orders on-demand for specialty and other apparel retailers in Round Rock and Austin. Folks! The IE-Network model goes from its local Round Rock origins to regional, to state to nationwide. Why are you still waiting to call on me to come speak to your group?

You need to get your name and information on the PROM-DRESS NETWORK. Make it happen . . . every year.

At-home computer system, network direct builders

Lately, I have been working long and meticulously to engage a couple of apparel national retailers as well as technology retailers. It's not an easy task, but I am determined.


You are invited to give me some much valued information. Take the poll I have posted on Directron.com.

Thank you.

Gil

Made in Texas

Supporting your own local and state economy need not necessarily involve disparaging the competition. It's just local neighbors banding together to support each other. I felt this story is nothing less than what I have been driving for the past eight years.

Made in Texas


http://www.keyetv.com/content/news/topnews/story/Made-in-Texas/7IU0n0yr5EO-Hds2Oq3ziw.cspx

IE-Network direct model Q and A

The IE-Network model is a fit for a wide variety of areas including our initial two target areas involving apparel and computers. This is another brief summary of the network direct model.

I WHAT ARE INDEPENDENT ENTERPRISE NETWORKS?
IE-Network members are . . .

a. local, at-home custom to-order product consultants.
b. a broad range of Knowledge, Skills and Experience.
c. spread from local to regional to state to nationwide locations.
d. able to deliver custom merchandise at affordable prices.
e. free to transact business with or w/o network members.
f. ever expanding their business influence and revenue opportunites.

II HOW DO IE-NETWORKS OPERATE?
IE-Network members . . .

a. organize to determine best product delivery for local client.
b. breakdown production single and volume production orders.

• units per consultant
• timeframe for expected product delivery to client
• materials purchase/handling

c. provide other services including alterations, design, pattern-making, fitting.

• prom dresses
• special occassion wear

d. support retail store IE-Network blog display with contact information and order request fulfillment. (see III f)

III HOW DO IE-NETWORKS IMPROVE/GENERATE MY BUSINESS PROFITS?

IE-Networks . . .

a. direct model allows for inventory reduction or elimination.

b. allows for creation of your own private label.

c. allows for quick return of direct model merchandise purchase investments.

d. are a ready source of ideas and creativity.

e. are respond-ready for shopper order requests generated by blog information display.

IV HOW DO I ACQUIRE IE-NETWORK MEMBERSHIP?

IE-Network membership enrollments . . .

a. Are limited to Round Rock/Austin Texas area . . . for now.

b. Are through direct, personal contact, only.

c. Are not available through radio, tv, internet, telephone or postal registration.

d. Require signature of one-page Agreement with full details.

e. Are $120 (consultants), $180 (retailers)

If you live within this area you may contact Gilbert Torres for arrangements to meet with you or your group at GTorresCUE@gmail.com or call 512.218.4627 and leave your message.

I am available to speak to your church women's or men's group. I cover my own travel expenses. There are no speaker fees.

If you live outside but close to the area contact me.

Taken for granted

Do you own car? A computer? Shirts? Dresses? Does your house have light bulbs?

Look around at all the things you own or use in your everyday life and which you take for granted. I do not mean the practical, valuable use of those things. Rather, I am thinking of the struggle those people went through in pursuit of their dream and did not give up. As a result you and I now enjoy the fruits of their labors.

I think of Thomas Watson, IBM founder, how his own family snickered at his mention his clock and tabulation machine manufacturer would some day be the biggest in the world.

I think of Michael Dell, alone in a tiny kiosk at a trade show he managed to squeeze in because of a vendor's cancelation at the last hour. Those same engineers from across the way would eventually get past their snickering to seek employment with the young men just two or three years later.

I think of Thomas Edison who went through over more than a thousand light bulbs before he finally got the lasting results. Do you suppose all who knew him rallied their support behind him over such a insane idea as creating a light fixture. And even if he were to make a light bulb how was that going to earn him money? By selling it? Who would want to pay for such a useless thing?

Walt Disney endured the ridicule of his wife who mocked "whose going to want come and pay to see dwarfs at a park".

One thing to note is these individuals, whether young or old, had their families in mind primarily and secondarily those who would benefit and be blessing through their work. I do not believe any of these individuals set out to amass a fortune. It was merely a by-product of their dream come true.

Dream on, everybody.

Followers of this blog

There are now two sources by which you can let others and myself know you are a follower of this blog. The Google Follower widget and Twitter updates on the left side. I would appreciate it if you would use those tools. Thank you. Gil

Working Mannequin: The Increasing Value of KSE

Working Mannequin: The Increasing Value of KSE